I tuned in late and cashed out before it was over, but here are the Top 5: Things I Learned From The CMA’s:
1) Matt Nathanson could make Animal House: The Musical.
I like the guy. I own one of his albums. But performing with Sugarland, he looked like an 8th year college senior. Everything about his presence on stage seemed like a weird mash-up of John Mayer and Bluto.
2) Really, Lionel Richie?
A country album? A guy who has forever been a Soul/R&B/kinda-Pop artist is, at the age of 62 trying to redefine himself? I could be wrong, but to me it sounds a little* like selling out just to sell a few more records in a new fan base. At the CMA’s, Richie performed a few of his classic SOUL hits with some of today’s biggest country stars – including Rascal Flatts. Yes, Lionel Richie is a music legend. That’s cool and all. But last night his songs all sounded the same as they always had, just with a twangy guitar added. Meh.
3) I have a strong impulsive urge to buy a cowboy hat.
When I was in high school, I thought Indiana Jones was so cool that I wanted a hat like his. I bought one at MGM Studios and looked like an idiot. Not too long after that I bought one of those skier-cap/hacker-sacker beanies because that’s what my friends were wearing, and I looked just as ridiculous. Even so, something inside me right now is whispering, “Dude, you could totally pull of the cowboy hat.” Well, I do live in Kentucky, now…
4) Lose the braids, Slim
.
I can appreciate Lady Antebellum. Their songs are catchy. I’m not too sure what to make of the two-guys-one-girl-font-men/woman thing, yet, but that’s fine. What I cannot get over is their lead guitarist. I have seen three televised L.A. performances now, and every time they show a camera shot of this guy** it just throws me off. I can’t focus on anything else. Wha?
5) Country loves country
Truth be told, I am no gushing fan of country music. I’ve slowly been easing over into that territory, but until last night I had never heard a Luke Bryan song, nor would I have been able to pick Jason Aldean out of a lineup. I’m not sure that I’ve ever even watched the CMA’s before. I have , however, seen plenty of other awards shows and big televised hoop-las. These country fans are different. It’s like they are all on the same team. It didn’t matter who was on stage performing, or which award some band was winning*** – country fans love their country.
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* Or a lot.
** Jason “Slim” Gambill, in case you were wondering. He’s an excellent guitarist, but not a good hair-ist. And that’s coming from me – a guy who has never been good with hair.
*** Which is just as well for me, because I can’t tell any of them apart anyway.
