Country Grab Bag II – Part 2

America is a big country and no matter how bad things get- bad relationship, bad job, bad habit (or all three)- the protagonist in every country song always has the option to get in his or her car, drive away, and start over. That’s the dark, hidden promise in every country song- that’s America.

George Jones

During country music’s golden age, talent and authenticity still carried the day- much to the delight of country fans- but by the ‘80s good looks, dumb songs, and slick production began to dominate and ruin the genre. They say art reflects the times, so what does ‘80s country- most of which is unlistenable trash- say about America during that decade? Here are some more of my favorite country songs. Enjoy!

The Byrds

01. The Byrds – “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue (Alternate Mix)” (1969)
02. Bob Dylan – “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You” (1969)
03. The Byrds – “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” (1968)
04. The Byrds – “Bugler” (1971)
05. Bob Dylan – “Lay, Lady, Lay” (1969)
06. The Byrds – “Jamaica, Say You Will (Live)” (1971)
07. The Dillards – “I’ve Just Seen a Face” (1968)
08. George Jones – “The Door” (1974)
09. Charlie Rich – “Behind Closed Doors” (1973)
10. Jerry Reed – “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)” (1982)
11. George Jones – “I’m a One Woman Man” (1988)
12. John Prine – “Lake Marie” (1995)
13. Willie Nelson feat. Snoop Dog, Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson – “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” (2012)
14. Merle Haggard – “Ramblin’ Fever” (1977)
15. Hank Williams – “Lost Highway” (1949)
16. Willie Nelson and Neil Young – “Are There Any More Real Cowboys?” (1985)
17. Hank Williams – “I’m a Long Gone Daddy” (1948)
18. Johnny Cash feat. Tom Petty – “I Won’t Back Down” (2000)
19. Johnny Cash – “Wichita Lineman” (2002)
20. George Jones – “The Ghost of Another Man” (1980)
21. George Jones – “These Days (I Barely Get By)” (1974)
22. Poco – “Rose of Cimarron” (1976)
23. Patty Loveless – “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” (1993)
24. Jerry Jeff Walker – “L.A. Freeway (Live)” (1984)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify... 

... or check out songs from the playlist on YouTube

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Recommended Links:

Johnny Cash – “Hurt"