Country Music: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #624

by Richard Carlin

Country A Very Short Introduction presents a compelling overview of the music and its impact on American culture. Country music has long been a marker of American identity; from our popular culture to our politics, it has provided a soundtrack to our national life. While traditionally associated with the working class, country's appeal is far broader than any other popular music style. While this music rose from the people, it is also a product of the popular music industry, and the way the music has been marketed to its audience is a key part of its story. Key artists, songs, and musical styles are highlighted that are either touchstones for a particular social event (such as Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," which produced both a positive and negative backlash as a marker of women's roles in society at the beginning of the liberation movement) or that encompass broader trends in the industry (for example, Jimmie Rodgers' "T for Texas" was an early example of the
appropriation of black musical forms by white artists to market them to a mainstream audience). While pursuing a basically chronological outline, the book is structured around certain recurring themes (such as rural vs. urban; tradition vs. innovation; male vs. female; white vs. black) that have been documented through the work of country artists from the minstrel era to today. Truly the voice of the people, country music expresses both deep patriotism as well as a healthy skepticism towards the powers that dominate American society. Country A Very Short Introduction illuminates this rich tradition and assesses its legacy in American popular music culture.

Genres: Music, History, Nonfiction, Audiobook

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2019

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is little to get excited about with this Oxford Uni Press audio book version of their 'Country Music: A Very Short Introduction' book. The title says it all (almost), as it provides an abbreviated introduction to what is an expansive and perhaps at times nebulous subject. Like all music genres trying to define what is or what isn't country is very much in the eye of the beholder, and in the case of this book and its author the boundaries are conservative. Carlin's text name checks most of the expected names, institutions and sub-genres, from Jimmy Rogers and the Carter Family through to Taylor Swift, and plenty of stops in between.

That this is text is subtitled 'A Very Short Introduction' is obviously an indication of what OUP and the author are trying to achieve, and it does achieve what what be its expected goal. Anyone with a long term and deep attachment with country music will not be surprised or find much in the way of anything out of left field. The execution might be a bit simplistic for such an audience; certain seminal performers are given shorter shrift than that which they deserves, including the inestimable Hank Williams. Also there is perhaps not enough said about non-American country music and the genre's reception outside the US. However that is the kind of critique that the reader already familiar with the history and attributes of country music would raise and not necessarily the main target of Carlin's text.

The reader unfamiliar with country music's history will be the main beneficiary of this book, and assuming that he or she is willing to stick with the rather interminable amount of artist names and their respective releases then this book will be acceptable. The audio book does have the problem of not really giving its audience a chance to consider the information provided which the printed text would likely allow. It might also be suggested that a web site or podcast offering a similar amount or type of information would supplant the audio book. That is something for the (potential) audience to decide for themselves.

In conclusion, 'Country Music: A Very Short Introduction' is a reasonable text that has been converted into a reasonable audio book. It has the potential to please neophyte and aficionado alike, but it is certainly no more than an entree into its selected genre.

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook after listening to the 60 Songs That Explain the 90s Podcast. As with World Music: A Very Short Introduction, this volume would have benefited from the inclusion of music clips in the audiobook. Although the book is so short that individual careers are discussed very quickly, there is some very interesting material about female musicians and their public image during different decades that had different expectations about women pursuing music careers. The book is very focused on the United States (even Shania Twain's early life in Canada summarized in a sentence or two) and there could have been more examples from the wider world.

[Mike Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for what it is. Reader in the audiobook is ok.
Especially in the beginning exaggerates the impact of one group so much that it actually denigrates their real impact on Country. This same issue is with most the books nowadays.
Covers little bit of the progressive politics. Doesn't get in to much more significant conservative politics in country.
Clearly written with a progressive,urban, audience in mind.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and easy read covering the origins of country music and it's evolution to the genre today. Having been introduced to country music early in life by my mother I recognized many of the people and elements discussed throughout the book. While off my general reading path it was an easy and enjoyable read

[Sam Motes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book attempts a monumental task in documenting the history of country music all th way up to the 2000s in a short book. As such it hits over the high points of the key players in the history of Country music but none in great detail. Nice as a high level overview.

[Dennis Seese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough overview. I expected more, especially on Bakersfield, the Outlaw era and the 'Nashville Sound' debate--but I;m sure space was certainly a consideration. Conceding that, the last chapter on the 90's etc was beyond phoned in. It was like an Allmusic pastiche

[Audrey Kalman]

really really good. packed with just enough information on pretty much everyone, with an emphasis on classic country (thank god)

[Sarah Balyeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strategically informative, though very dry in presentation

[Astrid · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enlightening