Country - What It Is

Season 1 Episode 8 - Lucinda Williams Part 1 - Sweet Old World

Please listen, and then Like, Share, Favourite, Follow and Subscribe this episode to bits! I'd like to get this out to so many more people than are already with us on this trip.
Part 1 - Lucinda Williams is something of an outlier - known and loved by music fans across the spectrum, and respected by her peers throughout music, but seemingly not yet occupying the pantheon of great artists after 50 years in the business and 45 of those at the top of her game - or is she?

Season 1 Episode 7 - Doc Watson - Little Sadie

Doc Watson had a profound and wide-ranging effect on the development of how Country Music is played and heard today. Blind from a very young age, it didn't prevent him bringing the Appalachian music of the mountains to a broad and dedicated audience. We discuss a number of murder ballads, mainly Little Sadie, which should be familiar to most listeners in one form or another.

Season 1 Episode 6 - Lyle Lovett - She’s Leaving Me Because She Really Wants To

Lyle Lovett has a knack for bringing together beautiful melodies and lyrics - this week's episode looks at his career and one example of the uneasy humour he brings to his stories. Please Subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes, and Like and Share to your friends so more people can enjoy. 

Season 1 Episode 5 - Townes Van Zandt - For The Sake Of The Song

So many great Country artists take their inspiration from the late, great Townes Van Zandt - he straddles the Folk and Country genres, also bringing his influence to bear in the film world. This week, we'll take a look at one song that brought him to the world's attention in the late 60s, and had a recording life for some time after that.

Season 1 Episode 4 - Gram Parsons - Return of The Grievous Angel

A superstar in the making, if he had lived long enough to make it happen. This stunning epic tune takes a trip through America, loving the country and meeting Elvis along the way. A fascinating man, who brought country music to a lot of people that might never have appreciated it if not for him.

Season 1 Episode 2 - Marty Robbins - Big Iron

This week, we'll take a look at the making of Marty Robbins, and of his massive hit from the Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs album, Big Iron. If you'd like to comment on the show to this point, you can do it on Twitter @countrywhatitis . I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Season 1 Episode 3 - Steve Earle - Billy Austin

One of the great modern crime-and-punishment songs, highlighting the sad story of desperation and hopelessness for a petty criminal whose luck has run out. Jerome discusses the career of Steve, and some of his greatest work.

Season 1 Episode 1 - George Jones - He Stopped Loving Her Today

Here's the first episode - my take on the background to what many believe to be the greatest country song and performance of all time. You'll get no argument from me. Any comments? I'd love to hear them. You'll find Country - What It Is on Twitter at @countrywhatitis .

Country - What It Is - Trailer

So much is written and said about Country, Hillbilly, Country and Western, whatever – but it is alive and well. Bluegrass, Rock’n’roll, Rock, but so often, Country’s What it Is. Don’t expect pure Nashville or too much current pop-country on here, but Country - What It Is will try to shine a light on a classic country song each week, check out the story of the artist behind it and bring a fresh view to it.