Country Music

Country music...

How to define it? One might also ask why...Cuz it's late, and definitions are easy posts.

I grew up in western Canada. I was aware of country music's existence, but it was always too un-cool to explore. Vanilla Ice, 2 Unlimited, and Lenny Kravitz were all acceptable. But if it even sounded like country you could not listen to it.

But then, in 1994, I moved to Texas. Country music was no longer off limits for anyone wishing to one day be cool. It was even likely that a cool person would listen to, and even sing along with, country music!!![/shock and horror]

Thus I was exposed for the first time to the influences of country music. In Canada; being exposed to country music was like having a man in a trench coat, throw it open and expose his "country music" to you. It was forbidden and appalling, and you did your best to avoid people in trench coats.

In Texas, however, exposure to country music was more like inhaling spores from a nearby fungus plant. It was almost un-noticeable because of it's commonness and subtlety. Yes, country music is like a fungus. It grows on you whether you like it or not, and once it is there, good luck getting it off.

I type before you today, however unwillingly it may have come about, a changed man. A true convert to country music. I love it with my wholly infected soul. Good messages, sweet harmonies and charismatic artists are easily found. If I had the cure I would not take it, for I like my disease, and will likely do so for the rest of my life.