Search - Marty Stuart :: Country Music

"Country Music", Indeed!

Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 09/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Over the last decade or so, Marty Stuart has gone out of his way to keep the tradition that is country music alive and well. From museums to the presidency of various groups, photography to producing and writing for others, he's done it all. That's why it's so cool to see COUNTRY MUSIC materialize....Stuart's most complete, concise release to date. And it's not just the musical stylings of Stuart's 20+ year career that are comprehensive...it's all country music. The wonder that is COUNTRY MUSIC is that Stuart is able to approach country sub-genres he hasn't attempted in the past - as well as those he has! - and master each and every one of them! The disc opens with a triple threat...first up is "A Satisfied Mind." I know I've heard this song before by someone else (I can't remember who, though!), but it doesn't matter; Stuart makes it his own. With an assured vocal and the sterling guitar riffs (both electric and steel) of Stuart, Kenny Vaughn and Robby Turner, the song is both forceful and heartfelt at the same time. "Fool For Love" could have just as easily been lifted off a Chris Isaak album. The instrumentation swirls around the melody as Stuart delivers one of his most romantic lead vocals to date. Cushioned by the heavenly backing vocals of Harry Stinson, Brian Glenn and Tom Douglas, this song is just flat out gorgeous! Up next is "If There Ain't There Ought'a Be." Picture country rap...really!...and it works! Practically rapping the verses and singing the chorus, Stuart ponders why some of the most logical "ought'a be's" don't exist. Toss in some banjo and fiddle and you have one of the best, most original, country singles this year! "Here I Am" is a bare-bones ode to accept a lover for what they are, warts and all. Country radio would be wise to jump on this track....it's a hit waiting to happen! Special note has to be made of Stuart's stunningly powerful lead vocal. Next we have "Sundown In Nashville", a toe-tapping western swing number full of attitude (the cry-in-your-beer kind!) and heartache. The song fits Stuart perfectly, sort of like one of his Manuel jackets, and is a prime example of how easily he can hop from sub-genre to sub-genre, making each and every one his own. In lesser hands "By George" would have just been your typical country novelty song, but Stuart raises it to a whole other level. Playful, sexy and fun, it also showcases the closet rocker that's lurking in his soul! Next..."Farmer's Blues." Marty Stuart. George Jones. 'Nuff said. "Wishful Thinkin'" is a mournful bluegrass number that, at the same time, succeeds at kicking out the jams. Once again, Stuart is totally at ease and in his element, and it really shows on this beaut. Another potential single! Stuart's continued vocal growth and prowess once again shines thru on "If You Wanted Me Around." Authoritative, yet sincere, he projects the song's message of longing, hope and devotion without ever really raising his voice much above a speaking level. That, my friends, is true singing! "Too Much Month (At The End Of The Money)" is a goofy novelty song that's both funny and clever, and both Stuart and his band seem to be having a good time with it (special mention has to be made of Tony Harrell's amazing piano playing!). "Tip Your Hat" is a tribute to all the country legends who have come before Stuart, and the need to remember and acknowledge them. This brilliant blend of traditional country and hard rock is delivered from the heart, and it's a shame more of today's Big Hat Boys don't share in Stuart's feelings, actions and commitments towards what's come before. This would have been the perfect place for COUNTRY MUSIC to end...instead things are wrapped up with the downbeat "Walls Of A Prison." A classic country story-song, Stuart's vocal is powerful, but the song closes the disc on a down note, and that is so NOT what COUNTRY MUSIC is about! It would have been better if this track had been placed somewhere in the middle of the mix. But that's a minor nitpick. The fact is, COUNTRY MUSIC is Marty Stuart's most comprehensive/intelligent/fun release to date. In fact, it could very well turn out to be his career masterpiece. And you can't ask for much more than that!"

Traditional Country Triumph

Dave From Ohio | Mentor, Ohio United States | 07/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marty Stuart seems to be able to take traditional country music and present it in a modern setting without making it pop or rock like the vast majority of what is at the top of the country charts these days. First of all, his song selection is a great blend of old and new. "Farmer Blues" is the standout of this CD. But his remake of the Johnny Cash song "Walls of A Prison" is a very close second. "A Satisfied Man" starts the CD on a high note and the remainder of the tunes match that standard.
If this CD agrees with you ,take a look back at "The Pilgrim" which was criminally under-rated by the Nashville powers that be. That CD has to be Stuart's finest to date, if not one of the top recordings out of Nashville in quite a few years.
One look at Marty Stuart's resume and you will quickly understand why he can play traditional country better than anyone else in the younger generation. True country music will be heard as long as Marty Stuart keeps playing."