Country Music: A genre well enjoyed.

Example Country Artists:

Johnny Cash - Ring Of Fire
Trace Adkins - Honky Tonk Badonkadonk
Blake Shelton - Hillbilly Bone
Rodney Atkins - Cleaning This Gun
George Strait - Ace In The Hole

Stylistic Origins:
Folk music, blues, bluegrass, gospel, anglo, old-time music

Cultural Origins:
Early 20th century, Atlantic Canada, Southern U.S.A.

Typical Instruments:
Guitar, bass, electronic bass, Dobro, electric guitar, steel guitar, pedal, steel guitar, mandolin, banjo, Double bass, fiddle, piano electronic keyboard, drums, harmonica, vocals.

Facts About The Genre:

Country music is a blend of traditional and popular musical forms found in the southern U.S. and Canadian Maritimes. It became popular quite quick in the early 1920's.

The term 'country music' came in the 1940's when the earlier term 'hillbilly music' was basically tossed out the window.

Country produced 2 top selling solo artists of all times. One of them being Elvis Presley who was also known as the 'Hillbilly Cat'. He sold 129.5 million albums. Another artist who made it big in the Country Music Industry was Garth Brooks who sold 128 million albums.

In 2005, country music declined drastgically. But in 2006, country had one of their best years yet.

People often think of country as a creation of the European-Americans, but the major instrument; the banjo, came from the African-Americans.

The oldest country star alive to this day is good ol' Willie Nelson. Some of his hit songs are 'And Then I Wrote (1962)', 'Stardust (1978), and 'Honeysuckle Rose (1980).

Now a days country is so popular, there is a specific channel on tv strictly for country music called 'CMT' on channel 38 on normal cable tv.

The types of lyrics that are being sung in these country songs, are things about life: from high school lovers, to tractors they have, to heartache, etc. Stuff about everyday life. You may think it sounds lame, but im sure you can agree it's better than singing about all the money they have and how many girls they can get to go to bed with them haha!

Country music has come a long way, and is becoming even more successfull, especially with the new country music hits that are out. And personally it's only getting better.

  

        Willie Nelson                    Elvis Presley           Johnny Cash

Copyright: Hey or Nay ?

In the film rip! a remix manifesto, they are talking about the overall issue, Copyright. It has been an issue for many years now. People look at it as a money making scheme for the government, and crushing peoples artistic abilities. I agree with the people voicing their opinions. But I aswell see where the other side is coming from. It is in fact stealing music that we should be purchasing, and it is making artists income decrease. But all they're worried about is the money they could be getting, rather than putting their feet in our shoes and understanding our issue.

I believe the men in this movie made this documentary, as a way to get their voice out there, as speaking on behalf of those who can't. They probably feel that making a movie that anyone could watch, would be an eye opener for those who are all for copyright. This film discussed how the copyright law is too hard on people, especially those who are using the music they download to remake into their own creation. I 100% agree with their issue. It's not fair that they put their foot down to people who are innocent, and who are downloading songs for something to listen to and enjoy. People now a days really rely on music to help them cope with pain, or even life. Because of the songs that are out, some may feel they can relate to it. Aswell with those who use the music an remake it and mix it and chop it up to their own creation, that should be allowed. All of our lives, people rely on the past, to build a future, and that is what some people use copywritten stuff for. If they don't allow that, it's sad to say but maybe the future won't be so bright, and lot's of people will lose a lot of money because of it. All this because of the copyright law.

In this film, they portrayed how strict people are abouot copyright. They interviewed a lady, and introduced her to 'Girl Talk', and she is impressed with his music. But she also stated the fact that it is deffinitely copyright what he is doing. They basically showed that no matter what they are going to agree with the copyright law. I don't think they were that successful with the interviews, as it didn't get far, but I think that they got a lot farther than anyone could. They impressed the lady with 'Girl Talk' and showed the artistic ability of what could be done if there was no copyright law.

My thoughts on copyright, is I don't think it's fair. There's so much ability and potential in people everywhere when it comes to this, such as girl talk. They could make it very far. Aswell it's not fair that because there is this copyright law, technically downloading music is illegal and you need to purchase songs, some people may not afford to download the music, even if they love music. I personally love music, and I really depend on it to get me through the day, but I would have to be responsible for purchasing my own music, and I can't because I have bills to pay. But I also think it's wrong if people take music or parts of films and claim it their own. With girl talk, they at least mention what artist and music they used, and include it in their cd booklet. It's okay to do that if you give the original artist credit for their work.

My overall thouoghts on the movie is it is well done, and they got a lot farther than anyone else did. They got their voice out there. The arguement was constructed, but I think it could have gotten the point across more better. Maybe by gathering people together and having a little protest to show how many people care. Overall I enjoyed watching it :).