[Stultis]

Yeah,there is as much "formula pap" out there in country music as any other branch,but just because people agree to play that crap in order to "make their bones",there is no reason to believe they can't and won't do better once they make a name for themselves.

OK,not being a CM fan,I may be stepping into it now,but I consider Alan Jackson to be a example of this. I figured he was just a mediocre talent that was most likely doing music others wrote and produced for him,and his real "talent" lay in his management. Boy,was I wrong!

Good example. But for evey Alan Jackson there are (it seems like) a million Garth Brooks or Faith Hills that just keep pumping out the pap crap. And a lot of the really good ones, like Allison Kraus or Patty Loveless, who worked their up through the alt-country ranks rather than being groomed by the big labels.

[sneakypete]

And a lot of the really good ones, like Allison Kraus

WHOA! Let's get something straight,Allison Kraus ain't "good". She's one of the greats,and she approaches being magical. Pure talent,and a green-eyed redhead to boot. If she played her cards right,I'd even let her have her way with me!

BTW,another who was pure talent was Linda Rhondstat. Ever heard her,Phoebe Snow,and Emmy Lou Harris sing together? It just doesn't get any better.