In the Country of Country : A Journey to the Roots of American Music

Rating:
Summary: Truly engrossing and fascinating
Review: I can't believe no one has reviewed this book yet! It is really a fascinating series of encounters with the greatest developers and innovators of country music. Dawidoff writes extremely well, and manages to engross you, whether you are a fan of country music or not. (In all fairness, however, I think that having a familiarity with country would make the book somewhat more enjoyable.) After receiving this book as a gift, I was not sure how interesting I would find it, but I was truly not able to put it down. Dawidoff has picked excellent exemplars for country music, and to hear their stories and their words is a real treat. Add in insightful and precise commentary from Dawidoff, and you have the recipe for an excellent book. Get yourself a copy!

Rating:
Summary: Strum und Twang
Review: In the Country of Country strikes a compelling balance between first-person testimonial and straight history text. In a series of chapters focusing on early "country" artists & groups, Nicholas Dawidoff travels to meet musicians in their own environment, often travelling with them to the towns they grew up in. The book records the surroundings both through the eyes of Dawidoff, seeing the place for the first time, as well as through the eyes of his subject and their memories of the place. Through this mix of perspectives, the book gives a great sense of the effect of history in the present day, as well as the enduring power of the music described. His careful choice of subjects also helps define and articulate what many hold valuable in both country music, and music in general. One gets the impression he takes the role of author as through he is the curator a historical exhibit, showing a common thread among country artists of the last 80 years. This is of course with the notable exception of Hank Williams, which at first I wondered about, but later accepted, seeing as plenty had been written about him already as well as the fact that the invocation of his legend might well overshadow the other artists featured. He is though, like Elvis, a constant presence in the book, whether explicit or unspoken. In the Country of Country can serve as a great introduction to many who know they like country music, but get lost in boot-scootin' commercialism or monochromatic alt-country. The companion compliation CD sounds like a great start towards further investigation.