Actually, I don’t know if that’s a fair title. I’ve been a fan of traditional folk and country music and its offshoots, like Americana and “alt. country” for years. And here’s what I’ve noticed: fans of bluegrass and Americana tend, for whatever reason, to be farther to the left than fans of more mainstream country music. For example, the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill/Kenny Chesney demographic tends to lean right, and the Del McCoury/Ricky Skaggs/Alison Krauss demographic leans left. That’s based on the bumperstickers I see in the parking lots at these sorts of concerts, as well as on entirely informal observation. I’ve seen all of these in concert a time or nine, and the differences between the two audiences are marked. If mandolins and dobros are involved, you’re gonna have more “blue” voters. If large cowboy hats are in evidence, or if the male artist in question wears a vest without anything else on his torso, you’re gonna have a majority of Palin fans.
I’ve got two recent discoveries on this FRT: the Avett Brothers and Alecia Nugent. Good modern bluegrassy-goodness. #8 has been in my head all week.
1. “God Knows What”, Alecia Nugent
2. “Gold”, Emmylou Harris
3. “With Arms Outstretched”, Rilo Kiley
4. “Oh My Sweet Carolina”, Ryan Adams
5. “Coast”, Eliza Gilkyson
6. “Out of the Rain”, Duhks
7. “From Silver Lake”, Jackson Browne
8. “Ootishenia”, Be Good Tanyas
9. “Pretty Girl from Cedar Lane”, The Avett Brothers
10. “That Don’t Worry Me Now”, Shawn Colvin
Bonus Track: “Must I Paint You a Picture”, Billy Bragg