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If there’s a single performance that best represents the soul of Stagecoach 2008, it’d be the one George Jones just wrapped up at the Palomino stage.
The 76-year-old country icon struggled a bit with a vocal rasp, but it may have actually heightened the impact of his performance for an absolutely rapturous crowd of a couple of thousand onlookers. It had none of the glass-shattering lung power of Carrie Underwood’s performance going on simultaneously at the opposite end of the Stagecoach grounds. But unlike the “American Idol” 2005 champ, Jones emphasized nuance and lyrics lived from the inside out. (Does anybody besides me find it odd that the biggest, loudest word in one of her recent hits is “small”?)“Choices,” Jones’ song about coming to terms with one’s shortcomings, had a woman next to me sobbing. “That song was played at my dad’s funeral,” she explained. Hard to imagine songs from the festival big guns being chosen as anyone’s final statement to the world. Jones, though, recognizes the vital role a country song can play in allowing the listener to face those pesky demons within. “They don’t play the drinkin’ songs anymore,” he quipped at one point. “And the cheatin’ songs, you don’t hear those on the radio, so we have to play them for you.”
Just as the unexamined life ain’t worth living, it’s also been pointed out that the unlived life isn’t worth examining.
Is a “festival” — a variant of “festive” — the place to broach deep topics in song?
Perhaps not, and that’s probably why 95% of the Stagecoach crowd was at Underwood’s show instead of Jones’.
The other 5%, however, clearly knew they were privy to something that might not pass this way again.
– Randy Lewis
Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images
I LOVE CARRIE UNDERWOOD!!
SHE IS THE BEST SINGER EVER!
who cares if one of her songs is called “So Small” if you listen to it, its an amazing song
she is someone who everyone can look up to. no drugs,no eating disorders,etc
GOD BLESS YOU CARRIE!!
Well put. And no, first commenter, this is not an attack on Carrie (who is far from even being the best female voice in country music- let alone the best singer ever). It’s statement to the greatness of George and meaningful lyrics. I guess if you’re someone who believes the hallmark-cheesy inspiration in a song like “so small,” you wouldn’t see that.
Carrie is the best female country singer (of this generation). Martina and Reba were the best from the two generations before. Also, George Jones is a classic country artist and is a pioneer of country music. Songs from country today like “So Small”, “I Saw God Today” and “You’re Gonna Miss This” prove that country still is the best in America.
This is not a commentary on the show it is an attack on Carrie. I am 62 years old and have supported George Jones since the Tammy days. While I like his voice He in no way compares to Carrie Underwood in character or professionalism. Her voice is the best in country music today. I have been around for along time and given the choice, I would be in the 95% that went to see Carrie. Since you attended the George Jones concert you must be a fan. I am sorry you missed a great performance from Carrie. George is old school and we must give him respect but not at the expense of the new generation of country music. We must accept change and appreciate what we have at this time. As new artist appear on the seen our favorites my disappear into the background. It is just a fact of life. So please don’t attack the new artist. In twenty years or so Carrie will be in the background and new artist will appear and I may be in the 5% that watch Carrie instead of the newbie but I would not attack the new artist. It is just the way things evolve. So please be more respectful in your next post.