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A Commentary on the 40th Annual CMA Awards November, 2006
by Miss Lana
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| These Country My
Ass Awards shows are getting to be just alike every year, with a few new
faces in the mix. This year, one of the new faces was our own Lone
Star sweetheart, Miranda Lambert, from Lindale. Miranda was
nominated for the Horizon Award this year and performed a toe tapping
redneck song called "Crazy Ex Girlfriend". She got crazy at the end
by kicking the mic stand and crashing a guitar just to reiterate the craziness.
This girl has come a long way since playing our benefit for Big Daddy Don
Walser (RIP) in 2002. And yes, I know she made an appearance at last
year's award show as well, but I still say, "I knew her when", but I'm
happy to see her succeed in Nashville. And
yes, I know I said this same bit in last year's commentary in so many words. So on
to the awards. Nominated for "Single Of The Year" were: "Better Life" by Keith Urban "Believe" by Brooks & Dunn "Jesus, Take The Wheel" by Carrie Underwood "Summertime" by Kenny Chesney "When I Get Where I'm Going" by Brad Paisley
The award went to Brooks & Dunn for "Believe".
Carrie Underwood came on stage all polished up like a Nashville doll in a sequin mini dress and stiletto heels. Although the song, "Before He Cheats", was more pop than country, her voice was awesome. Carrie was nominated in several categories, Horizon Award, Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
Brad Paisley performed a love ballad that told a story and had some wonderful lyrics about the woman he loves and what she's like. It was a little sappy, but Brad can pull it off. He's one of the few in Nashville that I feel keeps his music more country than most. He can play that guitar he totes around, too.
Sugarland was nominated for the Horizon Award (sigh). I just compared my notes from this year's show to last year's show and they're the same notes...twangy voice but the song wasn't twangy or country. I just can't get into them. Gretchen Wilson, (Female Vocalist Nominee) did a country love ballad and did a bang up job. Dressed in a pair of plain jeans and a snug but simple shirt, she belted this song and confirmed to myself that I like this girl. She's real and that means a lot to me. Song Of The Year went to "Believe" by Brooks and Dunn as did Music Video Of The Year. So we're starting to see a trend here. Alan Jackson sang a love ballad. It was slow and rather boring although I love Alan's voice. He just needed to pick up the pace for this gig. Little Big Town...who, I asked? After they got about 1/3 through their song, Jim commented that they are like a country "Abba" complete with too much smoke and mirrors. It was similar to Gnashville goth...'nuf said. Rascal Flatts did a number called "More Than Anything". It sounded monotonous to me, but they can harmonize and it sounded semi-country. I do think this group has talent, but this wasn't one of my favorite tunes by them. Best Vocal Group Nominees were: Alison Krauss & Union Station Little Big Town Lonestar Rascal Flatts Sugarland
The award was presented to Rascal Flatts. Better them than Little Big Town or Sugarland, but I was rooting for Alison Krauss. The Musician Of The Year was awarded to Randy Scruggs, son of the legendary Earl Scruggs. The theme of songs for the evening seemed to be inspirational pop tunes or slow love ballads. Martina McBride, female vocalist of the year nominee, did an inspirational song called "Anyway" with only a piano and a string section accompanying her. I love Martina's voice, and she can do any song justice in my opinion. Hall of Fame inductees this year were Texan George Strait, session guitarist Harold Bradley, player of "The A Team" of the Nashville session players, and Sonny James, known as "The Southern Gentlemen". James, from Alabama, had a total of 72 hits in his career. George Strait sang his new hit, "Give It Away" and it was honestly the most country sounding song all night. Way to go, George. Kenny Chesney sang...something. The Wreckers sang and although Kix Brooks introduced them as a band that proves Nashville can rock a little, I thought their song was as country as most performed on the show...or not. They were nominated for Vocal Duo Of The Year. Vocal Duo Of The Year Nominees were: Big & Rich Brooks & Dunn Montgomery Gentry Van Zant The Wreckers
You wanna' take a stab at who got the award? Their initials are B&D. The trend continues. Austin, Texas, captured the award for "Large Market Radio Broadcast Personalities" with KVET's Sam & Bob's Morning Call In Show. Good for Austin. Dierks Bentley (male vocalist of the year nominee) is one of the newer kids on the block who sounds like every other new kid on the block on music row. Although he was the Horizon Award winner last year, nothing really sets him apart for me. Keith Urban picked up the Male Vocalist Of The Year award (he was last year's recipient as well), although not in person. Urban is currently in a rehab and sent an acceptance speech which Ronnie Dunn presented at Urban's request. Godspeed, I wish Keith well. Other nominees for this award were Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson (my personal pick) and Brad Paisley. Musical Event Of The Year went to Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton for "When I Get Where I'm Going". Faith Hill performed a song with Kelly Willis doing back-up vocals. How cool! So Tim McGraw made one of Bruce Robison's songs a hit, thus Faith meets Kelly. It was my first time to see or hear Josh Turner, another Horizon Award nominee. Although his voice is much deeper, his mannerisms, facial expressions and the way he carries himself remind me of a young Vince Gill. Or could it have been the Gill-ish sounding pickin' in the background. Maybe some of both. Horizon Award nominees were Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Sugarland, Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood. Underwood took home the trophy with much glee. Jason Aldean is a familiar name but I don't recall ever seeing him or hearing his music. He sang a song called "Hick Town", but I had a hard time understanding the lyrics and it was a little too novelty like for me. But I would give him another listen (I'm so sweet, ya know). Female Vocalist of The Year Nominees were Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and Gretchen Wilson. I was rooting for Sara, but Carrie got the nod. She was absolutely shocked and thrilled and was very emotional during her acceptance speech. American Idol must be so proud. Album Of The Year Nominees were: Brook & Dunn- Hillbilly Deluxe Rascal Flatts - Me & My Gang Alan Jackson - Precious Memories Kenny Chesney - The Road & The Radio Brad Paisley - Time Well Wasted
Paisley picked up the prize this time, and I was glad to see him win one.
Vince Gill did another inspirational tune along with Sheryl Crow, wife Amy Grant, and daughter Jenny Gill, which had beautiful harmonies. It was called "What You Give Away". I do admire Vince for his many talents and longevity.
Entertainer Of The Year Nominees were Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. Nope, not B&D this time but Kenny Chesney who walks away with the big one this year. I don't know what else to write, I'm so thrown by that one.
This
show only had one two step song (George
Strait's "Give It Away"), zero waltzes, no bluegrass, nada one
honky tonk song, just pop or rock with
slow love ballads or inspirational message tunes in between. That's why I
call them the Country My Ass awards that my husband so aptly named them a
few years ago. Next year I hope to see Jack Ingram and/or the Randy
Rogers Band up on that stage doing some Texas country music that might
make a few of the decision makers remember what Nashville USED to be about
and that it should still be that way. Yeah, well,
stranger things have happened! And we've had many a Texan become a
Nashville star over the years. But how long will it take to convince
them to put the country back in Nashville? Who knows. Until
then, I will continue to follow Texas country, promote it to the best of
my ability, poke a little fun at GnashVegas now and then and keep lovin'
me some real country music, the Lone Star edition. And that's a wrap...until next year. |
