Mr. Paisley's approach in making this record was to create a different sound. I would say that he succeeded; mightily. He even went so far as to convert an old farmhouse into a recording studio in order to create this sound. On this record you will not hear that overly clean sound of a "germ free" studio. Instead, in its place are the raw, earthier and "duller" (a compliment) sounds that musical instruments are built to make before introducing the processing and "electronification" methods of today. Think of it as a vocalist singing without the use of the auto-tuner on the voice. The best example I hear is the sound of the snare drum. It has a pure and "raspy" sound like only a real, live drum can make. Mr. Paisley has succeeded in stretching the recording process but at the same time simplifying that process to create this album. However he did it, it works. It works very well. I like it…a lot…and would like to see other artists take these chances in there music as well. By recording in this manner, Mr. Paisley has provided more credence to the authenticity and honesty that has permeated country music since its inception. Yes, I am a purist. It is not that I am opposed or afraid of the changes that are occurring in country music; hardly. I simply prefer the original countrified sounds that are historic to the genre. Today's country music is definitely not your granddad’s country music…and that is ok. Just allow us old farts to wax poetic about the good 'ol days will ya? Please? Thanks.
Music has always provided a tinge of controversy, for lack of a better term. Mostly that controversy stems from a built up lack or sense of self from those who want to believe the controversy exists. Man, generally, lashes out and argues about what they do not know and what they do not want to know. This is evidenced throughout the history of music; Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, 2 Live Crew and even Wagner (some classical stations still refuse to play his Valkerie for fear of its double entendre meaning of Hitler and Nazi Germany.) Apparently, if mainstream media outlets are to be believed, you can include Brad Paisley in that list of names with the release of this record. Specifically, a track entitled "Accidental Racist." I find this trumped up controversy to be just that; trumped up.
The purpose of an artist's music, or any art form for that matter, is to move someone in an emotional manner or way; to connect their art with the emotions of humanity; to let people feel something. Like a painting, a play, or a dance, the words of a song are meant to touch each of us on an emotional level. This song has done exactly that. The song and lyrics are not controversial whatsoever unless you consider an honest and open dialogue about racial history to be controversial. If you listen (and not just hear) to the lyrics and the emotional feeling behind them, you cannot hear anything other than an open and honest desire to communicate and understand the viewpoint from the two sides. If this song were "racist" in any way, shape, manner or form, I highly doubt these two men would ever come together; not in a million years.
The words are honest, heartfelt and a plea from each of them to come together and understand our differences. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a speech (one of THE best speeches ever given in the history of mankind. I would encourage you to read the entire speech and not just the sound bite portion that is rolled out every year by the mainstream media) that speech held the same ideals and meaning. Is that racist? Is simply asking questions racist? What Mr. Paisley and LL Cool J have done is approach the subject from their perspective viewpoints and allowed the music to create what we should all hope for; an open dialogue that ALL honest human beings SHOULD be able to continue in an environment of safety, trust, mutual respect and collaboration.
If you are offended by this song so eloquently presented by Mr. Paisley and LL Cool J, then I truly feel sorry for you. It is time for you to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are part of problem or if you want to be part of the solution. I give high regard to both Brad Paisley and LL Cool J for being courageous, honest, forthright and heartfelt in their desire to lead by example and further the discussions about race and its impact on ALL of the people in this country. I would also state that another track on this album is entitled "Those Crazy Christians." Where is the scandal, the shouts of "Blasphemer!" and the outrage in that song? The silence is deafening...and telling.
Unfortunately, I am certain too much will be made of the aforementioned track on this record. That is a shame because this is a record for the ages. Each track tells a story and each track is different in its approach and composition. I have not heard The Beatles “Sgt. Peppers” album (or was it “Yellow Submarine? I forget…I will ask Roger) but I imagine this record was made in that same vane; let’s go into the studio and just record something different and see what happens. How cool! How fun! The subject matter is solid and what you would expect in a country record and Mr. Paisley has enlisted the likes of Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Roger Miller and even Eric Idle (yes, he of Monty Python fame…ask your mom and dad or Google it) in producing this record. Each track takes you places you do not expect go…there are no formulas here…its overall sound is so different than what you hear today and with a whopping seventeen tracks, it is longer than usual records but it does not lack content, heart, soul and that Brad Paisley humor. There are too many to mention here but trust me, I think you will like this record. Put it in your player, hit start and just let it ride. You’ll hit replay more than once.
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