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Skip the CMAs and watch some real country
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Robert Earl Keen is pretty similar to most country music singers in a lot of ways. Kenny Chesney's song about a "Keg in the Closet" sounds like a watered-down new-country version of Keene's "Front Porch Song". His lyrics are clever and often funny, kind of like CMA co-host Brad Paisley's comedic wordplay. When he sings about how he "Broke into your car last night, and stole your stereo," you can't help but think of "Before He Cheats", Carrie Underwood's crossover country hit. And as former alt-country stars Jack Ingram and Pat Green gain mainstream acceptance, Keen's off-the-beaten-path style won't seem so foreign to the casual listener.
Keen's music is just...more honest, though. His vocals are like an in-tune Dylan, and he scratches through great stories that you won't hear on mainstream country radio (like singing on the front porch with college neighbor Lyle Lovett, or learning to dip Copenhagen snuff in a short-lived rodeo career) and reflections of life through the eyes of a true Texan - unlike the poser DC's had to put up with at 1600 Pennsylvania the last eight years.
Fans of bluegrass will love Keen's backing band, and fans of all music will love his lyrics and the storytelling that is a hallmark of his live performances. His repertoire goes from fun to touching to haunting to romantic; and over the last 15 years has consistently been one of the best songwriters around. Tonight at the 930 Club, Keen is my pick for the week.
www.robertearlkeen.com
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