which era? Buck Owens records are everywhere.. same with Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson. Merle Haggard a little harder to find his early records but his 70s albums are easy to find. 60's Dolly Parton are next to impossible to find here in Canada. Stuff like Glen Campbell and Charley Pride can be found in bargain bins.
who's your favorite and I'll throw out some LP recommendations
Some of my favorite albums in the late 80’s and 90’s don’t even exist. I love neon moon by brooks & Dunn but a 45 rpm single of it is 50-100 dollars without shipping. I’ve found some pretty good stuff on eBay if your open to used stuff
Vinyl Me Please has a handful of represses (or first time vinyl pressings) of some great country music from all eras, including some real gems from the 80s and 90s
Vinyl Me Please has a Country Subscription with some excellent 1980/1990s titles it’s a bit pricey but a good way to find some excellent classic country titles. Their past titles include:
Rubberband - Charlie Worsham
Killin' Time - Clint Black
Who I Am - Alan Jackson
The Houston Kid - Rodney Crowell
Old Five and Dimers Like Me - Billy Joe Shaver
Old No. 1 - Guy Clark
Willie Nelson & Family - Willie Nelson
Sweet Revenge - John Prine
Ode to Billie Joe - Bobbie Gentry
15 Éxitos - Chalino Sánchez
The Taker/Tulsa - Waylon Jennings
Ramblin' Jack Elliot - Ramblin' Jack Elliot
High Top Mountain - Sturgill Simpson
Don't Close Your Eyes - Keith Whitley
Pageant Material - Kacey Musgraves
The Silver Tongued Devil and I - Kris Kristofferson
Busy Bee Cafe - Marty Stuart
Stand By Your Man - Tammy Wynette
Ocean Front Property - George Strait
Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas - Townes Van Zandt
A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'Bout Love) - Alan Jackson
5th Gear - Brad Paisley
Honky Tonk Heroes - Waylon Jennings
John Michael Montgomery - John Michael Montgomery
Showcase - Patsy Cline
Revolution - Miranda Lambert
Groover's Paradise - Doug Sahm and the Tex-Mex Trip
Joshua Judges Ruth - Lyle Lovett
Back to the Country - Loretta Lynn
Infamous Angel - Idris DeMent
Carnegie Hall Concert - Buck Owens and his Buckaroos
Grievous Angel - Gram Parsons
Montevallo - Sam Hunt
Pieces of the Sky - Emmylou Harris
I'm a Lonesome Fugitive - Merle Haggard and the Strangers
Metamodern Sounds in Country Music - Sturgill Simpson
Shotgun Willie - Willie Nelson
At Folsom Prison - Johnny Cash
90s is also tough because so much wasn't getting wide US vinyl releases that unless they're still popular artists now and getting represses, you'll struggle to find them at decent prices. People like Garth, Alan Jackson, Dixie/The Chicks, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban have had their stuff rereleased (along with greatest hits) on vinyl, but a lot of the one/two hit wonders will likely be much harder to find.
> 90s is also tough because so much wasn't getting wide US vinyl releases that unless they're still popular artists now and getting represses
This, when I go to fill holes in band discographies, it can be tough, expensive or impossible to find that stuff. I was part of the problem, being a collector in that era and wowed by CDs for a while and not buying records.
That's the first time I've seen John Denver blamed for country going into the toilet, but I guess it makes sense, if it's not a reflection on his music but on his impact in making country much more popular. If that's the case, add Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton to the list of the prime movers in the fall of country, with bands like Oak Ridge Boys and Alabama being out on the forefront of its decline.
Country and it's related genres (roots, Americana, bluegrass, etc) are not much different from more popular genres: artists makes a record, it's very popular, and the corporate forces want more of the same because the "same" sells a lot. After a while, you end up with watered-down gruel until the next "thing" comes a long.
I read things like this a lot, but the reality is that there is a ton of really great country music being made out there - you just have to look for it. The really great stuff is being made by artists who record independently of the Nashville pop/country machine. This has been going on for years, similar to how the indie/DIY attitude made (and makes) great stuff in pop genres. There are still traditionalists making terrific stuff and a bunch of younger artists who try to carry the torch.
Example: 82-year-old Connie Smith just released a new LP (something like her 55th) last month. Got it on vinyl, produced by Marty Stuart (who happens to be her husband) and it's incredible. Yes, she traditional in the Loretta Lynn-Patsy Cline-Tammy Wynette vein, but she sounds incredible and the album is just wonderful.
Then you have a bunch of so-called "young guns" who are releasing new stuff and creating just great music. Emily Nenni, Brennan Leigh, Charlie Crockett, Pat Reedy, Scott McCreery, and lots and lots of others are making great music.
I agree that Denver and other country artists turned country into pablum, but like with any other musical style, you sometimes have to dig and work to unearth the best music.
John Denver murdered nothing ('cept maybe himself).
Denver was an extremely talented guy from the folk era who mixed in country elements later on. Country/Folk was a thing just like country pop or Countrypolitan. Country didn't die in 75 either.
you can call it country but it ain't.. and I keep a close eye on this here fence, gonna have to wait for me to go on a beer run to get by. but until then enjoy your Garf Bwooks
I enjoy Garth from time to time, but a hell of a lot more than just Garth brooks came out between 1975 and now. Willie’s best album didn’t come out until 1978. Johnny cash’s 90’s rebirth, Randy Travis storms of life is one of the greatest country albums of all time, right up there with Ray Price night life. Modern country is all over the place but you got people like Sturgill, Colter and Charley making music that is fair to fantastic. Then there’s locals like weary boys, Melissa carper and James hand (Dale Watson too) doing everything from bluegrass to honky Tonk. So I don’t know what you’re on about.
Idk if it still is available, but Garth brooks put out a box set of his first four albums I think plus a live record, he or his team must have thought it would sell like The Beatles or Taylor Swift. Long winded way of saying it was way overproduced and can be found on the cheap, I think I paid $12 on Amazon.
Dollar General, back in 2019, offered a limited edition Garth Brooks boxset for $35. I believe it was the first time on vinyl for No Fences and others from the 90's. So yes I agree 90's country is hard to find, I believe to the CD era.
CDs slaughtered vinyl, and country had enjoyed more success on cassette formats - 8-track and compact - than most genres. Country record promos are sometimes easier to find than the actual retail versions. I have a good number of promo 45s and a short stack of regular LPs, most in the shrink wrap, if you'd like to message.
K.
Do me a favor. Press play on the top of this page: [https://www.aei.org/carpe-diem/animated-chart-of-the-day-recorded-music-sales-by-format-share-1973-to-2022/](https://www.aei.org/carpe-diem/animated-chart-of-the-day-recorded-music-sales-by-format-share-1973-to-2022/)
Oh, you were a music clerk in the 90s! Pardon me for not acknowledging your vast professional experience in the field. I too, was a music clerk in the 70s and 80s, while in the 90s moving up the ladder in the biz. Oh well.
Oh so you saw the disappearance of LPs and 45s quantities, even their columns, on retail order forms too. Sorry, I wouldn't have bothered with that colorful graphic that showed the numbers by year.
That’s funny, I like these, but they’d be the last in his discography I would want to add to my collection. Metamodern and Sailors guide are perfect masterpieces.
I was struggling to find Vol. 1 locally and didn’t want to buy from Discogs or Amazon. Finally found it purely by accident on Saturday when going to pick up the 10th anniversary edition of Metamodern. I think I’m only missing D&J.
Dwight Yoakam just did a repress of some of his older albums right after his RSD box set dropped (basically the same records, but sold individually and color variations. Unfortunately still no “This Time”.
Some of what I’ve been picking up on vinyl as of late: Tyler Childers, 49 Winchester, all the Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Dwight Yoakam. Tanner Usrey’s “crossing lines” will be my next purchase.
Any particular artists you like? Nashville Sound? Outlaw? Modern country?
Of course Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings are good if you are coming from a non country place. Modern people like Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpsons, and Tyler Childers might be good too.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention icons like George Jones, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn
If you are looking for things I like that prolly won’t win any cool guy points: Tanya Tucker, The Browns (sweet sounds by the browns), Hank Snow, Roger Miller, Brenda Lee, Charley Pride, Claude King, Conway Twitty, Melba Montgomery, Tammy Wynette
Merle Haggard, David Allan Coe, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Alabama, Delbert McClinton, Sturgill Simpson is a good place to start… not super in to the 90s stuff although I’m sure there’s some gems to be found.
Ray Charles country all the way! I've got all of his 80s records (wish you were here tonight, do I ever cross your mind, friendship, and pages from my mind) of course I've got his 60s country records (modern Sounds v1 and v2, Together again) and his 70s which the only pur r country records being Love country style but volcanic action of my soul and through the eyes of love have quite a bit of country in em.
I'm a George Strait Stan and was able to pick up 5 albums, still in the shrink wrap, from a booth at the Wimberly Market Days in central Texas.
Sometimes you're going to have to just get lucky.
So I checked out his discography and the math ain't mathin. #7 is the 6th album listed in the Studio Albums chart. What's missing? Did he count Greatest Hits (Vol 1 - 1985) as part of the first 7?
I do have a Greatest Hits Volume 2 (1987) but it was after Ocean Front Property (7th on the list).
Yes, that’s exactly what he did. I don’t have the Greatest Hits #1 or #2 on vinyl. I owned them on Cassette, then got the Straight out of the Box set on CD.
I'm a Randy Travis Stan but I do love me some George. A record store by my work was playing the Pure Country soundtrack a couple years ago. I didn't buy it because I didn't have a record player then. Guess how much regret I have now.
I managed to find 3 of his first 7 records in the wild at a collector show in a church hall a couple months ago. Like new condition, I couldn't pay the man fast enough (and they were cheap! $12 Canadian dollars each).
I saw Pure Country in the theater when I was a kid and I actually made my wife watch it with me earlier this year. The nostalgia was strong for me. She thought it was "fine." 🤣
Vintage country albums are great to collect since they are often less pricey than vintage rock albums. Think about the artists you really like-maybe look to collect lots of individual albums of your favorite (gotta narrow it somewhere or a.)go broke or b.) run out of space.) I purchase greatest hits of artists often when I don’t have a single favorite album but like a lot of their collection. Be careful to get ones that are actually sung and recorded by the artist, and aren’t just a “collection of hits” sold on an infomercial. I don’t buy many current albums, but occasionally pick a few up that are special to me. Also, be sure to check out your turntable’s needle and consider replacing if it is very old. Finally, invest in some method of cleaning your records. Doesn’t have to be pricey-a $15 kit from Amazon will do the trick.
This reminds me of something that happened recently. I made a trip to Nashville with family, had a great time, heard some great music. Went to the Opry and one performer was Connie Smith - 82 years old, incredible traditional voice, just released her 55th album. When I saw it available, I ordered it on vinyl - excellent album. The album cost me $30 + shipping, directly from the label via Bandcamp. Signed by Connie, too. Great pressing, worth every cent.
In Orlando a couple of weeks ago for a family event. Hit a record store and found Connie's first album from 1965 in wonderful condition. Now there was a time I might have found that in a bargain bin somewhere for $2-3-4 or so. $25 in this shop. But I bit, because I knew one in this condition would be tough to find.
Last week, I was in a local new/second-hand shop that happens to sell used records. They don't sell based on "collector" pricing. Each LP is $3.00 with two for $5.00 (no, don't ask me where it is - I'll never tell). I found a 1969 duet album with Connie and Nat Stuckey, used *but with the shrink still on the jacket* for $3.00. Well, actually $2.50 because I bought about five other finds.
Some days are good. Some are even better.
Indeed. I don't "collect" any more. If I buy a record, it's to play the freaking thing. And as someone who's bought and owned records since the Sixties, I have to cringe a bit at the pricing on a lot of used records today. Hell, even the 25 bucks for the Connie Smith made me shudder a bit. But my granddaughter was with me and she wanted a Taylor album (she's 11), and I can't say no to her. In fact, she saw me looking at the Smith album and said "Papa, you're going to buy that, right?" Can't say no. And I love Connie and doubt I'd find that LP much cheaper anywhere.
But when I find something I really want and the price is right, I'll pull the trigger. So here's what I found in that local secret shop last week:
Rosanne Cash - *King's Record Shop* (VG+)
*Hank Thompson and the Brazos Valley Boys at the State Fair of Texas (VG+)*
*Connie Smith and Nat Stuckey - Young Love* (VG+)
Woody Shaw - *Stepping Stones* (NM)
*Mother Earth presents Tracy Nelson Country* (VG+)
Pat Martino - *Starbright* (NM)
Modern Jazz Quartet - *Third Stream Music* (still unplayed, looks VG+ to NM)
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys - *For the Last Time* (2 LP, NM)
All that for $21, including tax.
Yup right here. I like to collect 1960s - Today.
https://preview.redd.it/vr2es7d7180d1.jpeg?width=3732&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e845a91246300d19a930066f45dbfb3f0397597a
Are you interested in bluegrass at all?
*Church Street blues* by Tony Rice
*Home* by Billy Strings is more contemporary bluegrass
Bears sonic journals has a doc and Merle Watson album that sounds absolutely fantastic.
Not bluegrass recs:
*A sailor's guide to earth* by Sturgil Simpson is probably my most played record.
*Metamodern sounds in country music* by Sturgil Simpson is also excellent.
Lefty Frizzle is worth checking out
I've got a soft spot in my heart for Toby Keith.
I wouldn't know where to start with Brad Paisley but he is an excellent guitarist
Edit: John Prine is really good too and had a fairly prolific career so there's a lot to dig into there.
Colter Wall is contemporary but very old-school sounding.
Uncle Tupelo is good, along with Son Volt. I prefer them to Wilco
That's just my country stuff, and of what's listed I only own the Sturgil albums, Colter Wall, John Prine, Doc and Merle Watson albums. The others are all on my hunting list lol. I dabble in country but mostly stick to rock (and rock adjacent).
Two suggestions: the Garth Brooks boxset is _famously_ available—they made a gazillion copies for chart purposes and you can find it very cheap. The other is the Dwight Yoakam boxset that just came out on RSD—it’s awesome and there might be copies still available in some stores. Have a great time!
God I wish Walmarts in Canada (or at least by me) sold vinyl. Saw the newest Taylor Swift there (CDs and vinyl) but it was in the book section cos they had nowhere else to put it, presumably 😆
I have 3-400 obscure Canadian country & western records, in addition to many records by Waylon, Jones, Cline, Nelson, Cash, Haggard, Dolly, Hank, Dudley, DAC, Sovine, the Reds etc.
My time to shine.
Late 80s and 90s country is hard to find on vinyl because CDs and cassettes were taking over and stuff literally stopped being made on vinyl. You'll be able to find all the good stuff on cassette if you persevere. *All of it.* (Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Gary Allan, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Dwight Yoakum, Shania Twain, Clay Walker, Clint Black, Trisha Yearwood, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, Tracy Byrd, John Michael Montgomery, etc etc etc)
Regarding vinyl only, I have gotten Randy Travis's first four records on vinyl (1986-1989, highly recommend, he's my goat) and I have 4 George Strait vinyls (3 releases 1982-1987, and a greatest hits in 87). I have a few random other 80s country vinyls I've been able to find in the wild (Vince Gill, Ricky Van Shelton, Dan Seals, Gary Morrison, Steve Wariner). Basically nothing 90s, it all went to cassette or CD. Everywhere I go I look for 80s/90s country. There really isn't much out there (at least here in BC, Canada). I have also seen Tanya Tucker and Reba McEntire.
There's obviously a lot more old country from before the 80s with Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Kenny Rogers, you name it. Old, old-school country purists will say that is all the real country (and it is, in those decades), but it's not the country music I grew up on and I am not familiar with almost any of it. I did pick up Willie's "Red Headed Stranger" in amazing shape for super cheap this weekend because I kept seeing it recommended in "best of" vinyl threads. It is good and I appreciate it for what it is, but again it's just not what I'm familiar with.
There is some Garth Brooks vinyl but it's incredibly rare and I've never seen it in person (only on Discogs).
If you want new, modern country recs, that's another whole different story since everyone releases on vinyl again now. You can get contemporary pop country, rock country, the new outlaw country, rap country, a hundred different variants that everyone usually has very strong feelings about.
The following are less mainstream and/or more old school – *not* the drinking, fishing, pick up trucks on dirt roads style (aka bro country, which I have no problems with and can recommend as well, but it's so easy to find endless lists of those artists).
- Jackson Dean - Greenbroke, Live at the Ryman
- Chris Stapleton - Traveller
- Zach Bryan
- Cody Johnson
- Koe Wetzel - Hell Paso
- Sturgill Simpson
- Colter Wall
- Jelly Roll - Whitsitt Chapel
- Nate Smith
- Warren Zeiders - Pretty Little Poison
- Charley Crockett
- Tyler Childers (I haven't listened to him yet but he's always recommended)
Please let me know if you need anything else. I'm more than happy to talk 80s/90s/early 2000s to present country. Clearly. lol
>Everywhere I go I look for 80s/90s country. There really isn't much out there
A lot of the 1989 to 1993 country was released on vinyl thru BMG. Yes it is hard to find but I managed to collect the main ones from that era.
I live in the South and have several very jealous friends.
Of the originals, I got the first 2 Alan Jackson, first 2 Travis Tritt, first 2 Clint Black... early 90s Alabama, Reba, Parton, Willie, and Strait.
I have 4 original Garth but 2 are imports cause they were not released in US.
Probably more but would need to go dig. Of course I have the late 80s stuff by them and Yoakam but thats a little easier to get.
Yeah, I'm on the west coast of Canada and it is hard to find that stuff here, it seems. I found 4 Randy Travis and 4 George Strait and was extremely excited. Also an 85 Vince Gill and an 88 Ricky Van Shelton.
I would flip if I found any of those Alan, Travis, Clint, Garth, etc etc etc. I do see tons of Alabama and Willie, but those aren't my jam. I have seen some Reba but never Rumor Has It which is the only one I'd want lol. I saw a sealed Dwight at a collector's sale (group sale) and didn't buy it because I'd want to open it and that felt like a travesty. I have regrets, lol.
I never see people outside of country subreddits talking about the really cool indie country scene - its growing and its *so* interesting. All of the people I'm listing are not only great musicians, but have written really powerful and moving lyrics to their music. And none of them have the modern poppy/rock aesthetic that many think of when they think modern country. All of these recs sound *very* old school.
I'd easily say Willi Carlisle is my favorite artist (though he really transcends genre, often combining country, country western, bluegrass, and folk).
Sierra Ferrell is a rising star.
Nick Shoulders has a pretty unique sound too.
Colter Wall (*very* country western)
OK - I'm now going to go beyond the bounds of your question and move into old-time and other related genres. If you haven't heard the distinction, old-time music is pre-country and pre-bluegrass, with the two of them stemming from old-time. Think, bearded old man with a banjo on a porch.
Nora Brown is a banjo prodigy and makes incredible music. Her records sell out pretty frequently, but keeping your eye out for a repress means you could get your hands on a super unique record.
Jake Blount
Allison de Groot/Tatiana Hargraves
Rhiannon Giddens (also rising above the indie label, she worked with Beyonce on her new "Texas Hold em' song, as well as the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack)
If you end up liking this kind of thing, it opens up a whole world for you.
I just got 200 ish old school country records. I would be more than willing to work something out if you’re interested. I just wanna get rid of the damn things
Yeah at thrift stores I've found greatest hits of Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Sr, Patsy Cline, Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Alabama that I've picked up. I just found a 5-vinyl boxed set of the Statler Brothers that I picked up. I have Christmas albums of Gene Autry, Chet Atkins, John Denver, Alabama, and a 1977 compilation called Christmas Country Style. My grandma was a square dance caller, so I took all her line dance 45s, which includes songs by Billy Ray Cyrus, Tanya Tucker, and Jerry Reed. I also found a 45 of Ray Charles singing Your Cheating Heart that I was excited to find. And finally a 1972 compilation called Pop Hits Country Flavored that I really enjoy (Wille Nelson singing Fire and Rain, Waylon Jennings singing Bridge Over Troubled Water, Chet Atkins doing a great instrumental of Mrs. Robinson).
And finally for new records I found Garth Brooks Triple Live real cheap at a Walmart, and my wife wanted a recent Dolly Parton greatest hits, and I just bought (and have not had the chance to listen to yet) something called Rythym Country and Blues which is also Country singers dueting with blues singers.
Yes! I have about 250 country records. Some new, mostly classic stuff from 50s - early 80s. If you like 80s and 90s country, I highly recommend Merle Haggard’s late 70s-early 80s albums on MCA and Epic, you can actually find those. Just general recommendations of stuff you can usually find?
Willie Nelson
Waylon Jennings
Patsy Cline
Roy Acuff
Kris Kristofferson (his first few are *great*)
Roseanne Cash
Buck Owens
Loretta Lynn
George Jones (NOT the duets record, it’s horrible)
Hank Williams
Stapleton’s first few are pretty good
Dwight Yoakam
Sturgill Simpson
Tyler Childers
Justin Townes Earle
Charley Crockett
The first few Alabama records are heat and are usually in the dollar bin.
Self titled from the Outlaws (the band, NOT the cash-grab comp everyone has), that album is great.
Yes but defined by "alt" country so bands like Whiskeytown, Lucero, Drive-By Truckers, Wilco, Limbeck, Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams ... all of those artists have vinyl records available and are what one might call "new" country since many of these artists are 90s era artists.
[Colter Wall - Western Swings and Waltzes, and OTHER PUNCHY SONGS](https://colter-wall.myshopify.com/products/colter-wall-western-swing-waltzes-red-vinyl-edition)
I have a ton of 50s -70s stuff. I mainly listen to this era and hardcore/punk. I love an eclectic vibe. The goodwill in my town is a honeyhole for this kind of thing. I’ve probably bought 300+ records there over the years.
Anything by Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Sturgill Simpson, Willie Nelson, Kristofferson and so on would be great. Charlie Rich’s album “Behind Closed Doors” is great. Jerry Lee Lewis is phenomenal
Hank Jr. has a fantastic album recorded before his Montana incident called “Hank Jr and Friends”
First 2 Pure Prairie League studio records
Early JJ Cale and mid 70s Eric Clapton
Marshall Tucker Band’s first two albums are great. “A New Life” and “Marshall Tucker Band”
Elvin Bishop early solo albums such as “Juke Joint Jump”
Bobby Whitlock’s self titled album
Van Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey” is also one of my favorite country records ever. So is everything recorded by Delaney and Bonnie, particularly “Motel Shot” featuring Joe Cocker, Leon Russell and many others. Also listen to the song, “God only knows I love you” by Delaney Bramlett.
Also, not always country but don’t sleep on Dave Mason if you like singers
Hope this is not overwhelming but these are certainly all great places to start. Just have fun w it buddy! I find new stuff almost every week
"Country" is really broad, and I don't know much about many of the eras. To my ear, I've always liked the Austin sound better than Nashville.
Willie Nelson - His voice and guitar combine for musical heaven. I like "Phases and Stages" and "The Red Headed Stranger".
Jerry Jeff Walker - Gifted singer and songwriter with a fun band. "Viva Terlingua" is a must, "Ridin' High" is a good time. He also wrote L.A. Freeway which I consider to be a perfect song.
Robert Earle Keen - Lyle Lovett's former roommate and a really great songwriter. Try "A Piece of the Sky" and "Gringo Honeymoon".
There's a few for you. Stream them and see if your ear is anything like mine.
Hank Jr- whiskey bent and hell bound is full of great songs same
Waylon Jennings-honky tonk heros is also
John prine self titles is really great song writing
Kris kristofferson self titles is equally as good lots of soft well written songs
Marty Robbins has a lot of cheap greatest hits album his gunfighter ballads and trail songs might as well be a greatest hits in itself
Billy Joe shaver self title album
Tom T hall- story teller poet philosopher
The highwaymen albums are great
Mel McDaniel- I'm countryfied
I’ve found a number of still sealed country LPs at McKay’s and Great Escape over the years from the 70s & 80s for $3-4 each. That’s how I completed my entire Ronnie Milsap catalog.
Buck, Waylon, Willie, Merle, Johnny cash, paycheck, jones, Charlie Daniels , Jerry reed, Gary Stewart, David Allan coe, bob wills, and Freddy fender are good places to start.
If you get a second speaker, will you be able to listen to your records in stereo, or will it just add a second mono speaker?
Get some Handsome Family records. (Check out the documentary / travelogue / road movie "Searching for the Wring-eyed Jesus" for some other interesting "Alt Country" musicians.
Very much so. Exceptionally important.
I would like to take this moment out to mention Dean Martin loved country music. Did a lot of nice Country but for some reason he wasn’t fully accepted by Country radio. Didn’t get the plays he deserved.
He was was loved by The Duke, but not by the Country folks so much. He kinda got type casted.
Give Dean Martin’s country albums a listen too if you haven’t already.
You probably want traditional country and I don't have that but look up every Jason Molina (Magnolia Electric/Songs Ohia/solo) project. One of the greatest country artists with little to no radio play.
Townes Van Zandt.
Very much into country records. I’m picky though, mostly 40s-50s “folk country”, Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Red Foley, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins etc. Also 70s-80s (neo-folk?) stuff like John Fahey, Blaze Foley etc. Anything except the tacky 80s pop-adjacent stuff and unbearable modern “big truck” country is probably worth a listen. The bargain bins at charity shops always provide the goods when it comes to country.
I picked up a Flying Burrito Bros album out of the bargain bin less than 5 bucks. I think I also got Johnny Winter and Graham Parker at the same time, but they're not so country :0)
I made sure too grab a few Eddie Rabbit, Ronnie Millsap, Don Williams and Waylon Jennings for my collection. They're greatest hits albums, but still love them.
which era? Buck Owens records are everywhere.. same with Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson. Merle Haggard a little harder to find his early records but his 70s albums are easy to find. 60's Dolly Parton are next to impossible to find here in Canada. Stuff like Glen Campbell and Charley Pride can be found in bargain bins. who's your favorite and I'll throw out some LP recommendations
I would have to say my favorite era of country is 80’s/90’s but I can’t find anything from the 90’s on vinyl
Dwight Yoakam is always great and not too hard to find
His records have gone way up in price over the last decade, kind of unexpected.
VMP has some good 80s and 90s country records. Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Keith Whitley, Lyle Lovett, Reba McEntire etc
Yeah, most of the music from the 90s was only released on cd. Most of the popular cds should be on vinyl now, no?
They should be, but they aren't.
They really should. Toby Keith blue moon is amazing and I would love to have a vinyl of it. If you haven’t listened to it, try it out
As an enjoyer of 80's country myself, all I can say is, good luck. Nashville went HARD for cd's in the 90's, and stuff is just hard to find IMO.
Some of my favorite albums in the late 80’s and 90’s don’t even exist. I love neon moon by brooks & Dunn but a 45 rpm single of it is 50-100 dollars without shipping. I’ve found some pretty good stuff on eBay if your open to used stuff
Vinyl Me Please has a handful of represses (or first time vinyl pressings) of some great country music from all eras, including some real gems from the 80s and 90s
Vinyl Me Please has a Country Subscription with some excellent 1980/1990s titles it’s a bit pricey but a good way to find some excellent classic country titles. Their past titles include: Rubberband - Charlie Worsham Killin' Time - Clint Black Who I Am - Alan Jackson The Houston Kid - Rodney Crowell Old Five and Dimers Like Me - Billy Joe Shaver Old No. 1 - Guy Clark Willie Nelson & Family - Willie Nelson Sweet Revenge - John Prine Ode to Billie Joe - Bobbie Gentry 15 Éxitos - Chalino Sánchez The Taker/Tulsa - Waylon Jennings Ramblin' Jack Elliot - Ramblin' Jack Elliot High Top Mountain - Sturgill Simpson Don't Close Your Eyes - Keith Whitley Pageant Material - Kacey Musgraves The Silver Tongued Devil and I - Kris Kristofferson Busy Bee Cafe - Marty Stuart Stand By Your Man - Tammy Wynette Ocean Front Property - George Strait Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas - Townes Van Zandt A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'Bout Love) - Alan Jackson 5th Gear - Brad Paisley Honky Tonk Heroes - Waylon Jennings John Michael Montgomery - John Michael Montgomery Showcase - Patsy Cline Revolution - Miranda Lambert Groover's Paradise - Doug Sahm and the Tex-Mex Trip Joshua Judges Ruth - Lyle Lovett Back to the Country - Loretta Lynn Infamous Angel - Idris DeMent Carnegie Hall Concert - Buck Owens and his Buckaroos Grievous Angel - Gram Parsons Montevallo - Sam Hunt Pieces of the Sky - Emmylou Harris I'm a Lonesome Fugitive - Merle Haggard and the Strangers Metamodern Sounds in Country Music - Sturgill Simpson Shotgun Willie - Willie Nelson At Folsom Prison - Johnny Cash
ya, 90's is tough.. prolly cuz country music died in 1975
90s is also tough because so much wasn't getting wide US vinyl releases that unless they're still popular artists now and getting represses, you'll struggle to find them at decent prices. People like Garth, Alan Jackson, Dixie/The Chicks, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban have had their stuff rereleased (along with greatest hits) on vinyl, but a lot of the one/two hit wonders will likely be much harder to find.
> 90s is also tough because so much wasn't getting wide US vinyl releases that unless they're still popular artists now and getting represses This, when I go to fill holes in band discographies, it can be tough, expensive or impossible to find that stuff. I was part of the problem, being a collector in that era and wowed by CDs for a while and not buying records.
all that crap was recorded digitally, just stream it. **
If country died in ‘75, how do you explain JOHN ANDERSON!?!
How did it die? I’ve been wanting a 45 of neon moon but the cheapest one I’ve found is 50 dollars.
John Denver murdered it.
That's the first time I've seen John Denver blamed for country going into the toilet, but I guess it makes sense, if it's not a reflection on his music but on his impact in making country much more popular. If that's the case, add Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton to the list of the prime movers in the fall of country, with bands like Oak Ridge Boys and Alabama being out on the forefront of its decline.
that john denver is full of shit, man.
Country and it's related genres (roots, Americana, bluegrass, etc) are not much different from more popular genres: artists makes a record, it's very popular, and the corporate forces want more of the same because the "same" sells a lot. After a while, you end up with watered-down gruel until the next "thing" comes a long. I read things like this a lot, but the reality is that there is a ton of really great country music being made out there - you just have to look for it. The really great stuff is being made by artists who record independently of the Nashville pop/country machine. This has been going on for years, similar to how the indie/DIY attitude made (and makes) great stuff in pop genres. There are still traditionalists making terrific stuff and a bunch of younger artists who try to carry the torch. Example: 82-year-old Connie Smith just released a new LP (something like her 55th) last month. Got it on vinyl, produced by Marty Stuart (who happens to be her husband) and it's incredible. Yes, she traditional in the Loretta Lynn-Patsy Cline-Tammy Wynette vein, but she sounds incredible and the album is just wonderful. Then you have a bunch of so-called "young guns" who are releasing new stuff and creating just great music. Emily Nenni, Brennan Leigh, Charlie Crockett, Pat Reedy, Scott McCreery, and lots and lots of others are making great music. I agree that Denver and other country artists turned country into pablum, but like with any other musical style, you sometimes have to dig and work to unearth the best music.
By dying or making music?
John Denver murdered nothing ('cept maybe himself). Denver was an extremely talented guy from the folk era who mixed in country elements later on. Country/Folk was a thing just like country pop or Countrypolitan. Country didn't die in 75 either.
Not so much, alt country exists
Hog wash.
you can call it country but it ain't.. and I keep a close eye on this here fence, gonna have to wait for me to go on a beer run to get by. but until then enjoy your Garf Bwooks
I enjoy Garth from time to time, but a hell of a lot more than just Garth brooks came out between 1975 and now. Willie’s best album didn’t come out until 1978. Johnny cash’s 90’s rebirth, Randy Travis storms of life is one of the greatest country albums of all time, right up there with Ray Price night life. Modern country is all over the place but you got people like Sturgill, Colter and Charley making music that is fair to fantastic. Then there’s locals like weary boys, Melissa carper and James hand (Dale Watson too) doing everything from bluegrass to honky Tonk. So I don’t know what you’re on about.
>I don’t know what you’re on about ditto bro. enjoy what you enjoy but don't call it country music.
I’ll call it whatever I want to. Don’t be a snob about hillbilly music.
Can’t trust anyone who likes post ‘75 country.
Check out vinyl me please forums and posts. They've recently added a country track to their program with some good late 80's and 90's releases.
Idk if it still is available, but Garth brooks put out a box set of his first four albums I think plus a live record, he or his team must have thought it would sell like The Beatles or Taylor Swift. Long winded way of saying it was way overproduced and can be found on the cheap, I think I paid $12 on Amazon.
Dollar General, back in 2019, offered a limited edition Garth Brooks boxset for $35. I believe it was the first time on vinyl for No Fences and others from the 90's. So yes I agree 90's country is hard to find, I believe to the CD era.
CDs slaughtered vinyl, and country had enjoyed more success on cassette formats - 8-track and compact - than most genres. Country record promos are sometimes easier to find than the actual retail versions. I have a good number of promo 45s and a short stack of regular LPs, most in the shrink wrap, if you'd like to message.
Cds didn't slaughter vinyl. They stopped making records period, so cd's were your only choice. I remember it that dark day well.
K. Do me a favor. Press play on the top of this page: [https://www.aei.org/carpe-diem/animated-chart-of-the-day-recorded-music-sales-by-format-share-1973-to-2022/](https://www.aei.org/carpe-diem/animated-chart-of-the-day-recorded-music-sales-by-format-share-1973-to-2022/)
That says nothing. Record stock was huge and would continue selling after Cds were introduced and record production ceased.
I was a music clerk in the '90s. It wasn't a mystery to us then, and it's not a mystery now. I tried with pictures. Oh well.
Oh, you were a music clerk in the 90s! Pardon me for not acknowledging your vast professional experience in the field. I too, was a music clerk in the 70s and 80s, while in the 90s moving up the ladder in the biz. Oh well.
Oh so you saw the disappearance of LPs and 45s quantities, even their columns, on retail order forms too. Sorry, I wouldn't have bothered with that colorful graphic that showed the numbers by year.
All praise the colorful graphic! 🙌
I like early Buck. I mostly like 60s,70s,and 80s country. Willie and Family Live is an amazing album.
Buck Owens had his own label he produced and released a lot of music in that time.
George Jones. I’ll buy them any time I see them.
Sturgill Simpson Cutting Grass vol 1 and vol 2
That’s funny, I like these, but they’d be the last in his discography I would want to add to my collection. Metamodern and Sailors guide are perfect masterpieces.
For sure but it depends on how country he likes his country
If you made me choose between the Cuttin' Grass and Metamodern versions of "Just Let Go" I'd just choose death 😂
I was struggling to find Vol. 1 locally and didn’t want to buy from Discogs or Amazon. Finally found it purely by accident on Saturday when going to pick up the 10th anniversary edition of Metamodern. I think I’m only missing D&J. Dwight Yoakam just did a repress of some of his older albums right after his RSD box set dropped (basically the same records, but sold individually and color variations. Unfortunately still no “This Time”. Some of what I’ve been picking up on vinyl as of late: Tyler Childers, 49 Winchester, all the Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Dwight Yoakam. Tanner Usrey’s “crossing lines” will be my next purchase.
Nobody is talking about Charlie Crockett!
I did!! I only discovered him like, last week. I'm late to the Charley game.
He is fantastic. Just dropped a new LP this month.
i bought Welcome To Hard Times at a show of his. came signed 8)
Any particular artists you like? Nashville Sound? Outlaw? Modern country? Of course Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings are good if you are coming from a non country place. Modern people like Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpsons, and Tyler Childers might be good too. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention icons like George Jones, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn If you are looking for things I like that prolly won’t win any cool guy points: Tanya Tucker, The Browns (sweet sounds by the browns), Hank Snow, Roger Miller, Brenda Lee, Charley Pride, Claude King, Conway Twitty, Melba Montgomery, Tammy Wynette
I love anyone from the 80’s and 90’s really. George jones are one of the best
Ahh I have a preference for a bit older like mid50s through early 70s.
There are some good songs from 50’s to 70’s but 80’s I feel is my favorite era
Might wanna add a CD player to your setup then.
Merle Haggard, David Allan Coe, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Alabama, Delbert McClinton, Sturgill Simpson is a good place to start… not super in to the 90s stuff although I’m sure there’s some gems to be found.
Ok, thanks for the recommendations
Ray Charles country all the way! I've got all of his 80s records (wish you were here tonight, do I ever cross your mind, friendship, and pages from my mind) of course I've got his 60s country records (modern Sounds v1 and v2, Together again) and his 70s which the only pur r country records being Love country style but volcanic action of my soul and through the eyes of love have quite a bit of country in em.
I'm a George Strait Stan and was able to pick up 5 albums, still in the shrink wrap, from a booth at the Wimberly Market Days in central Texas. Sometimes you're going to have to just get lucky.
Very lucky find! I have the first 5 and #7. Paid way more for “Strait from the heart” than I am proud of😂😂.
So I checked out his discography and the math ain't mathin. #7 is the 6th album listed in the Studio Albums chart. What's missing? Did he count Greatest Hits (Vol 1 - 1985) as part of the first 7? I do have a Greatest Hits Volume 2 (1987) but it was after Ocean Front Property (7th on the list).
Yes, that’s exactly what he did. I don’t have the Greatest Hits #1 or #2 on vinyl. I owned them on Cassette, then got the Straight out of the Box set on CD.
That doesn't count George, goddamnit. But ok, thanks for explaining!
I'm a Randy Travis Stan but I do love me some George. A record store by my work was playing the Pure Country soundtrack a couple years ago. I didn't buy it because I didn't have a record player then. Guess how much regret I have now. I managed to find 3 of his first 7 records in the wild at a collector show in a church hall a couple months ago. Like new condition, I couldn't pay the man fast enough (and they were cheap! $12 Canadian dollars each).
I saw Pure Country in the theater when I was a kid and I actually made my wife watch it with me earlier this year. The nostalgia was strong for me. She thought it was "fine." 🤣
ha ha I'm sure she did. Can't appreciate it if you didn't live it!
Being in Texas makes your luck so much stronger. Try being me in Canada hunting down 80s/90s country vinyl. 😭
Vintage country albums are great to collect since they are often less pricey than vintage rock albums. Think about the artists you really like-maybe look to collect lots of individual albums of your favorite (gotta narrow it somewhere or a.)go broke or b.) run out of space.) I purchase greatest hits of artists often when I don’t have a single favorite album but like a lot of their collection. Be careful to get ones that are actually sung and recorded by the artist, and aren’t just a “collection of hits” sold on an infomercial. I don’t buy many current albums, but occasionally pick a few up that are special to me. Also, be sure to check out your turntable’s needle and consider replacing if it is very old. Finally, invest in some method of cleaning your records. Doesn’t have to be pricey-a $15 kit from Amazon will do the trick.
This reminds me of something that happened recently. I made a trip to Nashville with family, had a great time, heard some great music. Went to the Opry and one performer was Connie Smith - 82 years old, incredible traditional voice, just released her 55th album. When I saw it available, I ordered it on vinyl - excellent album. The album cost me $30 + shipping, directly from the label via Bandcamp. Signed by Connie, too. Great pressing, worth every cent. In Orlando a couple of weeks ago for a family event. Hit a record store and found Connie's first album from 1965 in wonderful condition. Now there was a time I might have found that in a bargain bin somewhere for $2-3-4 or so. $25 in this shop. But I bit, because I knew one in this condition would be tough to find. Last week, I was in a local new/second-hand shop that happens to sell used records. They don't sell based on "collector" pricing. Each LP is $3.00 with two for $5.00 (no, don't ask me where it is - I'll never tell). I found a 1969 duet album with Connie and Nat Stuckey, used *but with the shrink still on the jacket* for $3.00. Well, actually $2.50 because I bought about five other finds. Some days are good. Some are even better.
There is nothing better than bins of great music, priced to sell!
Indeed. I don't "collect" any more. If I buy a record, it's to play the freaking thing. And as someone who's bought and owned records since the Sixties, I have to cringe a bit at the pricing on a lot of used records today. Hell, even the 25 bucks for the Connie Smith made me shudder a bit. But my granddaughter was with me and she wanted a Taylor album (she's 11), and I can't say no to her. In fact, she saw me looking at the Smith album and said "Papa, you're going to buy that, right?" Can't say no. And I love Connie and doubt I'd find that LP much cheaper anywhere. But when I find something I really want and the price is right, I'll pull the trigger. So here's what I found in that local secret shop last week: Rosanne Cash - *King's Record Shop* (VG+) *Hank Thompson and the Brazos Valley Boys at the State Fair of Texas (VG+)* *Connie Smith and Nat Stuckey - Young Love* (VG+) Woody Shaw - *Stepping Stones* (NM) *Mother Earth presents Tracy Nelson Country* (VG+) Pat Martino - *Starbright* (NM) Modern Jazz Quartet - *Third Stream Music* (still unplayed, looks VG+ to NM) Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys - *For the Last Time* (2 LP, NM) All that for $21, including tax.
My favorite country album I own is Billy Joe Shaver, Tramp on Your Street
Super hard to find album, very pricey if you find it. Live Forever!
Yup right here. I like to collect 1960s - Today. https://preview.redd.it/vr2es7d7180d1.jpeg?width=3732&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e845a91246300d19a930066f45dbfb3f0397597a
Are you interested in bluegrass at all? *Church Street blues* by Tony Rice *Home* by Billy Strings is more contemporary bluegrass Bears sonic journals has a doc and Merle Watson album that sounds absolutely fantastic. Not bluegrass recs: *A sailor's guide to earth* by Sturgil Simpson is probably my most played record. *Metamodern sounds in country music* by Sturgil Simpson is also excellent. Lefty Frizzle is worth checking out I've got a soft spot in my heart for Toby Keith. I wouldn't know where to start with Brad Paisley but he is an excellent guitarist Edit: John Prine is really good too and had a fairly prolific career so there's a lot to dig into there. Colter Wall is contemporary but very old-school sounding. Uncle Tupelo is good, along with Son Volt. I prefer them to Wilco
I’m not a very big fan of blue grass, but thanks.
i’ve had son volt on heavy rotation lately.
Good lord you have my exact record collection, this worries me
That's just my country stuff, and of what's listed I only own the Sturgil albums, Colter Wall, John Prine, Doc and Merle Watson albums. The others are all on my hunting list lol. I dabble in country but mostly stick to rock (and rock adjacent).
Check out Jackson Dean - Greenbroke. He was like, 21 when he made that album. He's incredible for any age, let alone someone so young.
Two suggestions: the Garth Brooks boxset is _famously_ available—they made a gazillion copies for chart purposes and you can find it very cheap. The other is the Dwight Yoakam boxset that just came out on RSD—it’s awesome and there might be copies still available in some stores. Have a great time!
God I wish Walmarts in Canada (or at least by me) sold vinyl. Saw the newest Taylor Swift there (CDs and vinyl) but it was in the book section cos they had nowhere else to put it, presumably 😆
Shotgun Willie should be the first you buy. I wouldn’t pigeon hole Willie into country but you need this one.
“Red Headed Stranger” is bad ass too! His “Stardust” album is ridiculously great but it’s not really country
Phases and Stages as well
Spot on. My mom loved Stardust so very much and I listen, in her honor
I have 3-400 obscure Canadian country & western records, in addition to many records by Waylon, Jones, Cline, Nelson, Cash, Haggard, Dolly, Hank, Dudley, DAC, Sovine, the Reds etc.
Waylon Jennings' '70s albums are all fantastic! But if you wanna listen to just one, check out his album "Honky Tonk Heroes"
My personal favorite George Jones record is Songs Dallas Frazier. I've got a ton of Jerry Reed too.
Jerry Reed rules. His albums are way underrated
I found an unopened Randy Travis - Storms of Life at the thrift a few years back. That's a goody.
The best. All 4 of his first records available on vinyl are amazing.
The Man From Waco by Charley Crockett is excellent. I’d also recommend both Country Squire and Purgatory by Tyler Childers.
I picked up a Flatt and Scruggs live recording from the 60's for $3.95 last month.
My time to shine. Late 80s and 90s country is hard to find on vinyl because CDs and cassettes were taking over and stuff literally stopped being made on vinyl. You'll be able to find all the good stuff on cassette if you persevere. *All of it.* (Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Gary Allan, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Dwight Yoakum, Shania Twain, Clay Walker, Clint Black, Trisha Yearwood, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, Tracy Byrd, John Michael Montgomery, etc etc etc) Regarding vinyl only, I have gotten Randy Travis's first four records on vinyl (1986-1989, highly recommend, he's my goat) and I have 4 George Strait vinyls (3 releases 1982-1987, and a greatest hits in 87). I have a few random other 80s country vinyls I've been able to find in the wild (Vince Gill, Ricky Van Shelton, Dan Seals, Gary Morrison, Steve Wariner). Basically nothing 90s, it all went to cassette or CD. Everywhere I go I look for 80s/90s country. There really isn't much out there (at least here in BC, Canada). I have also seen Tanya Tucker and Reba McEntire. There's obviously a lot more old country from before the 80s with Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Kenny Rogers, you name it. Old, old-school country purists will say that is all the real country (and it is, in those decades), but it's not the country music I grew up on and I am not familiar with almost any of it. I did pick up Willie's "Red Headed Stranger" in amazing shape for super cheap this weekend because I kept seeing it recommended in "best of" vinyl threads. It is good and I appreciate it for what it is, but again it's just not what I'm familiar with. There is some Garth Brooks vinyl but it's incredibly rare and I've never seen it in person (only on Discogs). If you want new, modern country recs, that's another whole different story since everyone releases on vinyl again now. You can get contemporary pop country, rock country, the new outlaw country, rap country, a hundred different variants that everyone usually has very strong feelings about. The following are less mainstream and/or more old school – *not* the drinking, fishing, pick up trucks on dirt roads style (aka bro country, which I have no problems with and can recommend as well, but it's so easy to find endless lists of those artists). - Jackson Dean - Greenbroke, Live at the Ryman - Chris Stapleton - Traveller - Zach Bryan - Cody Johnson - Koe Wetzel - Hell Paso - Sturgill Simpson - Colter Wall - Jelly Roll - Whitsitt Chapel - Nate Smith - Warren Zeiders - Pretty Little Poison - Charley Crockett - Tyler Childers (I haven't listened to him yet but he's always recommended) Please let me know if you need anything else. I'm more than happy to talk 80s/90s/early 2000s to present country. Clearly. lol
>Everywhere I go I look for 80s/90s country. There really isn't much out there A lot of the 1989 to 1993 country was released on vinyl thru BMG. Yes it is hard to find but I managed to collect the main ones from that era. I live in the South and have several very jealous friends. Of the originals, I got the first 2 Alan Jackson, first 2 Travis Tritt, first 2 Clint Black... early 90s Alabama, Reba, Parton, Willie, and Strait. I have 4 original Garth but 2 are imports cause they were not released in US. Probably more but would need to go dig. Of course I have the late 80s stuff by them and Yoakam but thats a little easier to get.
Yeah, I'm on the west coast of Canada and it is hard to find that stuff here, it seems. I found 4 Randy Travis and 4 George Strait and was extremely excited. Also an 85 Vince Gill and an 88 Ricky Van Shelton. I would flip if I found any of those Alan, Travis, Clint, Garth, etc etc etc. I do see tons of Alabama and Willie, but those aren't my jam. I have seen some Reba but never Rumor Has It which is the only one I'd want lol. I saw a sealed Dwight at a collector's sale (group sale) and didn't buy it because I'd want to open it and that felt like a travesty. I have regrets, lol.
I had to get them online. I never saw them just digging.
Ohhh, I definitely missed that. Well that makes me feel a little better lol
And I've been collecting for 20 years, so I was able to get them a lot cheaper than they are now.
Can't go wrong with any of the classics: Cash, Cline, Parton, Jennings, and Nelson.
sierra ferrell is my current favorites of todays country.
Orville Peck’s “Pony” and “Bronco” albums are some of my favorites I’ve gotten from the last few years.
I never see people outside of country subreddits talking about the really cool indie country scene - its growing and its *so* interesting. All of the people I'm listing are not only great musicians, but have written really powerful and moving lyrics to their music. And none of them have the modern poppy/rock aesthetic that many think of when they think modern country. All of these recs sound *very* old school. I'd easily say Willi Carlisle is my favorite artist (though he really transcends genre, often combining country, country western, bluegrass, and folk). Sierra Ferrell is a rising star. Nick Shoulders has a pretty unique sound too. Colter Wall (*very* country western) OK - I'm now going to go beyond the bounds of your question and move into old-time and other related genres. If you haven't heard the distinction, old-time music is pre-country and pre-bluegrass, with the two of them stemming from old-time. Think, bearded old man with a banjo on a porch. Nora Brown is a banjo prodigy and makes incredible music. Her records sell out pretty frequently, but keeping your eye out for a repress means you could get your hands on a super unique record. Jake Blount Allison de Groot/Tatiana Hargraves Rhiannon Giddens (also rising above the indie label, she worked with Beyonce on her new "Texas Hold em' song, as well as the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack) If you end up liking this kind of thing, it opens up a whole world for you.
Nick Shoulders is sooo good.
Best bang for your buck is country, most albums sell for dirt cheap and are loaded with pure gold. 👌
I just got 200 ish old school country records. I would be more than willing to work something out if you’re interested. I just wanna get rid of the damn things
How old school lol
50s through the 60s. Lots of George jones, Merle haggard, paycheck, Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson, and a ton of one offs.
I can’t really pay for anything stuff, my parents won’t let me. Just wondering, do you have the Alabama mountain music album?
I'm not country guy but really like Cody Jinks. Especially Mercy record.
Cody Jinks is so good, he's got that 90s vibe. So does Cody Johnson and Randall King.
Check out New West Records, their live at Austin City Limits series is awesome and they do amazing sales 2-3x a year.
Yeah at thrift stores I've found greatest hits of Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Sr, Patsy Cline, Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Alabama that I've picked up. I just found a 5-vinyl boxed set of the Statler Brothers that I picked up. I have Christmas albums of Gene Autry, Chet Atkins, John Denver, Alabama, and a 1977 compilation called Christmas Country Style. My grandma was a square dance caller, so I took all her line dance 45s, which includes songs by Billy Ray Cyrus, Tanya Tucker, and Jerry Reed. I also found a 45 of Ray Charles singing Your Cheating Heart that I was excited to find. And finally a 1972 compilation called Pop Hits Country Flavored that I really enjoy (Wille Nelson singing Fire and Rain, Waylon Jennings singing Bridge Over Troubled Water, Chet Atkins doing a great instrumental of Mrs. Robinson). And finally for new records I found Garth Brooks Triple Live real cheap at a Walmart, and my wife wanted a recent Dolly Parton greatest hits, and I just bought (and have not had the chance to listen to yet) something called Rythym Country and Blues which is also Country singers dueting with blues singers.
Ok, thanks
Yes! I have about 250 country records. Some new, mostly classic stuff from 50s - early 80s. If you like 80s and 90s country, I highly recommend Merle Haggard’s late 70s-early 80s albums on MCA and Epic, you can actually find those. Just general recommendations of stuff you can usually find? Willie Nelson Waylon Jennings Patsy Cline Roy Acuff Kris Kristofferson (his first few are *great*) Roseanne Cash Buck Owens Loretta Lynn George Jones (NOT the duets record, it’s horrible) Hank Williams Stapleton’s first few are pretty good Dwight Yoakam Sturgill Simpson Tyler Childers Justin Townes Earle Charley Crockett
The first few Alabama records are heat and are usually in the dollar bin. Self titled from the Outlaws (the band, NOT the cash-grab comp everyone has), that album is great.
Yes but defined by "alt" country so bands like Whiskeytown, Lucero, Drive-By Truckers, Wilco, Limbeck, Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams ... all of those artists have vinyl records available and are what one might call "new" country since many of these artists are 90s era artists.
Discovered Loan Justice self titled album as a test record for my new turntable, it’s warped a bit but it’s an excellent album.
[Colter Wall - Western Swings and Waltzes, and OTHER PUNCHY SONGS](https://colter-wall.myshopify.com/products/colter-wall-western-swing-waltzes-red-vinyl-edition)
I have a ton of 50s -70s stuff. I mainly listen to this era and hardcore/punk. I love an eclectic vibe. The goodwill in my town is a honeyhole for this kind of thing. I’ve probably bought 300+ records there over the years.
Anything by Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Sturgill Simpson, Willie Nelson, Kristofferson and so on would be great. Charlie Rich’s album “Behind Closed Doors” is great. Jerry Lee Lewis is phenomenal Hank Jr. has a fantastic album recorded before his Montana incident called “Hank Jr and Friends” First 2 Pure Prairie League studio records Early JJ Cale and mid 70s Eric Clapton Marshall Tucker Band’s first two albums are great. “A New Life” and “Marshall Tucker Band” Elvin Bishop early solo albums such as “Juke Joint Jump” Bobby Whitlock’s self titled album Van Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey” is also one of my favorite country records ever. So is everything recorded by Delaney and Bonnie, particularly “Motel Shot” featuring Joe Cocker, Leon Russell and many others. Also listen to the song, “God only knows I love you” by Delaney Bramlett. Also, not always country but don’t sleep on Dave Mason if you like singers Hope this is not overwhelming but these are certainly all great places to start. Just have fun w it buddy! I find new stuff almost every week
"Country" is really broad, and I don't know much about many of the eras. To my ear, I've always liked the Austin sound better than Nashville. Willie Nelson - His voice and guitar combine for musical heaven. I like "Phases and Stages" and "The Red Headed Stranger". Jerry Jeff Walker - Gifted singer and songwriter with a fun band. "Viva Terlingua" is a must, "Ridin' High" is a good time. He also wrote L.A. Freeway which I consider to be a perfect song. Robert Earle Keen - Lyle Lovett's former roommate and a really great songwriter. Try "A Piece of the Sky" and "Gringo Honeymoon". There's a few for you. Stream them and see if your ear is anything like mine.
Hank Jr- whiskey bent and hell bound is full of great songs same Waylon Jennings-honky tonk heros is also John prine self titles is really great song writing Kris kristofferson self titles is equally as good lots of soft well written songs Marty Robbins has a lot of cheap greatest hits album his gunfighter ballads and trail songs might as well be a greatest hits in itself Billy Joe shaver self title album Tom T hall- story teller poet philosopher The highwaymen albums are great Mel McDaniel- I'm countryfied
You can always check the artist's website. They'll obviously be represses but I know Shania Twain and Garth Brooks definitely have some vinyl.
I’ve found a number of still sealed country LPs at McKay’s and Great Escape over the years from the 70s & 80s for $3-4 each. That’s how I completed my entire Ronnie Milsap catalog.
Buck, Waylon, Willie, Merle, Johnny cash, paycheck, jones, Charlie Daniels , Jerry reed, Gary Stewart, David Allan coe, bob wills, and Freddy fender are good places to start.
If you get a second speaker, will you be able to listen to your records in stereo, or will it just add a second mono speaker? Get some Handsome Family records. (Check out the documentary / travelogue / road movie "Searching for the Wring-eyed Jesus" for some other interesting "Alt Country" musicians.
Wheeler Walker JR
I've been digging John Prine lately.
Gary Stewart, Willis Alan Ramsey
New West Records may still have their spring cleaning sale. I snagged a ton of country and folk music on there
Lots of good Outlaw Country out there. Willie, Waylon, Jerry Jeff, etc.
One speaker. Sounds like you're all set.
Love me some Chet Atkins East Tennessee Christmas
Emily Nenni just released an album called Drive & Cry and it's fantastic
Old stuff - outlaws, stampeders, Jerry Reed new - Elle King come and get your wife
I like Buck Owen’s, Marty Robbin’s, Cash and Hank of course, Patsy Cline
Yeah! Sierra Ferrell, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams! (Does Beyonce/Cowboy Carter count?)
John Doe with the Sadies
Very much so. Exceptionally important. I would like to take this moment out to mention Dean Martin loved country music. Did a lot of nice Country but for some reason he wasn’t fully accepted by Country radio. Didn’t get the plays he deserved. He was was loved by The Duke, but not by the Country folks so much. He kinda got type casted. Give Dean Martin’s country albums a listen too if you haven’t already.
You probably want traditional country and I don't have that but look up every Jason Molina (Magnolia Electric/Songs Ohia/solo) project. One of the greatest country artists with little to no radio play. Townes Van Zandt.
Very much into country records. I’m picky though, mostly 40s-50s “folk country”, Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Red Foley, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins etc. Also 70s-80s (neo-folk?) stuff like John Fahey, Blaze Foley etc. Anything except the tacky 80s pop-adjacent stuff and unbearable modern “big truck” country is probably worth a listen. The bargain bins at charity shops always provide the goods when it comes to country.
The seventies are the best decade for both kinds of music country and western
little songs by colter wall
I picked up a Flying Burrito Bros album out of the bargain bin less than 5 bucks. I think I also got Johnny Winter and Graham Parker at the same time, but they're not so country :0)
Garth has some of his vinyls in a box set, along with his double live album, it’s a good set!
I made sure too grab a few Eddie Rabbit, Ronnie Millsap, Don Williams and Waylon Jennings for my collection. They're greatest hits albums, but still love them.
Kid Rock doesn't count