Country Quizzin’ – 01/13/09 Edition
January 13, 2009
UPDATE: Hiya everybody. Once again, the answers now follow the questions, along with some comments about them and a YouTube clip so you can listen to the ones you missed. Arm yourselves with knowledge!
Below are the results of the quiz, which you’ll see in the comments were quite close. I’m only posting the top four places for this week, but fret not: we’ll start cumulative rankings next week, and everyone’s scores from this week will be added to next week’s, so you still have a shot at becoming the January champ if you score well then and the week after!
In 1st place (9.5/10 score): Gavin
In 2nd place (9/10 score): Partridge
In 3rd place (8.5/10 score): J.R. Journey, Chad
In 4th place (8/10 score): Chelsea
Cheers. -- Dan
—-
Country Quizzin’ is back! And it’s pretty much the same dealio as before: a slew of questions on country music both past and present. I had to cut it from 20 to 10 and switch it to Tuesday for just this week, simply because I’m currently transitioning back to school and had more limited brainstorming time (which is also my excuse for these questions being a bit easier than last week’s), but things will be back up to speed (and on Monday again, which will be the norm) next week.
I’m also going to be varying the types of questions I ask from week to week. This week, you’re identifying classic songs, where “classic” can mean any combination of historically important, extremely popular at radio or retail, or just darn worth remembering. I do plan to mix up the format a bit in the future by making some of the questions multiple choice and some of them True/False as requested, but for the purposes of this theme, I decided to stick with the “identify what I’m talking about” model I used last week.
In order to give y’all more time to respond, I won’t be updating the post with answers until 9 pm EST tomorrow (Wednesday). Be sure to check back if you play, because I’m going to start ranking people by month. If we get a big enough pool of people playing regularly, we might start introducing prizes, as well. We shall see!
Finally, a reminder that you won’t be able to see anyone’s comments but yours until the answers are revealed tomorrow at 9. And of course, no cheating.
Without further ado:
For each question, you must name both the song and at least one artist who recorded it to receive full points. The original release decade for each is included among the clues.
1. Something of a theme song for country music’s first singing cowboy star. “Whoopi-ty-aye-oh / Rockin’ to and fro.” Decade: 1930′s.
ANSWER: “Back in the Saddle Again,” most famously performed by Gene Autry.
2. A touching ode to this artist’s father which focuses on the gesture of (literally) letting one’s child take the wheel, albeit with gentle guidance. Key lyric: “I can’t replace the way it made me feel.” Decade: 2000′s.
ANSWER: “Drive,” an Alan Jackson classic which I don’t think anyone missed. Definitely kicking myself for that freebie.
3. A big number that finds its narrator realizing that even the horrors of war were nothing compared to the “one sound in the world [his] heart can’t stand” which his woman made on her way out of his life (and, hint, his house). Decade: 1970′s.
ANSWER: “The Door,” a sensational George Jones hit. Incidentally, this is the kind of song that makes me re-think the way I critique songs that come out these days. If this was a new single out tomorrow by a less distinguished vocalist, I might criticize it for the way all the waxing about wartime has seemingly nothing to do with the song’s hook and completely miss the actual artistic coolness of the fact that it takes a risk with its conceit and feels like a real personal testimony because of it.
4. About as sharp as bubbly pop-country gets, this one finds its singer urging a newer male companion of hers not to throw around the word “love” pre-emptively, suspecting that his feelings have more to do with codependency than real affection. Decade: 1990′s.
ANSWER: “The Fear of Being Alone,” by Reba McEntire. I know it probably seems like a stretch to call this one “classic,” but it’s my opinion that McEntire is a fantastic vocalist with a largely forgettable (if huge) catalog of hits, so it’s important to pick out the spots where the voice got matched with a truly worthy song. And I think this was one of those times, although I dislike how the title phrase “tells” instead of “shows.” But whatever.
5. The character addressed in this song has left for someone new, but her memory has an iron grip on the singer anyway: “You may take a pebble and teach it to grow / You can teach all the raindrops to return to the clouds / But you can’t teach my heart to forget.” Hint: it was a same-gender duo that originally did it, and it’s been covered a lot since. Decade: 1950′s.
ANSWER: “When I Stop Dreaming,” which was originally done by the Louvin Brothers. That recording is essential listening, though the clip below is by the also-great Skeeter Davis:
6. A Felice Bryant/Boudleaux Bryant classic that never made a huge mark as a country single, but is decently well known as one of the better duets by a male/female partnership whose members are both noted for bridging the gaps between the country, folk and rock communities. It’s pretty straightforward in its bruised cynicism toward love: “I’ve really learned a lot, really learned a lot / Love is like a stove; burns you when it’s hot.” Decade (original): 1960′s. Decade (version referred to here): 1970′s.
ANSWER: “Love Hurts,” probably best known for its haunting Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris incarnation.
7. An infamous and oft-cited throwing-down of the country music gauntlet that found its performers decrying the decimation of traditional influence in modern mainstream country music. Sample lyric: “they thought no one would miss it once it was dead and gone / they said no one would buy them old drinkin’ and cheatin’ songs.” Decade: 2000′s.
ANSWER: “Murder on Music Row,” most famously rendered by George Strait and Alan Jackson.
8. A strong feminist statement by an artist who made a good number of them (and if that’s not a giveaway, I don’t know what is). The topic at hand here is birth control, a matter which was hotly debated at the time of this song’s release. Some great lyrics: “This old maternity dress I’ve got is goin’ in the garbage / The clothes I’m wearin’ from now on won’t take up so much yardage!” Decade: 1970′s.
ANSWER: “The Pill,” by Loretta Lynn. Speaks for itself, pretty much.
(Can’t find a good clip for this one. Check it out on Amazon, I guess?)
9. The relatively rare classic country song which instills a sense of gentle optimism. It has an Eaglesy beat that fits the driving theme of the record about a trucker dude named Charlie heading back to his lady for the last time -- because he’s retiring, and he won’t have to be away any longer. Awww. Decade: 1980′s.
ANSWER: “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” by Kathy Mattea.
10. And if you’re feeling discouraged, here’s your big freebie of the night: a brassy revenge fantasy song about a gal doing some serious vandalism to her cheating boyfriend’s wheels. Decade: 2000′s.
ANSWER: “Before He Cheats,” by Carrie Underwood. Yup.
Not allowed to embed this one, but hey, here ya go.
Category: Country Quizzin', Discussion
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Ok, maybe I’ll do better now?
1 I don’t know…
2 “Drive” by Alan Jackson
3 Don’t know
4 Don’t know
5 …
6…
7 “Murder On Music Row” by Alan Jackson and… George Strait?
8 Ok, it’s by Loretta Lynn… is it “The Pill”?
9 “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea. Good song.
10 “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
Well I got 50%. I guess that’s ok…
2. Alan Jackson – “Drive”
5. Charlie Louvin – “When I Stop Dreaming” Aside: My dad loves this song. It’s the only way I’d recognize this song, hahahaha.
7. George Strait ft. Alan Jackson – “Murder on Music Row”
8. Loretta Lynn? (She’s the feminist, right?)
10. Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”
As my prize, may I take #10 out on a date? If only…
Hahaha.
1. Back In The Saddle – and I think Gene Autry sang it.
2. Drive – Alan Jackson
3. ??? (I have no idea of the song title) – but the lyrics make me think of George Jones for some reason.
4. The Fear of Being Alone – Reba
5. When I Stop Dreaming – not sure of the artist, but I am guessing the Louvin Brothers
6. I should know this … but I haven’t the slightest …
7. Murder On Music Row – George Strait & Alan Jackson
8. The Pill – Loretta Lynn
9. 18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses – Kathy Mattea
10. Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
Ummmm, well I have no idea about most of them, but…
2. Alan Jackson – Drive
10. Carrie Underwood – Before He Cheats
1. Back in the Saddle Again -Gene Autry
2. Drive – Alan Jackson
3. Galveston -Glen Campbell
4. I’ll kick myself when I see this one
5. No clue
6. Love Hurts- Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris
7. Murder on Music Row -Alan Jackson/George Strait
8. The Pill -Loretta Lynn
9. I’m pretty sure its Alabama, can’t remember the title though
10. Before He Cheats- Carrie Underwood
1. Gene Autry – Back in the Saddle
2. Alan Jackson – Drive (For Daddy Gene)
3. George Jones – The Door
4. Ugh. Something by Trisha Yearwood?
5. Louvin Brothers – When I Stop Dreaming
6. It’s Gram and Emmylou, but beyond that I got nothing.
7. Alan Jackson and George Strait – Murder on Music Row
8. Loretta Lynn – The Pill
9. If it’s Eaglesy ’80s music, consider me blissfully ignorant.
10. Carrie Underwood – Before He Cheats
I see that CMW isn’t hiding out this time eh
well, now that I’ve gotten all the tough talk out of the way, let’s see how I do
1. Singing Cowboy huh, well Will Rodgers comes to mind, but I don’t think he was actually a “singing cowboy”, I think Gene and Roy are too obvious, so I’ll guess Tex Ritter.
2. Drive by Alan Jackson, right?
3. The Door by George Jones, or maybe “the closing of the door” but yeah, I know the song. and way more awesome than “Drive” too
4. no idea
5. “If I stop dreaming” by the Louvin Brothers. Also, the song that helped them “crossover” from releasing strictly sacred material.
6. Love Hurts, the best version of which is the Gram/Emmylou duet from the live record. crushing song. The Everly’s do a good job of it too.
7. Murder on Music Row? which is, by the way, something of a savage hypocrisy in context.
8. The Pill by Loretta Lynn
9. hmmm….80′s trucker song with an Eagles feeling about comin’ home to stay. I don’t know.
10. freebie courtesy of Carrie Underwood! Before He Cheats!
again, very fun.
1 Gene Autry
2 Alan Jackson, Drive
3
4 Trisha Yearwood, Like we never had a broken heart
5
6
7
8 Loretta Lynn, The Pill
9 Jerry Reed, East Bound
10 Carrie Underwood, Cheating
I suck
Well I didn’t get to play last week but I’ll give it a go this week.
1. Gene Autry “Back In The Saddle” (I hope I’m right on this but I’m pretty sure)
2. Alan Jackson “Drive” (this one was easy, almost a freebie here)
3. (I Honestly have no clue, I feel I should though)
4. Shania Twain “If You’re Not In It For Love” (I may be wrong with this one but it’s the first thing that came to mind)
5. The Louvin Brothers “When I Stop Dreaming” (I’m glad I visited my grandfather today!)
6. (I cheated on this one just had to see cause it was bugging me)
7. Alan Jackson & George Strait “Murder On Music Row”
8. Loretta Lynn “THe Pill”
9. (Can’t Figure this one out, nothings coming to mind)
10. Carrie Underwood “Before He Cheats”
1. “Back In The Saddle Again” – Gene Autry
2. “Drive” – Alan Jackson
3. “The Door” – George Jones
4.
5.
6. “?” – Emmylou Harris & Gram Parsons
7. “Murder on Music Row” – Alan Jackson & George Strait
8. “The Pill” – Loretta Lynn
9. The 80′s are classic now? Ouch.
10. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
1 Back in the Saddle Again – Gene Autry
2 Drive – Alan Jackson
3
4
5
6
7 Murder On Music Row – George Strait and Alan Jackson
8 The Pill – Loretta Lynn
9
10 Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
Dang! I need to brush up on some of these songs! I totally sucked this week!
1. (Oh man, I can’t even think what this is but I’m sure it’s obvious) Gene Autry?
2. “Drive” – Alan Jackson
3. “The Door” – George Jones? … I’m not too familiar with that one, but it just seemed Jonesy.
4. Can’t think of it.
5. Nope.
6. For some reason, lyrics just aren’t helping me tonight lol. Kenny Rogers and Dolly? :-/
7. Easy… “Murder On Music Row” – George Strait & Alan Jackson (with Lee Ann Womack hehe). My favorite duet.
8. Loretta Lynn?
9. “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses”? – Kathy Mattea
10. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood, I’m betting.
ok here’s my answers
1. Back in the saddle again–gene autry
2. Drive–alan jackson
4. Slight guess: “The fear of being alone”–Reba
7. Guess: Murder on Music Row–George Strait and Alan jackson
8. Guess: The Pill–Loretta Lynn
9. Eighteen wheels and a Dozen Roses–Kathy Mattea
10. Before he Cheats–Carrie underwood
1. Something of a theme song for country music’s first singing cowboy star. “Whoopi-ty-aye-oh / Rockin’ to and fro.” Decade: 1930’s.
2. A touching ode to this artist’s father which focuses on the gesture of (literally) letting one’s child take the wheel, albeit with gentle guidance. Key lyric: “I can’t replace the way it made me feel.” – ALAN JACKSON – “DRIVE”
3. A big number that finds its narrator realizing that even the horrors of war were nothing compared to the “one sound in the world [his] heart can’t stand” which his woman made on her way out of his life (and, hint, his house). Decade: 1970’s.
4. About as sharp as bubbly pop-country gets, this one finds its singer urging a newer male companion of hers not to throw around the word “love” pre-emptively, suspecting that his feelings have more to do with codependency than real affection. REBA MCENTIRE – “THE FEAR OF BEING ALONE”
5. The character addressed in this song has left for someone new, but her memory has an iron grip on the singer anyway: “You may take a pebble and teach it to grow / You can teach all the raindrops to return to the clouds / But you can’t teach my heart to forget.” Hint: it was a same-gender duo that originally did it, and it’s been covered a lot since. Decade: 1950’s.
6. A Felice Bryant/Boudleaux Bryant classic that never made a huge mark as a country single, but is decently well known as one of the better duets by a male/female partnership whose members are both noted for bridging the gaps between the country, folk and rock communities. It’s pretty straightforward in its bruised cynicism toward love: “I’ve really learned a lot, really learned a lot / Love is like a stove; burns you when it’s hot.” “LOVE HURTS”
7. An infamous and oft-cited throwing-down of the country music gauntlet that found its performers decrying the decimation of traditional influence in modern mainstream country music. Sample lyric: “they thought no one would miss it once it was dead and gone / they said no one would buy them old drinkin’ and cheatin’ songs.” GEORGE STRAIT/ALAN JACKSON – “MURDER ON MUSIC ROW”
8. A strong feminist statement by an artist who made a good number of them (and if that’s not a giveaway, I don’t know what is). The topic at hand here is birth control, a matter which was hotly debated at the time of this song’s release. Some great lyrics: “This old maternity dress I’ve got is goin’ in the garbage / The clothes I’m wearin’ from now on won’t take up so much yardage!” LORETTA LYNN – “THE PILL”
9. The relatively rare classic country song which instills a sense of gentle optimism. It has an Eaglesy beat that fits the driving theme of the record about a trucker dude named Charlie heading back to his lady for the last time – because he’s retiring, and he won’t have to be away any longer. Awww. KATHY MATTEA – “EIGHTEEN WHEELS & A DOZEN ROSES”
10. And if you’re feeling discouraged, here’s your big freebie of the night: a brassy revenge fantasy song about a gal doing some serious vandalism to her cheating boyfriend’s wheels. CARRIE UNDERWOOD – “BEFORE HE CHEATS”
[...] Take Dan Milliken’s second country quiz at Country Universe. Good stuff. [...]
1. Back in the Saddle Again, Gene Autry
2. Drive, Alan Jackson
3. Don’t know this one
4. The Fear of Being Alone, Reba McEntire
5. Don’t know this one
6. Love Hurts, Emmylou Harris & Gram Parsons
7. Murder on Music Row, Alan Jackson & George Strait
8. The Pill, Loretta Lynn
9. 18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses, Kathy Mattea
10. 10. Before He Cheats, Carrie Underwood
1. Back in the Saddle Again
2. Drive
3. The Door
4. ?
5. When I Stop Dreaming
6. Love Hurts
7. Murder on Music Rowe
8. The Pill
9. 18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses
10. Before He Cheats
Gavin, could you comment again with the names of the artists who performed the songs real quick? I’d hazard a guess that you know them, but just to be fair to everyone else.
1. ?
2. Drive (For Daddy Gene) by Alan Jackson
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?
6. ?
7. Murder on Music Row by Alan Jackson and George Jones
8. someting by Dolly Parton
9. ?
10. Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
1. Back in the Saddle, Roy Rogers
2. Drive, Alan Jackson
3. The Door, George Jones
4. Fear of Being Alone, Reba McEntire
5. don’t know :(
6. Love Hurts, Everly Brothers
7. Murder on Music Row, George Strait & Alan Jackson
8. The Pill, Loretta Lynn
9. 18 Wheels & a Dozen Roses, Kathy Mattea
10. Before He Cheats, Carrie Underwood
This is harder than the last one.
1.Home On The Range, Roy Rogers?
2. The lyric doesn’t ring a bell; the theme rings far too many. Alan Jackson, Drive?
3. I know I know this, I just can’t think of it.
4. Not sure.
5. I REALLY know I know it… Something by the Louvin Brothers?
6. Love Hurts, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris
7. Murder On Music Row, I have versions both by George Strait and by one of the writers, Larry Cordle
8. The Pill, Loretta Lynn
9. 18 Wheels And A Dozen Roses, Kathy Mattea
10. Before He Cheats, Carrie Underwood
Hopelessly bad, today.
1 back in the saddle again- gene autry
2 when daddy let me drive alan jackson
3 the door- geroge jones
4 don’t call it love- dolly parton
5 when i stop dreaming- louvin brothers, emmylou harris
6 love hurts- everly bros, emmylou harris, nazareth
7 murder on music row- alan jackson and george strait
8 the pill- Loretta Lynn
9 Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses- Kathy Mattea
10 before he cheats carrie underwood
This was fun, but why’d you stop at 8 on the winner list? I say go down to 7.5. No particular reason.
Fine! I only would have gotten six of these right.
4.5 (I consider knowing it was Loretta as .5). I fail, hahaha.
[Insert fun motivational phrase about how the only way you can really fail is by not learning anything new here]
Dan, I was away from my computer longer than I anticipated and didn’t get your message in time but in my defense you wrote, “This week, you’re identifying classic songs, where “classic” can mean any combination of historically important, extremely popular at radio or retail, or just darn worth remembering.” I guess it could have been implied but since the phrase “classic songs” was in bold type I figured all you wanted was the title of the song. I would have guessed it was Reba on question #4 but I couldn’t remember the name of the song so I left it blank.
Sorry for the misunderstanding, Gavin. I’ll take your word for it and add you to the #1 slot, because I certainly believe you knew the information since you did as well as you did. No harm, no foul. But just so you know, the instructions in italics right before the questions do say “For each question, you must name both the song and at least one artist who recorded it to receive full points.”
You know I was in such a hurry to answer the questions that I blew right past those instructions and even though I appreciate you taking my word on this it is abundantly clear I screwed up. With that being said, your previous ranking was correct after all. Congratulations Partridge!
Dude, no worries. You guys aren’t even competing for anything this month except arbitrary bragging rights. :)
Next month, though…
Okay, I would have only got two right…
FAIL!