I was listening to a bluegrass show on a local college station, and the host said that "Close by" was the only cut on the record he would ever play. The implication was that the rest wasn't acceptable,for what reason he did not say. It'a always a shame when new stuff gets shunted aside without a statement of legitimate criticism. Even "I don't like it", the mantra of the crusty old coot is better than a shrug and dismissal. All of the artists mentioned may have careers in popular music (even country!), but that doesn't mean they haven't paid some dues or that they don't have roots that provide insight into this music, too.

Criticism of the new stuff? I don't like it!
signed,

Bart the Coot