Well actualy their is still a distinct difference.

ALthough in todays parlance country-western, and country are often used interchangably there is a distinct difference.

Western lyrics tend to be well about the west which isnt so unique. however the music itself tends to be done in a more folksy style. One example I can think of as purely western is Ian Tyson. Many western songs are traditional cowboy songs. Such as strawbery roan, or nightriders lament. Michael martin Murphy comes to mind as a wester singer, and cetainly Chris ledoux fits the western pigeon whole closer than anything else.

I do think that most of the distinction traditionaly comes from the subject material rather than the style though. its a prety suble differense. But with todays nashville country, when someone says western they are most asuradly refering to music that is closer to its folk roots than what is most popular on the radio.

JB