steve-o, I agree with you about those artists that you mentioned. In fact, I hold Lyle Lovett as today's highest ambassador as country music as art.

Next is Marty Stuart.

But what is on today's radio as country music overall is pop music with a cowboy hat. However, there are glimmers of hope periodically. Hank Wiiliams III for example. Some of today's artists have songs recorded for the radio, but in performance, they will also show you how tradtional they can be.