I live in Nashville and have for the last 26 years. Lemme tellya about Nashville.

First off, it really is a pretty cool place. But like any other growing city, it has its flaws. The People in Charge would rather spend money on professional sports than the symphony (which we almost lost) or historical preservation. Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we have pro sports in Nashville now. BUT all those other things are important too. It isn't just pro sports that makes a city.

Then there's the road construction. Don't even get me started there. That's more of a state thing, though, rather than a city one.

But the music....... omgawawd, the music. Music City? Yeah, right, and my name's Mother Hubbard. If you actually come to town, and go see some live acts, you might actually see some really, really fine talent. But what happens is, most of these really, really fine people never get a big break. It's too bad. Over the years there have been some great non-country acts in Nashville, but they withered and died.

As for the country acts, well, there's so damn many of them, and the labels have to compete with each other, so what you end up with is an Awful Lot of Mindless Drivel on the Radio. And it's really too bad.

The old-timers know this, and will tell you outright. I heard an interview with Tom T. Hall once, and he said, Don't write for the market. It's obvious when you write for the market. Write for yourself. If anyone should know, it's him.

I have heard Ray Price, and the late Chet Atkins say the same thing - the acts today are created for the market, and not for the music, and they all sound alike.

And Dolly... well, sure, back in the 70s, Dolly was part of the Countrypolitan movement. Total crap. But y'all, Dolly's been in the music business for nearly 40 years, and Still Going! How many others can you say that about? And yes, her bluegrass stuff of late has been very, very good. Anyone see her on Austin City Limits with Nickel Creek a few months back?

Her show here in Nashville for next month sold out in 2 hours.

Gimme Dolly over the Dixie Chicks any day.