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He might like "The Pine Valley Cosmonauts Salute The Majesty Of Bob Wills" from Bloodshot Records.

""Somewhere beyond the pearly gates, Bob Wills is stretched out in a rocking chair, a cigar in his left hand, a glass of Jack Daniel's in the other, tapping his foot and grinnin' from ear to ear. With all the crap on the airwaves that tries to pass itself as country music these days, this new recording is blessed relief...19 songs all told, each executed with the wild abandon and excellent musicianship that characterized Wills and the Playboys." - David Bennett, San Antonio Current"

It should be fairly simple for most people to boycott the recording industry, if you really want to, because so much good music is out right now, right in front of you, on independent music labels. These labels are barely holding their financial heads above the water, so I would certainly say that they could use your/our support much more than the big 5 ever could.

Let's start with someone you may have heard of: Slobberbone. These guys tour constantly (they were just in my town Wednesday night for the 6th or 7th time in about 2 years). Though no recording can really do their live shows justice, they manage to cram more of their immense musical talent into each subsequent album they produce. They are really an amazing rock band, and you should definitely listen to them or go see them.

How about another example? Here you go: Kirk Rundstrom: Blue China (review) - Kirk Rundstrom, lead singer/songwriter/guitarist of the bizarre bluegrass band "Split Lip Rayfield" is out on his own now, and the albums he's putting out these days are completely insanely good. Seriously. I won't do him as much justice as the review I've linked here, but I will tell you that what this guy does with rock and bluegrass is completely different than anything else that has ever been recorded. His new album manages to sound entirely different even from his own usual style, which in my opinion shows a growth sadly missing in nearly all of the RIAA's "artists".

Don't forget to visit this site as well: Bloodshot Records - Maybe you missed the whole alt-country genre when the recording industry thought it was going to be the next big thing and signed a whole bunch of bands like the Old 97's, Ryan Adams, Uncle Tupelo/Wilco/Son Volt, and so forth. This style of music (called "insurgent country" by Bloodshot) has already passed through a brief, sort of popular phase, and back into relative obscurity. There are A LOT of really talented bands on Bloodshot that never got a big break, but blow away anything the RIAA has ever managed to put onto an album. I suggest you check out some of these people, like Neko Case, Split Lip Rayfield, The Sadies, Alejandro Escovedo, The Blacks, and anyone else who sounds interesting there. Prepare to have your musical knowledge broadened.

If you're ever around my area (Lincoln, NE), we have some really good local bands as well. It would do you some good if you're from around here to check out some of the shows. Besides the local talent, nearly everyone I mentioned above has been through here quite recently. If they're in a little town like Lincoln, chances are you can see them in your town as well.

For everyone complaining about the current crappy state of music (and I happen to agree with you completely), you have got to check out:

Bloodshot Records

I have not seen another record label with anywhere near as many great artists all recording under one roof. Alejandro Escovedo, Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams, the Old 97's (actually, they've moved on now), Split Lip Rayfield, the list goes on and on.... If you haven't heard of these bands, you are missing out! And I think their CD's are fairly cheap if you order direct. Go there and learn where the innovation is at.

Hm. Not sure about that.

Neko Case, a critically acclaimed alt-country artist recently released a CD called 'Canadian Amp'. It was recorded in her kitchen. The CD is for sale only through the Bloodshot Records website, or at her concerts.

In the liner notes is this message:

PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAWS. NOT INTENDED FOR MP3 INTERNET DOWNLOADING OR REPRODUCTION OF ANY KIND. THIS IS WHAT WE DO FOR A LIVING. WE HAVE KIDS, BILLS, AND RENT TOO. THANK YOU.

So it would seem that Neko doesn't think MP3 distribution is a good way to make a living.

plus they could still make money by airplay.

Most artists, the vast majority of them, don't get any airplay at all. Neko Case will probably never get on commercial country radio.

Links: bloodshot

Neko Case

I challenge anyone to take a listen to some classic country and not enjoyment. Take a trip to your local library (the original music sharing service) and try starting with two of the biggies:

• Johnny Cash: The Sun Years or At Folsom Prison
• Willie Nelson: Redheaded Stranger or Phases & Stages

Want something more current, but not the country crossover pop pap? Try Neko Case's Furnace Room Lullaby or some Robbie Fulks. Hell, most anything on the Bloodshot label is a place to start.

As for Charley, he's especially key to country music as one of the first black performers in a very white-dominated genre.
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Lot's of good ska out there. Slackers, King Chango, Hepcat, DHC, NY Ska-Jazz Ensemble...

There is tons of good stuff being made today in many genres (I've been into insurgent country lately. Check out Bloodshot Records), not that you can tell by listening to the radio or watching MTV.