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My uncle was a bluegrass fan long ago. I remember listening to artists like Flatt & Scruggs and Leo Kotke when I visited him. I kind of remember liking the music, fwiw.

God help me, I'm pulling a nfh in order to get traffic
 

But do they look evil?

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Not exactly bluegrass, but some bluegrass elements: I've been recently revisiting old (and new) Loretta Lynn. She tends to make me feel positive.

God help me, I'm pulling a nfh in order to get traffic
 

No, they look fabulous at the moment, but since I'm cutting the kid off, I'm not sure what they will look like in the near future. :eek:

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Yonder Mountain String Band is a lot of fun. Live, they combine bluegrass with meandering, Dead-like jams, and they attract a similar following. No need to bring your own weed to their shows, there will be plenty in the air.

Though "mainstream bluegrass," Ricky Skaggs felt strongly enough about pursuing the music that he walked away from his label when they wanted him to do only mainstream country. His band is incredible, probably the best lineup in bluegrass. His version of "Pig in a Pen" is amazing. If you don't mind the occasional conservative christian sentiment, check it out.

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By new Loretta Lynn, are you referring to Van Lear Rose? Amazing album, it's been in permanent rotation in my car stereo for a few months now.

Obviously I second the Loretta Lynn recommendation. I don't know if it qualifies as bluegrass but listening to her music always makes me feel better about whatever crap I'm dealing with at the moment.

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If you have the time and inclination, see if you can find this book:

http://fiddlingwithwords.com/bgbook.htm

It's very good.

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hmm. I like Loretta a lot, but was actually kind of underwhelmed by Van Lear Rose. What am I missing? I mean I liked it, but don't totally get the effusive praise that's been heaped on it. Maybe it is because I am not that big on the White Stripes or something.

Thanks, everyone for the suggestions.

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Hmm, is it ironic that I love Van Lear Rose but hate the White Stripes? Did the White Stripes have something to do with that album? I don't research my music, I just buy stuff that I've heard or that looks interesting.

I will give you no more recommendations since we seem to hate the same stuff but not like the same stuff.

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You must have snagged one of maybe four copies of that cd that did not have "Produced by Jack White of the White Stripes" stickered on the cover. I agree that it is a great cd. Gwink should give it another listen.

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Perhaps it is ironical, like this IT guy here once said to me. He also said that my computer was "problematical", so he has quite the way with words ending with the letter "c".

Jack White produced Van Lear Rose and sings on it - so that is the White Stripes connection.

And if you have more recs, I would welcome them.

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Jack White produced and played the guitar on Van Lear Rose. I think he's on backup vocals a few places too. I like it a lot, but I was thinking of older Loretta Lynn when I was making my suggestion. Stuff like Don't Come Home Drinkin' and Fist City and The Pill. But then, I always play Janis when I wanna feel more positive, so my bias is coming out here and there's very little connection to bluegrass.

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Hmmm. I always listen to Hall & Oates when I want to feel superior.

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I always listen to people who listen to Hall & Oates when I want to feel superior.

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I usually come here.