Quote:
Originally Posted by RussL30
As far as Sturgill and Isbell, their older stuff is great. Their newer stuff has moved to sounds that have gotten away from that and a lot of their stuff has become too political and whining.
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I don't know the specific songs you are reference, but I suspect that they are trying to follow in the footsteps of Guthrie, Dylan and Springsteen in reflecting more liberal sentiments and trying to be a voice "for the people". It's a big part of the American Folk Singer-Songwriter tradition. If your views are on the other side of the fence and you like them otherwise, I guess it can be annoying.
Choosing to go there as a Songwriter is going to divide the audience, when I was younger I was drawn to artist who had something political to say but these days I'm leaning more in line with you in that I think it can become pretentious really quick. Even if I agree with this perspective. It takes a very skilled writer to understand this and to tread the line. I think it's best achieved when the Songwriter doesn't preach in their lyrics but instead tells stories through their songs from the perspective of someone who might be feeling held down by the system. Make me feel the impact of whatever your protest is and then I can appreciate it. Springsteen often crosses the line in public statements, but as a songwriter he's a a master at this approach. I think he does it tactfully as the master craftsman that he is. I think Isbell has done it successful a few times as well, Dress Blues is a good example.