Authors Count Heartaches in New "List Book"

Every musical genre has untouchable traditions and stubborn purists, but perhaps Country lovers are the most emotional. That didn't deter two authors from suggesting a "rethinking" of the canon of great country songs. Their book of "Country Music's 500 Greatest Singles" is sure to have some folks dusting off their shotguns.

David Cantwell and Bill Friskics-Warren took on the thankless task of compiling a "greatest" list in their recent book, "Heartaches by the Number." Nothing tends to paint a bigger target on a writer's back than anointing some works "great" and, inevitably, snubbing others.

This book may be an especially fearless take on this task. The Oxford American reports that the authors approached their project with fresh ears.

Perhaps too fresh, with "plenty [of their choices being] quirky to the point of being downright contrary." For example, legendary songwriter Merle Haggard's first appearance is as a singer of someone else's song, the saccharine "Caroline." Elvis has eight songs on the list, with Hank Williams only nine -- out of 500. (Hear those spinning sounds coming from the old burying grounds?) Shania Twain appears to outrank Dolly Parton. Also on the list are Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City," Tony Bennett's "Cold, Cold Heart," and Juice Newton's "Queen of Hearts." Not to mention Aussie Olivia Newton-John, their satanic majesties The Rolling Stones, swamp rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival, and even a few jazz players.

Perhaps, like many authors, their purpose is to provoke new thinking, in which case they can count the book as a success. From their new lives in the Federal Witness Protection Program.

Visit the Oxford American [see also our July, 2003 Vibrations article about this unique magazine's recent closing]

Examine the book at Amazon.com and at its publisher's site, the Vanderbilt University Press

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame