A question for the universe

So I've found that the best music for me to listen to when I'm writing is dramatic, symphonic, instrumental-type stuff. Kinda soundtracky, but not usually so heavily orchestrated, 'cause the Wall of Strings effect gives me hives. Stuff like Explosions in the Sky, Thee Silver Mt Zion, Godspeed you black emperor, Danny Elfman, Mogwai, Tortoise.

And I'm also on kind of a classic country kick. Merle Haggard, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Marty Robbins. And of course Miss Dolly Parton and Miss Loretta Lynn. (Don't come home a-drinkin' with lovin' on your mind, unless I was out a-drinkin' with you, in which case I've probably already got lovin' on my mind too.)

So what else is out there that I should be listening to? Ideas are welcome, but I must warn you that if you suggest Carrie Underwood, I will be forced to hunt you down and cut off your ears. 'Cause you obviously weren't using them anyway.

Comments

[Ashley]

I'm lame and never comment, although I love your blog. I actually am having a rare leisurely Sunday morning so I thought I could throw some bands at you. You might like Robert Rich, Steve Roach, Pan America, Arvo Part, Future Sound of London, Fredrik Thordendal, for starters. If these appeal to you I can list off some others.

[Helena]

The first thing I thought of was the "Non Nobis, Domine" piece from Henry V, but perhaps that doesn't really fit.

[sam]

BR549-not classic but definitely more of an older hillbilly music sound

Hank Williams both one and three but the middle Hank can suck it imo. Watch out for III's metal stuff though. Not nearly as good.

Trent Sumnar and The New Row Mob-again, not classic, but it's fun.

Dwight Yoakam-more not old and/or classic, but he's awesome

Emmylou Harris-if for no other reason than her voice which is so pretty you almost want to cry

Buck Owens-you may already be listening to this guy, certainly falls into the classic category. More than anything what I love is the guitar playing by Don Rich.

[Magpie Ima]

My ability to handle country is quite limited. I think it's the Jew in me but whatever. I do love Patsy Cline but otherwise I've pretty much blocked out everything country-ish from my musical life except The Be Good Tanyas who I adore.

[Herm]

Waylon Jennings!!! Also John Prine and Tammy Wynette (from opposite ends of the country spectrum).