Do Americans love to sing about themselves/their state?

[PKTrekGirl]

You know who used to write a ton of songs about the places he lived?

Dan Fogelberg.

He was from Illinois originally, and a song entitled Illinois was one of his first hits back in the mid 1970's.

He lived in Colorado for a long time, and he wrote a ton of songs about that too. And finally, he had a home in Maine as well (it once was his vacation home, but he actually chose to die there rather than in Colorado so I assume he became extremely attached to that state) and he wrote about Maine quite a bit - even one song called "The Reach" which was about the life of commercial fisherman in Maine.

 

[Thrall]

It's called representing. And everyone does it.

And btw, Shipping Off To Boston is originally a Woody Guthrie song.

 

[CorporalClegg]

^ Who sings that?

Also, the poll should have given the option of choosing the Beach Boys' version of "California Dreamin'" 'cuz I vastly prefer it to the Mamas/Papas version (not only are the Beach Boys much better singers, their instrumentation was actually in tune ). It's definitely my favorite California song.

 

[TGTheodore]

"Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver. Really evokes the wonder and beauty of one of the two states I've lived in.

--Ted

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Also, the poll should have given the option of choosing the Beach Boys' version of "California Dreamin'" 'cuz I vastly prefer it to the Mamas/Papas version (not only are the Beach Boys much better singers, their instrumentation was actually in tune ). It's definitely my favorite California song.

Explain please, the ""?

 

[Argus Skyhawk]

But I think it's that way in most countries. Japan is really the only non-English speaking country with it's own diverse, well-established pop-music culture and is now number two in size behind the United States.

Actually there is a ton of Spanish-language pop music from Spain and Latin America, that can be heard all over the radio here in southern California.

 

[Argus Skyhawk]

Also, the poll should have given the option of choosing the Beach Boys' version of "California Dreamin'" 'cuz I vastly prefer it to the Mamas/Papas version (not only are the Beach Boys much better singers, their instrumentation was actually in tune ). It's definitely my favorite California song.

I find that quite astounding. I haven't heard the Beach Boys version, but the Mamas and the Papas version is one of my all-time favorite songs. The singing and instrumentation sound perfect to me.

 

[auntiehill]

Also missing from the list is Chris Rea's "Texas."

It still gets played on the radio here, and is a pretty good song on its own merits. Even if I don't like living in Texas, I still like that song.

 

[Squiggy]

There are about 400 songs about California alone...

All by The Red Hot Chill Peppers.

 

[nevermore]

^ Who sings that?

Randy Newman. Covered by Nina Simone, which is the better version IMO.

 

[FordSVT]

"Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver. Really evokes the wonder and beauty of one of the two states I've lived in.

--Ted

Kind of evokes "getting high" too.

 

[Newt]

This thread reminds me of this old Bit Of Fry And Laurie sketch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4tDP-yMwXI

God bless Hugh Laurie.

 

[auntiehill]

^ Who sings that?

Randy Newman. Covered by Nina Simone, which is the better version IMO.

I adore Randy Newman's "I Love L.A." It's appropriately sly and cheesy, all at the same time. It came out when I was in college in So. Cal, so I have very fond memories associated with it.

I Love L.A.

 

[sidious618]

^ Who sings that?

Also, the poll should have given the option of choosing the Beach Boys' version of "California Dreamin'" 'cuz I vastly prefer it to the Mamas/Papas version (not only are the Beach Boys much better singers, their instrumentation was actually in tune ). It's definitely my favorite California song.

Blasphemy!

 

[Orintho]

Sweet home Alabama, Kid Rock

 

[Mr. Adventure]

I've been listening to The Essential Clash CD's lately.

London's Burning
London Calling
The Guns of Brixton
This is England
(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais
English Civil War
Safe European Home
not to mention
I'm So Bored With The USA

And that's just one band, so it's not just us.

 

[Squiggy]

Sweet home Alabama, Kid Rock

I just died a little.