Over the weekend I added three more country artists to my concert list, which is the “treat” I had planned for myself that I mentioned. While I will save my actual “review” of the show for last.fm, it got me to thinking about some of the acts I have seen over the past few years and those I would like to see again or even for the first time.

If my memory serves, the first non-classical concert I ever attended (aside from no-name bands playing at my high school and the like) was a country act. It was Roy Clark at the Oklahoma State Fair, and I ended up having to quit my crappy waitress job so I could go with my family as planned. Well, that restaurant isn’t even there anymore, so I think I made the better choice. But I digress. Otherwise, it’s been more recent experience and more current artists.

These are the ones I’ve seen and would see again.

• Trace Adkins – the freaking Angel of Death!
• Little Big Town – great harmonies and camaraderie
• Martina McBride – so tiny but such a big voice
• Montgomery Gentry – liked them even more than I expected to
• Keith Urban – yummy!
• Phil Vassar – I expected to be impressed and I was
• Lee Ann Womack – another powerful voice

These are the ones I’ve seen and don’t care one way or the other.

• Rodney Atkins – seems likeable enough but nothing special to me
• Alan Jackson – sue me! I was disappointed
• James Otto – also nothing exceptional there

These are the ones I want to see. (There are more I would not turn down an opportunity to see, but these are the ones that merit particular effort.)

• Garth Brooks – THE MAN
• Neko Case – gotta throw in some of the alt
• Locash Cowboys – I know someone who’s connected with them
• Brad Paisley – hilarious novelty songs and sweet songs that will make you bawl
• Rascal Flatts – Gary’s voice is sweet as honey
• Trisha Yearwood – with or without her hubby

Okay, now myspouse can come home any time, so we can go eat dinner and watch football. I'm taking along a big fat book too!