So, I'm getting into country music. Really enjoying it after flirting with it via alt.country for years now....

I have limited funds. Both albums are the same price at my local store. Which one should I buy? "Hag" by Merle Haggard, which is a greatest hits collection, or "Horse of a Different Color" by Big & Rich. Both albums were on a list by Entertainment Weekly which suggested country albums for those who don't like country (and some posters on a country music website agreed it was a good list).

On one hand, I like "Okie from Muskogee", but I also really kinda admire Big & Rich's idea of country music without prejudice and his incorporation of hip hop and arena rock influences.

I think I know how this poll might go, but if you have an opinion, let me know.


Hag, Merle Haggard: http://www.amazon.com/Hag-Best-Merle...4413824&sr=8-2

Big & Rich: http://www.amazon.com/Horse-Differen...4413992&sr=1-1

I think you'll *enjoy* B&R more. Merle is obviously the better artist.

Since one of them have a song with the stupid-ass title "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy," I have to vote for the other one.

What next, The Rolling Stones vs. Good Charlotte?

Merle.

Merle. If you're getting into Country Music, get into Country Music. Taking the other road will have you listening to Keith Urban and Jo Dee Messina all too quickly!

Merle Haggard is a legend. 'nuff said.

Hell, if it were Tiny Tim versus Big & Rich, I'd have to go for Tiny Tim.

I'd buy Hag for sure. I'd actually save up my money and buy the 100 song Down Every Road box set.

Modern Country music doesn't get much better than Merle Haggard.

I'm not sure any of you really read what HE was looking for. B&R fits the bill perfectly.

All I know is that Haggard has recorded some of the best Country music produced during the last half-century, and B&R is a silly novelty act that few people will even remember in five years.

He's looking for the audio equivalent of a turd?

To the OP, have you ever considered joining the BMG Music Club, or Yourmusic.com? There are some excellent Haggard two-fers to be found.

Big and Rich is to country as Limp Bizkit is to rock.

Merle all the way. His vintage stuff just can't be touched. The "Down Every Road" boxed set is pure gold. Of course there's a thousand greatest hits CDs as well. You might find short term entertainment out of B & R but the quantity & quality of Merle's early material (pre 1980s) just cant be touched.

go with merle definatley. merle is a legend, big and rich are future "where are they now" specials.