The great country music songwriter Harlan Howard described this genre of music as “three chords and the truth.”

There is certainly something polarising about country music.   You either love it or loathe it.

I confess to being a fan particularly when you are driving anywhere.  It’s just great to stick the iPod onto a bit of Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton or the Eagles.

In my other life I work on the Breeze radio station, hosting afternoon’s right around the country.   On Sunday nights I sneak into the Breeze and play country music and really enjoy it.   Listen in some time.

Country99TV is also embracing the world of country music.    I remember in its first days a lot of people thought the Country Channel played country music.    Not then, but as it happens we do now play some country music shows.

Every Saturday and Sunday night on Country99TV we feature the Marty Stuart Show and then some nostalgia with the Wilburn Brothers Show from the ‘60’s.    Ok it’s slightly corny but is great fun and probably the only country music you’ll get on NZ television.

It’s a funny thing really because there is a big audience for this style of music around this great farming land of ours.   Just look at how successful The Gore Gold Guitar Awards are.   And who can forget the local country show on telly in the ‘70’s.     “That’s Country” that was a hit with Brendan Dugan and Patsy Riggir and a cast of thousands.

(insert fake American country accent a la Jed Clampett from the Beverley Hillbillies)

So if yer messin’ for a little upliftin’ music tune into Country99TV Saturday or Sunday night and if yer lucky you might just hear some great country standards like the following.

These are my favourite country song titles with that special magic  -  “three chords and the truth” indeed!

#1       “You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” (My favorite)

#2       “I Fell for Her, She Fell for Him, and He Fell for Me”

#3        “Drop Kick Me Jesus Through The Goal Posts Of Life.”

#4        “How Can I Miss You, If You Won't Go Away?”

#5        “Can't Get Over You, So Why Don't You Get Under Me?”

#6        “Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling”

#7        “Got In At 2 With a 10, And Woke Up At 10 With a 2.”

#8        “I'm So miserable Without You, It's Like Having You Here”

#9         “My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, and I Sure Do Miss Him”

#10       “She Got The Ring and I Got The Finger “