Hi all.

I'm a big fan of country music but want to broaden my knowledge.

Anyone got some ideas of songs and artists that I could download.

Already know about the likes of Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Ladty Antebellum, Sugarland, Josh Turner etc.

Any ideas greatly recieved.

Taylor Swift is the only country artist I know. You probably have heard of her, but if not then I recommend you check her out, although I guess she's more aimed at teenagers than anyone else....

Should have said - I hate Taylor Swift. Her music is barely country and she can't sing.

I mean more obscure artists that I wouldn't necesarrily find out about here in the UK

im loving Alison Krauss at the moment, particularly her modern albums, although the earlier ones are more country/bluegrass - so really, depending on my mood, I prefer Alison, other times, Union Station.

And Dan Tyminski, who plays in her band and is the most fabulous musician has recorded some great bluegrass stuff.

I expect you will know of these artists anyway, but Im just discovering them and the world of bluegrass, and so wanted to join the conversation

Trisha Yearwood has always been one of my faves.

Mindy Mccready, Tim Mcgraw, Faith Hill & Martina Mcbride are also favourites of mine

Infact, Tim Mcgraws 'Place in the Sun' is probably my favourite country album.

Actually, there's a cd out at the moment called 'My Country' it's a compilation but unlike every other country compilation this one is all modern hits. Why not start with that & then buy the albums of the artists you like off there?

Download the following songs by Reba McEntire (she's often dubbed The Queen of Country and her sales are massive)

*Whoever's in New England
*Fancy
*Every Other Weekend
*If You See Him/If You See Her
*Somebody
*Strange
*The Only Promise That Remains
*Walk On
*She Thinks His Name Was John

You will NOT be disappointed

The Redlands Palomino Company!
I'm biased because I've met them and they're really nice, and although its more Americana than Country you may like them.

To a large extent it depends whether you're more interested in 'pop country' like Miranda Lambert and Kellie Pickler,or whether you want some bluegrass and more traditional sounding stuff. If the latter then I'd suggest getting hold of some Kathy Mattea and Patty Loveless,Clint Black and the group Alabama.

Jessica Simpson's country album isn't that bad imo.

Got some upbeat songs and ballads and also a duet with Dolly Parton.

My favourite songs on the album:

Remember That - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdApqWRqJlM
Might As Well Be Making Love - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ed1vw4QNd0

Loads to choose from. Some great female artists include Emmylou Harris, Chely Wright, Mary Chapin Carpenter and of course Dolly Parton. The Mavericks are fun, someone has already mentioned Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks is hugely successful although not to my taste.
And there are the old standards such as Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, Don Williams etc. Don't forget the late, great Johnny Cash - his American Recordings are fantastic, as is his earlier material.

Anything and everything.

I have a lot of Reba and Alison already.

Love Bluegrass stuff too.

Kasey Chambers (Australia)
Abalone Dots (Sweden)
Nickelcreek (RIP)
Jamie O'Neal (Australiia)
The McClymonts (Australia)
Catherine Britt (Australia)

Blake Shelton for a start.

http://www.videoplayer.hu/videos/play/155264

You have already said Miranda Lambert and Brad Paisley, they would have been my other suggestions.

Sara Evans, a seriously underlooked artist, and you cant go wrong with Lonestar and Toby Keith.

In that case you should definitely get Patty Loveless 'Mountain Soul' albums,and Kathy Matteas 'Coal',and I'd also point you in the direction of Claire Lynch and Ricky Skaggs.

Jace Everett