Music Man.

• Author: Walker, Jesse
• Position: Country singer Robbie Fulks - Brief Article

Thirty-six-year-old country singer Robbie Fulks spent a couple of years trying to make it in Music City, an experience that eventually led to "Fuck This Town," the nastiest anti-Nashville anthem since Waylon Jennings asked "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" Now based in Chicago, Fulks isn't afraid to take on his own fan base either: His latest CD, The Very Best of Robbie Fulks (Bloodshot), includes a ditty called "Roots Rock Weirdoes," in which one of the title crowd announces a plan to "reclaim music from the kids for our fat dead cracker king."

Not all of Fulks' songs are angry or sarcastic, but most are clever and well-performed. An individualist in politics as well as temperament, Fulks calls himself a libertarian (and a Reason reader). Associate Editor Jesse Walker spoke with him recently via telephone.

Q: Why is country music so bland and conservative?

A: I think it's capitalism working. I don't think there's a conspiracy of evil Nashville fat cats out to deprive the people of their hardcore country music. I don't think there's a lot of interest in hardcore country music, and they're reading the market correctly.

I also think that, just like in any business, when something hits big--like Garth Brooks hit big--all of a sudden everyone aspires to be a second-rate Garth, to keep that little cycle alive as long as possible so everybody can make money as long as possible. And then Shania Twain comes along, and all of a sudden it's all young...