I went and got their last two albums immediately after the show. I know a lot of people are down on the twang, but when Country is done right it’s one of the most beautiful genres of songwriting there is. Sugarland seems like the real deal, and Nettles really knows how to sell the emotion of a song.

Check out the studio video of this song for proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIyxkZod2cM

Ok, I’ll bite and be the contrarian curmudgeon. Sugarland is no place I would want to live or even spend a long weekend. Can she sing? Sure. Did she knock it out of the park with her performance? Despite her slightly annoying grimaces and gestures of pain, probably. But was it a great song? No. It was a familiar melodrama about a rocky relationship the likes upon which pop/country has built an unctuous franchise. I’m not saying it was bad, just that I’m unconverted. Don’t hate me Kev et al.

I hate you.

I get your point, and you’re not wrong. It’s just a matter of taste. I’d just say one one end of the country spectrum you’ve got Townes Van Zandt, and on the other you’ve got Big & Rich, and from what little I’ve heard so far I’d say Sugarland seems to lean toward the TVZ end of the scale. Still a long way to go to be that great, but on the right side of the road.

Did anyone else get a serious Laura Linney vibe from her?

Actually, I get a Sugarland vibe from Laura Linney.

I love Sugarland, and am proud to say I have since long before the Grammys, which I didn’t have a chance to see (but thank you, Jorge, for the catch-up through the live blog).