Canada Cowboys

Tom's Corb Lund post, below, reminds me that though we think of "Country" music as associated with Tennessee or Texas, and "Western" music as associated with the American West, Canada has actually produced a few good musicians in those genres recently. Corb has an upbeat sense of humor that a lot of people like; he's also done some more somber pieces, like "Horse Soldier," of course, but in general he conveys a strong mental health buoyed by that aforementioned good humor. 

Another of these Canadian Cowboys, Colter Wall, has just announced that he is taking an indefinite leave from touring to deal with his mental health. He should be praised for taking that kind of thing seriously. It is a matter that has claimed far too many musical talents at too young ages. 

It won't be a surprise, however, if you listen to his music. It has a notably darker tone even where it is playful. 

I like Colter's music as music more than Corb's. There's no doubt, however, that Corb's speaks of a vibrantly healthy mind that one needn't worry about too much. It's an enviable quality; whether or not it is an imitable one is I suppose the focus and business of psychology. Best of luck to Colter Wall in pursuing that project.