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13 Ted Harris You can also take comfort in the fact that nothing on this album could start a big commercial trend today, although there is probably still a Prozac-hungry niche market for these overwrought exercises. But even that niche has its limits. In its review of the 2006 Country Music Association Awards, the ‘New York Times’ noted that Martina McBride’s website included a posting from a fan that said, “PLEASE be uptempo and not sing about death and little kids.” This tells us something pretty basic: The ‘Shit Happens’ tradition continues today, finding both favor and resistance among its listeners, probably as it always has. Whoever sent that email to Ms. McBride had better stay clear of this historic collection. Hank Davis hdavis @ uoguelph.ca With special thanks to Scott Parker.