Over the past twenty years or so, western style has faded in and out of fashion every couple of seasons with mixed results (remember acid-washed jean jackets with the white fringe worn on the backs of every 80's mallrat?). But the more recent and successful reappearence of cowboy style has a lot to do with the 70's fashion trends which never seem to go away, as well as the fact that the look has yet to become terribly mainstream.

Although this particular style has gained popularity amongst many current musicians, those musicians rarely hit the Top 40. Plus, it is done with a total tongue-in-cheek attitude (how else can one pull off a tight satin shirt with stars embroidered on it?). Dedicated followers include Chris Robinson (of The Black Crowes), Jon Spencer (of the Blues Explosion), Ben Harper (of the Innocent Criminals), and Beck Hansen (NOT of Hanson). Actually, Beck can probably take a lot of credit for bringing country to the city when he mixed a cowboy hat with a leather jacket and boombox for his "Devil's Haircut" video a few years back.

Unfortunately, it looks as though 7th Avenue is catching up to downtown, as Tommy Hilfiger showed all-American country rock styles for Spring 2000, not to mention everyone from Tonic to Live to Jewel are donning ten gallon hats these days (but when The Backstreet Boys do, it will definitely be The End). Therefore, the cool cowboy's days may be numbered, so have fun while it lasts. Hi ho Silver...

(clockwise from top right: Jon Spencer, one half of STP, Tommy Hilfiger, Beck)

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