On a tour stop Thursday night in Grand Rapids, Taylor Swift played an homage to her “Michigan influences.” The two artists: Eminem and Uncle Kracker.

During an acoustic set on her “Speak Now” World Tour 2011, which she played at the back of the Van Andel Arena, the country superstar played several acoustic songs, including snippets of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and Uncle Kracker’s “Smile.”

To me, they were odd choices when you consider the rich history of rock ‘n’ roll in the state of Michigan.

Now, I didn’t expect her to play “Journey to the Center of the Mind” by Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes.

But just think of the number of Motown songs she could have played? Any Aretha Franklin song would due.

 

 

Also, she was in Grand Rapids, and she could have chosen something by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (lead singer Anthony Kiedis was born in Grand Rapids), soul legend Al Green or ’80s pop/R&B act DeBarge.

I’m not being overly critical. These are HER influences, right? And half the audience at her shows could not name a DeBarge song. (“Rhythm of the Night,” is a great song by the way.)

I can live with Eminem. But Uncle Kracker? Seriously? It’s a great song, but how is that better than anything by Aretha Franklin?

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