What was supposed to be a quick outing at a matinee show at a famous Kansas City honky tonk descended into prolonged dissipation with a companion earlier this week. The evening began to turn sideways during an argument about the merits of country music. I recall my spirited defense of the gospel albums of Johnny Cash and the Nickelback-meets-Chesney ditties of Morgan Wallen. My pal insisted on acquiring additional fortification to fuel further debates about music and politics at a different establishment. I’m wondering if sending a link to Evan Bartels’ new EP To Make You Cry as a peace offering might be misconstrued as a mean-spirited provocation. "Lula" and "Montana" are among the unspeakably sad Nebraska-inspired ballads capable of ruining an evening. My country-averse friend probably doesn’t share my predilection for pain songs.