I don't think Jon is talking about the band "going country" at all. I think he's saying that he and Richie are talking about stretching their boundries a bit, pushing themselves creatively in a different direction for a a little while. Sounds to me like Jon feels the need to challenge himself and Richie and see what they can come up with and where they can gooutside the box of the "Bon Jovi " sound. this sounds like a side trip to me a way of reigniting the creative juices. I for one am intrigued, and plan on keeping an open mind about whatever they choose to try, I'm not saying I'll love it , who knows?, but I' ok with them stepping off the ledge a bit.