Country!

[Soror_YZBL]

Here's the country I love, but I also dig on the poppy stuff, too. I grew up on bluegrass and outlaw country, so that affects my taste somewhat.

Lone Justice
Steve Earle
Shelby Lynne
Junior Brown
Alison Krauss
Johnny Cash (duh)
Trisha Yearwood
kd lang
Ricky Skaggs
Heartless Bastards
Cowboy Junkies
Deana Carter
Dixie Chicks
Flying Burrito Brothers
Nanci Griffith
Emmylou Harris
Uncle Tupelo
Foggy Mountain Boys
Lyle Lovett
Hayseed Dixie (LOL)
Willie Nelson
Shooter Jennings
Bill Monroe
Hank 3
Del Mccoury
Son Volt
New Grass Revival

Of course, put Hee-Haw in front of me, and I'll watch Conway Twitty for HOURS!

[idiotec]

I had never heard of this "alt country" genre. I listen to some of those bands and never would of guessed that country would be mentioned regardless of the "alt" thrown in front of it.... Learn something new every day....

[elfreako]

I had never heard of this "alt country" genre. I listen to some of those bands and never would of guessed that country would be mentioned regardless of the "alt" thrown in front of it.... Learn something new every day....

Probably because it's a genre so vast it's very hard to define. By definition it blends in with many other types of music. Besides, labels are meaningless.

[Gowienczyk]

Alt Country is bands that take the root structure of country music (or even bluegrass music) and add unconventional minimalism, lo-fi influences and/or puts a more creative spin on the genre. Each band could traditionally considered another, but the alt-country movement started in the early 90s and it is very significant. Even the rock band Wilco comes to be called within the movement.

[My name is Fez]

LOL COUNTRY IS TEH SUX ITS JUST HILLBILLIES TWANGIN ON BANJOS

Kidding, obviously, but yeah, I'm not a fan of conventional country, especially the classic artists. The genre generally just doesn't do it for me.

However, based on gowie's awesomeness and the fact that everyone's like "LOL WAT ALT COUNTRY IT CAN'T BE COUNTRY," I think I will give at least some alt country artists a shot.

[Gowienczyk]

LOL COUNTRY IS TEH SUX ITS JUST HILLBILLIES TWANGIN ON BANJOS

Kidding, obviously, but yeah, I'm not a fan of conventional country, especially the classic artists. The genre generally just doesn't do it for me.

However, based on gowie's awesomeness and the fact that everyone's like "LOL WAT ALT COUNTRY IT CAN'T BE COUNTRY," I think I will give at least some alt country artists a shot.

I started with Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo for the most part.

[metallica0688]

Start with the *true* classics:

Hank Williams (Sr. and Jr.)
Willie Nelson
George Jones
Merle Haggard
Johnny Cash
Buck Owens
Marty Robbins
Loretta Lynn
Patsy Cline
Dolly Parton
Emmylou Harris

If you want to go even further back than that, you can see how bluegrass evolved into country.....the classics (old and new) of bluegrass:

Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs
Bill Monroe
Doc Watson
Ricky Skaggs

From there, you can ease into 80s-90s core country:
Alan Jackson
George Strait
Clint Black
Garth Brooks
Chris Ledoux
Travis Tritt
Vince Gill
Dwight Yoakam
Brooks & Dunn
Shania Twain
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
The Dixie Chicks
Mary Chapin Carpenter


And modern alt-country, which is usually more alt (rock) than country:
Steve Earle
Wilco
My Morning Jacket
Hank Williams III
Shooter Jennings
Ryan Adams
Drive-By Truckers
Kings of Leon
The Mavericks
Uncle Tupelo
Townes Van Zandt
Cross-Canadian Ragweed
Lucinda Williams
Neko Case
Nanci Griffith

That covers a good deal of the "serious" country and alt-country artists, the ones who are considered to have artistic merit and integrity by most within and without the genre. Unless you've just got a taste for it, I'd avoid the pop-country like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and the like.

I would also add to this

Alabama
Kenny Rogers
Crystal Gayle
Marty Robbins
Porter Wagnor
George Jones
Reba McIntire
Randy Travis
Roy Acuff
Lefty Frizzel
Ernest Tubbs
The Oakridge Boys
Glenn Campbell

all of these would be a good start for you to expand your knowledge into this musical area .

[cherokeesam]

I would also add to this

Alabama
Kenny Rogers
Crystal Gayle
Marty Robbins
Porter Wagnor
George Jones
Reba McIntire
Randy Travis
Roy Acuff
Lefty Frizzel
Ernest Tubbs
The Oakridge Boys
Glenn Campbell

all of these would be a good start for you to expand your knowledge into this musical area .

I've already got Marty Robbins, Reba McEntire and George Jones on the list.

And yeah, I'd definitely add the artists you named.
Also Chet Atkins, for some damn fine geetar lovin'.

[Aragha]

I have to say that I really like Brad Paisley. Talent singing and on the guitar. I would like to see more of his tracks on Rock band.

I'mma second this one.

Or third or fourth, I haven't read past this yet.

[metallica0688]

I've already got Marty Robbins, Reba McEntire and George Jones on the list.

And yeah, I'd definitely add the artists you named.
Also Chet Atkins, for some damn fine geetar lovin'.

Yeah I just scanned over quickly and did not notice you had mentioned them . I would also add Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys ,Barbara Mandrell ,Lee Roy Parnell, Hank Thompson, Asleep at the Wheel , Roger Miller,Tex Ritter,Red Sovine,Ronnie Milsap,and Dwight Yoakam as well .