Best non-Nashville/alt-country band/act?

[SweetZombieJesus]

Poll question: Best non-Nashville/alt-country band/act?

Much like the proto-punk poll, this one's way open to debate. I'm refraining from listing the "Outlaws" in favor of some more unsung heroes.

Edit: Fixed to include Lucinda Williams. I swear I'm not a sexist, I just forgot her.

[Seneca]

1. Uncle Tupelo

But making me choose with Townes is unfair. I hold him up like a demigod, above this lowly poll. :-)

[ixion]

10. Uncle Tupelo rocks

:-)

[mitchum]

2. The Backsliders (an unfortunately now defunct band from...

Raleigh, NC) Well worth your time to seek out any of their 3 releases on Mammoth

[SweetZombieJesus]

3. I've been meaning to check them out

When I get some new CDs, I'll pick them up.

[Bluzmann57]

4. Lucinda Williams

Shes quite good and has a nice voice. She says she grew up listening to Merle Haggard as well as Hendrix, so she's all right in my book.

[Rooktoven]

7. I listen to her more than anyone nowadays...

Real live bleeding fingers...

[TheBigGuy]

8. "Pineola" is an outstanding song....

but my favorite album is Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, and that title cut....

[DisgustipatedinCA]

5. Neko Case n/t

[flamingyouth]

17. I second her!

[TheBigGuy]

6. Is Uncle Tupelo really alt.country?

I sort of saw them as alterna rock...sort of like the Indigo Girls or maybe even a bit like Eleventh Dream Day, but more with a country/folk sound.

I think Son Volt is maybe closer to country than the original band....

[fishnfla]

24. Dude they started it all!

they are considered one of the forerunners of the genre, even the altcountry mag is now called "no depression" or soemthing after them

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

9. Robbie Fulks!

[mvd]

11. I picked other, because..

really it's a tie between Lucinda and Steve. I like Steve's style a wee bit more overall, but I like Lucinda's voice a little more.

[SweetZombieJesus]

12. Only one vote for Steve Earle?

That's bullshit, yo.

[TheBigGuy]

13. well..it said "non Nashville"....

....and Steve Earle did have sort of a Nashville career early on.....


BTW, rumor has it he is going to be doing a quick tour this fall with British folkrockster Billy Bragg as some sort of benefit.

[SweetZombieJesus]

14. Bragg and Earle? Be still my beating heart

Man, that would be a kick ass show.

[TheBigGuy]

20. No shit!

Im keeping tabs on the Bragg website...some folks on the forums there are talking about it and its still in the works. No dates yet.

[mvd]

15. Well, I can't have the vote back

:)

[Whitacre D_WI]

16. The Gibson Bros.

Not the mambo band, but the mid-'80s Columbus, OH band featuring M. Jeffrey Evans (later of '68 Comeback) and Don Howland (later of the Bassholes).

[mitchum]

21. The only band to ever use an Olan Mills portrait as an album cover

They were great!

[ornotna]

18. I chose The Flatlanders

Because they're the only act listed I've seen live. Without a doubt one of the best shows I've ever been to. :thumbsup:

[GOPisEvil]

19. Fuck it - I can't choose...

The Mekons are one of the most under-rated bands ever!

Uncle Tupelo pretty much started the alt.country movement.

The Waco Brothers are fantastic.

Doug Sahm was a true original.

What can you say about Townes?

ad infinitum

:nuke:

[mvd]

22. Forgot about..

Kasey Chambers! She's from Australia. I think she'd be tied with Steve instead. She's like Lucinda with a little less blues.

[Forkboy]

23. Mojo Nixon!

[fishnfla]

25. Tough call, I went with ...... Whiskeytown

Ryan Adams and Caitlyn Cary have their own work now and they are still good.

[KG]

26. Jimmy Lafave!!!!

the one! the only!




www.jimmylafave.com

[MiddleRiverRefugee]

27. The Souvenirs, out of Seattle

One of the best honky-tonk bands I've ever heard. Lots of good good steel playing, with just a touch of Chris Isaak-ness to make it real interesting.

One album I know of, "King of Heartache."

on edit: typos. My typist will be trepanned.

[Wickerman]

28. I'll give Doug Sahm a nod

I miss him. And would add Slobberbone. And wish I could also vote for Steve Earle, and...

[BurtWorm]

29. Dammit! I tried to vote for Lucinda Williams.

and hit the Waco Brothers instead. Whoever they are.

[GOPisEvil]

30. Try the website of their record company

www.bloodshotrecords.com

The Waco Brothers are pretty good - you should check them out. :-) Jon Langford from The Mekons is a member!

[BurtWorm]

31. Thanks!

Will do! (I guess that makes me feel a little better.)

[GOPisEvil]

32. I saw them at South by Southwest - pretty impressive!

:thumbsup:

[Jack_Sparrow]

33. The Flatlanders

Or any of the solo works by Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, or Butch Hancock.