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Fun Stuff => BAND => Topic started by: asyluman on 26 Feb 2007, 16:53

Title: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: asyluman on 26 Feb 2007, 16:53
There are a lot of people out there who say they hate all country, but there's some really good stuff out there.  I've been on a Wilco listening spree lately as well as Son Volt and Uncle Tupelo, and I recently bought an album form a pretty not well-known band called The Bees (U.S.)

Also I like Robbie Fulks.

So, uhm, talk.

About alt-country/folk.

And such.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Liz on 26 Feb 2007, 17:27
I just recently saw Amsterband in concert and got their CD- they're basically alt-country/indie rock/bluegrass, which is a fun combination. One of my favorite aspects of their music is that a bunch of their songs have four part harmonies in them, which just creates a crazy feel. I also met them all after the show and they were wicked awesome, so I just like them that much more.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Inlander on 26 Feb 2007, 17:41
Too much good stuff to mention, but as far as more folk-inflected stuff goes I will say that at this moment I'm listening to the End of History by Fionn Regan, and you should all be doing so as well, because it's really good stuff.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: SeanBateman on 26 Feb 2007, 19:22
The Bees are alright, but I thought their recent album was pretty boring. I'll post more later.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: David_Dovey on 26 Feb 2007, 19:39
Too much good stuff to mention, but as far as more folk-inflected stuff goes I will say that at this moment I'm listening to the End of History by Fionn Regan, and you should all be doing so as well, because it's really good stuff.

They've been playing a bit of Fionn Regan on Triple J, and it is indeed nice stuff.

Also Greg Graffin's (Bad Religion) solo album "Cold as the Clay" is half American traditional songs and half his own writing in "old-time" music. Plus his backing band is 3/4 of the Weakerthans. w00t
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: jimbunny on 26 Feb 2007, 20:34
Daisy May (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=41860425)
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: ALoveSupreme on 26 Feb 2007, 20:35
Andru Bemis (http://groundvinyl.com/andrubemis.php?page=music),
The Spikedrivers (http://myspace.com/thespikedrivers),
Rachel Ries (http://www.myspace.com/rachelries).
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: CamusCanDo on 26 Feb 2007, 21:17
Two obvious mentions are Neko Case and Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: SeanBateman on 26 Feb 2007, 22:02
Neko Case is overrated, and you can do better Alt-Country than Jenny Lewis.

If you want a little more alt, check out the Jayhawks, Hollywood Town Hall and Forever the Green Grass especially. It rocks pretty hard, but it also has elements of classic more Alt-y stuff.

If you want more country stuff, check out Hank Williams III. Dude is just amazing. Get Risin Outlaw, and just be awed by the man.

Also dude if you like this genre of music at all, you owe it to yourself to check out Gram Parsons. I like ..And the fallen angels live, but all his stuff is good. He originated the genre, and he remains pretty much the best possible example of the genre.

Also many other bands, tell you about them later.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: BrittanyMarie on 26 Feb 2007, 23:43
Oh man, YES on the Hank III-Country Heroes is one of my favorite songs.

I like Magnolia Electric Company, which is Jason Molina, who has another band that's equally as good called Songs:Ohia.
Richard Buckner is nice too.
Rocky Votolato, Lucero, Langhorne Slim are also artists worth checking out.
One of my newer favorite bands is Two Gallants.

And I fully endorse non-alt country, as well. Especially bluegrass like the Del McCoury Band and also anything Alison Krause has ever been involved in, as she has the most beautiful voice ever.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: SeanBateman on 26 Feb 2007, 23:54
Magnolia Electric Co is pretty amazing.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Inlander on 27 Feb 2007, 03:08
Although, if you're new to this you should be aware that to modern audiences used to the lo-fi aesthetic that goes hand-in-hand with a lot of alt country, Gram Parsons' recordings can sound very slick. It might take you a couple of listens to get past this and start to appreciate just how good the songs are.

Also, Lucinda Williams. "Right in Time" is possibly the sexiest song ever recorded.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: ImRonBurgundy? on 27 Feb 2007, 05:18
I don't know if they'd count, exactly, but I really like Lucero.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Will on 27 Feb 2007, 07:16
I've mentioned them before on this forum, Halfacre Gunroom are quite good as well.  As soon as I get home tonight, I shall rip the cd and upload it for anyone who wants to check them out.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: ALoveSupreme on 27 Feb 2007, 08:32
I've heard Hank III is something to behold live, as well.  Quite the dirty rotten prick.  Just what I've heard.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: SeanBateman on 27 Feb 2007, 08:45
When I saw him he did a country set and then a psychobilly set.

The Murder Junkies(GG Allin's band) were his opening act. The division of incredibly hardcore goth punks and country fans at that show was insane. Also his set was awesome, and he is not a jerk you shut up.

Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Thrillho on 27 Feb 2007, 08:48
New albums by Ryan Adams and Wilco this year; two of my favourite artists, and alt-country to boot. Can't wait.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: ALoveSupreme on 27 Feb 2007, 11:53
By prick, I meant asshole in the most awesome way possible (see also: vulgarity, drinking, pride in drug use, etc)
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Johnny C on 27 Feb 2007, 11:55
Steve Earle, Blood Meridian, Elliott Brood.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: BillAdama on 27 Feb 2007, 18:48
I like freak-folk a lot, and I like Dylan's folky stuff and Fairport Convention.

Alt-country...I'm really into Lucinda Williams, despite the suckiness of West.

Country doesn't suck.  Just, pop-country is all about predictability, image, and moral condescension.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Foocault on 28 Feb 2007, 11:53
They're certainly not everybody's cup of tea, but there's a record label called Plan-It-X that puts out a ton of really good anarcho-folk/punk albums.  The bands are all very low-fi and DIY, so if you like music that sounds pretty they're prolly not for you.  Some specific bands to check out are Ghost Mice; Defiance, Ohio; and This Bike is a Pipe Bomb.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: grrraham on 28 Feb 2007, 23:41
yes to this bike is a pipebomb.

but really, rilo kiley is probably a better recommendation, unless you're find out you're really into folk punk
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: SeanBateman on 01 Mar 2007, 02:19
Rilo Kiley are indie-poprock with a synth heavy past and the prettiest vocalist this side of the Mississippi. Nothing about them is alt country or folk.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Scytale on 01 Mar 2007, 02:25
When I saw him he did a country set and then a psychobilly set.

The Murder Junkies(GG Allin's band) were his opening act. The division of incredibly hardcore goth punks and country fans at that show was insane. Also his set was awesome, and he is not a jerk you shut up.



Did GG Allin try to rape you???
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: SeanBateman on 01 Mar 2007, 12:07
No, GG Allin is dead.

His band played the song "I wanna Rape you" though.

Then one of them stabbed the other in the head with a broken beer bottle.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Gridgm on 01 Mar 2007, 14:41
isn't alt country the definition of metallica at the moment?
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Johnny C on 01 Mar 2007, 15:00
"alt-country" has never meant "shit."
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: GodofGrunts on 01 Mar 2007, 18:11
"The Cousin Brothers" have a really fun band. I like to dance when I listen to them.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: SeanBateman on 01 Mar 2007, 20:37
Just listen to the Louvin Brothers. Skip a step.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Johnny C on 01 Mar 2007, 22:02
How's Charlie's new record?
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: SeanBateman on 01 Mar 2007, 23:34
I want it so badly, but I haven't had a chance to buy it yet.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: KharBevNor on 02 Mar 2007, 08:03
I have no idea what 'alt-folk' is supposed to be. Judging by this thread, bad folk rock.

Everyone should go listen to New Model Army, Current 93, In Gowan Ring, Sieben, Forseti, Sol Invictus, Changes, Death in June, Magnet, Darkwood and Ordo Equitum Solis.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Slick on 02 Mar 2007, 09:11
I've really been liking Amy Millan's solo album Honey from the Tomb recently. I know I'm a little behind the times on it, but when I saw her play it live this summer, I liked it, but not enough to seek it out.
She does some beautiful folk-country stuff that was written before she was in Stars, and she sings about whiskey a whole lot. Excellent album with a beautiful voice, and it's very well produced, though I don't know if that last bit is against an aesthetic some people may want in their folk.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: jimbunny on 04 Mar 2007, 19:25
Oh dang, how did I forget Josh Ritter (http://www.myspace.com/joshritter)?
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: johns320 on 08 Apr 2007, 22:51
Chris Thile's new album "How to Grow a Woman from the Ground" is fantastic.He covers the White Stripes and the Strokes.  And sings old time gospel blues.

Iron and Wine is right up there with Wilco in my book when they both play country or alt country.

And I don't know how alternative you could consider him but Shooter Jennings(Waylon's kid) has some good stuff.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Inlander on 08 Apr 2007, 23:33
I'm glad that this thread's been revived, because for some reasons every time a thread is started on this topic I forget to mention the Cowboy Junkies. The Trinity Session is pretty much essential if you like this style of music; the Caution Horses also has some great songs.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: celticgeek on 09 Apr 2007, 08:03
Yay! for the Cowboy Junkies. 
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: jimbunny on 09 Apr 2007, 20:22
Indeed. The Trinity Session. You've kinda got to get your life down to those 60-70 bpm blues to listen to it, but they don't make it that hard.
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: heyboygetasweater on 10 Apr 2007, 11:34
I like My Morning Jacket, and you can never go wrong with Iron and Wine
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: books_out_loud on 10 Apr 2007, 12:04
Iron and Wine
Lucero
Anything Jason Molina is involved in (Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co., Amalgamated sons of rest, etc.)
Cat Power
Bright eyes
Dustin Kensrue's solo album
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: samoasneoartform on 10 Apr 2007, 17:44
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: Telegraphese on 15 Apr 2007, 21:52
Outside of what's already been mentioned:

Rock Plaza Central (who are exceptional)
Jay Farrar
Gob Iron
Alejandro Escavedo
Title: Re: Alt-Country/Folk
Post by: imapiratearg on 16 Apr 2007, 21:31
I like My Morning Jacket, and you can never go wrong with Iron and Wine

YES.  I would also like to add Andrew Norsworthy and Jared Woods.  They are amazing.  "Apt. 404" by Jared Woods is one of my current favorite songs and "Stardust Motel" by Andrew Norsworthy is probably one of all time favorite songs now.