Mark Pfeiffer
Screenwriter
- Joined
- Jun 27, 1999
- Messages
- 1,339
Seeing that there are other threads focusing on specific genres, I thought perhaps it would be worth starting a thread that could serve as a repository about alt.country/Americana/No Depression/etc.
I've been on an alt.country kick for six or seven years now but feel I've only skimmed the surface of the genre. My favorite is Kelly Willis. The best starting point are her two most recent albums, Easy and What I Deserve, although I'd highly recommend her three MCA albums, the MCA compilation, and the Fading Fast EP (if you can find it). She has one of those "can sing the phone book" voices and has learned how to use it through the years. She's one of the few artists I've driven long distances to see (mostly out of necessity--she hasn't played Columbus).
Her husband Bruce Robison is talented too. Some may find his albums a little on the bland side, but he's an undeniably skilled writer. (He recorded "Angry All the Time" with Kelly before Tim McGraw and Faith Hill covered it and also cut his own "Travelin' Soldier" years before The Dixie Chicks picked it up.) His most recent album Country Sunshine is his most organic, and best, work.
Allison Moorer's latest album has a sticker on the front pointing out that the vocals haven't been manipulated for pitch correction, etc. Having seen her three times in concert last summer/fall, it becomes evident why this declaration is on there. She has a terrific, powerful voice that isn't "faked" on recordings. Of her three albums, her second, The Hardest Part, is probably my favorite.
I was really knocked out by her sister Shelby Lynne's I Am Shelby Lynne. Maybe that's why I was let down by the follow-up album.
I've seen a couple mentions in this area for Laura Cantrell's When the Roses Bloom Again. (I'll also cast a vote for her debut Not the Tremblin' Kind.) Basic, throwback country with her sweet voice.
Neko Case's Blacklisted may most represent how she sounds live. Her big, powerful voice paints these noirish songs (on this album especially).
Kathleen Edwards is at times a dead ringer for Lucinda Williams on Failer, but it's not like that's a bad thing.
For starters I've left off what I'd consider the obvious (Uncle Tupelo and its offshoots, for example). Feel free to chime in.
I've been on an alt.country kick for six or seven years now but feel I've only skimmed the surface of the genre. My favorite is Kelly Willis. The best starting point are her two most recent albums, Easy and What I Deserve, although I'd highly recommend her three MCA albums, the MCA compilation, and the Fading Fast EP (if you can find it). She has one of those "can sing the phone book" voices and has learned how to use it through the years. She's one of the few artists I've driven long distances to see (mostly out of necessity--she hasn't played Columbus).
Her husband Bruce Robison is talented too. Some may find his albums a little on the bland side, but he's an undeniably skilled writer. (He recorded "Angry All the Time" with Kelly before Tim McGraw and Faith Hill covered it and also cut his own "Travelin' Soldier" years before The Dixie Chicks picked it up.) His most recent album Country Sunshine is his most organic, and best, work.
Allison Moorer's latest album has a sticker on the front pointing out that the vocals haven't been manipulated for pitch correction, etc. Having seen her three times in concert last summer/fall, it becomes evident why this declaration is on there. She has a terrific, powerful voice that isn't "faked" on recordings. Of her three albums, her second, The Hardest Part, is probably my favorite.
I was really knocked out by her sister Shelby Lynne's I Am Shelby Lynne. Maybe that's why I was let down by the follow-up album.
I've seen a couple mentions in this area for Laura Cantrell's When the Roses Bloom Again. (I'll also cast a vote for her debut Not the Tremblin' Kind.) Basic, throwback country with her sweet voice.
Neko Case's Blacklisted may most represent how she sounds live. Her big, powerful voice paints these noirish songs (on this album especially).
Kathleen Edwards is at times a dead ringer for Lucinda Williams on Failer, but it's not like that's a bad thing.
For starters I've left off what I'd consider the obvious (Uncle Tupelo and its offshoots, for example). Feel free to chime in.