Country Music & Americana

ABNorman · Post by **ABNorman** » Sat August 02, 2014 11:15 pm

I did a search for "country" and it didn't come up with anything, so I figured I'd just start this (since asking you guys for good rock music suggestions was so successful).

I'm actually just looking for good dark alternative country music suggestions. Moody, narrative, semi-mythical "country death" music. Things like Ghost Riders in the Sky. Similarly dusty and character-rich vibe as Tom Waits. World-weary. Seedy. Cowboys fighting the devil. That sort of thing.

Any ideas?

Post by **Jorge** » Sat August 02, 2014 11:16 pm

I just posted this in the Decade tournament thread.

Post by **Jorge** » Sat August 02, 2014 11:18 pm

That's a cover of a Leon Payne song, but it's much better than the original.

I actually prefer my country music lovelorn and gin-soaked.

ABNorman · Post by **ABNorman** » Sat August 02, 2014 11:20 pm

That was absolutely spot on, thanks.

LetMeSleep · Post by **LetMeSleep** » Sat August 02, 2014 11:35 pm

LetMeSleep · Post by **LetMeSleep** » Sat August 02, 2014 11:41 pm

Post by **Jorge** » Sat August 02, 2014 11:53 pm

This is more "Americana" than just country, but: Charlie Haden was a legendary jazz bassist who died just a few weeks ago. Although he became famous for being at the forefront of the jazz avant garde as part of Ornette Coleman's band and the Liberation Music Orchestra, his roots were in Americana. In 2008 he recorded an album with his friends and family called Rambling Boy. It's a really beautiful collection of country, folk and bluegrass songs. The whole thing is a joy to listen to, and has the breezy laid-back feel of a family BBQ. My favorite (recent) country album. It lacks the darkness you're looking for, Abnorman, but it's really worth listening to.

ABNorman · Post by **ABNorman** » Sun August 03, 2014 12:01 am

I'm big on Americana. I've got a thing for spirituals, Ledbelly, and my appreciation of folk soared in the '00s. I'll definitely check it out.

PryTo · Post by **PryTo** » Sun August 03, 2014 12:01 am

This guy has some incredible tunes and what a voice!

PryTo · Post by **PryTo** » Sun August 03, 2014 12:03 am

ABNorman wrote:I did a search for "country" and it didn't come up with anything, so I figured I'd just start this (since asking you guys for good rock music suggestions was so successful).

I'm actually just looking for good dark alternative country music suggestions. Moody, narrative, semi-mythical "country death" music. Things like Ghost Riders in the Sky. Similarly dusty and character-rich vibe as Tom Waits. World-weary. Seedy. Cowboys fighting the devil. That sort of thing.

Any ideas?

Check the lyrics -- no gangsta rap has topped this one in my book.

I think Nick Cave or someone like that covered this song. The original is better. If you like this, you'd like the rest of their stuff.

ABNorman · Post by **ABNorman** » Sun August 03, 2014 12:03 am

LetMeSleep wrote:

This was great.

ABNorman · Post by **ABNorman** » Sun August 03, 2014 12:17 am

PryTo wrote: Check the lyrics -- no gangsta rap has topped this one in my book.

I think Nick Cave or someone like that covered this song. The original is better. If you like this, you'd like the rest of their stuff.

Yup, love this kind of stuff.