Red Mosquito

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?

I just posted this in the Decade tournament thread.

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.

That was absolutely spot on, thanks.

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.

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.

This guy has some incredible tunes and what a voice!

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.

LetMeSleep wrote:

This was great.

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.

You're welcome... to some of the best that D/FW has to offer:

Whiskey Folk Ramblers:







The O's:

Willie Nelson's Redheaded Stranger album is a must.

Love this song and his voice.



Also, this might be the best love song of all time.

Roger Miller-chug-a-lug.

Alafuckingbama!

Check out Those Poor Bastards.

Is that Big Smo?