Eclecticism: Trying to Like Country Music

ArsMoriendi 09.03.26	Do you like music about gay rights? Cuz Lavender Country by Lavender Country is a classic
AlkemestRedux 09.03.26	Let's gooo! Let me know what you think of these. A bit more on the bluegrass side but I think alt-country pulls a lot from bluegrass anyway. Big Richard - Pet The .357 String Band - Fire & Hail The Devil Makes Three - s/t .357 in particular is what I recommend people who like metal. They were a bunch of punks who picked up acoustic instruments, but who also had chops. Awesome stuff!
dbizzles 09.03.26	I'm going to take a lot of your recommendations because I'm not familiar with the Denver sound at all. That said, I got into country through early Nashville stuff and Outlaw Country. Unfortunately I think it's kind of hard to recommend the oooold stuff and Nashville sound with albums because of how they released singles and stuff back then so I'd recommend just checking out collections by Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, George Jones, Buck Owens, and the supremely underappreciated Tom T. Hall. While you're at it, listen to any Townes Van Zandt album for a different flavor (s/t is my favorite) and Marty Robbins' Gunfire Ballads is essential. I consider Outlaw Country to be alt-country, so here are ome Outlaw albums I love: Waylon Jennings - Honky Tonk Heroes or Dreaming my Dreams Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger John Prine - John Prine (this might be the pick for you, was basically alt in the 70's) Merle Haggard and the Strangers - Mama Tried Johnny Paycheck - Take This Job and Shove It I feel like you may also be interested in guys like Kris Kristofferson and Blaze Foley. I know I gave you a lot, but there's a lot of good stuff out there. Hope you find something here to love.
AlkemestRedux 09.03.26	dbizzles knows what's up!
LouBreed 09.03.26	I would recommend to check out Shamus recent review for Ashton Shepherd (can't post a link properly from my phone), it should get you interested in her music (don't worry, it's not stuff like Jason Aldean or Brantley Gilbert, this time he reviewed an album he actually likes). Otherwise, all country I've heard this year comes from Alkemest, not going to duplicate his effort
Eclecticism 09.03.26	Thanks, friends — will check all of these
CrisStyles 09.03.26	I'm going to just throw albums out there and see if any stick for you: Mickey Newbury - 'Frisco Mabel Joy Art Lown - Piper Oz the Hound Gene Clark - No Other The Flying Burrito Brothers - The Gilded Palace of Sin Daniel Romano - Sleep Beneath the Willow Magnolia Electric Co - Magnolia Electric Co Gram Parsons - Grievous Angel
dbizzles 09.03.26	Stealing Alkemists recs. Also, recently became a pretty bag Molina fan, Cris.
NudeTayne 09.03.26	Closest I ever got was American Motor Sports by Bilmuri but gonna follow this list for sure
Senetrix666 09.03.26	90s/00s Americana got me into country. Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, Lucero, Neko Case, etc
NudeTayne 09.03.26	Best rec I could give you is Mark McGuinn - Mrs. Steven Rudy and That's A Plan
Thibs 09.03.26	Murder by Death Jason Isbell The Highwomen Chris Stapleton Orville Peck Brandi Carlile Lissie