Twenty Years Later, The Alt-Country Flame Still Burns Bright

Southern Louisiana native Lucinda Williams, now into her fifth decade of recording original music, is considered the matriarch and queen of the alt-country genre and is a champion singer/songwriter.

Jeff Tweedy

Ryan Adams

Jay Farrar

Steve Earle

Lucinda Williams

Gary Louris

Rhett Miller

If you recognize any of those names, you may have enjoyed music under the name "alt-country" at one point in your life. Alt-country, more alternative rock than country, seemed to find footing in the 1990s, though the forms of music with this calibur of roots flavor has existed since Credence Clearwater Revival in balmy California sang about cotton fields and bayous. The 1990s saw the peak of many of these musicians and even though twenty years have passed, these artists have staggered on, giving us an amazing number of albums in 2016 and 2017.

When people first heard these artists, President Clinton was in the White House and people headed to their local retail store to pick up the latest CDs (or if you were broke, the latest tapes). Today, we can listen to new (and old) music on our phones while getting news alerts of the latest activities going on in the White House. And now, especially now that we have found out that ex-bandmates Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar are communicating, and Ryan Adams is writing a book about Whiskeytown, perhaps the time is ripe for a resurgence or a second comeback era in this modest genre.

Here we look at 10 albums released by veteran alt-country artists that came out in 2016 and 2017, showing us that alt-country is still going strong and may possibly be on the rise.

LUCINDA WILLIAMS - The Ghosts of Highway 20
12th Studio Album
February 5, 2016

The latest from the alt-country matriarch. She described it as "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, part 2," referencing her definitive 1998 record. As she did on that record, she reflects on her childhood, but now from the viewpoint of a woman who is twenty years older. She takes a lot of inspiration from the poetry of her father, who was honored to read his poetry at an inauguration of President Clinton. Not many artists at age 63 possess the drive and inspiration to produce a double album, but Ms. Lucinda Williams does.
Track Pick: Dust

SLOBBERBONE - Bees and Seas: The Best of Slobberbone
Compilation - Previously Released Material
April 1, 2016

Often a forgotten member of the alt-country cannon, Slobberbone were a supurb rocking band from Denton TX, led by singer/songwriter Brent Best. They released four wonderful records in the late 1990s, but called it quits in the early 2000s. With the release of this compilation from New West Records, one wonders if it could be a precursor of more material from either Best or a reunion of the band. Regardless, this release confirms their continued relevance in the alt-country genre.
Track Pick: Pinball Song

THE JAYHAWKS - Paging Mr. Proust
9th Studio Album
April 29, 2016

After a relatively quiet period for the band in the 2000s, the Jayhawks are roaring back in the 2010s.
Track Pick: Quiet Corners and Empty Spaces

WILCO - Schmilco
10th Studio Album
September 9, 2016

Jeff Tweedy and Wilco left their alt-country sound a while ago this this year they completely denounced their participation in the genre. Nevertheless, alt-country fans are always at least curious about the latest release from Wilco. After all, Tweedy's origins in the seminal alt-country band Uncle Tupelo help keep that long-defunct band relevant.
Track Pick: If I Ever Was a Child

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS - American Band
11th Studio Album
September 30, 2016

The Drive-By Truckers are unique. The harken back to the days of southern rock with the songwriting caliber of Neil Young. This record got a lot of attention due to the content, heavily political and conscious of current issues in American society.
Track Pick: What It Means

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO - Burn Something Beautiful
13th Studio Album
October 28, 2016

Alejandro Escovedo, often forgotten, continues to write songs and release records.
Track Pick: Heartbeat Smile

RYAN ADAMS - Prisoner
16th Studio Album
February 17, 2017

Ryan Adams returns with his first record after his rough divorse from actress Mandy Moore.
Track Pick: To Be Without You

SON VOLT - Notes of Blue
8th Studio Album
February 17, 2017

After slipping into retro-country in their last release in 2013, Son Volt return with their instantly recognizable sound: rusty, folky rock and roll perfect for your late night road tripping.
Track Pick: Cherokee St.

OLD 97'S - Graveyard Whistling
11th Studio Album
February 27, 2017

After their comeback, "Most Messed Up," the Dallas band returns with a record that alt-country fans are sure to enjoy.
Track Pick: Good with God

No album cover as of yet. We'll see it in June!

STEVE EARLE - So You Wanna Be an Outlaw
17th Studio Album
June 16, 2017

This summer, Texas Troubadour Steve Earle returns with his latest studio album.