Heave Media

Takin' You Back

A little alt. country goes a long way.

Alt. country is a popular musical genre to throw around, but I prefer to use the descriptor “Americana.” To me, Americana is music that is heavily influenced by old American country and jazz music. It’s a broad spectrum of styles, but the overall similarities include acoustic and slide guitars, banjos, horns, pianos and low-key production, with a minimal use of technical effects. These songs should give you an idea of what I mean. If a song could be on a western movie soundtrack, then chances are it is Americana.

Calexico – Gypsy’s Curse – This song always reminds of Robert Rodriguez’s El Mariachi, which happens to be a great film. Some of Calexico’s songs lean toward experimental and country inspired post-rock. Black Light (the album from which this song is taken) is solid from start to finish. Calexico does a great job bridging the realm of indie-rock to alt country/Americana in seamless fashion. These guys are also great live. You may want to pick up In the Reins, the collaboration between Calexico and Sam Beam of Iron and Wine.

The Jayhawks – Over My Shoulder – Some people love The Jayhawks and some people hate The Jayhawks. I fall into a category of liking, but not loving. The common complaint is that all their songs sound the same. When you have a distinctive voice and are good at the style of music you play, this is almost inevitable. I think this is a pretty choice song. I hear Hollywood Town Hall is their best, but I like 1995’s Tomorrow the Green Grass.

Uncle Tupelo – Moonshiner – Whisky and beer are two necessities to the music scene. Regardless of genre – you need alcohol. This track off of March 16-20, 1992 has country leanings, but it also sounds like it could be a Bruce Springsteen song. For those who are unaware, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Jay Farrar of Son Volt played in Uncle Tupelo before forming their individual bands. This was not a live album, but it was recorded entirely live in the studio.

STREAM: Calexico – Gypsy’s Curse

STREAM: The Jayhawks – Over My Shoulder

STREAM: Uncle Tupelo - Moonshiner

Posted by Greg Herald on Mar 19, 2008 @ 12:00 am