That's what I'm talkin' about with regard to fans. If only record exec's understood that.
The "Alt Country" thing seems a bit constricting, almost like "Jazz." You know, this psuedo-religous following that curses people for straying from the accepted forms. Seems like good American (and British, really) rock draws from the history of American music, be it blues, jazz, country, yadda yadda. Not trying to start a brawl, just thinking out loud. What did Duke say? If it sounds good, it is good.
That said, "Alt Country" has really opened my eyes to country in general, something I had always stayed away from. In the right hands, country can be wonderful. In the wrong hands...well. I never dug Being There, though. Thought it was too unfocused. I occasionally go through stretches where I listen to 2 or 3 Uncle Tupelo albums endlessly.
Is it me, or does it seem like there's been a little Rennaisance of good alt-pop-whatever-rock the last couple years? I've been in the rock section a lot more lately.
p.s. regarding my previous post: Pernice Bros. and Beulah