The '80s, of course, set the scene for the pretty impressive diversity of mainstream pop-rock in the nineties. But anything that sounds country is definitely not part of the mix. This is a shame, because there's a branch of alternative music informed by country that is producing some of the most piercing and potent music around right now. Under pop's radar a network of bands, fans, promoters, and critics have formed. But there's little else to focus on, not even its name.
Some people call it new country, others alternative country .
One fanciful name is twangcore. Another candidate is No Depression, named after both a Carter Family song and the title of the first Uncle Tupelo album. Or you can call it Americana. Don't let the dark glasses fool you. It's a weird genre to define.