Hey, guys, I completely understand the tendency to shirk country; until I found alt-country I largely felt the same (although the sillines & hypocracy of "deep" music either makes me laugh or roll my eyes 90% of the time...).

In fact, many alt-country acts themselves feel disgusted by "country music" too--hence the reason they are "alternative." Our local Michigan State University college station has a huge following for its alt-country show, and while I no longer have much in common with the 18-21 age bracket, we do agree on this.

PS: What a great thread. Thanks for starting it, Rob!