Whiskeytown

Whiskeytown is one of my favorite alt-country bands. They formed in 1994 in North Carolina as one of the leaders of the Americana music movement, along with contemporaries Uncle Tupelo and the Old 97′s. Fronted by a young Ryan Adams, the group released three full-length albums, all the while engrossed in constant turmoil and infighting. Finally, after several line-up changes and threats of being dropped by record labels, Whiskeytown disbanded on New Years’ Eve 1999. But damn if they didn’t make some really great music right up to the end.

My favorite Whiskeytown record is Stranger’s Almanac. Their track, “Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight” (which, by the way, is one of my favorite song titles ever) is a catchy, country gem. You can listen to it here. And, excuse me for the grainy video.