Alternative
Country Music Resources
PUBLICATIONS
- No Depression Magazine - The Alternative Country
(whatever
that is) Bimonthly. This is the best periodical on the market covering
the wide spectrum of Americana/Alternative Country. Subscription rates
are $18/year for six issues. Contact: NoDepress@aol.com or their website.
- Modern Twang - An Alternative Country Music Guide
and
Directory.
Writer and self-publisher David Goodman has collected a very thorough
guide
of not only the latest bands (with excellent discography), but also
other
resources like radio stations, clubs and venues, periodicals, and
on-line
opportunities. Contact: twirlyd@lancnews.infi.net or their website.
- All Music Guide to Country, Edited by Michael
Erlwine, Miller
Freeman Books, 1997. A great source for historical information as well
as new artists.
WEB
SITES
There are numerous websites for disc reviews, upcoming releases
and articles about alternative country bands. I think these fit
well
with the playlists of the Arctic Cactus Hour.
- The
Americana
Music Association has this cumulative spins chart which is a cumulative
playlist compiled from many dozens of stations. Here is their home.
- Freight Train Boogie - www.freighttrainboogie.com -
not only has good reviews, but also has a weekly on-line radio show of
the latest releases.
- The Alt-Country Page - www.wavefront.com/~altc/index.htm
-
also has good reviews.
- Country Standard Time is a great source for
reviews,
in-depth
articles and news about country music. It is available on-line at
countrystandardtime.com.
- Information about the business side of Americana music can be
found
with
the Americana Music Association at americanamusic.org.
- Billy Block’s Western Beat radio show and links
to
some very
good country music websites can be found at westernbeat.com.
- AlternativeCountry.com - Among the reviews and
news
about
alternative country, the new Americana Chart can be found at alternativecountry.com.
PURCHASING
SOURCES
If your normal vendors fail, a good purchasing source is Miles
of Music.
For harder to find imports and re-releases of older albums
try Collector's Choice
Music
RECORDING
COMPANIES