Alternative country is the new music genre that came out of Nashville a few years ago as a way of categorizing the music that isn’t considered “country enough” to be described as traditional country. Coincidentally, this “new” country music often sounds a lot like “old” country music, but is not owned or marketed by the major record labels, and therefore does not get a lot of radio play.

The ugly truth is that alt country isn’t really alternative at all – it’s country music created by independent artists, paid for by independent record labels, and exposed through independent distribution. Some critics will accurately point out that a great deal of alt country music is heavily influenced by other genres. Yup, so what?

The blending of music genres is a natural occurrence that has been going on forever. Artists will always have “cross-over success” as long as the song is worthy – regardless of what genre the song belongs. Tangled In The Pines by BR549 is a perfect example of a country artist creating a country CD but being labeled as alternative country because...well just because.

BR549 is the typical, tight Nashville band that does what it wants, when it wants. These are hard-chargin’, booze-drinkin’, chew-dippin’ country guys who simply rock it out when they get the urge. With that said, this CD is filled with country lyrics – the kind that tell a story, country instruments – the usual suspects (i.e. fiddle, steel guitar, mandolin, doghouse bass), and country vocals – the twang and the slang.

For slow shuffle and tear-jerkin’ country fans, I suggest the title track as well as “I’m All Right (For The Shape I’m In)”, and “She’s Talking To Someone (She’s Not Talking To Me)”.

For the working class, hammer-down trucker types, be sure to check out “Ain’t Got Time”, “No Train To Memphis”, “Movin’ The Country”, and “Run A Mile”.

For the honky tonkin’ set, there’s a lot to dance to on this CD. My highlights include “That’s What I Get”, “When I Come Home”, and “Honky Tonkin’ Lifestyle”.

I also note the country-rock tracks (“No Friend Of Mine”, “Way Too Late”) on this CD because I think they add to, not detract from, the overall musical presentation. Being my own judge and shying away from mainstream propaganda, I think this CD is some of the finest country music I’ve heard in a long time. To me, the only thing alternative about it is that it is more country (and thus a better alternative) than the music played on popular country radio. Go figure.

(Anthony Bates is a guest writer for 2 Walls Webzine and Music Director for Moozikoo.com)