Cold beers, lonesome nights, strong rhymes. Hell, yes, I mind.

Alt-Country exploded in the early ’90s, as more and more resistance to the Rap and R&B that was shooting up the charts as grunge imploded, and good country is always a live favorite. Starting as a Dallas Bar band for the youngs, the Old ’97s gained a national audience through relentless touring, playing small venues, and the college quad. Formed by Stuart Ransom “Rhett” Miller after his brief stint at Sarah Lawrence, he recruited his best friend on bass along with the guy across the way who could play guitar. And good drinking music came naturally:

These guys put on one of the best live shows I have seen in years, and lord knows I have seen my share of bands. Miller is a catchy, albeit quirky, tune writer, and the music behind and around him backs up the wording quite well. Never quite as successful as they should be, they have remained an underground favorite for decades at this point, always on the verge, but never quite succumbing to stardom.

Covering the Hagfish’s tune, one of the better Bakersfield outlaws, they show their roots, which are bolstered by Murry Hammond, the bass player, being a gospel singer in his off hours.

And who can resist a duet with the Crown Princess of Punk Rock, Exene herself. Apparently, the Old ’97s are one of her favorite bands. Not the best recording, but definately in the spirit of rock. As with many bands, the early stuff is the best, so check out the albums Wreck Your Life, Fight Songs, and Too Far To Care.

See you next instalment, same ZWAK time, same ZWAK channel.