Thanks folks for all the great sugestions. Keep em coming please.
Dhel, do check out these two great, bands but don't forget the awesome Cave Singers. I posted one for you and everyone to sample .
Timrhu,I am a huge Ryan Adams fan and Gold is a masterpiece! He is for sure Alt Country.
I have seen Lucinda Williams 3 times. Great live band. I recemmend Car Wheels On A Gravel Road of course and Essence ,and her double Live album is fantastic as well ( Live @ The Fillmore)
I forgot to mention a few bands. The Avett Brothers last Album I and Love and You is STELLAR and a must own if you love Alt Country .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4DsqiW2DI
Mumford and Sons first album was another album that stopped me dead in my tracks for 4 months of straight listening. This may be my top favorite album of the last few years.
Cave singers killer song and video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssN2_B7351U
and a great live acoustic one from The Wood Brothers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lI6UrXqKhg