Walter,
I like a lot of the Jayhawks' stuff, but I really don't know The Handsome Family (except by name). I'll check it out.
As to Uncle Tupelo and spin offs,
IMHO, UT's "No Depression" was THE seminal "alt. country/cow punk" record (and, since this genre is sometimes called "No Depression", I guess I'm not alone in that judgement). I'd tend to agree that the rest of their catalog is spotty. Son Volt started out great with "Trace" but sank pretty quickly. Wilco is Wilco and Bottle Rockets (specifically on the strength of the eponymous first record and TBS - although all of theirs are very good records)would be my pick of this litter.
Another "Cow Punk" band worth mentioning is 16 Horsepower, but if Uncle Tupelo leaves you cold, this one may not be your cup of tea, either.
Marty
I like a lot of the Jayhawks' stuff, but I really don't know The Handsome Family (except by name). I'll check it out.
As to Uncle Tupelo and spin offs,
IMHO, UT's "No Depression" was THE seminal "alt. country/cow punk" record (and, since this genre is sometimes called "No Depression", I guess I'm not alone in that judgement). I'd tend to agree that the rest of their catalog is spotty. Son Volt started out great with "Trace" but sank pretty quickly. Wilco is Wilco and Bottle Rockets (specifically on the strength of the eponymous first record and TBS - although all of theirs are very good records)would be my pick of this litter.
Another "Cow Punk" band worth mentioning is 16 Horsepower, but if Uncle Tupelo leaves you cold, this one may not be your cup of tea, either.
Marty