I found two more contemporary Country artists I like.

[Denninmi]

The old me hated and dismissed Country as horrible dreck. Me Version 2.0 is all about expanding horizons, trying new things, being less rigid and more open minded.

I bought Luke Bryan's new album 'Crash My Party' today, which is as new as it gets, today is the official release date. Listened all the way through twice and loved it.

Also bought Jason Aldean's 2012 release 'Night Train' and loved it.

I have everything on my iPhone from Hip Hop like Outkast and The Blackeyed Peas to Duran Duran to my beloved U2, Green Day, Bon Jovi, Train, and The Goo Goo Dolls. Now adding Country and loving it.

All about expand my horizons. Me 2.0.

[OriginalGeek]

1. Give Willie's boy a listen

I love this band

[Denninmi]

2. Hey, pretty good.

I'll check them out on iTunes. I like the way you can sample songs before you buy. Thanks for the tip.

[HarveyDarkey]

4. And then there's Willie's & Arlo's daughters

[OriginalGeek]

5. Ha!

that was awesome!

[cemaphonic]

3. Give a listen to Gillian Welch/David Rawlings, if you haven't already.

They don't really have a commercial Nashville sound (despite being commercially successful musicians working out of Nashville), their sound is more of an intersection of bluegrass/folk/singer-songwriter influences. Welch is a great songwriter, and their arrangements and vocal harmonies are really beautiful. Rawlings is also a really, really wicked lead guitarist, although he doesn't really cut loose on their studio albums.

They also have a tendency for playing surprising covers in their live sets, like "Manic Depression," Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and "White Rabbit."

Here's a taste:

[Hoyt]

6. Saw them live at one of the grand old theaters. What a great concert.

Also check out Steve Earle, a real progressive soul.

[Tom Ripley]

7. I have seen them numerous times, and they are always astonishing

In my opinion, she is the best songwriter currently out there.

[Hoyt]

8. I agree.