You won't find us listening to Shania Twain or Florida Georgia Line, but that doesn't mean we don't like something with a little twang. These five songs toe the line between country and something else.
"Pretty Girl From Michigan" — Avett Brothers
A little bit rock 'n' roll, a little bit folk, "Pretty Girl From Michigan" is a harder song than the rest of the Avett Brothers' discography, but it's just as fun.
"Firecracker" — Ryan Adams
Off his 2001 album, Gold, Ryan Adams' "Firecracker" is all kinds of spunky. Add in harmonica and you've got yourself a semi-country classic.
"Ashamed" — Deer Tick
The strumming of a sad guitar, a lonesome, melancholy tune? Sounds all country, but this tune has a sharp edge, too.
"My Silver Lining" — First Aid Kit
"I don't know if I'm scared of dying or if I'm scared of living too fast or too slow, regret, remorse, oh no, I've gotta go." The words are classically country, the music is rollicking.
"The General Specific" — Band of Horses
"In a showing of hands, who's going back to the South?" asks Americana-eqse "The General Specific." If there's more hand-clapping and tambourine in the South, we're in.
Bonus "The One That Got Away" — The Civil Wars
"Oh, I wish I'd never, ever seen your face!" This tune is twangy and angst-y with fulfilling crescendos and beautiful vocals.
