One of the more interesting traditions of country music has been its professional stagecraft. More than just about any other style of modern music, there's a sense that the performers approach their craft in a workmanlike manner. The same goes in the studio - a feel of slick veneer and presentation. When the 'alt-country' movement erupted in the late 80s, it did so in the wake of punk's clarion call of authenticity-above-all-else and since bands like Uncle Tupelo were just as influenced by Roy Acuff as Black Flag, it created an interesting clash of cultures. The type of stage and studio craft celebrated by country music just didn't fly in the face of sneering, judgmental listeners raised to question the cred of any music that sounded that well done.
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