[zybar]

A few other favorites of mine:

Blue Rodeo
The Jayhawks
Lucinda Williams

George

[sunnydaze]

The Barr Brothers have got my attention at the moment.  Check out their excellent debut album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgtYREp1mLQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enenpjfAOo4&feature=relmfu

[Scottdazzle]

Musn't forget some of the pioneers of alt-country who are still writing and playing superb music like Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Chris Hillman, and Lucinda Williams.  This genre wouldn't exist without them!

[oldmp3]

Newer and older:

77 El Deora - Sirens: roots, rock, Bakersfield sound, lots of violin. I can't figure out exactly where they are on the map but I like it.  Check out their cover of Springsteen's "County Fair" on the "The Crown and the Crow's Confession" cd.  See a live performance at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2MIKgi8ry4



Robbie Fulks - Let's Kill Saturday Night: versatile and talented - everything from hillbilly to Michael Jackson.  Title song is squarely in the rocker category.  Great duo with Lucinda on "Pretty Little Poison". Insightful and honest writer about lots of music related topics: http://robbiefulks.com.

[sunnydaze]

On the alt-folk and singer-songwriter side of the coin:

Felice Brothers
Fleet Foxes
Decemberists
Bon Iver
Ray LaMontagne
James Vincent McMorrow
Dylan LeBlanc

All excellent.

[stlrman]

Sunnydaze, enjoying the Barr Brothers right now. 
Thanks!!
That fishing tackle guitar is way cool! I have a slow feed on you tube, but I look forward to watching the other video as well.
Digging this band!
Todd

[sunnydaze]

Enjoy Todd!   

Entire album is superb, can't stop listening.

[macrojack]

Here's an obscure talent for you to investigate:

Cozy Sheridan of Moab, Utah.

Be sure to check out her account of Waldo the dog.

[roscoeiii]

+1 on Neko Case and Fleet Foxes.

Horse Feathers is another one to check out, and they are touring now or in the near future. Coming to Chicago in April

And let's not forget Lambchop. What a voice Kurt has. Also touring now or shortly, and coming to Chicago in April.

Yep, got tix to both.

[Don_S]

I am not sure I completely understand this genre but I think the first two albums by Michelle Shocked might fit in.  Some great songwriting and singing there.  Her later albums were different.  The lady liked to wander.

[stlrman]

Nice  Roscoe!! Enjoy those shows
I'm still trying to wrap my head around Lambchop, but really unique and way talented. How would you classify his music? Never heard anything like him.
Roscoe, I'm stunned and bowled over with Horse Feathers!! Thank you!! Listening now with my new cheapo Sony headphones into my iPad ,what a band!!
Todd

[roscoeiii]

My fave Lambchop is Damaged, but I may be in the minority there. More squarely in the country realm is the lead singers side project as Kort.

A review, with the Kort details:

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15102-invariable-heartache/

[JoshK]

Magnolia Electric Co/Jason Molina  -- not sure if exactly alt country, but near enough.

[soundbitten1]

Steve Earle has been a great artist for a long time.

[stlrman]

Josh, Magnolia Electric Company's Album is REALLY good. I just started listening to them a few days ago.
I also dig Steve Earl!! I would love to see him live.

Have you guys listened to PERFUME GENIUS's new Album? It's near PERFECT !!
They sound like Paul Simon slams into Bon Iver, Lol...

A very fun band that has been around forever is  Donna The Buffalo . They are Alt Country Jam Band. Really fun to dance the whole show through. They have entire shows on Youtube , but here is one song to get you going called Funky Side  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2hlRwEY1hI&feature=related
I have seen DTB live about 5 times. Always FUN!!
Thanks all for all the great recommendations!! I am really enjoying a number of bands that have been suggested. Hopefully, you are enjoying a couple of mine as well. I have a few more up my sleeve, and I am saving a special find to spring on you soon.
Todd

[pjnad]

Another suggestion: Olabelle.
Great musicians including Amy Helm ( Levon's daughter ).

[JoshK]

Josh, Magnolia Electric Company's Album is REALLY good. I just started listening to them a few days ago.

Just an FYI, but he has a LOT more than a single album.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Molina
He did a lot under the band name Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Elec Co, self-titled, Molina and Johnson. 

[bunnyma357]

There are also a lot old '80s roots/cowpunk bands.

The Long Ryders
Lone Justice
Jason & the Scorchers
Rank & File
Green on Red
Danny & Dusty


Jim C

[JoshK]

Another one you might like, I know I do anyway.   Not alt-country, but can be appreciated by those who like jangly rock.

Rex - C
http://allmusic.com/album/c-r300420

I second Calexico!  Calexico & Iron and Wine's EP is freaking awesome.