xmiyux

I finally got around to watching the movie Searching For the Wrong-Eyed Jesus and absolutely loved a good deal of music in that film. In particular i flipped out over the Handsome Family and have sense added all their studio albums to my collection.

Now I want something in a similar vein. I see Itunes classifies them as Alt-Country (whatever that means). Any help here for me on the recommendation front?

stevevt

You say you have all their studio albums. I'd recommend their Live at Shuba's Tavern album as well. They play a lot of their best stuff, and the between song banter is worthy of repeated listens.

I don't think you're just looking for "alt country" suggestions, since they have a very particular sound and vibe. I'll go so far as to say there are just about zero bands I'd classify as similar. Less country and more weird, but sort of almost a bit similar, I'd suggest you check out Virginia Dare.

Croissant!

Also check out Harry Smith's 'Anthology of American Folk Music' which is a compilation of recordings from the late-twenties, early thirties. They claim it as a huge influence in interviews. Of course, so do many musicians.

there are also a bunch of Handsome Family live shows on archive.org. The two soundboard recordings from Amsterdam (I think) have Andrew Bird on violin and are very good. For that matter, you might really like Andrew Bird as well.

atlantamoi

I honestly can't remember most of the music in that movie other than David Eugene Edwards from 16 Horsepower. That band was freakishly good, but he's moved on with the more acoustic Woven Hand.