Sometimes I simply need to get a post out quickly.

The 90’s will forever be associated with grunge, Britpop, G-Funk, and the teen pop explosion at the end of the decade. But many smaller genres flourished, as well: electronica, folktronica, trip-hop, jungle, and the genre of the day … alt-country.

The alternative country scene had its roots in the 80’s, where bands combined threads from Hank Williams, Gram Parsons, Dylan, and all other manner of country, folk, country-rock, and just plain rock, along with the punk and indie sounds surrounding them, into a blend that often seemed hard to quantify.

The Jayhawks formed in Minnesota in the mid-80’s but by 1995 had taken on more of an early 70’s California country-rock vibe. Tomorrow The Green Grass, the band’s fourth album, showcases their stellar songwriting and beautiful harmonies, and features their signature song, “Blue.”

So let’s have a listen to the relaxed side of the 1990’s. Acoustic guitars to the fore.

[One piece of geeky info for you, though: the string arrangement was written by Paul Buckmaster, a name you will see gracing the credits of classic 70’s albums by The Rolling Stones, Elton John, David Bowie, and countless others. Next time you hear “Space Oddity,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Without You” by Nilsson, or “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, you’re listening to a string arrangement by Paul Buckmaster.]