Biography of Uncle Tupelo

Uncle Tupelo's skillful updating of country and folk for the post-punk era made the band one of the best of the early '90s. Beginning with their first independent record in 1990, the band played direct, hardcore country, injecting it with the loud fervor of punk. Over the course of four albums, the overt punk elements of their music became less dominant, as the group's fascination with country came to the forefront. By the time of their major label debut in 1993, Uncle Tupelo had developed a familiar, yet distinct, sound that had traces of The Flying Burrito Brothers, Neil Young, and Hank Williams; their music was based in tradition, yet it didn't sound nostalgic -- their conviction and passion made it sound vital and contemporary. Unfortunately, the band broke up the following year; the group's two songwriters -- Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy -- each had formed new bands by the end of the year. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine