31.   Longtime friend Randy Owens, from the country band Alabama, sang and played his acoustic guitar.

32.   The reputation of alternative country band Uncle Tupelo has grown steadily over the past decade, as their music has become harder to find.

33.   They say they aim for edge, emphasize harmonies and try not to sound like any other country band.

34.   What is it about these alternative country bands that enable them to suffer key personnel defections and survive, even thrive?

35.   Yes, farmers are as full of angst as the rest of us, says Steve Ripley, leader of boogie-woogie country band The Tractors.