[Van Hagar]

A lazy Sunday thread designed to make JP’s head explode. My take on the best country bands ever, I’m talking about groups that actually played their own instruments, not an act like Brooks and Dunn where 99% of the music is played by backing musicians. From 10-1, here we go.

10. The Carter Family—I’m really only ranking more modern acts, but you have to mention the first real country group that influenced things for years.

9. Restless Heart—Much underrated 90s act, lots of excellent songs in their catalog.

8. Rascal Flatts—To me, the country equivalent of Journey, a tremendous lead singer, but some of the material just so-so.

7. Charlie Daniels Band—Considered a rock act when they first started, outstanding musicianship across the board.

6.  The Highwaymen—Hard to go wrong with a supergroup of Waylon, Willie, Kristofferson and Cash.

5.  Nitty Gritty Dirt Band—Another highly underappreciated act, tremendous live, outstanding musicians.

4.  Zac Brown Band—Also fantastic live, they can play almost any genre. Their version of Devil Went Down to Georgia is the absolute best.

3.  Alabama—People from my age range know that this was the act that made country cool again for a lot of the younger set. Still probably don’t get their due. 

2.  The Dixie Chicks—Now just ‘The Chicks’, one of the best acts ever in any genre. Their material is just sublime, the McGuire sisters are unparalleled musicians, and Natalie Mains is the best female country singer of all time. Would be number one in almost any ranking if it wasn’t for….

1.  The Eagles—‘Desperado’. ‘Tequila Sunrise’. ‘New Kid in Town’. ‘Peaceful, Easy Feeling.’ ‘I Can’t Tell You Why.’ ‘Take It Easy.’ The list of iconic country songs just goes on and on and…..Oh wait, what? Some people consider them a rock band? Hmmmm.