In reply to:
todd snider- this guy is from seattle, but now resides in texas
Unless he moved very recently, he lives across town here in Nashville. I second the recommendation, though.
We had a Gillian Welch conversation a few months back, and if you've not heard her (and David Rawlings), they're incredible. I've caught her twice in the past two weeks here in town at the Station Inn, and both shows were jaw-dropping. They're doing a total of 7 or 8 nights here to record a live album, so be on the lookout (maybe later this summer?). In addition to their own stuff, I saw them do an amazing cover of Radiohead's "Black Star" and Traffic's "Dear Mr. Fantasy" - if either of those make the final cut you'll be knocked out. There are two more shows to go, and I plan to attend both of them.
Other favs: Richard Thompson. I'm like a Jehovah's Witness for RT (knock, knock, knock..."Hi...have you heard the good news?).
Mock Tudor or
Shoot Out The Lights are excellent places to start. And someone mentioned Nick Drake -- if that's your speed, I highly recommend
Damien Rice.
