The 1970s spawned "Outlaw Country" followed shortly by "Progressive Country" of the 1980s, which led directly into Alternative-Country of the 1990s. Although much wider in scope than the name suggests, Alternative Country-Rock bands frequently have bolder and harsher guitar textures than their other country-genre siblings, and derives their roots from the sounds of Gram Parsons and Neil Young. The Alt-Country indie rag "No Depression" helps articulate the genre.
Read more: the ListenSmart article on this style.