I’m a relative newcomer to the world of alt country, so everybody but me probably already knew, but Neko Case #@*! ROCKS!  She’s got an amazing voice, and really captures that “torch and twang” aesthetic (which I love).  I’ve listened to Furnace Room Lullaby about 5 times in the last couple days, and I’m wowed each and every time.  I’d put it right up there with k.d. lang’s Absolute Torch and Twang.  This is what I love about Rhapsody.  I’d never hear all this great music otherwise. 

My other big faves right now are Blue Horse by the Be Good Tanyas, and Springtime Can Kill You by Jollie Holland.  Good stuff.