Cowpunk

A forerunner of the 1990s Alt-Country phenomenon, Cowpunk flourished for a time in the '80s as Jason and the Scorchers, the Beat Farmers and Dash Rip Rock built up solid cult followings. The music itself was a manic take on country music, fusing Punk's raw energy and rough-hewn playing with rural themes and fashion. Though not as focused nor polished as the Alt Country that arose a decade later, Cowpunk was nonetheless a key component in the '80s Punk scene; floating around the fringes, yet unique and pervasive enough to be taken seriously.