Lady A is part of the sort of new sound. I love it that they write quite a bit of their own music. Dave (the dark haired guy) does much of the composing and arranging. Sugarland, another group I like, writes quite a bit of their own work, as well.
Country has evolved in interesting ways. Did you enjoy Kenny Chesney and
Dave Matthews performance of "I'm Alive" at the CMA's?
Lots of interesting things happening on the country scene--it has been great to see Darius Rucker make such a fast and sensational transition.