Blood on the Saddle

One of the pioneering bands in the cowpunk movement and a precursor to the late-'80s alt-country scene, Blood on the Saddle married the rootsy and hell-raising side of vintage country and bluegrass with the speed, ferocity, and roaring guitars of punk rock. Founded by guitarist Greg Davis, Blood on the Saddle were at their rawest and most straightforward on their self-titled 1984 album, and while there was a dash of pop polish in the production of 1986's Poison Love, 1987's Fresh Blood was a tight, skillful return to the sound of their debut. Subsequent releases found them delivering their trademark sound with energy and enthusiasm well into the 21st century.