The Bottle Rockets/Sarah Borges

For just about 30 years now, the Bottle Rockets have carried the alt-country torch as other bands have fallen by the wayside. On their latest album, Bit Logic, the St. Louis natives write about contemporary culture. In particular, they hone in our dependence on technology. Produced by longtime studio collaborator Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (the Del-Lords, Steve Earle), the album features everything from rousing cowpunk anthems ("Bit Logic") to groove slide guitar-driven rockers ("Maybe Tomorrow"). (Niesel)