American alternative country band formed in St. Louis in 1994 by Jay Farrar (vocals/guitar) after the breakup of Uncle Tupelo. Original lineup also included Jim Boquist (bass), Dave Boquist (guitar), and Mike Heidorn (drums); subsequent lineups have rotated around Farrar.
Ten studio albums starting with Trace (1995). Best-known releases include Straightaways (1997), Wide Swing Tremolo (1998), and Okemah and the Melody of Riot (2005). The band paused from 1999 to 2005 while Farrar pursued solo work; resumed with a new lineup that has remained largely stable.
