One of the most important developments in early-1990s music was the emergence of progressive heartland rock. In sharp contrast to the synthesizer-driven pop of the late 1980s, this new genre prominently featured instruments like violin, mandolin and harmonica. The Counting Crows and Blues Traveler were two examples in this wave; of course, the act that perfectly packaged this sound was the Dave Matthews Band.

Progressive heartland rock is not the same as country. It took hold in specific progressive, generally better-educated heartland enclaves, including college towns like Charlottesville, Virginia and Madison, Wisconsin.

And the sound is great! So here is another new playlist, progressive heartland rock, mostly from the 1990s. It has a classic American sound. The test drive (as usual) performed beautifully.

1) "American Angel" (Josh Dodes Band, Get Up)
2) "Omaha" (Counting Crows, August and Everything After)
3) "Stranded on Easy Street" (Bruce Hornsby and the Range, A Night on the Town)
4) "I Won't Back Down" (Tom Petty, Full Moon Fever)
5) "Santa Monica" (Everclear, Sparkle and Fade)
6) "Selling the Drama" (Live, Throwing Copper)
7) "Get Off This" (Cracker, Kerosene Hat)
8) "The Connection" (Phish, Undermind)
9) "Texarkana" (R.E.M., Out of Time)
10) "Ants Marching" (Dave Matthews Band, Under the Table and Dreaming)*

* in the all-time top 1% of favorite songs