What am I missing? Americana?

I dunno... maybe a Ventures greatest hits disc, Danny Gatton Cruising Deuces, Allman Brothers Live at Fillmore East, Smithereens Especially For You. The Crime Jazz compilations provide a good cross section of memorable soundtrack pieces from American TV and films.

jim white
silver jews
howe gelb
giant sand
songs:ohia
magnolia electric company
iron and wine
david rawlings

couple more.
jandek
m. ward
bill callahan
smog
my morning jacket
jim o'rourke

Lots of good ones mentioned, but I gotta add Scott Miller.

Don't think anyone mentioned The Reivers yet. Back in the day, there was a lot of press to the effect that John Croslin was at the forefront of the "New Sincerity" movement of singer/songwriters you've nodded to here - and his bands' stuff added great harmonies, as well.

Sometimes things get a little too sincere, so I go for a shot of Webb Wilder.

Marty

PS Not sure Duane's choices are specifically "with the program", but they're very good ideas (especially Gatton), anyway.