If you think country is all bad, I suggest these artists:
Anything Uncle Tupelo has done is great, but try their album Anodyne. Their lyrics might seem a bit trite as they deal with rural life, factories, pollution, boredom, and poverty... but Jay Farrar is so earnest that it makes it that much more fun.
Holopaw are an excellent acoustic country band with some mild nonobtrusive electronics. Sort of similar to what Radiohead would sound like as a country band.
Iron & Wine are a pure acoustic country band, only an acoustic guitar and vocals for the most part. Very emotional, dark, and beautiful. Highly recommended for anyone who likes acoustic music, and the vocals are wonderful.
Neko Case is an excellent female country singer, her music is a bit more old school but it is still very excellent.