Based in Oxford, MS, the Hilltops served as a precursor to the band Blue Mountain and the later music career of John Stirratt (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, the Autumn Defense). One of the best and most popular bands in the North Mississippi/Memphis region during their late-'80s existence, they successfully mixed country and roots rock with punk -- imagine the Replacements if they had come from Dixie. The disparate yet harmonious elements in the music were best shown by Stirratt's tendency towards the punkier side of things, while co-leader Cary Hudson's songs were more earthy and had ...