Unlike the stereotypical singer-songwriter, Robbie Fulks takes pains to avoid the the words “artist” or “artistic” when talking about his music. Thus the veteran known for arch alt-country tunes like “F--- This Town” and “Roots Rock Weirdos” gets a little self-conscious about discussing the literary inspirations behind his latest compositions.

His new album, “Upland Stories,” includes songs influenced by the writings of Anton Chekhov, Flannery O’Connor and James Agee.

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