On paper, this matchup seems to heavily favor Country Music Hall of Famers Alabama. After all, Randy Owen and company do have the hit songs, Platinum albums, and Entertainer of the Year trophies. However, the Josh Abbott Band have fans as passionate as any base in country music, and if the Texas country group can steer them in the right direction, we could have a major upset. 

JAB has drawn comparisons to Steve Earle while topping Texas music charts with songs from their three albums, including 'Small Town Family Dream,' released in 2012. Conversely, turn on any radio to a country station and you'll hear Alabama's case for why they're the best country band of all time. Songs like 'Mountain Music,' 'Tennessee River' and 'Dixieland Delight' are as popular today as they were when they were released two or three decades ago.

Fans will decide this round (and every round) in this 16-team battle to determine the best band of all time. You're allowed to vote once every hour. Any voter found to be outpacing that rule will be deemed ineligible, forfeiting their votes. Voting for the Round 1 matchups will end on Sunday March 17 at 11:59PT ET.

The overall March Bandness winner for 2013 be announced on April 8, the day of the NCAA national championship basketball game.

March Bandness Bracket Round 1
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