Julian Cope presents Head Heritage

OK. The one genre that largely defeats me in appreciation value. Rock moments with a C & W element I'm fine with eg. CSN/Y, Manassas, (not the fucking Eagles ! NO WAY), Byrds, Waterboys etc, but what should I check out to really see if I can get it once and for all. I tried Gram Parsons once and didn't dig , but I felt like that about The Incredible String Band once who I know adore. I know the usual recommendations are Johnny Cash (liked some I've heard, not all by any means), so what would any HHeads with this particular inclination suggest for me to check out and suss this conundrum once and for all ?