The indie rock trio from Australia's third album is “Faith Crisis Part 1”

“What Now” is the second solo album by the Alabama Shakes lead singer. As the title suggests you never know what’s going to happen next.

on his new solo album “What Do We Do Now” he combines two approaches, layering acoustic guitars under his trademark electric riffs

"Polaroid Lovers" is unlike anything she has done before

"Little Rope" is a captivating part of the band’s second act, it’s their fourth album since coming out of retirement.

"Higher" is a masterful blend of country, soul, and blues that showcases his remarkable vocal range.

A Sense of Community is what they are after on their 13th studio album “Big Big Love.”

“Jenny From Thebes” is a full blown rock opera about a character first introduced on a 2002 album.

“Hackney Diamonds” is the return to form that no one ever expected

“Strays 2” a companion recording to an album she released in January that stands on it’s own but also expands the first album’s mythology

“Javelin” is a career defining work

On their 13th album “Cousin” they offer some great reflections on the world today and their inability to understand it.

Their newest album “From Self With Love” arrives after a tumultuous year for them

On their fourth album, called “The Fourth Album” they get back to the basics of what they started out being; a kick-ass, original blues-rock band.

“Everything is Alive” evolves the band’s sound bringing them into the forefront of the neo psychedelic scene.

“Jubilee” is an album of songs with common themes like romance, grief, reuniting with old friends and...cockfights.

He’s literate, adventurous and earnest and he continues to amaze with his third album “Unreal Unearth.”

Dan Auerbach is not only the leader of The Black Keys and the Arcs, he’s also the founder of a record company, an in demand producer and a talent scout who has brought together his most recent discoveries on this album with a self-explanatory title

"Natural Disaster" is the solo debut album by the leader of Best Coast

“City of Gold” is a quick follow-up to last year’s “Crooked Tree” which won the Grammy award for Bluegrass Album of the Year. For the new album she returns with the same crew.

On “Sticks and Stones” it’s clear he doesn’t care what people are saying about him. His wit and wisdom are what makes this album such a hoot.

"Cheat the Devil" is a thrill-a-minute ride through the power of his guitar and his voice that melds into it.

On “Stories From a Rock and Roll Heart” she has recovered from a very dark time in her life to create one of her greatest albums.

Her new album “Home” is a stirring collection of songs celebrating the familial setting it refers to.

The former Rilo Kiley lead singer, has always had a little country influence in her solo albums and on “Joy’all” she embraces that style

“Lucky For You”, with equal parts punk, shoegaze, brit pop and anthemic rock, is an album meant to be played loud.

The follow up to her Mercury Prize winning debut from 2021, “My Soft Machine”

On their tenth album “Walk Around the Moon” they continue to find innovative ways to keep the groove fresh.

“Wilderness Within You” is his 6th album and juxtaposes songs that vary wildly in arrangements from acoustic front porch strummings to psychedelic electronic experiments

“Get Behind the Wheel,” her tenth album, tells of the nadir her career hit during the pandemic and how, by refocusing her life, she was able to liberate herself

Their 9th album “The First Two Pages of Frankenstein” builds on their already well-established core sound of poetic somberness

Her third album “Star Eaters Delight” distinguishes her as a lo-fi singer songwriter with a voice and instrumental approach that sound like no other artist today.

"Keep Your Courage" is the first solo album in nine years from the former 10,000 Maniacs lead singer.

“The Weakness” comes after his divorce from Kacy Musgraves, it’s theme deals more with the resilience needed to handle all transitions in life

“The Record” is the full length debut album by Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker.

“Celebrants” is their first in nine years and only their fifth album going back to their 2000 breakthrough. It’s not a reunion album, it’s a continuation of what they started

On “Lover’s Game” they draw on traditional folk, country, R&B, and spirituals, often combining them all in one song.

"S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul” is a charitable album of mostly covers by the powerhouse New Orleans singer, co-produced by Joe Bonamassa who plays on four tracks

“Should’ve Learned By Now” is an antidote to their last couple of albums, tapping into their bar band ethos.

“Weight of the World” is one of his most adventurous albums, as it breaks down genre barriers between soul, blues, jazz, funk, rock and roll and more

On their 16th studio album, “This Stupid World,” they brilliantly toggle between loud and quiet textures.

He's been recording since the late 90’s and his new album, “Lay Your Darkness Down” is inspired by a recent diagnosis of a degenerative eye disease that could leave him blind.

She's a sixteen year old Hampton Roads high school student who’s debut album is “The Half of It.” Forget all the “for her age” qualifications, this is a fully formed songwriter

“Rockabilly Revival” brings the 1950’s genre kicking and screaming into the 21st century by recalling the frenetic energy of its pioneering artists.

"Strays," her fourth release is a synthesis of styles and shows off her abilities a diverse singer songwriter

"Blood Harmony," their new album, pays tribute to their southern heritage conjuring up gritty, swampy images with fiery slide guitar solos and soulful vocals.

"Seth Avett Sings Greg Brown" is the Avett Brother’s tribute to an artist he first heard when he was 15 years old and has been one of his musical guiding lights since then.

The Minnesota band has released their 10th album “Aplenglow” and like the title suggests, the music takes on the sound of the reddish haze that blankets the mountains at dawn and dusk

They have been one of the most consistently superb rock and roll band's since their 1996 breakthrough album.

“I Walked With You a Ways” is the debut by two artists who are already known for their solo work, Katie Crutchfield and Jess Williamson.

This trio of solo artists have followed up their first album of traditional folk covers with a new album, “Rolling Golden Holy” of all original songs that have the same timeless appeal.

It’s been over nine years since their last release but Karen O and her band make’s it seem like yesterday

"Denim & Diamonds" takes the alt-country rocker into new territory, with a tougher and heavier musical attitude

“Asphalt Meadows” keeps up a high degree of reinvention that has served them so well

"I Am the Moon" was released on four eps between the beginning of June and the end of August. The twenty four tracks are all loosely related to a 12th Century Persian poem

“Bleed Out” is a musical thrill ride that’s not soon forgotten.

On their third album, a self-titled release, they put all labels aside and meld their varied influences into one cohesive sound.

Their third album “Cover to Cover” pays homage to their early influences by covering an eclectic set of songs, most of which were popular before they were born.

“Going Places” has a relaxed vibe of breezy, rhythmic gems.

“Misadventures of Doomscroller” is an ambitious redefining of the band’s sound

“Beatopia” is a confident and endearing second album

The third album by Soccer Mommy, ”Sometimes, Forever” is the perfect follow-up to the groundbreaking second album from 2020.

“Orange Blood” delivers on the promise of their first two albums with positive, carefree messages wrapped inside psychedelic, folk tinged arrangements

“Chicamacomico”is a life saving station on the Outer Banks and a metaphor for the heart wrenching songs on this North Carolina band's album.

“Welcome 2 Club XIII” is the band's 14th album

“Cruel Country” is the best sounding country rock album since the band’s beginnings.

The band's Bridie Monds-Watson let it be known publicly that they are non-binary and that revelation informs the subject matter of their third album “If I Never Know You Like This Again”

“WE” perfectly captures the mixture of emotions going through and coming out of the pandemic.

The Va. Beach band's fourth album “Darkness and Rainbows” is a combination of the layered guitar work of guitarist/singer Tom Southern and his sophisticated, original songs.

“Paint This Town” continues their exuberance for Americana Music.

“watch my moves” is his 8th solo album of what he calls “fried pop” music.

“El Mirador” is a joyful celebration of all good things in life, including the Latin influences of their work.

“Crooked Tree” is her fourth album in five years, but its the most definitive and consistent release in her young career.

“Costarring Too” is the followup to his 2020 collection of collaborations and features an even more impressive lineup of guest musicians.

On their fifth album, “Great American Painting” their previous experiments have come to fruition.

“Things Are Great” is a back to basics album from a band relying on the strengths that have made them special from the beginning.

"The Tipping Point", their first album in 18 years, is a glorious return to form.

Ever since their breakthrough album in 2014, the artist behind the band, Alynda Segarra has been distancing herself from it’s Americana sound. “Life on Earth” continues that evolution

One of the most reliable bands in rock and roll continues that dependability on their tenth album “Lucifer on the Sofa.”

Mitski’s new album "Laurel Hell" warns of the pitfalls that are inherent in the pursuit of love.

"Crown" is a modern blues showcase that is equal parts soul, funk and blues.

The pandemic caused the long-time folkie to create her new album "Age of Apathy" alone and then virtually collaborate on the arrangements and instrumentation. Not surprisingly the result is a much more intimate set of songs.

“Brightside” is a more stripped down version of their sound but no less optimistic.

The Australian singer’s “Things Take Time, Take Time” is gentler than her first two, out of necessity. Her more bombastic tendencies are muted by the pandemic.

“The Future” is a perfect fusing of the boisterous fervor of his work with the backing band and his more introspective songs from his solo recordings.

The Philly band’s newest "I Don't Live Here Anymore" is a complex balancing act between anthemic rock and experimental successes.

Their ninth album is a self titled collection of grand musical statements, making up for the long wait of six years between albums when they didn’t know whether they would even be a band again.

"Georgia Blue" has him fulfilling a promise he made during the last election that if Georgia went Democrat he would record an album of covers paying tribute to the Peach State's musical heritage.

“Play Loud” has the band not only rocking loudly but moving beyond their blues based roots to a newer sounding rock and roll vibe.

“Rhythm of the Roads” is the second album from this Hampton Roads-based singer song-writer. The band he has assembled just plain make the songs move.

“The Velvet Underground & Nico” came out in 1967 and “I’ll Be Your Mirror”is a new, song for song tribute to that groundbreaking debut.

”Springtime in New York: The Bob Dylan Bootleg Series Volume 16” has meticulously culled previously unreleased outtakes, alternate versions, rehearsals and live performances of songs, mostly recorded for the albums "Shot of Love", "Infidels" and "Empire Burlesque" in the early 1980s.

Hunter at Sunrise is a Sunday morning show on WHRV’s HD-2 Channel hosted by long-time radio vet Hunter Hughes. Each week he features a live music performance and he has compiled a double album of those in-studio appearances on “Sunrise Sessions Volume 2: The Pandemic Recordings.”

The new album “Mercury: Act 1” finds the band tackling more serious issues than their previous four releases, their trademark bombastic sound is more subdued but no less powerful.

The second album by the collaboration between Aaron Dessner of The National and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver is called “How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last?” The band is a It champions the communal nature of music by featuring vocal contributions from Anais Mitchell, Sharon Van Etten, Fleet Foxes, Taylor Swift and more

On his new album “The Horses and the Hounds” he channels his preoccupation with aging.

“Different Kinds of Light” is her second album and incorporates more of her British rock roots

“Never Too Late to Call” is a family album…his family. Thorn's wife, daughter, sister and father all figure into the songs, most delivered with a more acoustic approach than on previous albums

The new album, “Animal” is the sound of folk singer Laura Marling going down the rabbit hole with Tunng’s Mark Lindsey.

This twenty two year old blues phenom's 2019 debut was nominated for a Grammy and makes his new one, “662” highly anticipated. With fiery solos, soulful vocals and great songs, he doesn’t disappoint.

“Sob Rock” stylistically emulates a much maligned genre of music known as yacht rock.

Jakob Dylan is the only original member and has released his first album since he officially turned his band into a solo project, the aptly titled “Exit Wounds.”

“Catastrophe and Hope” is this Hampton Roads' artist's fourth album. It was written and recorded during the pandemic and chronicles many of the emotions we all shared during that time.

On his solo album "Jump For Joy" he takes a truly solo approach and records all the instruments and vocals himself. It's quite a tour de force.

They celebrate twenty years as a band with the release of their seventh album, “You Hear Georgia.” Their reverence for their home state is what make this one of their best albums yet.

The Americana trio has transformed themselves for their third album inspired by the pandemic, “Shame and Sedition.”

Her sixth album “Daddy’s Home” draws it’s inspiration from her father who spent years in jail but it was his record collection that’s responsible for the unabashed retro sound

“Life By Misadventure” is the follow up to his immensely successful debut and he does it with a more subdued vocal approach.

“The Million Masks of God” is their most audacious and brilliant yet.

She has been flying under the radar artistically since her debut in 2003 but her new album “Modern Age” should give her a serious foothold.

About the only thing she had not accomplished in her illustrious career was the release of a live album. “Til We Meet Again” checks that one off the list.

His new album “Be Here Instead” is a bold step forward instrumentally, maintaining his folkie style but experimenting with electronic effects that bring about a change in his approach to his already well proven talent for songwriting.

The Scottish trio's sixth album “Half Drunk Under a Full Moon” continually evolves their sound with more elaborate sonic touches to go along with their sometimes lunatic lyrics.

He is a guitar slinger, blues belter and veteran road dog who, with his new album “Alafia Moon” can add great storyteller to that list.

The Hampton Roads band spent 2020 in lockdown like everyone else but made good use of their time off and recorded “Truesonic,” their eighth album.

Her third album “The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers” is a concept album about those nocturnal illusions.

“These 13” is a loving tribute to old-style Americana, using the duo’s own new, original songs.

“Little Oblivions” is her third album and she continues with the confessional tone of her first two but with a difference, she’s incorporating a lot more sonic intensity to these personal disclosures.

Their eighth album, "Open Door Policy," brings their unique style to a whole new level.

One of the first totally indie bands, they released their debut in 2005 fully on their own. That D.I.Y. appeal is still evident on their album “New Fragility.”

Medicine at Midnight, their 10th album, is one of their most consistent and likable since their early days.

The first album of the week for 2021 is an album of pandemic inspired songs called “Strawberry Mansion.” It’s his seventh album and he might as well have called it “What I did during the covid quarantine.”

“Starting Over” is his fourth album since he made the switch from songwriter to recording artist

“Starting Over” is his fourth album since he made the switch from songwriter to recording artist.

The artist from Virginia's Northern Neck creates a singular artistic vision with his fourth album “Breaking Light.” Performing all the instruments and vocals, the songs range from deeply personal to outright political.

A comforting new album has arrived by the mother/daughter duo called, fittingly; “I Can Still Hear You.” The harmonies they create are the perfect antidote to isolation.

“Letter To You” is a true love letter to his fans as he reunites with the E-Street Band for an album recorded live in the studio over a mere four days.

His gloomy persona, which has defined The National’s albums, is brought to a new level on his solo debut “Serpentine Prison.”

As Afie Jurvanen's fifth album’s title,“Sad Hunk” implies, he’s struggling to live up to his own reputation.

On their seventh album “Good Luck With Whatever,” they come to grips with being thirty-something and dealing with growing up.

Released at the exact moment of 2020’s autumnal equinox, “Shore” has songs that focus on luminescence in a time of darkness, and tranqulity during upheaval. It’s a return to form with some of their most brilliant songs.

“More Family Time” is the perfect project for parents who love reggae and have kids at home this fall.

“World of Wonder” captures the same magic from the night they played the Out of the Box Series earlier this year when they blew the crowd away.

The Songs of Marc Bolan and T-Rex is a double album that features artists who have been carefully picked, like the guest list at a lavish dinner party, to each bring something different to their performances of these classic glam-rock songs.

Their new album “The Third Gleam” has honest songs done in the simplest of ways, all acoustic.

His new album, his 14th, is called “The Land That Time Forgot” and showcases his portraits of people in many different situations.

“The Chase” is an album that comes out blazing and rarely lets up. Each song began as an acoustic track with layers of different sounds and harmonies added in highly creative ways.

Devastatingly mournful and sad, ‘Old Flowers” is cathartic, hinting at a renewed sense of self-worth and recovery

“The Remedy” is their twentieth release. With a power trio lineup and some guest appearances from some great harmonica players, they rock with the abandon of their obvious influences, Johnny Winter and ZZ Top.

"The Waterfall II" was recorded at the same time as their last album "The Waterfall" and since that time Jim James, the band’s leader has recorded five solo albums. If nothing else, the new album signals that the band is not yet over.

“First Rose of Spring” is the eighty-seven-year-old's 70th studio album. His voice sounds no worse for the wear and the emotion he uses makes this sound like it could be his last album

“Women in Music pt. lll” is the third album by the trio of sisters. The title is meant as an understated kiss-off to critics who have stereotyped them because of their sex.

The double album “Rough and Rowdy Ways,” is his first of original material in eight years

“Pick Me Up Off the Floor,” her eight studio release was not expected so soon. Says Jones: “I don’t know if I was just in a zone or if this process turned it on, but I’ve felt more creative in the last year than I ever have,”

On her new album “World on the Ground” she sings all about her small Texas hometown with songs that play out like a collection of short stories.

Their love for the tragic-comedy of Tom Waits’ songs is what makes the album “Pawn Shop Radio” so irresistible.

On his 20th studio album, “Ghosts of West Virginia,” Steve Earle is reaching out. He says, “I wanted to speak to people that didn’t necessarily vote the way that I did, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have anything in common.”

“Reunions” is the follow up to two previous albums that both won Grammy awards, so expectations are high. That standard of excellence is upheld on the new release and then some.

As one of the few performers left from the grunge rock era, he's feeling survivor’s guilt on “Straight Songs of Sorrow.”

A duo of sisters, Rebecca and Megan Lovell, have released their fifth album in six years, “Self Made Man.” Like most siblings they have extraordinary vocal harmonies but what sets them apart is the harmony their guitars create on these bluesy rock originals, or as they call it “guitarmony.”

Her righteous fury has never been more ignited that on her new album “Good Souls, Better Angels.”

Ed O'Brien of Radiohead's “Earth” is not only a great debut, it’s one of the best albums of the year period.

“2020” is like a collection of political anthems to be sung along to at rallies, social assemblies or, as it turns out, in the shelter of our own homes.

Old school, that’s the perfect description, other than their own name for their seventh album “Your Baby Has Left.” Although the album is mostly original songs, they’re not trying to redefine the genre, just reveling in the inspirational coolness of the blues.

Katie Crutchfield’s band sets off on a new course for the album “St. Cloud.” The thirty three year old singer-songwriter has fully embraced a sober lifestyle and an Americana direction that has resulted in the best album of her career.

“Through a Dark Wood” has arrived just in time. As millions shelter in place to ride out the global pandemic, Alex Church, the band’s leader has crafted a set of cathartic songs that has the listener coming out of a dark place and into the light.

The band has a fifty year history of raising the roof wherever they play with raucous, jump, swing and rock steady blues and on their first studio album in nine years, “In a Roomful of Blues” they keep that tradition alive.

Their fourth album “No Time For Love Songs” captures a range of emotions. The title reflects the the idea that life is too serious now for simple love songs.

Self loathing, depression, emotional distress, mental health issues, darkness and death. These are the themes that make up Soccer Mommy’s second album “color theory”

The Hampton Roads native has just released his debut album, “Highs & Lows & Blues.” With help from some of his favorite area musicians he has created an album of world class, utterly original roots-rock music.

Puss N Boots is a trio of solo artists, Norah Jones, Sasha Dobson and Catherine Popper but their latest album “Sister” is more than just a collection of guest appearances. It’s an album by a self-contained band who have written and recorded all the songs as a trio that speaks as one.

Power chords, shimmering harmonies and bashing rhythms have defined their music since their beginning and “Never Not Together” brings it all home.

On their fourteenth release, “The Unraveling” they’ve gone well beyond the American south-centric themes of past albums. Now they are all-in on America as a whole and they are saying things that need to be said.

They've been a big part of the jam-band circuit for years and on their new album, “Kingdom in My Mind” they use that freewheeling mindset by jamming on the songs in the studio and then editing them to a manageable length afterward.

“The Juice,” with a number of guest artists including his producer Keb Mo, confidently celebrates life in 2020.

On the Hampton Roads' artist's debut album “10 Years” he shows he’s just as adept in the studio as he is on stage.

The band known for their dark, foreboding minimalism set the bar even higher on the new album “Ghosteen,”

The Virginia Beach based band, has completed a musical evolution on their new album “Altogether.”

“Colorado” is a reunion with Crazy Horse, his first with the backing band in six years, this time featuring Nils Lofgren as Young’s guitar foil.

There's a long list of bands that had meteoric success in the mid-90s, but unlike most, this Texas trio is still going strong with their seventh album “The Help Machine,”

“Two Hands” is their second album of 2019 and including vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Adrienne Lenker’s solo album from last October that’s three albums in one year. Considering that each is better than the last this is the rapid emergence of an important band.

The bands says that they will probably never make a sociopolitical record. But if they did it might sound something like their new one, “Closer Than Together.”

"Sound and Fury" is an onslaught on crunching electric guitars, howling synths and heavy metal drumming from the artist who's last album won the Grammy for country album of the year.

Hiss Golden Messenger is the name M.C. Taylor has been recording under since 2009. “Terms of Surrender” is his eighth album and he describes the songs as being “my therapy and my church.”

"We Will Be All Right" is the full-length debut album from the Hampton Roads' duo. This is a live performance of some songs from the album and an interview with the band.

There’s an abundance of everything on her new album “Threads.” There’s a lot of songs, 17, a lot of music 75 minutes worth, and an a-list group of collaborators whose performances are as jaw-dropping as the fact that they are all on one album.

On one of the most unique recordings of the year, the Hampton Roads band have released their debut album “The Modern Life of Insects.”

Her new album “Gypsy” is a tug of war of emotions as songs of politics and dissent push and pull at songs about happiness and empathy, putting into words and music the daily struggle of the human condition.

The band's fourth album "i,i" was released three weeks ahead of schedule, echoing it’s ahead of the curve musicianship and songcraft and probably because it was just too good to hold back.

The band has been around for 15 years but the new album “Sugar Drops” is their first recorded in a proper studio. The album, as she describes, is “about 100 years of Americana.”

The Indie rock community has come together to lovingly pay tribute to the late Scot Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit by re-creating the 2008 album “The Midnight Organ Fight.”

Since their last album rock and roll hasn’t had much to rally around, but “Let’s Rock” shows the way forward with it’s fuzz guitar riffs smothered in digital processing, vocals overdubs that capture the frenzy of the moment and a voodoo bass and drum rhythm section.

This self-titled, second album by the Hampton Roads band continues to forge a unique sound whose bright harmonies and shimmering guitars combine for an exuberant collection of new songs.

The married duo decided that for their 40th wedding anniversary they’d release their first album in ten years. It’s called "Breakdown on 20th Avenue South."

The two long-time indie rock pioneers have joined forces for a second time on the Album “Years to Burn.”

“Omoiyari” is his fifth and most accomplished album, a set of songs all inspired by the Japanese interment camps in the US in World War II.

"Heartbreak City" is Apex Manor’s first album in eight years, during that time Ross Flournoy, the bands leader faltered, then righted himself and returns to music with a new outlook; sober and ready to share his conviction to stay that way.

His ability to create characters through his songs has never been sharper than on his new album “The Saint of Lost Causes.”

His ability to create characters through his songs has never been sharper than on his new album “The Saint of Lost Causes.”

“I Am Easy To Find” is the eighth release for this brooding and melancholy band and, if possible, their music has become even more cinematic with the addition of an Oscar winning filmmaker overseeing the production.

“Laying it Down,” with great backing talent, earnest vocals and some solid, relatable songs, hits a sweet Americana spot.

Their first album in six years “Father of the Bride” reflects a lot of changes within the band that results in an 18 song tour de force of irresistible, imaginative and trend setting music.

On his tenth album in twenty years, “Fever Breaks” he shakes up the consistency he is so well known for and adds a new dimension to his music through a perfect musical partnership with multi-Grammy award winner Jason Isbell as his producer and band leader.

Everything about “Wake Up the Guards”is big. From the scorching saxophone blasts, to the torrid bass, guitar and keyboard interplay to it’s fifteen tracks of rock jazz and soul fusion, it's a big step forward for this Hampton Roads band

Their new album “By Blood” is the boldest effort yet by the married duo who specialize in bringing together disparate elements.

On his new album "Mean Dog Trampoline" this one-man-band is working with a producer for the first time, Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, who brings an enlightened focus to Lorenz’s playing.

On their full length debut album “Heaven on the Rocks,” the Virginia Beach band shows off their psych rock chops.

Their 15th album Love and Revelation is a somber and earthy collection of songs about grief and loss and how to rise above it.

Her self titled, tenth studio album comes after a frightening bout with cancer and serves as a kind of musical rehab, allowing her to relate her own life to the greater truths and experiences that she sings about.

Five years after the release of his debut, "Wasteland Baby!" picks up where the first album left off, further defining his unique blend of rock, gospel and soul.

This collaboration between Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers had better be good just to live down the name they've given it, thankfully it is.

This 12 piece rock ensemble continues to be greater than the sum of it’s many parts with "Signs" their fourth studio album.

The long-time singer songwriter takes an artesian’s approach to his new album “Secondhand Smoke’ crafting each song himself, playing most of the instruments, using his years of songwriting experience to create modern folk music that is instantly relatable.

“Softly, tenderly, using delicate voices,” those are the final words on the new album “Tides of a Teardrop” and it’s an apt description of the Chapel Hill NC band’s approach to these songs that deal with loss, grief and ultimately comfort.

Eighteen years after vol. 1, they have released "Stay Human vol. 2." It’s an album with a serious message but is bursting with positivity.

“Remind Me Tomorrow” reflects all her new artistic outlets by evolving her sound to be more ambitious, atmospheric and grander.

“Remind Me Tomorrow” reflects all her new artistic outlets by evolving her sound to be more ambitious, atmospheric and grander.

“Delta” their fourth studio release shows that they’ve learned that to play to big crowds, you need a big sound.

"The Messenger" digs deep into the psyche of the Old 97's front man in a way he hasn't done before.

After recording most of the songs for his landmark 1974 album, "Blood on the Tracks" Dylan was ready to release it but suddenly changed his mind and re-recorded much of it. Those original recordings are now released for the first time on “More Blood, More Tracks: The Bootleg Series Volume 14.”

The Blues has never sounded more intimate than on the all acoustic new album “Journeys to the Heart of the Blues.” It’s an authentic recreation of rare and classic blues songs.

This is a live performance and interview with the duo who's new album is called..."Duo."

“The Eclipse Sessions” was recorded over four days during the solar eclipse of 2017 inspiring him to record one of his best albums in years.

Five years after releasing his turbulent sounding break-through album Phosphorescent, aka Matthew Houck has put his restless demons aside for a stable, hazy groove of contentment on “C’e La Vie.”

Almost one year to the day after he shockingly passed away, “An American Treasure” bridges the gaps between the six cd box set “Playback” released in 1995 with four more discs of previously unreleased material.

“The Crossing” is about the Mexican/American border and the drama that unfolds there daily.

Considering that he is now 76 years old, “Egypt Station” his first album in five years should be savored. That it happens to be his best collection of songs in decades is just icing on the cake.

“Runaway” not only lives up to this British artist's name but reveals his love of America with it’s theme of traveling cross-country. It’s one of the great road trip albums ever recorded.

“This Night Falls Forever” is dripping in bittersweet romanticism with dramatic flourishes that are spine-tingling.

The band has been so good for so long and on their ninth album “Thank You For Today” they continue that string of excellence.

Over her fifteen year career, she has been known for bridging different styles but on “Meet me at the river” she dedicates all her songs to the classic country formula.

A native of Virginia’s northern neck, Charlton has lived a lot of life and his new album “Morning Stars” draws on those experiences with dense guitar work, driving rhythms and earnest vocals.

“Secularia” is her twentieth album and amid contributions from different members of her family she sings of spirituality. The songs praise the mystery and wonder of the world.

The acoustic blues great's last seven releases have been tribute albums to some of the greatest old-time bluesmen, now she’s starting on the women. "A Woman's Soul: A Tribute to Bessie Smith” is the first of a series she will dedicate to the women of the blues.

The third solo album from the leader of My Morning Jacket has a title that perfectly describes it. “Uniform Distortion” is a collection of guitar ready rockers about the digital age and it’s darker side.

The final song on the new album “All of This Life” is called “I'm Changing” but fans of the band’s Grammy nominated debut need not worry they are still rockin’ the blues like no other band today and using the experience of the success they’ve had to inspire them to ever greater heights

"Arthur Buck" is an album length collaboration between Joseph Arthur and Peter Buck, two long-time indie rock heroes, Buck, with REM and Arthur, with his solo career of 14 albums.

On "Downey to Lubbuck," the album named after their respective hometowns, the two legendary Americana artists find a lot in common.

Guitars rule on the Australian artist's new album “Tell Me How You Really Feel.” The Nirvana inspired bashing combined with her deadpan vocals make this a welcome anomaly in a music world increasingly dominated by synths and auto-tune.

On his new album “The Prodigal Son” there are eight covers of old Blues and Gospel songs and three new originals, illustrating his view of himself as a caretaker of American roots music, one who has returned to where he started more than 50 years ago.

The indie band from Philadelphia has been around for over 15 years but recently re-evaluated their process. Thankfully, tinkering is all that was needed and “Critical Equation” sounds as fresh as anything they’ve done.

“Volunteer” is the 7th album from the best Americana band in America, the boisterous, street corner stomps and heartfelt ballads flow freely as they draw inspiration from their twenty years as band .

“True Love,” the third album from this five piece reggae outfit from Hampton Roads, throbs with rhythmic intensity and psychedelia and doesn’t let up until they get their message of positivity and togetherness across.

Her new album's title,“Edgeland,” is a term used to describe areas of the United States that fall between the urban centers and the rural countryside. It’s the perfect metaphor for her hard-to-categorize music.

It’s fascinating when an artist can take personal experience and turn it into inspiring music. That’s what The Heartless Bastards' leader has done on her solo debut album.

“I’ll Be Your Girl” is the album the band said would free them from old patterns and allow them to try something different. Turns out it’s hard to shake the sound the band has established.

The former Talking Heads leader has released his first true solo album in 14 years “American Utopia” and says “These songs attempt to depict the world we live in now. Many of us ask ourselves-well, does it have to be like this? These songs are about that asking.”

The Richmond, Virginia artist has released her second album, “Historian” and, as good as her debut was, the 22 year-old’s music has grown by leaps and bounds and her understated confidence makes this an album that will be noticed all over the country.

Best known as keyboardist and percussionist for Bon Iver, on his third solo album “Hundred Acres” he has simplified his instrumentation in order to emulate the lyrics of these songs about simplicity and the power of nature.

Her sixth studio album "By The Way I Forgive You” is an exercise in using forgiveness as a source of strength and the past to prove her right. She is in a strong place and ready to sing about it.

Five years after their last album, the Scottish rockers have returned with “Always Ascending” and, like the title suggests, they have pushed the boundaries of their sardonic brand of dance rock.

“One Drop of Truth” has an irresistible friendliness to it, not only in Oliver Wood’s quirky southern twang but the way the songs are unique to themselves, like enthralling stories told by a gifted raconteur.

"Rifles and Rosary Beads" is a powerful change in direction for the long-time singer songwriter. After eleven albums of mostly autobiographical songs, she has co-written all the songs with military men and women who are veterans of combat. It’s an album unlike any other, directly tapping into the lives of those who protect this country.

The Swedish sisters of First Aid Kit could not have known that the "Metoo" phenomenon would be taking hold while they were recording their fourth album, “Ruins” but it is the perfect sound track for a movement that empowers women and encourages individuality.

Anderson East’s second album, appropriately titled “Encore” is a hot mess of Rock, soul, blues, Americana and something that sets this 29-year-old apart from other newcomers, a voice roaring with emotion and experience

The new album “Lost at Last Vol. 1” is made up of songs adhering to a central theme about “living in amazement, wonder and following our soul’s actual calling."

The third album by the Virginia Beach band has songs about overcoming obstacles and the energy makes “Better Lives” a musical diamond in the rough.

The long-time producer and singer-songwriter's 14th album “Thrum” is informed by his love of poetry.

“All American Made” is her second album following hot on the heels of her 2016 debut and addresses some political issues not usually found on an Americana recording.

Like it’s title suggests “Colors" is not only a return to the exuberant dance pop that made him famous in the nineties, but an album with a relentlessly optimistic outlook on the future.

The 40-year-old discovered his muse later in life than most but on his third album “Undivided Heart and Soul” he’s making up for lost time.

Her fourth album “Sorry is Gone” musically chronicles her real life escape from an abusive relationship.

"Gathering" is the ninth album from the long-time singer-songwriter and one of his loosest but most compelling yet.

“Bone on Bone” is the first album in six years from one of Canada’s most accomplished artists.

The unexpected comeback album, “American Dream” arrives following an equally surprising 7 year hiatus after releasing a trilogy of the some of the best dance rock of the 2000’s. James Murphy’s trepidation with getting older not withstanding, he is the hippest 40-something on the planet.

Sam Beam's new album "Beast Epic" returns to the more purely acoustic style of his first few albums.

The coolest blues band in the world is back for more big fun and world class rhythm and blues on “Groovin’ in Greaseland.”

How do you comment on the over-consumption of society while adding more content to consume? The band’s fifth album, "Everything Now" never answers that question but dances its way through a great set of songs trying to.

His second album "Resolute" is a travelogue of his wanderlust, relating the places he’s been to his romantic relationships.

As the title suggests “Hug of Thunder," their first album in seven years, is a balance of big anthemic rockers and more intimate, downbeat gems.

“Juke Joint at the Edge of the World” is the eleventh album by the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and it’s musical grit and funky tunes make it one of his best.

"Royal Mint" mixes classic covers and their own originals using their unique mix of Chicago blues and Memphis rockabilly…bluesabilly!

“Ghost on the Car Radio” brings to life some of the characters who have been affected by the crumbling of small town America.

After a couple of experiments, he is back where he belongs on his new album “So You Wanna Be an Outlaw,” banging out rocking new tunes on the fringes of the country music world.

“Moonlight Anthems” is the new album by the band formerly known as Major & the Monbacks. It’s an album of sweet southern rock and soul not unlike the great beach music bands that originated on the east coast years ago.

“Waiting On A Song” is the epitome of what a solo album should be; a triumphant glimpse at another side of the artist few have heard.

“Kids in the Street” completes a trilogy of music about his family, putting the lamenting of “Single Mothers” and “Absent Fathers” behind him, the focus more comfortably trained on himself with great results.

His eight album “Manic Revelations” is a sly collection of thoughts and impressions of present day life seen through a musical way-back machine.

Based in the Northern Neck of Virginia, “Back home” is their seventh studio album and begs the question: Why doesn’t the whole world know about them yet?

"Tajmo" is the first collaboration by two venerable blues artists, a collection of blues, afro-pop, soul and folk that can’t help but inspire smiles all around.

As fleeting as so-called super-group formations can be, the new album by BNQT “Volume 1” has compelling contributions from the leaders of the bands Midlake, Band of Horses, Franz Ferdinand, Grandaddy and Travis.

The recently knighted Sir Ray Davies has always had a love hate relationship with America and on his new solo album "Americana" he expands on his fascination with this country.

This self-titled album from one of the hardest working bands in Hampton Roads is the perfect introduction for blues-rock fans around the world to a band whose party mantra is “Get Rood.”

"Whiteout Conditions" is this collective of solo artists' seventh album and their better late than never realization of the power to be more than the sum of their parts.

The quintessential musical troubadour further refines the anthemic roots-rock music he’s been making for over ten years on his new album “Souvenir.”

On “Salutations” his best solo album by far, he has musically colorized the songs from his solo acoustic album “Ruminations” last year with a full band.

The Shins have been around long enough to fall into the not-as-good-as-they-used-to-be stereotype by jaded critics. But on their fifth album “Heart Worms,” their music continues to charm and this being only their second album in ten years, they also know how not to wear out their welcome.

As the trio celebrates 25 years together their new double album “Ironbark” includes 25 new songs all recorded live and acoustic. It captures the honesty and spontaneity of their live shows, but with all new songs.

If you're waiting for them to mellow after almost 25 years together, don't. "Graveyard Whistling" rocks with their usual reckless abandon.

Ryan Adams’ “Prisoner” comes on the heels of his divorce from actress Mandy Moore but since he’s been there before, his first solo release is considered a classic breakup album, he sings instead of accepting the sadness and living with it rather than dramatizing it.

“California Noir” is how the long-time roots rocker describes his new album, “Bobby Fuller Died for Your Sins.” The album is a return to the two guitar, bass and drums essence of rock and roll.

On their seventh studio album "Little Fictions" the British band known for it’s quiet take on progressive music have created a consistent and positive piece of work that stands with their best.

Before recording her sixth studio album, the North Carolina Americana artist says she was “turning 40, getting divorced and scared out of my mind.” Two years later, she is the mother of a baby girl and has released an album that captures her emotional highs and lows called “Stitch of the World.”

"Times Have Changed," his first album in ten years, fuses blues, and r.and b., some rowdy, some smooth as silk.

Psychedelic fairy tales abound on The Flaming Lips’ new one “Oczy Mlody.” On their 21st album they ditch the discordancy of past releases and rely on melody and their trademark quirkiness for one of their most pleasing efforts ever.

He's done everything he can to distance himself from rock and roll on his most recent releases so his return to the genre on the album “57th & 9th” proves absence really does make the heart grow fonder

“Eternally Even” is almost like a sequel to the album he produced with Ray Lamontagne earlier this year, indulging in that same Pink Floydian psyc rock. Its a less earthy, more otherworldly, than his band My Morning Jacket.

He has reached retirement age but you wouldn’t know that from his new album “Burn Something Beautiful.” The highly influential, Texas-born roots rocker has changed up his collaborators to give his music a more freewheeling sound

"Alone" is a collaboration between two Akron, Ohio native rockers Chrissie Hynde and Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. It's the first album under the Pretenders name in eight years.

"Day Breaks" will no doubt be compared to her first album because of the jazzy style similarity but the new album is by a more seasoned performer who has a better idea of what she wants and the ability to get it right.

Experimental, groundbreaking, a glimpse into the musical future, that’s what’s offered on the new album "22 A Million."

The title of her fourth album, “Tightrope Walker”, refers to living life without a net, or in her case the end of a relationship. Her sultry voice and eclectic array of instrumentation make this a great album about the power of perseverance.

On the new album, “The Electric Pinecones,” the hell-raising party band allows for a more sonically varied sound showing off a side of the band not heard often.

The title of Wilco’s new album "Schmilco" says a lot about how serious they are taking themselves but with a looser, more acoustic-oriented vibe the band’s natural tendencies come through clearer than ever.

The title of "Gotta Get Back" refers to recapturing the spirit of what inspired him to become a musician and relates to all things in life that provide, as he says, “the laughter, the struggle, the hurt feelings, the mend, the love, the muse.”

Butch walker is rockin’ again on his new album “Stay Gold.” He’s wearing his heartland influences on his sleeve with a rollicking, fist pumping, stadium-ready rock album.

The Stray Birds, who have been recording since 2010, have titled their new album “Magic Fire” no doubt referring that elusive quality that differentiates the great recordings from the mediocre. The band has it in spades on their new album, it’s one of the best of the year

The Portland Oregon band takes their time, “And then Like Lions” is their first album in five years and only their third since 2008. Their music has a similar tendency, each song starts slow but builds in intensity and meaning.

"Thousand Mile Night" is like the only cd you have to play on an all night road trip. Each song becomes precious and memorable with repeated listenings.

"Thousand Mile Night" is like the only cd you have to play on an all night road trip. Each song becomes precious and memorable with repeated listenings.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's music gets a Latin makeover on this unique tribute album by some of the top Latin rock artists in the world.

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley are all about authenticity with their new album "The Country Blues." Recording a set of originals and covers all done live in the studio they burn up their respective fret boards with some great picking and wonderful song selection.

"Young in all the Wrong Ways" is the third solo album by one of the original members of Nickel Creek. She uses the metaphor of the break up of a romantic relationship to redefine her own musical style.

"True Sadness" is their ninth studio album and reflects the ability to grow for the bigger audiences they are playing to. The experiments with bigger production values doesn't compromise their rootsy integrity.

The artist goes nowhere near a piano on "Rehab Reunion" a rootsy new album, relying on playing the dulcimer and his vocal Virginia twang to bring out his humorous storytelling ability.

"Why Are You OK" is the band's fifth album and their most focused, combining leader Ben Bridwells' sweet voice with swirling, layered guitars and sonic vocal harmony.

After a tour last year where they shared the stage, they have recorded "Colvin & Earle," a duets album with an all-star band led by producer Buddy Miller. It highlights the best of both Americana icons and succeeds despite their obvious differences

On “Kidsticks” Beth Orton rediscovers the folktronica sound she started twenty years ago. Marrying these two seemingly unblendable genres she has created her most kinetic album yet.

"Chicken and Egg" features a lot of music parables from the veteran folk and bluegrass player.

Dig In Deep is the Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members 20th album and it features more original songs than she has recorded in a long time.

Their eighth album will undoubtedly be compared with past efforts but taken on its own, They Want My Soul is one of the best rock and roll releases so far this year.

Too Blessed To Be Stressed is a concept album about feeling good by this Mississippi roots rock singer songwriter and its positivity is infectious.

English Oceans finds DBT settled into a comfortable groove of songs about lowlifes and losers and with a hard edged southern rock approach.

This Texas roadhouse singer touches on many different styles on his 19th studio album and proves he's still got it.

Are You Serious has an optimism evident in every song that makes it one of his most lyrically direct and possibly, best album of his twenty year career.

Rebirth is the reggae legend's first album in eight years and is a return to form with the help of a younger, kindred spirit.

Mick JOnes of the Clash and Big Audio Dynamite joins Tony James of Generation X to form a new band.

My Favorite Picture of You is the latest album from one of the lone survivors of the pioneering wave of artists who defined Americana Music.

Born to Play Guitar was released the day after this bluesman turned seventy nine years old but he sings and plays with a young man's zeal,charm and ferocity, cementing his legacy as one of the greats of the genre.

This country rock band's first album is ten years has little to do with country or rock. Like their name implies, they have a unique style of music that has to be heard to be believed.

On Depression Cherry,the dream pop duo's fifth album, they scale back the instrumentation to reveal their greatest strength, lush, alluring romanticism.

All Your Favorite Bands focuses on the aftermath of a broken relationship while at the same time expressing goodwill for someone who will never be forgotten.

"Dear Companion" is a loving tribute to the artists' home State of Kentucky and a concept album deriding the mountaintop removal coal mining there.

The Grammy winning duo have made a sophmore album even worthier than their first, but after announcing their break up, its also their swan song.

The ever experimental artist is at it again bringing in a 92 piece orchestra and a rollicking big band to give himself yet another new musical persona.

"Demolished Thoughts" is the third solo album by the leader of Sonic Youth and is produced by Beck.

"The Suburbs" is the third, highly anticipated new album the the canadian art-rock collective with themes of home, childhood memories and middle-class suburbia as its themes.

This four cd, 76 track Bob Dylan tribute album is a testament to the respect his songs command from so many different musical camps.

Conor Oberst's return to one of his earliest bands is nothing like the music he's become known for. The album Payola is righteously defiant punk rock with a heavy dose of political commentary.

With alot to apologize for, Mayer has chosen the sensitive singer songwriter approach on his new album Born and Raised, and he wears it well.

The Voyager is her first solo album in six years and that long dry spell is addressed with songs about recrimination, second guessing and eventually, vindication.

This is the fourth solo album by the artist also known for Azure Ray and Now Its Overhead and with inspiration from her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama she has created her most satifying album to date.

"Downtown Church" is Patty Griffin's tribute to gospel music, giving over her voice to mostly traditional devotional songs.

Her first album in seven years has some of her most fiery guitar playing ever and her voice hasn't aged one bit after all these years.

First Comes The Night is a set of sultry, twangy originals hitting the retro sweet spot between Elvis and Roy Orbison, all quirky enough to fit in the David Lynch wheelhouse of melodrama.

Richard Julian has collaborated with Norah Jones and this is his fifth solo album.

Stories Don't End is the third album by this California band, honing the sound originated in the famed Laurel Canyon.

"Georgia Warhorse" is named after a tenacious kind of grasshopper in Grey's native nNoprthern Florida that, like this neo southern rock band, has a resiliancy that makes it keep coming back.

On their third album Modern Vampires of the City the band finds a unique and fun way to explore their quarter life crisis.

For an artist who's been accused of being wildly inconsistent, Ryan Adams' last five albums have been unfailingly uniform. From "Love is Hell" through 2005's trilogy of country rock gems and now "Easy Tiger", Adams has adhered to acoustic arrangements, sad songs and some of the best songwriting of this century. His last project, producing Willie Nelson's album "Songbird" probably gave him insight into how to tame his prolific nature and, as the title suggests, chill.

"It's Not Me It's You" is Lily Allen's second cd as she continues her spunky social commentary as tries to graduate from pop star to artist.

Beautiful You, the seventh studio album from this longtime Australian trio, is a collection of songs written separately but with similar themes of attachments to their home.

Following the success of their last album, Turn Blue draws on a different texture of the band's sound while still maintaining their crdibility and identity. Quite a feat.

"Helplessness Blues" is the sophmore album by a band with a compelling fusion of folk and progressive rock.

"One Fast Move or I'm Gone" is a musical transcription of the Jack Kerouac novel "Big Sur" by the frontmen of Death Cab For Cutie and Son Volt.

Jah Love. Anybody who has driven out past Charlottesville on 64 West will get the joke. The new Corey Harris album is called "Zion Crossroads", the name of a small town outside of Charlottesville where he lives and a perfect name for his first all reggae cd.

The Gurleys are Hampton Roads folk music veterans and with the addition of their daughter Macon, their new cd is a true family affair.

Veteran folkie Eliza Gilkyson has released perhaps her best album ever with "Beautiful World", listen for a full length, acoustic version, recorded live on Out of the Box of "Emerald Street" at the end of the podcast

BluesAmericana is a return to form for the artist who been been imposing his acoustic, humorous and poetic point of view on the staid old blues genre for twenty years.

Method to My Madness one of the best of this veteran bluesman's twenty plus years career combining his humor, riffs and powerful moments into a great new studio recording.

Sun is a stunning evolution of her sound, revealing how much has happened to her musically and personlly in the six years since her last album of original songs.

The one time ambient, symphonic chillout band has erupted with an agressive, startling and ultimately grand spacerock album.

"Working on a Dream" is the 16th studio album for Bruce Springsteen and on it he revisits a time when music was positive, symphonic and utterly romantic.

"Million to One" is the third cd as a duo by the former nucleus of the folk rock boundary busters, The Mammals.

Living on a High Note uses the power of positive thinking for a joyful celebration of new music with a message.

"Codes and Keys" is the seventh album by this usually melancholy band from Washington, but Ben Gibbard's suddenly happy love life is reflected in the new album.

"Change Your Mind" is the second album for Hampton Roads singer-songwriter Julie Clark. It sets a new high water Mark for the local recordings

For a band thats been around for more that fifteen years putting out high quality, cosmopolitan Americana, youd think Over the Rhine would be more of a household name. "The Trumpet Child", Over the Rhine's tenth album of new material is daring in it's departure from the soft, gentle crooning of earlier efforts and because of that, it's their best album yet

Few bands are as perfect for the Orchestral setting as Devotchka and this impeccable live album sets a new standard for bridging classical and rock music.

We Walk the Line a Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash is a live tribute album to the artist who would have turned eighty this year.

Its not the official soundtrack of the new movie remake but with such a wide variety of new songs from great Americana artists it captures the essence of this iconic American story.

This dixie fried rock band from Missouri channels their frustrations into songs about surviving and moving forward.

"Havin the Last Word" is the farewell album by this trio of Blues women from Fredricksburg, VA after ten albums and twenty years together.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers first album of new material in eight years is more rugged and bluesy and we've ever heard them sound before.

3rd arrives just in time for opening day of Major League Baseball and will make you feel like watching the game again. Its a rock and roll album of original songs about the myth, lore and legend of baseball.

"Fields" is the long awaited debut by this Swedish band fronted by Jose Gonzales, already a well established solo artist.

The singer and drummer for The Band has released the follow up to his grammy winning last cd and it is a rollicking, barrel house blues and folk workout

Hellfire is this blues vets 21st album but his first for Alligator records and heralds his position as one of the great bluesrock artists of his generation.

From the weary sandpaper vocals on his major label debut, "Mescalito" you can tell Ryan Bingham has led a hard lifethe thing is, he's only 25 years old.

This is George Thorogood's tribute to Chess Records, a label whose blues and early rock and roll recordings have been very good to him.

Carrie and Lowell is a sparse and brilliant examination of Stevens' complicated relationship with his Mother and Stepfather.

The Band has been around since 1967 with numerous personnel changes and this is their first album with a new singer and rhythm section.

Sukierae is the collaboration between Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and his son Spencer on drums. It is a generous and humble family project and its strength is its familiarity.

"The Promise" is a two cd set of songs recorded for his "Darkness on the Edge of Town" album which didn't make the cut. It is his great lost album.

His tenth album, "Street Songs of Love" continues Escovedo's razor sharp focus on poetic Rock and Roll that can change the world, or at least help us survive in it.

The Former nucleus of the Jayhawks get together as an acoustic duo for an album called "Ready for the Flood"

An old time string band that plays all new music, this is their fourth studio album and their best since their debut of 2004

"Bare Bones" is Madeleine Peyroux's fourth cd but her first with all original songs. It's sultry, seductive and she is definitely in her comfort zone.

"Townes" is Steve Earle's tribute to his friend and mentor Townes Van Zandt, the legendary Texas folk troubador.

"To the Sea" is the fifth studio album for one of the most successful songwriters of the last ten years, adding a little more guitar to the mix.

Blind Crippled and Crazy is the first album in forty years from Delbert McClinton and his first recording partner Glen Clark. It astonishes with its swagger, grit and humor.

Dont pigeonhole me. Lyle Lovetts eleventh album "It's Not Big, It's Large" makes a vital point with it's title. This is not Big Band music - although the album does start with a Count Basie instrumental. This is a highly versatile band framing the music of one of Americas most original songwriters.

The writer of Norah Jones first hit has released his eleventh solo album recorded mostly in Rio De Janeiro.

This is the tenth studio album by the notorious funk rockers and finds them making a smooth transition from their long time guitarist John Fruciante to newcomer Josh Klinghoffer.

Paul Kelly Presents the Merri Soul Sessions is a unique recording bringing out the soulful side of Kelly's songs using a variety of singers and musicians.

Fossils is the debut album by longtime the Crooked Still vocalist and is one of the best folk albums of the year so far.

Old Crow Medicine Show's third album, "Tennessee Pusher" continues to drag string band music kicking and screaming into 21st century.

The understated veteran indie band works with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco to evolve their slow, quiet, melancholy sound.

Fuego finds that lightning in a bottle that sometimes eludes jam bands in the studio and is much more that just a set of musical blueprints.

Supernova is the fifth album for this acoustic balladeer who succumbs to a little musical wanderlust by collaborating with Black Keys rocker Dan Auerbach as his producer and band leader.

The Very Last Day is an impressive sophmore album that combines religious imagery with apocalyptic themes.

"Leave Your Sleep" is the first album in seven years from the former leader of 10,000 Maniacs. It is a collection of childhood poems set to music.

One of the best albums of 2015 on Out of the Box, What a Terrible World, What a Beautuful World.

Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone is her statement of independence and a double album set with no filler.

Lazaretto, his twelfth album, is like gonzo journalism as applied to Rock and Roll, you don't know where it's going but you definitely want to go along for the ride.

Mark Knopfler has embraced the simplicity found in ballads and waltzes and continues to mine that fertile ground on his new cd Kill to Get Crimson.

"From The Reach" is a collaboration by this Louisiana slide guitar great with other guitar legends like Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton

Ready for Confetti is one of the best of his sixteen albums further cementing his reputation as a great Americana storyteller.

Eccentric, quirky, peculiar, she wears all of these descriptions well in her new album What We Saw from the Cheap Seats.

Yorn's self-titled sixth studio album is his hardest edged recording yet due in no small part to producer Black Francis of the Pixies.

Glad All Over is their first album in seven years and picks up where the band left off before Jakob Dylan's two solo albums.

"Contra" lives up to the hype of being one of the most anticipated new releases of 2010

Build Me Up From Bones is the third album by this 22 year old virtuoso musician and singer songwriter with an artistic vibe that belies her young age.

"The Long Surrender" Marks the 20th anniversary that this Married duo from Ohio has been recording. It's produced by Joe Henry and continues the ongoing chronicle of their partnership.

Firewater's Todd A. recorded "The Golden Hour" on location in the Middle East using only backup musicians from those countries.

"Sea of Tears" is the thrid solo album by the Eilen Jewell, known as an earnest folkie, a honky tonk chanteuse and now a roots rocker.

Fiction Family Reunion is the second album by former members of Switchfoot and Nickelcreek and is much more charismatic than their first.

"Blood and Candle Smoke" finds the iconic folk singer following a new direction on this collaboration with the Southwestern band Calexico.

2007 has seen an unusual amount of covers albums, tribute projects and cover songs on individual releases. "Instant Karma: The Campaign to save Darfur" with it's compelling beneficiary - Amnesty International, it's sole focus of John Lennon's solo recordings and it's wide range of contributing artists is the highest profile tribute of the year.

Wake Up Ghost is a collaboration between these two legendary acts, bending to each others style creating something not heard on either of their albums.

"Be My Thrill" is this Married duo's third album and their first since their now two year old son was born and their joy as new parents is named evident throughout.

"Little Honey" is a lusty celebration of Lucinda's new love.

The new Indigo Girls' cd "Poseidon and the Bitter Bug" is a full circle return to indie status, with their first independent release since their debut album

Beck's tenth album, "Modern Guilt" is a collaboration with producer Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley and presents apocalyptic lyrics with beat heavy instrumentation.

This self titled second album expands the level of musicianship without compromising what appealed in the first place.

A Creature I Don't Know is the third album by this twenty one year old British songwriter. It's her best album and one of the best of the year.

On the wagon but back on the horse, Psychedelic Pill weaves more great electric guitar jams that Neil and Crazy Horse are so well known for.

Made Up Mind is the second studio album for this Grammy winning husband and wife led band and it brings their shared vison of Blues Soul and Rock together.

"Heligoland" is the trip hop pioneers' first album in seven years and they stay true to the original concept of the band while making a stylistically different album.

Crosseyed Heart is his first solo album in twenty three years and offers a fascinating look into his swaggering gypsy persona.

Avonmore reclaims the artists title, master of aloof sophistication with a stylish recreation of the music he made with Roxy Music.

The fifth studio album by the Louisville, Kentucky band is their most experimental to date, mixing funk, soul, rock, americana and more.

"The Hampton Roads band has just released their second album of traditional and original blues called "Done Spke My Mind"

Captains and Cowboys by one of Hampton Roads own, is recorded with a crack Nashville session band and has songs awash with daredevils and adventurers.

The New York Times calls him the Prince of Americana.

"Seeing Things" is the solo debut album by the leader of The Wallflowers and son of Bob.

Bad As Me is the first new album in seven years from Waits and is as brash, baudy and over the top as ever.

It was released two Months ago for internet downloading only but is now avaiable on cd.

"A. Enlightenment B. Endarkment (Hint There is no C)" continues the veteran Gonzo musician's string of gritty, yet meticulously produced Americana albums

"So Runs the World Away" secure's Josh Ritter's place as one of America's most expressive singer-songwriters.

"Collapse into Now" is REM's 15th studio album and despite recent criticism, proves they are not ready to be put out to pasture yet.

The Low Highway finds this verteran artist gazing out the window of his tour bus for inspiration, and what he sees isn't pretty.

"Fast Paced World" is The Duhks's fourth album but they have a new singer and principal songwriter since being awarded and Juno trophy and a Grammy Nomination.

Terms of My Surrender is his 5th album in six years, to say he's on a creative roll is putting it mildly.

"Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King" is The Dave Matthews Band's upbeat, charging tribute to one of their founding members, sax player Leroi Moore who died while the album was being recorded.

Babel is one of the most anticipated albums of the year after the sleeper success of their debut in 2009. The new album builds on that sound.

He is one of the founding members of The Jayhawks and Golden Smog and this is his first solo album.

"The King of Limbs" is the surprise new release from the band that continues to innovate on their eighth album.

"Follow Me Down" is the sophmore album by this young americana multi intsrumentalist and on it, she shows how she is also a songwriter of uncomMon wisdom.

Let Me Get By is the third album by the husband and wife fronted band and Marries together blues, r and b, Americana, and gospel adding their own jam band sensibilities.

This Hampton Roads band has just released Inheritance, their major label debut of beautifully layered acoustic chamber pop.

Jay Farrar ressurected the Son Volt Brand in 2005 and the music he's made since has been the most compelling of his career including the latest, "American Central Dust."

"Standing on the Rofftop" is the fifth album by this singer who is usually compared with Billie Holliday. On her new album she lessens the jazz influence and adds gospel, folk and blues.

He forges a new link on his rock and roll family tree with his first solo album and one of his best.

The veteran singer songwriters second double album in a row is inspired by the southern highway from Florida to Louisiana where she grew up.

Kathleen Edwards is a Canadian singer songwriter and Asking for Flowers is her third cd

"Le Noise" is Neil Young's unique new way of communicating his music, just him, his electric guitar and whatever studio trickery veteran producer Daniel Lanois can come up with.

"Tin Can Trust" is the thirteenth studio album for this highly original Chicano based roots rock band. They've put out some great albums and this is one of their best.

"Viva La Vida or Death and All Hisd Friends" is the fourth album by this rapidly maturing british band.

"On The Decemberist's fifth album "The Hazards of Love", they have put together powerful concept album that follows the travails of a woman named Margaret and her experiences with, among other things, a shapeshifter, a forest queen and a lecherous, cold hearted rake.

"Sigur Ros is an Icelandic band and their fourth album "Meo Suo Ee Eyrum Vio Spilum Endalaust" continues their unique approach to music.

"Band of Joy" the golden god ages gracefully with this stunning followup to his grammy award winning last album.

Privateering is further affirmation of the status of this former Dire Straits leader as one of the best modern interpreters of the Folk tradition.

Ouroboros,whose title refers to a serpent eating its tail, is a pychedelic divergence from the artists acoustic origins.

"Levitate" is the first rock album in five years from the Williamsburg native and displays the same fierce independance he has shown on other recent releases.

Country Comfort. With a pedigree like Teddy Thompson's, an album like "Upfront & Down Low" is quite a surprise. The son of folk-rock pioneers Richard and Linda Thompson has had a mildly successful career but not one that would indicate a reverence or insight into the country music genre he pays tribute to on this album.

The Carpenter is the follow up to their break through album and they rely on the same qualities that made that album work; earnestness and attention to musical detail.

"Around the Well" is a musical history of Iron and Wine through a sterling compilation of rareties and unreleased songs by neo-folkie Sam Beam.

Their fourth album, one of the most anticipated of the year, is a glitzy dance party celebrating the attainment of their dreams and now grasping for a new purpose.

After an eight year absence the Irish singer songwriter returns with an album of songs that play like a personal message to his long lost muse.

The long time New Orleans musician celebrates his new found sobriety with a power that sounds like he's back from the brink.

The fourth album by this band from Ohio, Arrow, is a showcase for the vocals and guitarwork of their leader Erika Wennerstom.

CereMonials is one of the most confident sounding sophmore albums ever. It's lush and romantic with a bombastic aesthetic that goes beyond other ethereal artists.

This former Irish burlesque singer has perfected a unique hybrid of rock a billy, jazz and blues.

Charlottesville, Virginia's Sons of Bill are a neo-southern rock band of brothers who sing "the lovesick, hungover, hillbilly blues."

"Black Coffee" is a tribute to the music pioneered in the 30s and 40s by The Hot Club of France, with spot on instrumental chops and even a sultry babe singing in French.

The long time fueding brothers in the Blasters have reunited for their first album together since 1985, ComMon Ground The Songs of Big Bill Broonzy.

"Rifle and Flask" is the debut album by this Hampton Roads band. They have found the sweet spot between 10 and 11 on the Spinal Tap amplifier.

Bright Side of Down, the twelfth album by this folk troubadour, begins with a song about a blizzard and ends with one about spring. Its an album that will get you through a cold lonely winter.

Music Complete has this pioneering band reclaiming the mantle of originators of electronic dance music.

You Asked For It...Live! captures an inspired performance in front of a pumped up hometown crowd that features wit, funky rhythms and a thoroughly modern version of the blues.

Wreck and Ruin is a live from the back porch kind of album of duets that weds their stringband style with two voices that are made for each other.

"Go Go Boots" is another collection of songs capturing the southern gothic character of life in the South.

In this first ever tribute album to one of our greatest singer songwriters, Browne's songs are performed by a mix of old friends, fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and young admirers.

"The Open Road" is Hiatt's 19th studio album and his homage to life on the road.

The Hold Steady's fourth album, "Stay Positive" is so full of nods to other rock and roll bands that it's like a ride at that new Hard Rock Amusement park.

Star Wars is an unexpectly fresh reboot of the artfully crafted sound they pioneered, with glam rock guitars that add a playfulness to the band's sound.

Positive Songs for Negative People completes the British singers transition to punk rock troubador and mixes solo acoustic songs with fiery, inspirational anthems about moving on.

"Blessed" is the tenth studio album for this renowned singer songwriter who focuses more on observational songs instead of her usual confessionals.

This trio from North Carolina prove they are ready for the big time with their major label debut album.

on their sixteenth studio album and first with new material in nine years, the legendary band shows they still have the quirky vitality they've always been known for.

The Sugaring Season is the first album in six years from this unique vocalist and songwriter.

"High Violet" is the followup to their higly acclaimed last cd and has the makings of a true break through for this band of post punk survivors.

Tied to a Star is the second mostly acoustic solo album in a row from the frontman of Dinosaur Jr. and improves nicely on his last, with more emphasis on his singing and virtuoso acoustic guitar playing.

Remedy is their eighth studio album and finds the band in a rambunctious mood, jumping from one banjo and fiddle fueled hoedown to another.

"In The Dark" is the third album from this Georgia rock trio and gives us hope for straight ahead rock and roll bands.

Morning Phase is a companion piece to his 2002 mostly acoustic album Sea Change, its mellow, gauzy and lush, moving like a lava lamp through its melancholy themes.

This is the solo debut album by the artist who is one half of the Fiery Furnaces, an avante garde indie band. But on Last Summer the music is more concise, friendly and streamlined.

This old fashioned power trio kicks new life into roots music with songs inspired by blues greats but retaining a personality of their own.

"Hundreds of Lions" is Erin McKeown's first album of original material in nearly five years and is as quirky, challenging and inventive as ever.

"100 Lovers" is the fifth album from this gypsy rock band. Drawing on many different musical genres, they create mystery, romanticism and melodrama.

The 25 year olds third album Cautionary Tale is a languid, melodic, acoustic exercise in country soul.

This charity fundraising cd is a collection of rare, live, acoustic and eclectic performances from the Sunday morning show Hunter at Sunrise.

"Way To Normal is Ben Folds third solo album and chronicles the break up of his Marriage...in a lighthearted way

Her self titled, first album of new material in thriteen years luxuriates in magnificent austerity and transcends the singer songwriter genre with elegance and grace.

There was a time when a live album from Bruce Springsteen was a rarity. His first live recording Live 1975-85 was so anticipated it became the first three disc set to be the number one selling album in the country. Since then he's put out five live albums. What is there about "Live in Dublin", a two cd live album from his Seeger Sessions tour that avoids suffering from overkill? A lot, actually.

Songs for Slim is a benefit album of artists performing songs by Slim Dunlap, a prolific songwriter and former member of The Replacements who suffered a stroke last year.

The Cutting Edge is number twelve in the Bootleg Series, focusing on studio out takes from the 14 Month period in the mid sixties when he recorded three groundbreaking albums.

"Circuital" is the sixth studio album by this jam band that uses the studio as an experimental lab for the songs they play on stage.

this live album perfectly captures their quirky nature and playful geekiness.

Couchville Sessions was originally recorded in 2001 by the long time Americana artist and it's so good it begs the question, what took him so long to put it out?

The Whole Love is the eighth album by one of the best bands in America and shows off their new found freedom and a lineup that has gelled over three albums.

"The Fall" Norah's "rock experiment" turns out to sound more like a natural evolutionary step for her music.

This first time collaboration between the legendary blues sax man and a group of all Hampton Roads blues musicians is proof that the blues are alive and well.

The Tattooed Lady and the Alligator Man is a party starter of an album with equal parts blues, roots and cajun music, rollicking rhythms and one of the best boogie woogie piano players of all.

"Secret Profane and Sugarcane" is Elvis Costello's rootiest album yet in a long line of chameleon-like recordings.

Just Tell Me That You Want Me, a Tribute to Fleetwood Mac uses mostly newer bands to represent Fleetwood Mac's influence over modern music.

"Mission Bell" is the fourth album from this Philadelphia singer songwriter and finds him adding a touch of Americana to his soulful crooning.

Long Road out of Eden is their first studio album in twenty eight years but picks up where it's predecessor, the similarly titled The Long Run left off.

The self proclaimed 4th most popular musical comedy duo in New Zealand.

"Tales from the Tiki Lounge" is the first of what will probably be many tribute albums to the late Les Paul who passed away last summer and set a standard that artists like Robillard are living up to.

"Transference" is a seemingly flawed self produced album that uses those imperfections to make a bigger point.

The indie band has, after six albums, come up with their signature release, Delusions of Grand Fur, combining power pop, acoustic ditties and a little electronica.

Trailer Swift is a raucous, rowdy, blow out of an album with songs about love, drinking, lies, drinking, sex and...drinking.

""The Living and the Dead" finds Holland's songwriting catching up with the unique quality of her voice for her best album yet.

Led by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Your's Dreamily explores more soulful soundscapes with a slinky, psychedelic, R and B groove.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer, Robert Plant joins the most decorated female Grammy winner of all time, Alison Krauss for an album of duets titled Raising Sand.

What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World has the band getting art rock down to a science. Its the culmination of all that they do right.

Something in the Water is the fifth album by this midwestern master of western swing, ragtime, jazz, folk and blues whose contemporary lyrics make his music more timeless than retro.

The cagily titled new album IV reunites the band that last recorded on the album III forty five years ago. They prove that not only were they great back then, but they've improved.

VA is the long awaited album from one of Hampton Roads best bands and is full of buoyant, rustic and earnest new songs.

"Transcontinental Hustle" is the self described gypsy punk band's major label debut. It's an explosion of rhythms from three continents and their best album yet.

New York is a woman named Suzanne Vega. "Beauty and Crime" is Suzanne Vega's first album in six years. Six years that must seem like a lifetime.

The long time blues vet live up to his Entertainer of the Year award from the Blues Foundation last year with a fiery new album.

To say the Texas blues guitarist's major label debut is explosive, is an understatement. It detonates.

Rhode Islands little big band celebrates forty five years of Jump,Swing and Jazz Blues with 45 Live.

Mike Aiken is Hampton Roads' own sea-faring musical troubadour and "Hula Girl Highway" is his fourth album. Listen at the end of the podcast for exclusive acoustic versions of three songs from the album recorded live on Out of the Box.

The trio of brothers from Charlottesville, Va take a huge step forward with this David Lowery produced third album, and they were pretty good to begin with.

Carivale Electricos boldy captures the unbridled celebration of the party that has become synonymous with the bands hometown of New Orleans.

Dancing in the Sun is the debut album by the Hampton Roads acoustic duo that creates a carefree feeling with relentlessly positive songs.

The fifth album by this Canadian band is their first in a proper studio, but their music still inspires a gentle bucolic feeling.

With an earnest approach much like other great folk artists, Veirs has put together a collection of some of the best lullabyes, ballads and campfire songs ever written on Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children.

Their fourteenth studio album has them rocking out like never before.

On Into the Deep, this long time New Orleans band perfects a type of party funk that accents the eight guest singers and gels into their best album yet.

This is the fifth album from this one time professional surfer.

The self-titled debut by AMong the Oak and Ash is a partnership between solo artists Garrison Starr and Josh Joplin covering mostly tradional folk songs in a sometimes untraditional way.

Sure beats the Partridge Family. Its been a busy year for the Thomson family. Linda Thompsons new cd "Versatile Heart" follows the release by her ex-husband and ex-musical partner Richard Thompson's "Sweet Warrior" and their son, Teddy Thompson's album "Upfront and Down Low."

All Across This Land synthesizes their many previous genres into one cohesive sound, Rock and Roll with a lot of heart.

Tell Em Im Gone is by the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens and is his first album since being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

The Music is You pays gives us a new perspective on Denvers songs without the goody-goodiness of the originals.

Electric is the folk rock pioneer's 31st solo album skillfully balancing his english roots with Americana.

The first album of new material in eight years from this former Roxy Music leader has him reclaiming his title: Godfather of Cool.

American Kid is her first album of original songs in six years and perhaps because it is inspired by the death of her father, its her best album yet.

"The List" is taken from a list of songs Rosanne's father, Johnny Cash made up for her when she was 18, it was called "100 Essential Country Songs."

The first album in four years from this critic's darling is an album with some of the catchiest songs of the year.

"God Willin and the Creek Don't Rise" is the fourth cd by LaMontagne and has the lived in feel of a man in the comfort of his home.

"Harps and Angels" is Randy Newman's first album of new material in nine years

The Fifth album by this Seattle Indie band combines anthemic rockers with slow, hypnotising musicianship for their most polished album to date.

"No Line on the Horizon" is U2's 11th studio album and cements their image as the biggest band in the world.

Paradise Valley is his sixth studio album and as he channels his lifestyle into his music he defines himself as an utterly contemporary singer songwriter.

Set the wayback machine for 1987. Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band are riding high from the success of the "Born in the USA" album and tour. In this alternate universe however, rather than going off on a fifteen year solo jag, Springsteen and band record the follow-up to their blockbuster. "Magic" is the album they would have made.

The Magpie and the Dandelion was recorded during the same sessions for their last album and reflects their carefree attutude and feeling of optimism.

Heres to Almost is the first great recording to come out of Hampton Roads this year. They describe themselves as a mandolin based indie rock post garage pre folk mid noise band.

"All Rebel Rockers" brings together Michael Franti's gift for rock, reggae and soul for his best album yet

The fourth album by this Denver based band is the followup to their successful soundtrack album to the film Little Miss Sunshine

One of the best albums of 2015 on Out of the Box, Star Wars.

"A Treasure" is a live archival release that shows off just how good "country Neil" was back in the eighties.

This is the fifth album by the Witchita, Kansas blues duo and takes them from being a great bar band to one of the best Blues bands in the world.

"Willie and the Wheel" is a collaboration between the two Texas institutions on an album of Western Swing standards

Wilco (the album) is the first cd in the band's history to be recorded by the same personnel lineup as their previous album and the consistency pays off.

Por Favor is the sixth album from this baby faced, high tenored singer whose profound songs compel us to take him more seriously.

"Scandalous" is the second album from this Texas based party that is equal parts soul and garage rock.

This is the eighth album from this neo-southern rock band.

On the debut album Return to the Moon, Matt Berninger of The National stretches out with a more playful musical attitude on this solo project.

Indian Ocean is a career defining fusion of her own honey sweet vocals, tangy diction and Memphis Soul on this second solo album by the former leader of The Be Good Tanyas.

The film Cadillac Records chronicles the rise of Chess Records and the actors who portray the blues legends who recorded for that label sing their songs on the soundtrack

"The eighth in a series of double cds of rare and unreleased material, "Tell Tale Signs" focuses on Bob Dylan's most recent recordings, from 1989 to 2006

This is the fifth studio album from this neo-southern rock band.

The Nocturnal Diaries, is a collection of songs that came to her in the middle of the night. The album is like sitting up with a friend and helping her make it through the night.

A Forest of Arms is the sixth album by the Canadian band that uses the environment as its muse. Its the perfect soundtrack to a walk in the woods.

The Flood is authentic PeidMont Blues by this Hampton Roads band that evokes the old days of front porch concerts and truehearted folk music.

Their new album is called Lickety Spilt because that's about how long it takes to get you in the groove on this over the top party record.

The Texas blues great passed away in July and "Step Back" is the album he had just completed with a wide array of collaborators who were his biggest fans.

"Barton Hollow" is the debut album by this indie folk duo whose haunting and delicate songs make them stand out aMong many similar bands.

The long time leader of Bright Eyes releases his best solo album since that band's hey day in 2005. Its called Upside Down Mountain and is his first album in three years.

The seventh album from this indie band from Philly, called Be the Void is a set of weirdly addicting lo fi songs.

The Firewatcher's Daughter combines elegant harMonies with foot stomping rockers and songs recorded quickly to assure spontaneity.

This is the second major label release from this New Orleans based roots rocker.

"Together Through Life" shows that 68 year old Bob Dylan still has that late career hot hand going.

Comedown Machine is almost like a tribute to the new wave bands of the eighties, with updated music.

Norah Jones and Richard Julian have gotten the band back together for another set of rousing country cover songs on For the Good Times.

"Cardinology" is Ryan Adams' first recording since his well publicized re-hab and sobriety sounds good on him.

When Steve Earle Married singer-songwriter Allison Moorer in 2005 they moved to New York and took up residence in Greenwich Village. Washington Square Serenade is his love letter to his new hometown

"Rattlin' Bones" is the first collaboration between these Australian singer songwriters who have been Married since 2005.

"Angles" is their first album in five years and comes just about ten years after their debut so it's not surprising that time is the main theme on this great new comeback album.

Meet at the Edge of the World is a double album set of songs inspired by this long time duo's home, a pre Civil War plantation in Ohio.

Manifestra is a bold and challenging combination of original arrangements and politcally charged lyrics.

Runnin with the Wolf is a tribute album to Howlin' Wolf by the long time leader of OMar and the Howlers.

The success of other artists with this same loose, energetic Americana style gives this long time gypsy folk band a well deserved break and they respond with their best album yet.

lullabye...and the Ceaseless Roar is the album he spurned a Led Zeppelin reunion to record and on it he combines Celtic grace with African rhythms for perhaps his finest solo album.

"Broken Bells" is the self titled debut album by Dangermouse of Gnarls Barkley and James Mercer of the Shins.

If supergroup is the name given to a band that is greater than the sum of it's parts, then this collaboration between Conor Oberst, Jim James, M. Ward and Mike Mogis fits the bill.

"The King is Dead" is a musical immigration to a more Americana style for the band previously known for their English folk prog rock.

"Hard Bargain" is a showcase for the accomplished singer's song writing abilities as it is a straight forward and up front collection of mostly original songs.

"Narrow Stairs" is this Washington State area band's second major label release

On If I Should Go Before You, singer songwriter Dallas Green fleshes out his acoustic songs with a full band, creating a bold new style with more depth and variety.

Short Movie is the fifth album for the Mercury prize winner who traveled anonymously across America to get inspiration for this masterful album.

"Outer South" is the second solo album in a row for the leader of Bright Eyes and he's making such great music with his new band he may never go back.

Terraplane, his sixteenth album, uses his knack for writing songs about the comMon man and sets his stories within the context of the most comMon form of music, the blues.

Voyageur is this Canadian singer-songwriters fourth album and its a breakup record with a former musical collaborator, so its quite a change of direction.

This is the first album in five years from one of Americas best loved bands who have lost their wild eyed innocence but not the earnestness they've been known for.

"Raditude" is Weezer's attempt to come to terms with their own aging while remaining true to their slacker lifestyle. It works

A full on protest album against the huge farming corporation, The Monsanto Years spits fire and vitriol at GMOs, one percenters and public apathy.

"A Hundred Million Suns" is Snow Patrol's third major label album and will go a long way toward making this band more of a household name than they already are

Fire and Steel refers to his day job as a welder and his music communicates on a very basic level to anyone who's trying to make ends meet.

These two well known singers in their own right join together to pay tribute to the tortured genius of the late Elliott Smith.

"American Patchwork" is the most profound statement yet from one of New Orleans' edgiest guitarists.

High Hopes is a record of some of his best unreleased material over the past decade and features an added jolt from guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine.

Blackstar, abstract and provocative, is the final phase of the master of reinvention. It came out three days before his death after an eighteen Month long battle with cancer.

The Gospel According to Ben. With his recent prolific song production Ben Harper has been in danger of wearing out his welcome. Lifeline however, defies the odds, and like the five other albums he's released this decade, it is close to flawless.

This is the first album from the folk traditionalist and her husband and producer Dave Rawlings in eight years. The stark instrumentation and brilliant songwriting make it worth the wait.