Various artists
Dylan Country
The country legends make Dylan's songs richer and twangier. Kitty Wells caterwauls "Forever Young." Glen Campbell sings "If Not For You" with slide guitar. Johnny Cash makes "It Ain't Me Babe" all-Cash. Tim O'Brien rips out "Subterranean Homesick Blues." Willie Nelson. Buck Owens. Emmylou Harris. Great stuff.
Pattern Is Movement
The (Im)possibility of Longing
Restrained and ethereal blends of torture. Little pesky gnat noises, chanting voices and incessant, monotone keyboards.
Well Hungarians
Sorry 'bout the Mess
Formulaic country. "One two three four, women knocking at my door / Don't you know they all seem so inviting / Five six seven eight, Lord I hate to make them wait / Southern girls were always so inviting. (chorus: ) Southern peaches make the best jam / Sweetest marmalade this poor boy's ever had (repeat)."
All State Champion
Is It Nothing To You
Post-hardcore guitar-banging, drum-beating boy-yelling tracks with angst-ridden lyrics about suffering from a heartbreak and wondering about death.
Dulcie Younger and the Silencers
Kitty, Kitty Growl!
Here's an act that begs to be seen in a small venue with a retro drink in hand. Sultry, perfectly tongue-in-cheek rockabilly from singer who looks like a '50s pin-up model. Fun.
Stacy J. Willis
Julie Roberts
Julie Roberts
Effortlessly straddling the line between mainstream and alternative country, Roberts has a warm, inviting voice with just the right amount of soul and swagger.
Dropbox
Dropbox
Dear lord, they've cloned Godsmack! Will scientists ever learn that playing God only creates disgraceful monstrosities?
Flaw
Endangered Species
Clearly not.
Warrant
Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich
Cherry Pie
What is it with all these hair-metal re-issues? Is the shadow government preparing us for a New World Order-mandated glam comeback?
Josh Bell