Past Bestsellers

Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel - Willie and the Wheel (Bismeaux Productions)
This album had originally been suggested to Willie by Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler over 40 years ago! Fortunately Wexler was able to hear master tapes of this project before his death last year.Willie navigates his way through a dozen country swing chestnuts, ably accompanied by Asleep at the Wheel and their leader, singer/guitarist Ray Benson. The spirits of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys hover over the session, and a good time is had by all.

Mark Olson and Gary Louris - Ready for the Flood (New West Records)
Former Jayhawks reunite for a fine (and much anticipated) alt country offering featuring their trademark ragged-but-right vocal harmonies and an effortless, laid back approach to songcraft. Produced by the Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, this obviously will appeal to Jayhawks fans, but also heartily recommended for fans of Ryan Adams, Uncle Tupelo, and the Grateful Dead (in their Workingman's Dead/American Beauty phase).

Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream (Sony)
The Boss returns, following a prolific period culminating in an acclaimed performance during this years Super Bowl Half Time show. Working on a Dream finds Springsteen largely abandoning the overtly political nature of recent albums, instead mining the more relationship oriented material of his mid 1980's offerings such as Tunnel of Love. But musically it packs the punch one would expect, courtesy of the legendary E Street Band.

Hank Williams - The Unreleased Recordings (Time Life Records)
Hank Williams discography is, for such a major figure in country music, depressingly slim. It had been thought that everything Hank committed to tape was already released, so these radio show recordings make an invaluable addition to his catalog. The songs themselves are well known, but the vocals and instrumentation contain nuances and differences that Williams fans must hear. This 3 cd set is a treasure trove for all fans of roots music.


Jorma Kaukonen - River of Time (Red House)
Kaukenon is a master of acoustic roots based guitar music. His skill was first demonstrated in Jefferson Airplane, but reached new heights with Hot Tuna with fellow Airplane refugee Jack Casady. River of Time features a mix of original material, and covers of classic blues and folk tunes, including one by his mentor,Reverend Gary Davis. This continues an impressive string of albums for Jorma, and features contributions from former Bob Dylan guitarist Larry Campbell, as well as Levon Helm of the Band on drums.

Emmylou Harris/All I Intended to Be (Nonesuch)
Harris’ latest finds her working with ex-husband/producer/multi instrumentalist Brian Ahern for the first time since the 1970s, and a cast of friends and collaborators including Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Dolly Parton, and Vince Gill. It has a more relaxed ambiance than recent offerings Red Dirt Girl or Stumble into Grace, with more prominent acoustic instrumentation, and a greater emphasis on covering other writer’s material (Merle Haggard, Billy Joe Shaver and Patty Griffin among them). Even so, Emmylou contributes about half the numbers, and this is a great album for late summer nights or lazy Sundays.

Ray Davies/Working Man’s Café (New West)
As always, Ray Davies’ uniquely English perspective informs this offering full of sharp and witty observations. This album is loaded with catchy, up tempo songs that strongly recall his classic work with the Kinks, with a strong emphasis on melody and Ray’s wistful, yet still somewhat detached voice.

James McMurtry/Just Us Kids (Lightning Rod)
This is a top notch offering from McMurtry on a brand new label. It features his usual pointed commentary oriented lyrics dealing with the current social/political climate. On hand are his cracking band that has graced his last few albums, with an added bonus of Timbuk 3’s Pat McDonald on harmonica and backing vocals, and the legendary Ian McLagan (ex Small Faces/Faces) on Hammond organ and piano.

R.E.M./Accelerate (Warner Brothers)

Adrift and somewhat directionless on the recordings following the departure of drummer Bill Berry, Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills defy expectations and rediscover the fire in their collective bellies. Accelerate is a sharp, punchy, rollicking and rocking affair that finds R.E.M. back on track, and playing with youthful energy not in evidence since their early days. A great disc with which to reacquaint ones self with the band.

Joe Ely/Live Cactus (Rack ‘Em Records)
This is an excellent live document pairing the legendary Ely on guitar and vocals with Joel Guzman on accordion as his sole accompaniment, at the Cactus Café in Austin , Texas . This contains music from all periods of Ely’s career, plus covers of songs by Butch Hancock and Townes Van Zandt. There are no rollicking barnstormers here-the focus is intimate, up front and personal. Joe gives every ounce he’s got on these performances, with a seasoned storyteller’s flair.

Counting Crows/Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings (Geffen)Eight years since their last studio offering, Adam Duritz and the Counting Crows come roaring back. The record is a nifty concept in two halves: the boisterous and hard rocking (Saturday Nights) and the acoustic and reflective (Sunday Nights). The group have lost none of their fire and verve after their lengthy hiatus, and this album will please old and new fans alike

The B-52’s/Funplex (Astralwerks)

16 years (!) since their last studio album (1992’s Good Stuff), the B-52s have returned. The core group of original members Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson, and Keith Strickland is intact. The only real change in the group’s sound is a slight influence from developments in the house/dance music scene. This disc is packed with all the irreverence, whimsy and humor one would expect from the band with the occasional wistful and heartfelt song to give things a bit of balance. A welcome return from these Athens Georgia legends!

Vampire Weekend/
Self-Titled
Wherein pre-release Internet buzz actually manifests itself in a good record, these Brooklyn-based lads have been hyped on message boards for nearly two years. Now we see there is justification for it, with their fresh and snazzy blend of prickly 80’s new wave a la Talking Heads, combined with a Paul Simon-like interest in Afro-pop circa Graceland. Infectious and fun!

The Blind Boys of Alabama/Down in New Orleans
Missing long time group member Clarence Fountain, but still retaining equally the important and soulful vocalist Jimmy Carter, the Blind Boys create another uplifting album centered upon (get ready) New Orleans. Using that city’s wealth of musicians, including the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Hot 8 Brass Band, and the legendary Allen Toussaint, certainly guarantees this is another winner in the Boys recent hot streak

Jack Johnson/Sleep Through the Static
You the reader may have heard that the new Jack Johnson album shakes things up a bit with the addition of a keyboardist, and the fact that Johnson himself plays electric guitar in addition to his trusty acoustic guitar, the implication being that this is perhaps a bit rougher and tougher than his previous recordings. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that this is another entry into Johnson’s softly articulated everything’s-cool-man-laid-back-surfer-dude world, where contentedness rules the day and nothing can stomp down this fella’s mega-positive mojo. And guess what. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, so you just might want to check into Jack’s chill zone, and nothing will harsh your mellow!

Shelby Lynne/Just a Little Lovin’
As an artist labeled as being a bit ornery by Nashville (one would think ornery in Country music would be an asset, but why ask why), Shelby Lynne has long followed her own muse. After many albums focused primarily on her songwriting skills, Just a Little Lovin’ is homage to Dusty Springfield, and the songs associated with her. The album is laced with country-soul verve that would impress Dusty herself. Using renowned producer Phil Ramone, Lynne has chosen some of Springfield’s more obscure tunes (and one number penned by Lynne herself), and infused them with subtle nuance and soft intimacy.

The Sadies/ New Season     
The brothers Good (Travis, Dallas, plus assorted siblings making guest appearances here and there) return with their finest and most consistent effort yet. Produced by Jayhawks kingpin Gary Louris, who also plays guitar and sings background vocals, it shines with shades of Sweetheart of the Rodeo-era Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, and Gram Parsons for a rootsy down home fun fest.

Black Mountain/ In the Future
Hailing from Vancouver and led by guitarist Stephen McBean, Black Mountain channels bits of classic1970s icons Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd for a swirly, riff-infused psychedelic mélange. Adding to the unique stylings of the group are the dual lead vocals of McBean and Amber Webber, with fiery guitar and keyboard interplay, culminating in the 17 minute tour de force “Bright Lights.”

Band of Horses/ Cease to Begin
Peers and label mates of Iron & Wine (who they have opened shows for), and recording their second album once again for Seattle’s legendary Sub Pop label (and with Built to Spill producer Phil Ek returning to twiddle the knobs), Band of Horses avoids the sophomore slump with gusto. Early Neil Young, or Brian Wilson fronting a grungy indie-pop band are some of the touchstones here, with a strong sense of melody at the fore.

Diana Krall/The Very Best Of
This disc is the first compilation for Diana Krall. It features a well chosen selection of past favorites, which ably document her evolution as the most popular jazz vocalist of our time, as well as 3 songs previously unavailable on any other cd.

John Sebastian and David Grisman/ Satisfied
Former Lovin' Spoonful frontman John Sebastian and mandolin maestro David Grisman team up for a relaxed, fun loving duo romp through country, folk, and bluegrass chestnuts. A laid back front porch atmosphere adds to the charm of this understated work.

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Friends/ Solos, Sessions, & Encore Blues guitar giant Vaughan, in addition to his own recordings, played often as an in demand sideman or guest. This collects many of of these performances, 6 of them previously unreleased, with the likes of Albert Collins, Low Ann Barton, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Beck, and many others!

Chris Botti/Italia
Another super slick smooth jazz offering from Botti finds him in the vocal company of Paula Cole, Andrea Bocelli, and Dean Martin. The album's easy going atmosphere and loose Italian theme make it a shoe-in for dinner parties everywhere!

Bruce Springsteen/ Magic
Magic finds the Boss reunited with the E Street Band and the results are, well, magical. This is the group Springsteen should always play with, as his other records without them don't have the same chemistry.

John Fogerty/Revival
This is Fogerty's first album on Fantasy Records since his CCR days and his best since Centerfield from 1985. He even takes a poke at his past with the wry humorous Creedence Song, another gem from one of the original Americana artists.

Annie Lennox/Songs of Mass Destruction Following her individualistic muse, Lennox continues the trajectory established on her earlier albums (Medusa, Diva and Bare), and constructs a lush, profound work lifted by her powerful voice.

Marc Cohn/Join the Parade
Enlisting the help of Bob Dylan's current guitarist, Charlie Sexton, as a co-producer, Marc Cohn adds some welcome grit and colour to his more commonly known soft-rock singer-songwriter persona. It is a record a bit deeper and darker for him, and the better for it.

Joni Mitchell/Shine
A welcome return for the legendary singer - songwriter finds her in top form with all of her skills intact, and also includes a very cool remake of her classic Big Yellow Taxi.

Herbie Hancock/River: The Joni Letters
This record is Hancock's interpretation of some of his favorite Joni Mitchell songs. The set is split between instrumental and vocal tracks with the vocals being supplied by Norah Jones, Leonard Cohen, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tina Turner, and Joni herself!

Subdudes/Street Symphony
The Subdudes third record since their reformation is a further testament to their unique melange of New Orleans musics. Their great vocal harmonies and songwriting make this another winner for the group.

Lyle Lovett/It's not Big, It's Large
Lyle Lovett returns with a record split between his big band and material cut with a smaller group. This is one more example that shows that Lyle Lovett transcends the label "country", and with a gusto!

Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood/Out Louder
A great super funky, booty shaking extravaganza. Guitar, organ, bass and drums combine to make a jazzy but utterly rhythmic stew. If you hear this and it doesn't set your toes-a-tapping check your pulse. Be sure to catch them at Hawkins Amphitheater September 19th.

Pink Martini/Hey Eugene! Portland based collective's third album. These deliciously fun pan-global-multi-cultural lounge artists are a local favorite.

Luka Bloom/Tribe
Bloom collaborates with film music composer and multi instrumentalist Simon O'Reilly to bear fruit on this, Bloom's best work in ages!

White Stripes/Icky Thump The Stripes back off from the willful experimentalism of their previous album, Get Behind Me, Satan, and further pursue their instantly likeable blend of blues and rock roots forms!

The Traveling Wilburys/Collection
a long out-of-print classic! The set combines both Wilbury's albums plus previously unreleased nuggets and video documentary goodness!

Josh Rouse/Country Mouse City Mouse Singer/songwriter moves to Spain, meets and records with the local musicians, and comes up with one of his finest records!

Tord Gustavsen Trio/Being There
The third and final volume of this piano/bass/drums trio's ultra melodic, gorgeously cool Norwegian jazz. Melancholic, icy beauty from these masters!

Amy Winehouse/ Back to Black English chanteuse' American debut showcases her blend of the soulful yet rowdy, jazzy yet brash, rooted yet modern. Her assimilation of 60s girl group sass and a knowing wink to streetwise smarts make an entertaining listen!

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