Torchy, soulful London singer evokes white soul singers like Amy Winehouse and Duffy, but reaches further back for influence, to Dusty Springfield and Etta James. Her second album focuses on her syrupy, sweet voice, perfect for her songs about broken hearts.
Builders and the Butchers, Dead Reckoning $12.95
This Portland quintet's fifth album ranges from folk to back porch bluegrass to gutbucket blues, all fueled by a raucous garage spirit. Renowned for their kinetic live performances, their new effort seeks to recreate that energy on disc.
Johnny Cash, From Memphis to Hollywood: Bootleg Vol 2 $15.95
The second album in a series that brings to light rare, archival tracks from Cash's early career. This new collection features cuts from Cash's personal tapes, recorded between 1954 and 1970, including many from his Sun Studio sessions.
Cave Singers, No Witch $14.95
The third full-length album by this harmony-heavy Seattle folk-rock outift. "No Witch is grander and more lush than The Cave Singers' previous efforts. It's also a nervier, scrappier affair: greasy guitars buck and rear up; Eastern-influenced blues snake through songs; gospel choirs rise up like tidal waves."
G. Love, Fixin' to Die $10.95
G. Love has always occupied a rare space between folk, blues and hip hop. On his new CD, produced by and with insturmental help by the Avett Brothers, the singer takes a big step towards percussion-heavy roots music.
Gibson Brothers, Help My Brother $19.95
IBMA Award winners, Eric and Leigh are widely recognized as the finest brother duet in bluegrass music today.Their tenth release features 12 tracks, most of which are originals, feature guest spots by Alison Brown, Ricky Skaggs and Claire Lynch.
Johnny Irion & Sarah Lee Guthrie, Bright Examples $12.95
The husband and wife duo's second full-length album is produced by Vetiver's Andy Cabic and Thom Monahan. The 12 original songs highlight the duo's patented country rock songwriting and rich vocal harmonies beautifully intertwining with Vetiver's West Coast pastoral psych-rock aesthetic. Special guests include Mark Olson and Gary Louris.
Loch Lomond, Little Me Will Start a Storm $13.95
"Elegant yet uneasy, this intriguing Portland sextet echoes the nervous grace of Arcade Fire and the New Pornographers, minus the electric charge. Frontman Ritchie Young can sing delicate and high or mournful and low, and while his dense chamber-pop songs employ clarinet, violin, mandolin, and marimba, they never feel overwrought."
Low Anthem, Smart Flesh The unique Rhode Island multi-instrumentalists straddle both traditional and modern folk, blues and even jazz and neo-classical elements. Recorded in an abandoned factory, the songs, "shuffle like a Crescent City dirge played on an Appalachian dusty road."
Sean Rowe, Magic $15.95
Like a hybrid of Leonard Cohen and Greg Brown, the New York singer songwriter sings in a rusty baritone, frequently backed only by a picked guitar and cello, with occasional piano.
Various Artists, Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Celebration $17.95
Celebrating 40 years of releases, the seminal blues label collects 2 discs of their favorite tracks from across the years. Artists include Koko Taylor, Marcia Ball, Buddy Guy, JJ Grey and more.
Irish/Celtic
Celtic Thunder, Heritage $18.95
A frequent presence on PBS fundraisers, these Irish music veterans combine traditional elements of Celtic music with dramatic orchestral flourishes and contemporary rock.
Kids
Putumayo Artists, Acoustic Dreamland $15.95
Chosen especially for moments of relaxation and rest, the label's new collection features calming pieces played by Hem, Daniel Martin Moore, Lucy Kaplansky and more.
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