Tift Merritt "Another Country" (2008)

The sun kissed cover photo does a fantastic job of telling the listener what you need to know about this record.  It's a throwback to the early 70s when women sang country pop songs that were crossover hits. (At least they were in the South).

Magnolia Electric Company "Trials & Errors" (2005)

Is this the apex of Jason Molina's career?  Recorded live, this is a blistering hunk of Neil Young influenced indie rock. Absolutely fantastic.

Black Milk "Tronic" (2008)

It's obvious to me why I have this one.  This is clearly a "if you like..." pick.  Black Milk is more or less a Dilla copy.  Unfortunately, like so many copies, it doesn't live up to the original.

Various "Chica For the Jet Set" (2005)

It's taken a couple hundred titles before I have stumbled across something that wasn't actually ever available for sale.  This is a compilation put together by an Argentine DJ.  A nice set of vintage South American dance music, if that's your thing.

Ry Cooder "Boomer's Story" (1972)

Another Ry Cooder album, another time I'm underwhelmed.  Oh well... it's gotten so that I groan a bit inside when one of these appears.  The amazing thing is how many I seem to have....

Blueridge "Side By Side" (2004)

There's a certain category of bluegrass bands -- and I think that this album falls into that category -- that sound more or less generic to my ears.  It's not that there is anything particularly wrong with the recording, but nothing really stands out.  If anything, it feels a bit too safe.  The musicians in this band are very talented.  I'd like to feel that they are taking some risks.

Ali Farke Toure "Ali Farke Toure" (1988)

This was Toure's introduction to most Western listeners.  25 years later it still sounds wonderful, a powerful mix of blues and traditional music from Toure's Mali.