"I Wish I Knew," Hank Williams III
Hellbilly renegade turns in a high, lonesome, first-rate tearjerker.
"Juliet of the Spirits," The B-52s
Original college rockers return with a clubby cool ode to Fellini - and fallen women.
"Just Us Kids," James McMurtry
Moving tale of a couple blue-collar guys reflecting on their real-life working man blues.
"Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs," Raul Malo
Former Maverick faithfully and wonderfully updates this countrypolitan, Charlie Rich chestnut.
"Lonely Me, Lonely You," The Gibson Brothers
Gorgeous close-harmonies that teem with hillbilly charm - and genuine heartache.
"A Lot of Days Are Gone," The Hacienda Brothers
A fitting farewell to underground alt-country standout Chris Gaffney.
"Outlaw Shit," Waylon Jennings
The late, great honky tonk hero says goodbye - his way.
"Pretty Runs Out," Amanda Shaw
Catchy Cajun pop from precocious teen fiddling sensation.
"Salute Your Solution," The Raconteurs
Awesomely gritty garage rock with ample swagger.
"She Loves the Sunset," Old 97's
Steel guitar and sweet vocals celebrate the joys of romance.
"Stay with Me," Al Green
The reverend's best cut in years, sounds like something criminally left off that Green's greatest hits CD we all have - or should have!
"Street of Dreams," Guns N' Roses
"November Rain" rewrite still ranks as best power ballad to be issued in years, by anyone.
"Supernatural Superserious," R.E.M.
Athens allstars bring back the blazing guitars and elate fans with a song that recalls the band's glory, I.R.S. days.
"Waitin' For Some Girl," Ry Cooder
Slide-guitar-ace-turned storyteller offers another amazingly literate character study.
"When I Still had You," Sonny Landreth
Reigning king of the slide guitar Sonny Landreth displays his melody-writing chops.
