Ryan Adams

As much myth as institution in the Motor City, The Voles have been around since the late 80's and, like their namesake, are hard to track down, disappear for long periods of time, and remain totally loveable.

The Deadstring Brothers' heart beats with pure rock and roll. Simple and shor 'nuff. Built on a the unshakable foundations of blues, rock country and soul, DSB manages to create something at once totally fresh but totally recognizable.

Ground Zero punk rock dude with The Nuns, cowpunk progenitor in Rank and File, gutter brawling guitar rawker in True Believers, and now a songwriter and performer without peer; you know the story.

From Music Row classicism to the storycraft of Greenwich Village-era Dylan to laid back soulful cool, and inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt, Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Mance Lipscomb, Ray Charles and The Pogues, it's hard to say what JTE does the best.

Throughout his career, Cory Branan has been too punk for country, too country for punk, too Memphis for Nashville, and probably a little too Cory Branan for anyone’s damn good.

Since his arrival, he's been called everything from balladeer to punk rocker, anti-folker to indie-popper. His ability to weave together opposites that coexist happily on the same album is something few can do.

With a big-as-the-room persona, an ability to rock the doors off the most jaded of clubs, the heart to hold a room completely still with just his guitar, and a genius for arrangement, Bobby Bare, Jr. and his band of merry makers are one of the most unique bunches around.

Straight outta Orleans Parish, LWK is both rustic and elegant. He delivers energetic and dynamic performances with his burgundy voice and versatile guitar playing. He may be technically proficient, but he's never precious. Use code BLUEMESA at checkout for 15% off all LWK CDs and LPs.

Bloodshot compilations are a cheap and easy way to sample a wide range of fabulous sounds. Some of the bands and artists you've heard of, some you haven't, but it is always worth checking them all out.

They came on like a fully formed gang: Ken Bethea's guitar a post-punk Luther Perkins; Philip Peeples the fucking Ringo Starr of the train beat; Murray Hammond on the bass and West TX harmonies; and Rhett Miller's manic energy, super-literate songwriting and swoony charisma.

Falling out of the sky in the mid-90's, Whiskeytown grabbed the mantle of Critical Darlings by the throat and did not let go.

Andrew Bird first picked up a violin at age four and proceeded to spend his formative years soaking up classical repertoire completely by ear. As a teen, Bird mastered the sounds of early jazz, country blues and gypsy music.