Out Of The Box Cd Of The Week With Paul Shugrue

"Arthur Buck" is an album length collaboration between Joseph Arthur and Peter Buck, two long-time indie rock heroes, Buck, with REM and Arthur, with his solo career of 14 albums.

On "Downey to Lubbuck," the album named after their respective hometowns, the two legendary Americana artists find a lot in common.

Guitars rule on the Australian artist's new album “Tell Me How You Really Feel.” The Nirvana inspired bashing combined with her deadpan vocals make this a welcome anomaly in a music world increasingly dominated by synths and auto-tune.

On his new album “The Prodigal Son” there are eight covers of old Blues and Gospel songs and three new originals, illustrating his view of himself as a caretaker of American roots music, one who has returned to where he started more than 50 years ago.

The indie band from Philadelphia has been around for over 15 years but recently re-evaluated their process. Thankfully, tinkering is all that was needed and “Critical Equation” sounds as fresh as anything they’ve done.

“Volunteer” is the 7th album from the best Americana band in America, the boisterous, street corner stomps and heartfelt ballads flow freely as they draw inspiration from their twenty years as band .

“True Love,” the third album from this five piece reggae outfit from Hampton Roads, throbs with rhythmic intensity and psychedelia and doesn’t let up until they get their message of positivity and togetherness across.

Her new album's title,“Edgeland,” is a term used to describe areas of the United States that fall between the urban centers and the rural countryside. It’s the perfect metaphor for her hard-to-categorize music.

It’s fascinating when an artist can take personal experience and turn it into inspiring music. That’s what The Heartless Bastards' leader has done on her solo debut album.

“I’ll Be Your Girl” is the album the band said would free them from old patterns and allow them to try something different. Turns out it’s hard to shake the sound the band has established.

The former Talking Heads leader has released his first true solo album in 14 years “American Utopia” and says “These songs attempt to depict the world we live in now. Many of us ask ourselves-well, does it have to be like this? These songs are about that asking.”

The Richmond, Virginia artist has released her second album, “Historian” and, as good as her debut was, the 22 year-old’s music has grown by leaps and bounds and her understated confidence makes this an album that will be noticed all over the country.

Best known as keyboardist and percussionist for Bon Iver, on his third solo album “Hundred Acres” he has simplified his instrumentation in order to emulate the lyrics of these songs about simplicity and the power of nature.

Her sixth studio album "By The Way I Forgive You” is an exercise in using forgiveness as a source of strength and the past to prove her right. She is in a strong place and ready to sing about it.

Five years after their last album, the Scottish rockers have returned with “Always Ascending” and, like the title suggests, they have pushed the boundaries of their sardonic brand of dance rock.

“One Drop of Truth” has an irresistible friendliness to it, not only in Oliver Wood’s quirky southern twang but the way the songs are unique to themselves, like enthralling stories told by a gifted raconteur.

"Rifles and Rosary Beads" is a powerful change in direction for the long-time singer songwriter. After eleven albums of mostly autobiographical songs, she has co-written all the songs with military men and women who are veterans of combat. It’s an album unlike any other, directly tapping into the lives of those who protect this country.

The Swedish sisters of First Aid Kit could not have known that the "Metoo" phenomenon would be taking hold while they were recording their fourth album, “Ruins” but it is the perfect sound track for a movement that empowers women and encourages individuality.

Anderson East’s second album, appropriately titled “Encore” is a hot mess of Rock, soul, blues, Americana and something that sets this 29-year-old apart from other newcomers, a voice roaring with emotion and experience

The new album “Lost at Last Vol. 1” is made up of songs adhering to a central theme about “living in amazement, wonder and following our soul’s actual calling."