Out Of The Box Cd Of The Week With Paul Shugrue

Didn't It Rain is the solo debut by the daughter of the late Levon Helm of the Band and a member of Ollabelle. Its gospel influenced folk make it one of the best roots rock albums of the year.

Trailer Swift is a raucous, rowdy, blow out of an album with songs about love, drinking, lies, drinking, sex and...drinking.

On Into the Deep, this long time New Orleans band perfects a type of party funk that accents the eight guest singers and gels into their best album yet.

A full on protest album against the huge farming corporation, The Monsanto Years spits fire and vitriol at GMOs, one percenters and public apathy.

Conor Oberst's return to one of his earliest bands is nothing like the music he's become known for. The album Payola is righteously defiant punk rock with a heavy dose of political commentary.

Dancing in the Sun is the debut album by the Hampton Roads acoustic duo that creates a carefree feeling with relentlessly positive songs.

Bound By The Blues is a confident back to the basics statement by one of the most unique and versatile slide guitar players ever.

All Your Favorite Bands focuses on the aftermath of a broken relationship while at the same time expressing goodwill for someone who will never be forgotten.

The experiences of new motherhood and moving back to her hometown are reflected in Sundown Over Ghost Town, an album of noirish Americana balladry.

The long time indie duo's new album is self titled hinting at a new beginning for the band by adding an element thats been missing from the past albums, spontaneity.

The self titled debut album from this Norfolk band captures a party like atmosphere with a horn section fueled set of originals and some real soul music showmanship.

The cerebral Hampton Roads artist is able to capture the magic of his live performances on his debut, solo, studio album This Little Notebook.

Sirens is the first album in five years from this Married duo and the songs are inspired by Deb Talans struggle with stage 3 breast cancer and her eventual triumph over it.

A Forest of Arms is the sixth album by the Canadian band that uses the environment as its muse. Its the perfect soundtrack to a walk in the woods.

Something in the Water is the fifth album by this midwestern master of western swing, ragtime, jazz, folk and blues whose contemporary lyrics make his music more timeless than retro.

Carrie and Lowell is a sparse and brilliant examination of Stevens' complicated relationship with his Mother and Stepfather.

Short Movie is the fifth album for the Mercury prize winner who traveled anonymously across America to get inspiration for this masterful album.

These two well known singers in their own right join together to pay tribute to the tortured genius of the late Elliott Smith.

Arcade Fire's multi-instrumentalist comes out of his older brother Win's shadow on his solo debut Policy, a short but powerful set of songs.

The Firewatcher's Daughter combines elegant harMonies with foot stomping rockers and songs recorded quickly to assure spontaneity.