Dylan Travelin

While some observers often see Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor as the founders of America's contemporary singer-songwriter movement, the tradition actually dates back to the mid-19th century. The Hutchison Family of Milford, New Hampshire toured the United States singing religious and secular songs supporting numerous populist causes. In the years before World War I, Joe Hill and Ralph Chaplin refashioned traditional songs and hymns into biting anthems for the Industrial Workers of the World.

Some might say that Maria Muldaur, Rory Block and Eric Bibb are as unalike as they are alike. But it's their "unalikeness" wrapped into their likeness that makes this recording something special. This album plays like a joint effort of three old friends having a jam session of sorts. Its totally relaxed, yet full of fervor, wit, and definitive blues/gospel singing. Some of the standouts are Block's version of Bill Wither's "Lean On Me" with great harmony from Muldaur, Bibb's take on Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" and Muldaur's "Bessie's Advice" (cowritten with Bibb). That's just the icing. There's plenty more including two of Block's standards "Rolling Log" and "Maggie Campbell" where one gets to hear her wonderful guitar playing which sounds as fresh as ever. Bibb's languid, bluesy take on "Little Rain" is right on the money! Things close with Muldaur performing one of her old chestnuts, "My Brothers and Sisters". At the end when she cries out "Hallelujah..Thank Ya!..Thank Ya!" one knows that they've just experienced three great talents doing what they were born to do! If you're a fan of music at its most basic and stirring, this recording is a must!

Herman's Hermits were one of those odd 1960's groups that accumulated millions of fans, but precious little respect. Indeed, their status is remarkably similar to that of the Monkees and it's not a coincidence that both groups' music was intended to appeal to younger teenagers.

"Wildheart", the first full-length offering from Portland, OR-based rock quartet, Lost Ox, is both reflective and prescriptive in its nature, representing years of accumulated songs and musical stories and simultaneously calcifying a roadmap for the band's further growth and exploration. Like the band, the album cannot be encapsulated into one genre or one mood, and defies simple thematic explanation. It is, like many albums, a collage of histories, interwoven and interspersed amongst each other, all the meanings confused and corroborated, all the conclusions both simultaneous and singular.

Blind Willie McTell was blessed with an exquisite voice and sublime talent for the twelve-string guitar. This collection highlights his diverse repertoire of songs ranging from ragtime and hokum to traditional blues and gospel. Includes classics such as 'Southern Can Is Mine', 'Statesboro Blues', 'Georgia Rag' and 'Broke Down Engine Blues' 'Nobody can sing the blues like Blind Willie McTell' sang Bob Dylan in his 1983 heartfelt dedication to the Atlanta bluesman.

Pop, rock, and R&B hits are given a 60s makeover on this collection. Throwbackthursday 60s features 50 popular tunes.