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Kiseki” (“Locus”) is a welcome surprise. Released to mark the 25th anniversary of Krush’s solo career, it’s his first straight-up rap album, and features an eclectic roster of Japanese MCs. Rino Latina II, who guests on the trap-inflected “Dust Stream,” is an old collaborator from the ’90s, but most of the assembled rappers are considerably younger. They bring an undeniable energy to the proceedings, and Krush responds with some of his grittiest productions since the “Strictly Turntablized” days.

Privé II provides elegance manifested as sound, the successor to the first memorable volume released in late 2009. Here we find a selection of the smoothest sounds in chill out, lounge, hip and trip hop and deep house spread over 6 discs. The packaging and sound mastering only serve to enhance what is truly a collector’s item for the high end consumer. Beauty and lush beats create a parallel atmosphere anywhere you play it.

This Rough Guide avoids digs down, presenting home-grown Americana that is happening right now. Award winning rock writer and musician Sylvie Simmons handpicked the tracks on this album to showcase the genre's best twenty-first century takes on the themes of old country.