Jukebox DeLuxe

I always enjoy trading record recommendations with other musicians. I still remember the guy who turned me onto The Grateful Dead many, many years ago. He played Uncle John's Band, and I was blown away. A few years later I heard Cassidy. A few years after that, my wife and I had one. And the first time I heard Neil Young's excellent Tonight's the Night, while visiting a friend in Washington, DC.

Everybody has similar moments where their world was changed just a little by a new artist or song. So here are some capsule reviews of the records I've been listening to lately. Afterwards, we'll start a discussion thread so you can tell me how wrong I am, or make some suggestions of your own.

Dave Alvin, Blackjack David. I have liked almost everything he has done post X. King of California was a wonderful record. This one is better. I like every song, and the music is great. Especially wonderful are "New Highway," "Abilene" and "Mary Brown." If you buy one more record, buy this one.

Cheri Knight, The Northeast Kingdom. I always thought The Blood Oranges should have let Cheri sing more songs. For my money, the songs she sang were almost universally their best. Now that she's doing her own records, I can happily hear a lot more of her. I like her work because it combines folk and alternative country, while retaining a bit of a rock edge. She's what I thought Maria McKee was going to be. I dig her.

The Earl Scruggs Revue, Artist's Choice, 1970-1980. Finally I can toss my record player. I kept it so could hear two records: an old Amazing Rhythm Aces record and The Earl Scruggs Revue. I found a bootleg CD of the Aces last year and now the Revue is on CD. In fact "Third Rate Romance," one of my all-time favorite songs, is on both CDs. The Revue is some of the best progressive bluegrass you'll ever hear. Earl's banjo and Randy's guitar, along with a fabulous slate of guests including Roger McGuinn, Bonnie Bramlett and Johnny Cash, make this CD a must have.

Dwight Yoakam, A Long Way Home. Another excellent offering from one of the only real country artists still on a major label. The arrangements on this record are as good as any you'll ever hear. Among the best songs are "Yet to Succeed" and "I'll Just Take These." Pete Anderson is the best producer working today.

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