Infamous Angel
Artist: Iris DeMent

A remarkable debut, Infamous Angel established Iris DeMent as one of the greatest artists of her generation. With her gift for poignant, confessional songwriting and a voice that makes raw beauty seem like a brand new thing, she invokes the elemental magic of the Carter Family while sounding as fresh and modern as John Prine (who, not... Read More

Making Light of It
Artist: Pierce Pettis

Produced by David Miner, Making Light has a somewhat more polished surface than Pierce Pettis' previous albums, yet that doesn't diminish the quiet power of his songs. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide Read More

Gringo Honeymoon
Artist: Robert Earl Keen, Jr.

Framed by smooth production and tasteful instrumentation, Robert Earl Keen, Jr. hands over ten more tunes on this 1994 release. Gringo Honeymoon is more lively and immediately likeable than previous efforts and is comprised of all Keen originals, save Steve Earle's "Tom Ames' Prayer." Keen transports the listener to Texas with his stories and... Read More

The Evangeline Hotel
Artist: Katy Moffatt

This album has since been released with a different cover and title -- Evangeline Hotel. Be assured, it is the same album and a great one it is too. Many of the tracks were co-written with Tom Russell who produced the CD. Andy Hardin plays great parts as usual and it's all held together by some of the most open and honest-sounding vocals among... Read More

My Life
Artist: Iris DeMent
Community Score: 10.00

Like Infamous Angel, My Life opens on a light note, which is hardly adequate preparation for the emotional turbulence that follows. The album is dedicated to Iris Dement's father, who passed away prior to its release, and although there are some scattered moments of joy here, they are largely absorbed by a collection of songs dealing with primal... Read More

The Greatest Show on Earth
Artist: Katy Moffatt

This album has since been released with a different cover and title -- Evangeline Hotel. Be assured, it is the same album and a great one it is too. Many of the tracks were co-written with Tom Russell who produced the CD. Andy Hardin plays great parts as usual and it's all held together by some of the most open and honest-sounding vocals among... Read More

The Best of Mary McCaslin: Things We Said Today
Artist: Mary McCaslin

If Mary McCaslin's name fails to jump out at the listener as a singer/songwriter of note, it has nothing to do with the quality of her music. She made a fine series of LPs for Philo in the mid-'70s, and The Best of Mary McCaslin collects 18 songs from those efforts. Unlike a number of singer/songwriters today, McCaslin never minded offering... Read More

Circles & Arrows
Artist: Cheryl Wheeler

Wheeler shines on this CD. Guests include Mark O'Connor, Jerry Douglas, Jonathan Edwards, and Billy Joe Walker. Every song is a winner, especially "Northern Girl," "Aces," and "I Know This Town." ~ Chip Renner, All Music Guide Read More

Cheryl Wheeler
Artist: Cheryl Wheeler

Her debut album features her hit "Addicted," and is more rock & roll than her other albums. If you like the rest, you should add this to the collection. ~ Chip Renner, All Music Guide Read More

Moments
Artist: Pierce Pettis

Containing the title cut, "Grandmother's Song," and "St. Paul's Song, " this is his first album, and still his best. ~ Richard Meyer, All Music Guide Read More

No Kinda Dancer
Artist: Robert Earl Keen, Jr.

A well-crafted debut, not one bad song. "Armadillo Jackal & This Old Porch," co-written by Lyle Lovett, features Lovett and Nanci Griffith singing harmony. ~ Chip Renner, All Music Guide Read More

Everything Matters
Artist: Pierce Pettis

Pierce Pettis is an engaging vocalist and an excellent guitarist, but he's primarily one of the pre-eminent songwriters of our time. Any disc of his is an event, and this one is no exception. His fifth album and second for Compass, Everything Matters is a series of self-portraits capturing the passion, longing, faith, release, compassion and... Read More