1. Calexico Feast of Wire (Quarterstick)
Not only will you get your fill of Southwestern music, but your parents will like you more, girls will think you are more sophisticated and your job or school will think you are more of an asset than they had thought. Greg Jackson, Surrey BC
The punkiest country/folk I could ask for. Valeriy Molyar, Toronto ON
Wonderful, some great vocals. Richard Perri, Toronto ON
2. Emmylou Harris Stumble Into Grace (Nonesuch)
This wonderful singer only gets better with age. Timeless stuff. Wayne Paquette, Edmonton AB
This album made me cry the first time I listened to it. Her voice is so emotional. I love it. Alyssa Gaukel, Chilliwack BC
Malcolm Burns has gone to the school of Daniel Lanois and everyone has come out the winner especially Emmylou Harris. Every track here is both sonically and lyrically engaging. This is music that truly defies genre in every way imaginable. All of her recent work is the type of music that I just can't recommend enough to music fans of all styles and genres. If you love a beautiful voice and are moved by ambient/atmospheric studio production, start with Stumble into Grace and slowly move backward through this beautiful women's mind blowing catalogue. Neil Brewer, Fredericton NB
Proof that some thing get better with age. Dave Mercer, Waterloo ON
3. Bonnie Prince' Billy Master and Everyone (Drag City)
Because he can do no wrong. Chris Patterson, Victoria BC
A very good record, and maybe one of the only artists I can think of that's intelligent, talented and makes memorable music consistently. Damien Dabrowski, Montreal QC
Simply the most eloquent composition of meaningful language I have heard in a long time. Closing your ey's never felt so good. Chris Perlman, Kitchener ON
Only Will Oldham could make an album that is so sweet, sad, desperate and joyous all at the same time. Simple and beautiful! Lauren Britstone, Richmond Hill ON
4. Lucinda Williams World Without Tears (Lost Highway)
Once again the 50-year-old Southern blues-rock diva is absorbed in relationship issues. She sings, drawls and even raps while on the verge of either happiness or heartache. For Williams and all of us the dangers of involvement continues. Wayne Yuzik, Saskatoon SK
5. The Be Good Tanyas Chinatown (Nettwerk)
Gorgeousness. So intricate and haunting, with just the right amount of ache and the right amount of joy. As good as Blue Horse is, this one is stellar. Jenanne Ferguson, St. Albert AB
A great follow-up to Blue Horse. They charmed me all over again. Caelie Frampton, Vancouver BC
Not only will you get your fill of Southwestern music, but your parents will like you more, girls will think you are more sophisticated and your job or school will think you are more of an asset than they had thought. Greg Jackson, Surrey BC
The punkiest country/folk I could ask for. Valeriy Molyar, Toronto ON
Wonderful, some great vocals. Richard Perri, Toronto ON
2. Emmylou Harris Stumble Into Grace (Nonesuch)
This wonderful singer only gets better with age. Timeless stuff. Wayne Paquette, Edmonton AB
This album made me cry the first time I listened to it. Her voice is so emotional. I love it. Alyssa Gaukel, Chilliwack BC
Malcolm Burns has gone to the school of Daniel Lanois and everyone has come out the winner especially Emmylou Harris. Every track here is both sonically and lyrically engaging. This is music that truly defies genre in every way imaginable. All of her recent work is the type of music that I just can't recommend enough to music fans of all styles and genres. If you love a beautiful voice and are moved by ambient/atmospheric studio production, start with Stumble into Grace and slowly move backward through this beautiful women's mind blowing catalogue. Neil Brewer, Fredericton NB
Proof that some thing get better with age. Dave Mercer, Waterloo ON
3. Bonnie Prince' Billy Master and Everyone (Drag City)
Because he can do no wrong. Chris Patterson, Victoria BC
A very good record, and maybe one of the only artists I can think of that's intelligent, talented and makes memorable music consistently. Damien Dabrowski, Montreal QC
Simply the most eloquent composition of meaningful language I have heard in a long time. Closing your ey's never felt so good. Chris Perlman, Kitchener ON
Only Will Oldham could make an album that is so sweet, sad, desperate and joyous all at the same time. Simple and beautiful! Lauren Britstone, Richmond Hill ON
4. Lucinda Williams World Without Tears (Lost Highway)
Once again the 50-year-old Southern blues-rock diva is absorbed in relationship issues. She sings, drawls and even raps while on the verge of either happiness or heartache. For Williams and all of us the dangers of involvement continues. Wayne Yuzik, Saskatoon SK
5. The Be Good Tanyas Chinatown (Nettwerk)
Gorgeousness. So intricate and haunting, with just the right amount of ache and the right amount of joy. As good as Blue Horse is, this one is stellar. Jenanne Ferguson, St. Albert AB
A great follow-up to Blue Horse. They charmed me all over again. Caelie Frampton, Vancouver BC