Brian Mackey spent some two years working on his debut album, and you hear every moment of care in songs like “Captain of the Moon.”

Allen Toussaint explores a Paul McCartney connection from long before their time together around the newly reissued ‘Venus and Mars.’

You might expect a rootsy track called “21+” to focus on hell raising in a fictional saloon. Butch Walker does something different.

Delfeayo Marsalis undertakes his first full-length collaboration with father Ellis, but the star may just be drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith.

One of Nick Drake’s most haunting songs, “Day is Done” is blessedly free of the overdone production that marred many of his early recordings.

One part revelry and one part reverie, Dr. John’s update of Paul McCartney’s “Let ‘Em In” is a highlight on the forthcoming ‘Art of McCartney.’

Lucinda Williams’ gruff slur on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” conveys just how few times the fates allow us the moments we’d like.

A pessimist’s anthem for any era, Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows” never loses its blunt force wisdom.

Mick Jagger’s take on “Waiting on a Friend,” from the Rolling Stones’ newly issued ‘Hampton Coliseum – Live In 1981,’ becomes a character study.

With everything that’s gone on, the idea of new music — any new music — from Jethro Tull has to be greeted with unbridled jubilation.