It’s time for a reassessment of Lobo. You’re reminded on this great compilation that he penned spiffy songs, and sang them with inviting sincerity.

Given Solitaire Miles’ musical education, her Susie Blue persona may come as a surprise to some, but it is hardly a lark – and this proves it.

Gary Burton’s country-jazz experiment ‘Tennessee Firebird’ broke every rule. He joins Tom Wilmeth to discuss a gutsy decision to record in Nashville.

This is a setting, like the measured context of the Band’s early work, that perfectly suits – even as it amplifies – Levon Helm’s voice.

Issued five years ago today, ‘American VI: Ain’t No Grave’ finds Johnny Cash in the midst of a bracing acceptance of his looming fate.

On one level, it sounds like the Byrds. On another, Buck Owens. On another still, Gene Vincent. Keep going. At bottom, it’s uniquely Dwight Yoakam.

Jackson Taylor’s ‘Cantina del Diablo’ reminds us that underneath the fun-loving, boozy persona we often see, there’s a damned good songwriter.

This entirely unexpected Meghan Trainor cover doesn’t display the maturity of Bob Wayne’s last album. But it’s a fun and funny few minutes.

‘Complicated Game,’ James McMurtry’s first album in seven years, finds his narrative rigor once again in sharp focus.

Bob Wayne, Sturgill Simpson, Whiskey Myers and Whitey Morgan are included in Fred Phillips’ Best of 2014 list for country and Southern rock.