Think of ‘Gotta Get Back’ more as Walker’s renewal of his vows to the family and sweet, soulful roots music that made him who he is.

When a musician of Spalding’s caliber makes an “I don’t give a damn what the people think” kind of record, that’s exactly when the people need to pay the most attention.

Left Lane Cruiser’s Freddy J IV and Black Diamond Heavies’ Van Campbell combined to make some of the most honest, inspired gutbucket blues-rock you’re likely gonna hear this year.

With ‘Let Me Get By’ the TTB is a full-time, fully mature and fully self-contained ensemble ready to conquer the world. Already, they’re well on their way to doing just that.

The upshot of ‘4 ½’ is that Steven Wilson’s chaff still beats most of contemporaries’ wheat because his creative zeal doesn’t ever seem to take days off, even for songs he sets aside.

Erykah Badu’s new mixtape ‘But You Caint Use My Phone’ may or may not be a placeholder until a ‘real’ album is ready, her relentless thirst to push the edge makes it no small deal regardless.

Hammond B3 master John Ginty made a well-rounded roots rock record that’s of the caliber of Randolph, The Black Keys or the Tedeschi-Trucks Band.

Like all the best religious records, ex-Blind Boys of Alabama guitarist/vocailist Sam Butler’s ‘Raise Your Hands!’ has that the ability to lift the spirits of pagans and Christians alike.

‘Waking Days’ is Jeff Crosby’s best thus far and one of the best singer-songwriter albums you’re likely to come across this year.

There’s no let up in Shemekia Copeland found on ‘Outskirts of Love’; her hold on the Queen of the Blues crown is as firm as ever.