Have You Heard This One? Humble Blogger Suggests:

The Ballad of John Henry--Joe Bonamassa--Strutting bluesy hard rock, in the very best sense of those words. Testosterone-soaked big fat riffs from Bonamassa, of Utica, New York, fill the speakers, backed by horns and pounding rhythm, with vocals from the guitarist himself. Some guitar heroes have trouble being the lead singer. Not him. And some don't write or choose strong songs, relying on virtuosity. Again, not him. He writes 'em, and picks selections from Tom Waits and Tony Joe White, and even Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse! This CD came out in 2009--and he's releasing a new one March 23. Busy guy.

A Friend of a Friend--Dave Rawlings Machine--Recorded in part at RCA Studio B, a now historic site for being the cradle of 1,000 + big hits and 150 Elvis Presley tracks, A Friend of a Friend will no doubt add to its legacy. Rhode Island's Rawlings, folk and bluegrass icon Gillian Welch's partner, may have himself the 2010 Folk Record of the Year. The aura is stark "folk goth" with a sweetener at times from strings arranged by the legendary Jimmie Haskell. The songs are mostly composed by Rawlings, with help from Welch (who is all over the record), Ryan Adams and others, with tunes also by Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst, the late bluesman Jesse Fuller and Neil Young. Essential listening for anyone following the contemporary folk scene.

By A Thread--Gov't Mule--If you enjoy the early to mid-seventies classic rock/southern rock sound (I do--hey, that's when I was in high school!), this will be instantly likable. Led by Allman Brother/Dead member Warren Haynes, Gov't Mule mixes riffing and tasteful tunesmithing with a sprinkling of psychedelia. The arrangements are compelling, and the lead vocals, provided by lead guitarist Haynes, fit the overall sound perfectly, recalling Bob Seger and/or Gregg Allman. By A Thread is an excellent rock 'n' roll record that clearly was put together with care and creativity. It may not win a Grammy, but it deserves to be considered for a nomination. Well done.