S/T -- Frank Fairfield (Tompkins Square)

First release from our favorite 24-year-old purveyor of old time feelings. Startling arrangements of classic songs, sometimes haunting, sometimes jolly.

River Boat Soul -- Pokey Lafarge and The South City Three (Big Muddy Records)

Ragtime meets Appalachia meets Delta cotton country blues, but entirely new and all its own. Pokey's music makes you want to pack your bags and spend your life on the road, while at the same time making you long for home and days passed.

Enter the 37th Chamber -- El Michels Affair (Truth & Soul)

Led by saxophonist Leon Michels, founder of Truth & Soul Records, this instrumental album works classic Wu-Tang cuts into smooth street soul. Not a gimmick -- this is the real thing -- heart and soul.

Legends of Benin -- Various Artists (Analog Africa)

Compilation of obscure 1970s West African music featuring bands that combine James Brown-style funk with Latin poly-rhythms and psychedelic guitar to make a sound found no where else in the world.

Brain Cycles -- Radio Moscow (Alive Records)

Guitar heavy jams straight out of 1972. The best rock ’n’ roll band out there today. Led by axe wizard Parker Griggs, with John Entwistle-cool bass player Zach Anderson and wildman drummer Paul Marrone, the former Iowans now call Humboldt home.

Radio/Live -- Earth (Southern Lord)

Jesus is a Dying-Bed Maker -- Charlie Patton (Monk)

Délivrance -- A Hawk and a Hacksaw (Leaf)

Songs of Shame -- Woods (Shrimper/Woodsist)

A Lovely Sight -- Pisces (Numero Group)

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