Always in lock-stop harmony, like a beautifully turned double play. One moment angelic, haunting, languid and dignified, the next moment all Tom Waits-esque stomping and hollering, there's a singular vision at work here with touchstones such as Simon & Garfunkel, Red House Painters, Dylan's Highway 61, Aaron Copland, Grant Lee Buffalo, The Band, and a night ride home in Joni Mitchell's car. The band has primarily been a trio and includes Ben Knox Miller, Jeff Prystowsky and Jocie Adams.

Annie Lynch and the Beekeepers owes much of its sound to the lilting country and bluegrass melodies of its forebears, but its musical palette is diverse enough to include a touch of New Orleans Dixie clarinet and some gorgeously resonant cello playing. Boston

Lissie Maurus (stage name Lissie) has a pure soulful voice that will instantly make you take notice with her brand of brand of woodsmoked blues. Fat Possum Records