Singer-songwriter Thom Chacon has elevated his poignant Americana sound alongside that of John Prine, Willie Nelson and Guy Clark, to name but three. Like Woody Guthrie's Dust Bowl ballads, Chacon's characters face hard times and desperation.

Writing and singing sad, sad songs is Mindy Smith's specialty. But just hearing those words on a record is like buying a one-way ticket on her emotional journey.

Now on the second leg of an epic U.S. tour -- to be followed in Asia and Europe -- Bonnie Raitt has taken it to a new level. Reading through the show-by-show reviews of her performances is like being witness to an ecstatic coronation.

"I'm searching for phrases/To sing your praises" Bob Dylan sings at the start of "Soon After Midnight," one of my favorite songs on his newly painted masterpiece, Tempest.

One of Australia's most popular and celebrated singer-songwriters enjoys touring America. Even if she isn't known on a first-name basis in this country like fellow Aussies who simply can go by Olivia, Kylie, Keith and Nicole.

This week, we feature music by Drive-By Truckers, Nancy Sinatra, Elton John, Wolf Parade, and more.

This week, we feature music by Iggy Pop, Sean Hayes, The Leftovers, Joanna Newsom, Donna Summer, Oppenheimer and more.

The Thorns absolutely has been my radar since it was first issued. Now, he's been the songwriter's songwriter for a long time: care to go into some of the Shawn Mullins story?

At this point in his career, Peter Frampton could have tossed out a second instrumental album and won another Grammy. Thankfully, this time out, he played his heart in addition to his axe, creating what could be the best album of his career.

This week's column features Martha Wainwright, Robert Randolph, Derek Trucks, John Prine, Gold Old War, and Conor Oberst.

While most of his contemporaries have the fantasy of signing the bottom line of a label contract, Jonah Smith has rejected a record company's offer instead.

In anticipation of the release of his 33rd album, Together Through Life, Bob Dylan sat down with rock critic and MTV producer Bill Flanagan for a rare...

To read more of Bob Dylan's conversation with Bill Flanagan on which this slideshow is based, here....