Melange

Another interesting mix of new music on the shelves:
Hard Again by Muddy Waters. This album, produced by Johnny Winter, blew the dust off Waters' reputation and brought his cranking Chicago Blues to the attention of a new generation. The best cut: Mannish Boy.
King of the Delta Blues Singers by Robert Johnson. If you've ever wondered what the difference is between Delta blues and Chicago blues, pop this disc on listen to these recordings from the 1930's. Roots music from a blues legend.
Higher Ground by Barbara Streisand. This album, inspired by a moving experience at the funeral of Bill Clinton's mother, is filled with deeply spiritual songs. Nondenominational and all-encompassing, this disc has uplifting music for all.
Lust for Life by Iggy Pop. This is probably the most commercially successful of all his albums, and while it's nowhere near as edgy as his work with the Stooges (the band, not the 3 comedians), it's still got a sharpness to it.
Sangoma by Miriam Makeba. The woman who earned the sobriquet "Mama Afrika" for her outspoken criticism of apartheid demonstrates the rich, mellow voice that launched her recording career. This is a beautiful collection of traditional African songs.
Earl Scruggs with family & friends: live at the Ryman. This 2007 concert was recorded when Scruggs was 83. His pace may have slowed down a bit - for him - but he is still a master of the banjo and a musical force to be reckoned with.
3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul. This 1989 album created a whimsical, fun sound that introduced hip-hop to a more mainstream audience, but the lyrics were clever enough to earn the respect of the hip-hop and rap community.