New music

We've got another interesting group of CD's newly out on the shelves. Don't forget - we have a CD player and headphones available so you can 'try before you buy'.
The Crow: new songs for the 5-string banjo by Steve Martin. When Martin was first making a name for himself as a stand-up comedian, his banjo was a featured part of his routine. After years of Hollywood success, it's easy to forget what a great musician he is; this album is a good reminder. Almost all the songs were penned by Martin himself, and he plays with guest artists Dolly Parton, Earl Scruggs, Vince Gill, Tim O'Brien and Mary Black.
He and She by Wynton Marsalis is a love token. I don't know anything about Mr. Marsalis' personal life, but I can easily imagine that this album is a beautiful gift to the woman in his life. Sweet, clean tracks are interspersed with stanzas of poetry about the awestruck love a man has for a woman and his incredulity that she loves him back. Remember this album when Valentine's Day rolls around.
Gospel Keepsakes: the unreleased recordings by Hank Williams. Classic, old-time gospel music in William's beautiful but plaintive voice. These tracks were restored from original recordings belonging to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Whether you are a fan of gospel music or old-time country, you will enjoy this album of lost gems.
Mr Lucky by Chris Isaak. To me, Chris Isaak is a lot like k.d. lang: his voice is so amazing, I would listen to him sing anything. This album straddles country and rock music, and his sultry voice makes this album broadly appealing. There are a lot of weepy love songs here, as well as one track where he seems to be channeling Roy Orbison ("We've Got Tomorrow").
War: Anthology is a collection of greatest hits from 70's band War. The first few tracks on this set feature Eric Burdon (remember "Spill the Wine"?). They must have been at their best in the early 70's, because the first disc only covers 4 years, while the second disc spans the last 20 years of their output. (Sorry to broadcast my ignorance, but for me this was one of those bands where I'm continually thinking "I didn't know they did that song!"). You gotta like 'Low Rider', though - that's classic summer music.