My Brightest Diamond, All Things Will Unwind
You may be familiar with Shara Worden, best known as My Brightest Diamond, for her recent collaborations with a range of indie music heavyweights; she’s contributed her haunting vocals and astounding range to works by The Decemberists, Sufjan Stevens and David Byrne. The classically trained musician honed her skills down the turnpike at the University of North Texas in Denton, and she effortlessly combines opera, cabaret, chamber music, rock, punk, electronica and a little bit of everything to create something all her own. Her third studio album is a collaboration with the famed yMusic chamber ensemble.
Ryan Adams, Ashes & Fire
Alt-country dreamboy, Ryan Adams is a quite a prolific guy. Ashes & Fire marks his 13th studio album since bursting onto the scene with his 2000 debut Heartbreaker. He’s also found time to produce for Willie Nelson and for countless collaborations with musicians from Counting Crows to Toots & the Maytals – not to mention his 2009 marriage to Mandy Moore. His latest '60s folk-tinged effort features tracks with Norah Jones.
Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto
With four albums under their belts, Coldplay is by all accounts one of the world’s most successful bands with more than 50 million records sold and a bevy of awards. The band’s last album, Viva La Vida, debuted at number one and sold millions, yet didn’t seem to be as well crafted as previous efforts. According to early reviews, Mylo Xyloto is more reminiscent of the songwriting found on the band’s breakthrough X&Y.
Vince Gill, Guitar Slinger
Norman, Okla. native, Vince Gill, has always done things his own way. He may not get tons of radio play anymore, but he’s still one of the biggest names in country music. And as his last album, the 2006 Grammy-winning four-disc opus, These Days, shows he’s still a master of his craft. As the name suggests, Gill’s latest effort indulges the guitar and includes everything from dark, moody to bright and cheery tracks. It also features his wife Amy Grant and his daughters Jenny, Sarah and Corrina.
