Alt Country-Americana
- Something Tamed Something Wild-Mary Chapin Carpenter (A well-written ode to the happy moments of one's past and a reminder to appreciate the present, sung with Carpenter's usual conviction. It's from her CD, "The Things That We Are Made Of," released in May.)
- Advancement Of The Human Age-The Gertrudes (Quirky lead and backing vocals, with effective use of ukulele and trumpet...It's an unlikely blend that sustains the tune for nearly seven minutes. I can imagine a good noncommercial station playing Zumpano's "Temptation Summary" before it.)
- The Way I Feel-Keith Thompson (Thompson sings these universal sentiments of loss with an effective, understated air of resignation.)
- Breezin'-Gabor Szabo (You've probably heard George Benson's excellent version of this much-played guitar instrumental. Now, hear the original template that inspired Benson to expand upon a great, refreshing theme.)
- Shining Tear Of The Sun-Elizabeth Shepherd (If there's such a genre as upbeat melancholia, this is an excellent example of it. Shepherd crafted an appealing vamp of a piano melody in which to wallow, and her vocals match perfectly. A good eclectic radio station ought to play Nickel Creek's "Reasons Why" before this.)
- Farewell To St. Dolores-Pine Hill Project (Richard Shindell and Lucy Kaplansky are a well-matched vocal duo here. The song's chorus, derived from a yodel, is strangely moving.)
- Sea Of Tranquility-Marcos Amorim (A laid back, midtempo guitar instrumental that lives up to its title.)
- We Were There-Marcus Miller (A joyous stew of vocals and bass that suggests a George Duke influence.)
