While they may not be the most exciting of the Appalachian string bands of the early '20s, the Carter Family was certainly the most subtly innovative, beginning with Maybelle Carter's bass string-heavy guitar playing. Combined with A.P. Carter's knack for spotting a good song and the trio's clear, haunting vocal style, the music they made has given them a secure spot as country's first big stars. More importantly, A.P.'s collection of Appalachian folk songs (although he is listed as the composer of many of them, he simply collected and refined them) has given American country music a solid historical base. This collection lacks a couple of key signature songs ('Wabash Cannonball,' 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken'), but delivers plenty of Carter Family standards, including what is probably the definitive version of 'John Hardy'.

Recorded over three sessions in 1957, when Thelonious Monk was leading a band that included John Coltrane, this historic meeting of two legends was not released until 1961 due to contractual issues. By that time Coltrane was a household name, leading his own band, at least as famous or even more so than Monk. This album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007.

Only a select few artists have the ability to convey their message to the back row, to galvanize an audience with a visceral power that connects on a universal level. David Krakauer is such an artist. Widely considered one of the greatest clarinetists on the planet, he has been praised internationally as a key innovator in modern klezmer as well as a major voice in classical music.

In a music scene full of seemingly endless subgenres and transient trends, IN FLAMES are an example of what it means to steadfastly stay true to your vision. Since forming in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1990, the legendary melodic metal act has had six albums debut in the top ten in Sweden, toured alongside everyone from METALLICA to JUDAS PRIEST and influenced many of today's biggest metal acts without ever ceasing to push their own signature sound forward. In that spirit, the band's twelfth full-length "Battles" sees IN FLAMES eschewing proven formulas in favor of trying new things, most notably finding a new collaborator in Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, THE USED), who was brought into the band's coveted inner circle in order make "Battles" an album that will appeal to every type of IN FLAMES fan.

"Rave Tapes" is the eighth studio album by Mogwai and their second on Rock Action, the label they set up almost 18 years ago to issue their debut 7inch single, Tuner/Lower. In between, the Scottish quintet have established themselves on the international stage through a prolific recorded output and a commitment to touring that few of their peers can match. Clocking in at just under 50 minutes, the 10-track album is a lustrous collection mined from the same quarry as its predecessors, wreathed in painterly textures underpinned by increasingly electronic beats.

A defining moment in a career that has spanned multiple decades, Rod Stewart remains one of the best selling artists of all time. Stewart continued his legacy with the release of his 1971 masterpiece, Every Picture Tells A Story. This quintessential recording rocks hard, comprised of originals and covers; the album is a rich mix of rock, blues and folk. Stewart’s soulful and brilliantly textured vocals are at the forefront of this album, which includes an inspired rendition of The Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You” and his chart-topping pop anthem, “Maggie May”.

Improvising sonic adventurers, weaving psychedelic tales across the cosmic tapestry of the Orangeverse. It’s all an illusion. Might as well be the imagination of an orange.

Improvising sonic adventurers, weaving psychedelic tales across the cosmic tapestry of the Orangeverse. It’s all an illusion. Might as well be the imagination of an orange.

Improvising sonic adventurers, weaving psychedelic tales across the cosmic tapestry of the Orangeverse. It’s all an illusion. Might as well be the imagination of an orange.

Improvising sonic adventurers, weaving psychedelic tales across the cosmic tapestry of the Orangeverse. It’s all an illusion. Might as well be the imagination of an orange.

Improvising sonic adventurers, weaving psychedelic tales across the cosmic tapestry of the Orangeverse. It’s all an illusion. Might as well be the imagination of an orange.

12 × 5 is the second American studio album by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released in 1964 following the success of their American debut The Rolling Stones (England's Newest Hit Makers), released concurrently with their UK debut The Rolling Stones. 12 × 5 is an expanded version of the EP Five by Five, which had followed their debut album in the UK.

The Rolling Stones is the debut album by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released by Decca Records in the UK on April 16, 1964. The American edition of the LP, with a slightly different track list, came out on London Records on May 30, 1964, subtitled England's Newest Hit Makers, which later became its official title.

The Rolling Stones, Now! is the third American studio album by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released in February 1965 by their initial American distributor, London Records. Although it contains two previously unissued songs and an alternative version, the album mostly consists of songs released earlier in the United Kingdom, plus the group's recent single in the United States, "Heart of Stone" backed with "What a Shame". Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote four of the songs on the album (including the US single), with the balance composed by American rhythm and blues and rock and roll artists.

Improvising sonic adventurers, weaving psychedelic tales across the cosmic tapestry of the Orangeverse. It’s all an illusion. Might as well be the imagination of an orange.