Sound Off

Various Artists

Preservation

(Preservation Hall Recordings)

If you want to go really old school when it comes to seeing a live performance, then take a trip to New Orleans and catch a performance at Preservation Hall. Opened in 1961 and dedicated to preserving the unique sound of New Orleans jazz, the venue has no air conditioning and no running water, but the history embedded in the walls of the venue is palpable. Just out in time for Fat Tuesday celebrations last week was "Preservation," a compilation of traditional jazz numbers by an impressive lineup of artists. The 19 tracks all definitely capture the flavor of the New Orleans sound, and while folks such as Dr. John and Louis Armstrong are expected on a collection such as this, some of the album's real gems come from unexpected places. Paolo Nutini turns in an impressive "Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea," while DIY queen Ani DiFranco sounds suitably vintage singing "Freight Train." Tom Waits owns "Tootie Ma was a Big Fine Thing," while Pete and Tao Rodriguez Seeger capture the spirit of "Blue Skies." I know the year is young, but this compilation is one of the best things I have heard so far in 2010. Proceeds go to support the Preservation Hall and its music outreach program.

Download These: "Tootie Ma was a Big Fine Thing," "Nobody Knows You," "Louisiana Fairytale"

Johnny Cash

American VI: Ain't No Grave

(American/Lost Highway)

I wasn't expecting a sixth release in Rick Rubin's excellent series of albums featuring the late Johnny Cash. The first five collections found Cash fearlessly stepping outside of his normal country music walls, covering songs by artists such as Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden. The fact that Cash has gone to that big stage in the sky hangs heavily over this last release, but just as on the previous efforts the results here are both haunting and magical. Cash covers Sheryl Crow ("Redemption Day"), as well as more traditional fare such as "Cool Water" and "Aloa Oe." Obviously, the subject matter of songs such as "Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound" and "Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream" take on new meaning now that Cash is gone, but just as on the previous CDs in the series, producer Rubin knows when to back off and let Cash's stark vocals be the focus. Very often that voice is accompanied only by a lone acoustic guitar or keyboard. The result is yet another triumphant edition in this superb series, and further proof that Cash's influence is still felt seven years after his death.

Download These: "Ain't No Grave," "Cool Water," "Aloa Oe"

Various Artists

Crazy Heart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

(New West)

When the powers that be got together to plan the music for the film "Crazy Heart," they definitely did things correctly. First, they tapped Americana music godfather T-Bone Burnett to produce, along with songwriter Stephen Bruton. Aside from his own successful recording career, Burnett is probably best known as the producer of the "O Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack a few years back. Second, the filmmakers cast actors who could actually sing, rather than casting singers who might be able to act. One wouldn't think that Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell could warble like they do here, but it's all real. In between those two thespians singing the soundtrack fits in classic tracks by the likes of Buck Owens, The Louvin Brothers and Townes Van Zandt. The result is a surprisingly good soundtrack, given how things usually turn out when the actors are allowed to sing. (B+)

Download These: "Hold On You," "Gone, Gone, Gone," "The Weary Kind"