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Devin Grant, The Post and Courier

Buddy Guy — "Skin Deep"

Buddy Guy — "Skin Deep" — (Zomba)

While there are any number of musicians in the latest generation who have gravitated toward the blues, the old masters of the genre have become scarce thanks to the hands of time. With Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and R.L. Burnside all passed on to that big juke joint in the sky, only a few of the blues masters remain.

Thankfully, those that are able to still grace us with their presence continue to put out quality music.

Take Buddy Guy for instance. He's a long a favorite of contemporary rock artists, such as Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones, Guy has etched out his own distinctive history in the music business. On his latest CD, "Skin Deep," the 72-year old Guy shows no signs of slowing down as he invites several guests to perform with him. Husband and wife Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi join forces with Guy on "Too Many Tears," Robert Randolph lends his talents to "Out in the Woods" and "That's My Home," while Eric Clapton sits in on "Every Time I Sing the Blues." Trucks also shows back up for the CD's title track. Just about every track here is quality work from an artist known far and wide for his professionalism and creativity. If you were looking for a straightforward blues CD, then this would be a great place to start. (A-)

Download These: "Too Many Tears," "Out in the Woods," "Every Time I Sing the Blues"

Sarah McLachlan — "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy: Legacy Edition"

Sarah McLachlan — "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy: Legacy Edition" — (Arista/Legacy)

In 1992 Sarah McLachlan was a singer-songwriter who, while extremely popular in her native Canada, had only a cult following on this side of the border. Then came 1993 and McLachlan released "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" to critical and commercial success. A few more albums and a couple of Lilith Fair music festivals down the road, "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" remains one of McLachlan's best-selling and most critically acclaimed works. On the 15th anniversary of the album's release, a "Legacy Edition" has been made available.

The 3-disc set contains two CDs, one containing the original album and one featuring "The Freedom Sessions," which showcased early versions of the songs that later appeared on "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy."

The third disc is a DVD containing several music videos for songs such as "Possession," "Hold On" and "Good Enough," a documentary, a photo gallery, and an entire live concert performance from the "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" tour.

Most hardcore McLachlan fans probably already have most of what's here, but for the casual fan, this collection is a generous helping of music from a crucial point in McLachlan's career. (A)

Download These: "Good Enough," "Possession," "Ice Cream"

New Kids On The Block — "Greatest Hits"

New Kids On The Block — "Greatest Hits" — (Sony/Legacy)

No, you haven't suddenly been zapped back to 1989, but if the members of this boy band that predated The Backstreet Boys and N'Sync by almost a decade had anything to do with it, they would love to have you feel that way. Back in the late '80s and early '90s New Kids on the Block was a pop-music powerhouse, selling millions of albums, concert tickets and related merchandise. Now, nearly two decades after the group first made a splash, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Joey McIntyre and brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight have returned in an attempt to reignite their musical careers.

Wisely, the first thing the guys have done is to release a greatest-hits collection. This should serve a duel purpose — both to remind past fans why they shelled out their hard-earned allowances to buy NKOTB CDs and posters, as well as to draw in a new legion of fans, probably the children of those original fans.

It's all here, including radio staples from the 20 years ago, such as "Hangin' Tough," "Step By Step," "Tonight" and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)." In addition, the collection features the "2008 New Kids on the Block Mega Mix," which, as the title implies, blends all of the hits together into what turns out to be an incredibly annoying medley. If you want to see how pop music was living large in the late '80s, by all means pick this one up.

Warning: A new collection of songs by NKOTB is set to follow right on the heels of this release. You've been warned. (C+)

Download These: "Tonight," "Hangin' Tough," "You Got It (The Right Stuff)"