Alternative Rock

An anthology from R&B queen Ruth Brown, Laura Nyro at age 18, a Dori Freeman gem, and more new releases you ought to hear.

A star-studded box set surveys highlights from Jimmie Vaughan's long career. Also, five more noteworthy new CDs.

'The Day The Earth Stood Still' from Willie Nile is a great album of timely and intelligent music from a heartfelt and aware songwriter.

Some of the many topics with the Collective Soul co-founder include: Tommy Shaw (Styx), Eddie Van Halen, and unreleased albums and songs both new and old.

The "quiet Beatle" made a loud splash with his first major solo album, which has now been dramatically expanded.

A rock concert for one and a half million fans and two more noteworthy releases.

Revisiting a British pop star's heyday, a multi-artist hat tip to NRBQ's Joey Spampinato, and more new releases.

A previously unreleased live set from Zappa, one of rock's most versatile and idiosyncratic performers. Also: Ashley Riley's gorgeous CD and more new releases.

An American one-hit wonder who has had a long and notable career in the U.K., plus an album of Waylon Jennings covers and more.

Longtime folk-music eccentric Peter Stampfel delivers a song for every year from 1901 to 2000. Plus, previously unreleased Steve Goodman demos and star-studded readings of Buddy Holly classics.