The legendary out lesbian Tracy Chapman releases her eighth studio album today, which we dedicated an entire post to this morning. While that certainly comes with my highest recommendation, here are some others that might spark your interest today.

Ollabelle — Before This Time (Yep Roc Records)

The five-piece folk group with each member skilled at several instruments always produces interesting results. If you're into Alison Krauss or Dolly Parton, you'll appreciate their interworking of bluegrass, gospel and jazz.

Taylor Swift — Fearless (Big Machine)

Contemporary country fans love their young blondes. Swift is swiftly (pun intended) becoming one of country music's youngest rising stars — and it can't all be because her ex-boyfriend is a Jonas brother. … continue reading

Alison Krauss is nominated for two CMAs, and she doesn’t even have big hair.

If you’re saying “Huh?" then you must not be a country music fan, because the Country Music Association's awards are bigger than Dolly Parton’s hair. (And you know the old saying: The higher the hair, the closer to God.) Alison Krauss is a singer/fiddler who’s been blazin’ some pretty fine trails since she burst on the bluegrass scene at the tender age of 14. Twenty Grammys later (and only in her 30s), she’s still kickin’ it and doing it as an independent. How twangin’ cool is that?

The CMA has nominated her for Female Vocalist of the Year (something she’s garnered three out of the last four years) and with Robert Plant for Musical Event of the Year. Yes, the Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin. But we'll have to wait until Nov. 12 to see if she's won.

Other nominees in the female vocalist category include Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. I’m rooting for Krauss, although I wouldn’t cry if McBride won. I’d like to see Swift finish high school first. … continue reading

The nominations for the 50th annual Grammy Awards were announced yesterday. As you've probably heard, the leaders of the pack are Kanye West (eight nominations) and Amy Winehouse (six nominations). Rihanna was nominated for four awards, as was Feist.

But I don't care about the numbers. I'm focusing on Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Both of those categories pit two of my favorites of 2007 (and probably of a lifetime) against each other: Winehouse and Feist.

I really don't know who to root for. In fact, I have never felt more conflicted in my life (well, I guess I should say I have never felt more conflicted about something that ultimately means so little to me). … continue reading

The He-Man Woman-Hater's Club met in Nashville this week to dole out the Country Music Association Awards. Accordingly, all of the awards, save for “Female Vocalist of the Year,” went to the boys.

OK, I'm exaggerating a little. But not that much. Four awards went to three women, one of whom was part of a male-female duo. Carrie Underwood was named Female Vocalist of the Year, and her single, “Before He Cheats,” won Single of the Year.

The New Horizon award went to 17-year-old Taylor Swift, who tearfully exclaimed, "This is definitely the highlight of my senior year [in high school]."

And a Kristen Hall-less Sugarland took home Vocal Duo of the Year. … continue reading