T Bone Burnett

As Burnett continues to make a name for himself as a producer — particularly through his work on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Walk The Line soundtracks — many younger people are unaware of his talents as a singer-songwriter. This is his first album of new original songs since 1992 and he hasn't held anything back. Aside from the deceptively light melody of "I'm Going On A Long Journey Never To Return," this is a dark, mysterious and ominous sounding record in terms of both music and lyrics. Lead track "Zombieland" is somewhat reminiscent of Tom Waits, while both "Palestine Texas" and "Blinded By The Darkness" aren't too subtle in their criticism of the current U.S. government. Fourteen years will be too long a wait for the next album.