Tift Merritt, Another Country

Boston Globe: California soft rock that's hard to care about

The 2008 Oscar telecast

MSNBC.com: A pretty good night for Oscar

Sons And Daughters, This Gift

Boston Globe: 'This Gift' isn't a breakthrough, but moves in the right direction

Sons And Daughters, "The Nest"

NPR Song Of The Day: Sons and Daughters' Scottish Offensive

American Idol cannon fodder and judges' pets 2008

MSNBC.com: Bombs away! ‘Idol’ shows who’s cannon fodder

Feature: Nicole Atkins

Boston Globe: Her new world: Nicole Atkins finds her own voice on 'Neptune City'

5Top: Breakup songs

MSNBC.com: In time for Valentine’s Day: Best breakup songs

Michelle Shocked (at Club Passim)

Boston Globe: The gospel according to Michelle Shocked

Commentary: Sob stories on American Idol

MSNBC.com: It’s my ‘Idol’ and I’ll cry if I want to!

OneRepublic, with the Daylights and Eric Hutchinson (at the Paradise)

Boston Globe: Going through the motion for emotion