With rangy stylistic influences, impressive chops, and "naked" production, Cougar's brand of electro-rock is as diverse as its members, whose tastes span progressive rock, Brazilian music, New Orleans jazz, and classical works.
Though he plays to an audience of early-morning commuters on San Francisco's Bay Area Rapid Transit system, Jesse Morris' eerie vocal resemblance to Johnny Cash stops people dead in their tracks.
After three albums that touch on personal topics, the scratchy, soulful material of folk singer and banjo player William Elliott Whitmore gets a thematic overhaul, angling toward subdued political themes.
Jaga Jazzist: One-Armed Bandit Rob Swift: The Architect High on Fire: Snakes for the Divine Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate: Ali and Toumani Valgeir Sigurosson: Draumalandio (Dreamland) soundtrack Rotting Christ: Aealo