Guardian Music — (Bloodshot)The scion of troubadour Steve Earle, and named after doomed country bard Townes Van Zandt, Justin has heritage aplenty. This third album proves his most accomplished yet, a diverse piece of Americana whose songs focus on his new home of Ne... more info

Brooklyn Vegan — The gradual return of Levon Helm to singing and performing since undergoing throat cancer surgery in 1998 had a tremendous payoff Sunday night (8/15) at the Greek Theater, where the Band's drummer and Southern spirit responded to an admiring crowd... more info

Mjsbigblog — Carrie Underwood is one of the artists hand-picked by Loretta Lynn to record a track for the country legend’s upcoming tribute album, Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn. Carrie’s cut is called “You’re Lookin�... more info

Totally Fuzzy — Ekko said... The definitive guide to the best new rapper, Hollywood Floss Lots of mixtapes and music! http://www.berkeleyplaceblog.com Radio Free Wohlman said... Transmission 4610 The RFW Diane Tapes Opera (Click)...Diane - RFW took my recorded mes... more info

The 9513 Country Music — Here’s a little dose of Beatlemania. Today’s Friday Five is three times larger than normal, but several covers still got left off, including Steve Earle’s “I’m Looking Through You” and the David Grisman Quintet’s version of “Because.�... more info

Guardian Music — California's mighty indie record store Amoeba has a rapidly evolving website, writes Chris SalmonFor the last 20 years, music-loving Brits returning from California have sung the praises of Amoeba Music, the self-proclaimed largest independent record... more info

Pitchfork — Nobody in the music world seems to like Arizona's controversial new immigration law, but people are divided on how to approach it. Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha has helped organized the Sound Strike, a protest that involves va... more info

Pitchfork - Tours — 06-26 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall 06-27 Laytonville, CA - Kate Wolf Festival06-29 Bend, OR - Tower Theatre06-30 Seattle, WA - Woodland Park Amphitheater07-01 Jacksonville, OR - Britt Pavilion07-08 New York, NY - City Winery &07-1... more info

Topix — John Henry Earle won't remember his stage debut, but parents Steve Earle and Allison Moorer aren't likely to forget. more info

Guardian Music — Meltdown festival, Southbank Centre, London SE1From politics and cricket to singalongs with blues stomper Seasick Steve, Richard Thompson's passion for folk-based, rootsy music makes for a rousing week on the SouthbankBerets off to Richard Thompson, ... more info