Memphis Blues
After hitting the clubs on 2008's Bring Ya to the Brink, Lauper turns to the saloons with blues covers. But despite credibility-boosting cameos (B.B. King), she's no Etta.
THE NATIONAL
High Violet
With their stellar, moody atmospherics, these indie rockers can come off as Brooklyn's answer to Arcade Fire on their fifth disc. Perfect for the Twilight crowd.
MARY MCBRIDE
The Way Home
The singer-songwriter displays soulful shades of Janis Joplin on this fine collection of retro-inspired songs such as "You Got Me Wrong."
THE BLACK KEYS
Brothers
Occasionally bringing to mind another cool bluesy duo, the White Stripes, the Black Keys also evoke Exile-era Stones on tracks like the funky "Sinister Kid."
