Picks and Pans Review: More Awesome Alt-Folk: a Buyer's Guide

By Chuck Arnold, EILEEN FINAN, IVORY JEFF CLINTON

UPDATED 01/31/2011 at 01:00 AM EST • Originally published 01/31/2011 at 01:00 AM EST

DAMIEN RICE

O (2003)

This Irishman's evocative debut features haunting cello and heavenly backup vocals by Lisa Hannigan.

Key track: the aching "The Blower's Daughter."

BRIGHT EYES

I'M WIDE AWAKE, IT'S MORNING (2005)

Conor Oberst's outfit burns with romantic and political passion.

Key track: "First Day of My Life," a sweetly twangy tune.

LAURA MARLING

I SPEAK BECAUSE I CAN (2010)

This was nominated for the U.K.'s prestigious Mercury Prize last year.

Key track: the richly warm "Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)."

JOHNNY FLYNN

BEEN LISTENING (2010)

Clearly this British troubadour has an ear for traditional sounds, including Celtic influences.

Key track: the lovely, lilting title song.