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Using the Bon Iver moniker, Justin Vernon became an instant critics' darling upon the release of For Emma, Forever Ago early this year. Vernon's primal falsetto accentuates his stark and simple arrangements in a session on WXPN.

Bishop first journeyed to Chicago in 1960 in search of the blues. Still active after 45 years, the legendary bluesman just released a new album, The Blues Rolls On, featuring B.B. King, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes and George Thorogood playing classic blues tunes.

As a kid, Charlie Haden was a yodeling cowboy during radio's Golden Age. He's since become a respected jazz bassist for musicians such as Pat Metheny and Keith Jarrett. But the bluegrass of his youth was an irresistible siren song, and now he's recorded Rambling Boy with friends and family.

Listen to Slimming Mirrors, Flattering Lights, the sophomore release from Vancouver, B.C.'s The Awkward Stage, and it's obvious the pop band weaves an overarching theme through each track. Though the songs on the album vary stylistically — its three gentle instrumental interludes contrast greatly with an energized song like "Hey, Modern School Girl," driven by its drum beat and guitar riffs — they all offer a glimpse into what life is like for those who didn't leave their awkward stage behind in junior high and are still determining their worth.

Landreth is a guitarist's guitarist, but he's not well known outside music circles. His latest CD, from the Reach, is his ninth, but audiences have mostly seen Landreth play slide for the likes of John Hiatt, Jimmy Buffett or Clifton Chenier.

It's hard to listen to The Silver City, the new CD from Minnesota chamber-pop artist Jeremy Messersmith, without thinking of Sufjan Stevens. Both artists have similar voices and a love of richly orchestrated story songs. They also find inspiration in geography.

On his new album, Young Jeezy uses his motivational rasp to raise the spirits of people facing rising gas prices and unemployment rates. Though he's not a great rapper by traditional standards, the young Atlanta MC pads his raps with what he does best: big, clunky punchlines and inspirational refrains.

Led by Congo-born singer Marie Dualne, Zap Mama combines musical styles from throughout the African diaspora to create an earthy R&B vibe. Here, the group brings its soulful multicultural mashup to a live performance on Mountain Stage.

Formed in 2002, Espers has emerged as a key player in a worldwide psych-folk revival, as heard during this appearance at the Philadelphia Folklife Festival. In 2006, Espers recorded II, with melodies inspired by the freaky folk-rock of the '60s.

The Massachusetts singer-songwriter and his band have built an impassioned following through online social networking and constant touring. The band celebrates its five-year anniversary with a tour stop at Mountain Stage.