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Singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur has always followed an unconventional career path: The Grammy-nominated performer long ago began prolifically self-releasing his albums, many of which bear his own paintings as cover art. Hear Arthur in a session from WXPN.

Eric Hutchinson was signed to a record label a few years ago, only to be dropped shortly thereafter. His career was revived and later exploded as a result of a nod from blogger Perez Hilton. Hutchinson plays music from his debut album and talks about bursting stereotypes as a white soul musician.

Rock critic Ken Tucker offers up his top 10 lists of the best albums and singles of 2008.music. Here's his look at some of his own favorites.

McCartney and Youth returned to work as The Fireman for their third and latest release together, Electric Arguments. McCartney entered the studio, without any material, and recorded 13 songs in 13 days. The legendary artist reveals how his alter ego allows him the freedom to experiment.

Singer Emmylou Harris says a 33-year-old housewife named Kitty Wells turned both country music and the country on its head with "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels." With that song, Wells captured the tensions of the time and paved the way for more female musicians.

In New Orleans, December brings only faux snow, so Papa Noel packs his presents on a pirogue pulled by alligators. Feux de Joie bonfires are lit along the Mississippi River to light his way to the bayous. Papa might not have a stereo on board, but if he does, you might hear a few of these Cajun carols around the Crescent City area.

Rodriguez possesses remarkable skills on a slew of instruments, including the mandolin, fiddle and tenor guitar, and she's effectively proving herself as a singer-songwriter. She performs material from She Ain't Me in a session from WXPN.

With Snowflake Midnight, the psych-rock veterans in Mercury Rev embraced open-source technology, allowing them to experiment with audio effects designed by people around the globe. Steve Lillywhite produces the session from Avatar Studios in New York City.

With The Cure's renewed rock edge driven by original guitarist Porl Thomson, and signature keyboards and synths pushed to the background, the raw energy of 4:13 Dream is infectious. The band performs classics and new songs in a session from WXPN.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD of Scott Wheeler's opera, based on a hymn to Boston by the New York poet Kenneth Koch. The disc captures a live performance by the Boston Cecilia choral society.