American folk music has always been full of songs about faith, hymns which have evolved from the church to the picket line, and songs which wrestle with all areas of the human condition. It's nothing new to consider songs people have turned to in times of personal crisis. But, as the press release for this new compilation says (quoting Emmylou Harris), "Not all hymns are found in the pocket on the back of the church pew. Here are some for your consideration from folks who set up their tent out in the left part of the field."

Folksingers and Americana artists have been exploring these less-overt spiritual tunes of late. Susan Werner released her collection of agnostic hymns (The Gospel Truth) a couple years back, and Patty Griffin joined with producer Buddy Miller for last year's Downtown Church, to much critical acclaim.

Next comes Mercyland: Hymns for the Rest of Us - a new folk/Americana compilation of songs about faith and perseverance from some of the finest artists in the genre. Among them, Harris herself, the Civil Wars, Shawn Mullins, Buddy Miller, Carolina Chocolate Drops, North Mississippi Allstars, and several others. The disc is due to drop online and in record stores on April 10.

photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Justin Townes Earle has been working in the music industry since he was just a kid, playing backup in his dad's band. As a solo artist, though, Earle asserts himself as a far cry from dad Steve Earle's hyper-political social justice anthems. The younger Earle's work is more angled toward honoring tradition and bridging the space between his influences and his own ideas. His last effort Harlem River Blues was easily his finest, most definitive album yet.

So, it's hardly surprising that the Americana and folk worlds are all abuzz waiting for that disc's follow-up. You can get a teaser from his website, via a video he made about the making of the album at Asheville, NC, studio Echo Mountain. You can also download the title track to the disc, which is set for a March 27, 2012 release, and will be aptly titled Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.

Learn more about Justin with this introductory bio and profile, or check out my review of his last disc, Harlem River Blues.

photo courtesy Bloodshot Records

I've never been to the Old Settlers Music Festival, but it's always been on my list. This year's lineup raises the bar with even more great artists ranging from bluegrass to indie folk and beyond. In other words, there's clearly something for everyone at this festival, which takes place each April in Austin, Texas.

This year, the Old Settlers Fest will go down Apr. 19-22, with performances from Iron & Wine, Sarah Jarosz, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Marshall Crenshaw, Dale Ann Bradley, Steep Canyon Rangers, James McMurtry, Eilen Jewell, and many more. Check out the Old Settlers website for tickets and other info.

photo: Joe Corrigan/Getty Images

Perhaps you know Darrell Scott as the multi-instrumentalist playing behind Robert Plant in the Band of Joy. Or maybe you know his songs from the huge country hits he's had via the Dixie Chicks and other pop country stars. Perhaps still you've seen him perform at Telluride or any of the other myriad festivals (the Cayamo Music Cruise?) as a solo artist playing his remarkable folk-country songs. Regardless of how you know his name and music, Scott is a fantastic solo singer-songwriter whose live show is not to be missed. He'll be hitting the road this spring in support of his new album The Long Ride Home (well worth picking up, out Jan. 31).

Learn more about Darrell Scott with this biography and profile, then check out his tour dates below.

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