Valentine's Day CD Releases

Today is another one of those days when a couple of CDs come out at the same time. The first, and definitely most notable, is I am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey. This incredibly well-orchestrated CD pays tribute to one of the greatest guitar players around, who has contributed in immeasurable ways to revolutionizing his instrument. The CD features some of the best players around, including Calexico, M Ward, and singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens.

The other CD that'll be hitting stores today is 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor from Shawn Mullins. Mullins, you may remember, shook up the folk-rock world in 1998 with the release of his debut Soul's Core. 9th Ward doesn't exactly mimic the infectious, more memorable qualities of its predecessor, but it's an honest effort nonetheless.
(Images of "I am the Resurrection" and "9th Ward Pickin' Parlor" CD covers, courtesy of Vanguard Records.)