Country music fans have plenty to look forward to in 2011, with a plethora of new album releases from the genre's biggest names -- not to mention much-anticipated records from legends like Emmylou Harris and entries into the pantheon by vibrant new artists.
Thompson Square - 'Thompson Square' (February 8)
Image courtesy of Stoney Creek Records
Hayes Carll - 'KMAG YOYO' (February 15)
Image courtesy of Lost Highway Records
Steve Martin - 'Rare Bird Alert' (March 2011)
Image Courtesy of Rounder Records
Before he was a comic, he was a banjo player. No joke. In this lively bluegrass record, Steve Martin returns to his rustic roots -- with some assists from the Dixie Chicks ("You"), Paul McCartney ("Best Love"), and longtime associates the Steep Canyon Rangers.
Alison Krauss - 'Paper Airplane' (April 12)
Image Courtesy of Rounder Records
After her hit collaboration with Robert Plant on Raising Sand, Alison Krauss reunites with Union Station for Paper Airplane. It's her first full-length with the band since Lonely Runs Both Ways in 2004 -- and here's hoping it's another firecracker.
Zoe Muth and The Lost High Rollers - 'Starlight Hotel' (April 19)
Image Courtesy of Signature Sounds
Ain't heard of her? You will. This is Zoe Muth's debut on the Signature Sounds label, after her fine 2009 self-release, Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers. Expect more raw, homespun tunes that set her up as heir apparent to Lucinda Williams and Iris DeMent. (And you thought country music was dead!)
Emmylou Harris - 'Hard Bargain' (April 26)
Image Courtesy of Nonesuch Records
Contents: Eleven originals, two covers, and aching vocals that will break your heart. "The Road," about Emmylou Harris' early years singing with country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons, is sure to set tongues wagging.
Steve Earle - 'I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive' (April 26)
Image Courtesy of New West Records
The title may come from an old Hank Williams tune, but this new Steve Earle record is all original material. Also expect appearances from Joan Baez and Allison Moorer (who happens to be Earle's wife). Production duties are handled by sonic architect T. Bone Burnett (O Brother Where Art Thou?).
Levon Helm - 'Ramble at the Ryman' (May 3)
Image Courtesy of Vanguard Records
The stars come out for a night of music with Levon Helm, famed drummer for The Band. Recorded in 2008 at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium, this live album features Helm's own crew of outlaw musicians as well as guest appearances from John Hiatt, Buddy Miller, Sheryl Crow, and... Billy Bob Thornton.
Brad Paisley - 'This is Country Music' (May 24)
Image Courtesy of Bobbi Smith
After the 2010 live set Hits Alive, Brad Paisley returns with more original tunes that are sure to set the charts ablaze. The title track, "This is Country Music," has already cleared the path. Guests include Carrie Underwood ("Remind Me"), Alabama ("Old Alabama"), and, oddly, Clint Eastwood.
Randy Travis - 'Anniversary Celebration' (June 7)
Image Courtesy of Word Records
To celebrate his 25th anniversary in country music, Randy Travis has assembled an all-star lineup of duets on old and new songs alike. Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, and Josh Turner are among the singers slated to share the spotlight.
