After a serious health scare, Womack is back on tour, supporting his new album, a collaboration with Blur's Damon Albarn.

Metric has long been identified as an indie-rock band, but it recently embraced the "indie" part of that descriptor in a big way.

Bob Dylan found his country croon voice when he made this record.

Our directory of major fireworks displays throughout the state

It's been seven years since Fiona Apple's last album, but a long pause between releases is business as usual for Apple, whose methodical approach to writing music has resulted in a stunning catalog of songs.

The New York City-based quintet the Walkmen have cemented their status as one of indie rock's most accomplished and talented acts in the ten years since they released their debut album. Their jagged, post-punk influenced sound has steadily mellowed and expanded, and singer Hamilton Leithauser's songwriting has matured as well.

It's been three years since Brendan Benson last stopped by The Current studios for a live set. Mark Wheat catches up with the versatile songwriter to find out what he's been up to.

Don't believe the critics of the world: Delta Spirit is not an Americana band. They may not know how to describe their music yet, but the five-piece out of California aren't going to let anyone box them into one genre.

What is a studio masterpiece album? To me, it's a record that reaches beyond the traditional boundary of studio constraints. The musicians and producers who've made this type of record have been able to think outside of the box and have found innovative ways to create an expanded sonic environment. I put The Flaming Lips' "The Soft Bulletin" in that realm.

Local music notes from the week of June 25-29