Kristy Kruger’s (www.kristykruger.com) latest album, “Songs From a Dead Man’s Couch,” draws from a variety of American musical styles—traditional country (“Gold Rush” and “Talk Radio”), New Orleans Jazz (“Little Polyanna”), alt-folk (“Blackhole”) and something she calls Ameritronica (“Dark Stranger” and “The Peddler”). Most of this territory she’s covered in her previous albums, but, with “Dead Man’s Couch,” she seems to have come into her own, transcending the forms she employs, creating a quirky, haunting, sexy and original work. Kruger recently won the “Best Female Vocalist” in the 2006 Dallas Observer Music Awards, Dallas’ premiere entertainment weekly. A nice honor, but it just doesn’t seem big enough to match the talent of this singer-songwriter who has been compared to Lucinda Williams, Suzanne Vega and Tom Waits. In describing Kruger’s music, I think David Cowling of Americana UK said it best, “… like a hot hand in the small of your back leading you to the dance floor, you are powerless to resist.” Why even try?

In her homeland of Mali, Oumou Sangare (www.myspace.com/oumousangare) is referred to as a songbird. This term is reserved for musicians from the southern region of Wasulu who use their music as a commentary and critique of life as they see it. For Sangare, this commentary consists mainly as a challenge to the practice of polygamy and the problems women face in her society. Sangare’s unparalleled talent, as well as her role as a champion of women’s rights, has raised her to iconic status in her homeland. In addition, her ability to challenge the system while embracing much of the traditional culture and music of Mali has earned her the love and respect of even those who oppose her views. In recent years, Sangare has made a name for herself on the global stage, performing with Tracy Chapman and Alicia Keyes. Oumou Sangare is one of those rare musicians, such as Dylan or Bob Marley, whose social vision, personal charisma and artistry come together to form a singular vision of extraordinary breadth and beauty.  For a real treat, follow the link to World Circuit’s Web site and watch the video of this remarkable songbird.

With its third release, “Time Out of Place,” Los Angeles-based Woven (www.myspace.com/woven), mixes ambient textures with indie rock songwriting to create an atmospheric, mood-driven album. Dreamy vocals and guitars weave through a wash of rich, synthesized colors, at times floating on waves of sound (“She Blows My amplifier”) and at times carving out a more rhythmic motion (“Where We Going”). There is an introspective and cinematic feel to Woven’s music—in fact, I often find myself creating my own vision of the music rather than actually listening to the lyrics (although the lyrics are worth listening to as well). I’m not sure how Woven would feel about that, but the soundtrack quality is undeniable. Case in point: two of the songs have been used on the hit television series CSI. For fans of groups such as Portishead, Radiohead or even Pink Floyd, Woven will make a nice addition to your collection.