Cass McCombs: Big Wheel and Others

Californian McCombs is either on your radar or he isn't. If he is, then you'll know what to expect; if he isn't, then you are missing out on one of the best songwriters peddling wares in the past 10 years. This, McCombs's seventh album in that time period, is easily his most ambitious, if not his best. And feel the width – 22 tracks that, back in the day, you'd fit on a double album. The songs are stylistically varied but not all over the place (there's a big difference, you know). McCombs alt.covers genres such as country torch tunes, full-on hard rock, dusty-desert blues, instrumentals and a surprising version of Thin Lizzy's Honesty Is No Excuse. The result might take some time to get used to, but be patient – there's gold here, there and pretty much everywhere. cassmccombs.com
Download: The Burning of the Temple, Everything Has to Be Just-So, Sooner Cheat Death Than Fool Love