KIRSTEN THIEN, Delicious—The past few years have seen the rise of a powerful generation of young female blues and blues-inspired artists who do it all—sing, write, play—and comprise a new and burgeoning second golden era who are making this music seem as vital as ever, and more honest, less contrived than anything the pop mainstream has to offer. With Delicious having nary a false note on it, Kirsten Thien joins the front ranks of that generation—it, and she, will not be denied.

JOE LOUIS WALKER, Live On The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise—The legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise just got a bit more legendary with the release of this red-hot document of Joe Louis Walker’s Blues Conspiracy’s performance on board earlier this year. Those who weren’t on the cruise will lament what they missed by not seeing all these displays up close and personal, but the emotional wallop of the live performances has been faithfully transferred to disc.