Tift Merritt
Running roughly on a scale of one-to-Emmylou Harris, the Americana-related tradition of the heart-bruised – but now wiser – women with sweetly pure voices is a strong one. The difference in these alt.country days would likely be – as the title suggests – Tift being the one heading out the door, rather than just watching whatever him rides off into the sunset. With Marc Ribot and a couple of Calexicos aboard, Traveling Alone has the space and subtlety you'd expect, while songs like Still Not Home and the confessional search for a Sweet Spot suggest the emotional territory.
