(FORTUNE Magazine) – Buddy Guy Sweet Tea Silvertone

Buddy Guy kicks off his latest album with the following creaky moan: "Well, I done got old." He spends the rest of the disk proving the contrary. Feverish, hypnotic, and crude, these nine tracks are the youngest, most vibrant music the blues guitarist has made in years.

Travis The Invisible Band Epic/Independiente

It's tempting to knock the Scottish foursome for falling back on a formula: wistful lyrics, pretty jangle-and-strum guitar patterns, a studio sound as pristine as Waterford crystal. But why gripe when the formula works? Travis won't change the world, but they sure make it a nicer place.

Edwin Starr Hell Up in Harlem Motown

Some of the best tunes of the '70s are tucked away on blaxploitation soundtracks. Thankfully, Motown is saving a few from oblivion. Start with the thumping collaboration between singer Edwin Starr and songwriter/producers Fonce Mizell and Freddie Perren, and ponder why "Big Papa" didn't go Top Ten.

Patty Loveless Mountain Soul Epic Nashville

One of the purest albums you'll hear this year, yet also one of the most fun. Patty Loveless doesn't just journey back to the bluegrass sound of her Kentucky childhood; she brings it roaring to life. When's the last time you played air guitar to an Appalachian holler?

The White Stripes White Blood Cells Sympathy for the Record Industry

If you've endured one too many synthetic teen-pop drones and you're starving for something dirty and loud, look no further. This Detroit duo serves up a stomping, blistering mess of garage rock and the blues that'll fry your synapses into greasy cinders. In a good way.