(FORTUNE Magazine) – Various Artists The Heart and Soul of Bert Berns Universal

Now that Phil Spector is otherwise occupied, it's a fitting time to lionize another pioneer producer of '60s soul. Berns died in 1967 at the age of 38, but his jukebox of hits (with the Isley Brothers, the Drifters, Solomon Burke) flaunt the down-and-dirty crackle that Spector vacuumed from his wall of sound.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy Master and Everyone Drag City

Will Oldham is a nightmare for those who alphabetize their CDs. The Kentucky folkie records under his own name as well as the Palace Brothers and Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Fortunately, there's plenty to savor: lyrics like Appalachian hymnals, mellow back-porch melodies, and a whispery voice that seems to choke back tears.

Mickey and the Soul Generation Iron Leg: The Complete Mickey and the Soul Generation Cali-Tex

Imagine a fat man using a shoehorn to squeeze into snug leather pants. Now picture him wearing the pants out in the rain, keeping them on as they shrink. That's just a fraction of how tight this six-piece San Antonio funk band is. Just a fraction.

Cat Power You Are Free Matador

Chan Marshall is the Sylvia Plath of indie music: gorgeous, haunted, and hell-bent on rocking you like a hurricane. Okay, that last one is made up. Still, Cat Power's frontwoman has the perfect voice for an audio version of The Bell Jar--full of fragile-flower longing and doom. Listen for mystery guests Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl.

The Warlocks Phoenix Album Birdman

Not to sound too much like Ron Popeil, but how much would you pay for four guitarists unleashing the feedback fury of a dozen? Wait, there's more! You'll also get two (count 'em, two!) drummers dueling like mastodons in heat. It's some of the best psychedelic rock since the L.B.J. years. Act now!