Though the Band are often discussed in terms of their contributions to musical Americana, drummer Levon Helm was in fact the only American-born member of the group, and his Dixie-fried, high lonesome lilt was one of the keys to their proto alt-country sound. On his 2007 solo release, DIRT FARMER, Helm returns to his roots and indulges in the bedrock American music on which the Band based their legendary sound. Joined by his daughter Amy, she of Ollabelle fame, and studio ace Larry Campbell (among others), Helm works his way through a relaxed yet sturdy set of bluegrass rave-ups, country slow-dances, and bluesy shuffles from across the centuries. And though Helm battled throat cancer prior to this recording, it hasn't diminished the power of his voice a drop--rather, it lends the album a steely sense of endurance and resolve.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 06/10/2008