: Sturgill Simpson's metamodern honky-tonk trounces bro-country in our survey of 2014's best
Temporary Ground: As much as Jack White changed Nashville, Nashville changed him
Hurts So Good: Anthropomorphic cats and the Cocktail soundtrack: learning to love John Mellencamp (Playing Tuesday, Jan. 27, and Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Ryman)
Liquid Courage: Grammy winner Gregory Porter sings for jazz purists and novice fans alike (Playing Friday, Jan. 23, at the Schermerhorn)
In The Spin: Shabazz Palaces at Third Man Records
Plus Critics’ Picks on Elisa Ambrogio, Yonder Mountain String Band, Hans Condor, of Montreal, Zulu Wave, Beyond Pleasuredome, En Fuego, Gretchen Peters, The Willies, Bloodshot Records 20th Anniversary Show, G-Eazy, Mercy Lounge Anniversary Party, Giraffage, Chelsea Crowell's Babes in Boyland Benefit for Planned Parenthood, Jeff Daniels and more.
