CHARLIE LOUVIN

"Charlie Louvin"

JOHNNY BUSH

"Kashmere Gardens Mud"

A pair of country legends get their props from an unlikely assortment of acolytes on these two embraceable recordings. Louvin, who with brother Ira created some of the most haunting harmonies in music history as the Louvin Brothers, runs through down-home standards such as "Knoxville Girl," "The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea" and "The Christian Life" with a little help from friends including Elvis Costello, Jeff Tweedy, Marty Stuart and George Jones. The result: A cool breeze coming straight across the prairie as legend and loyalists make it all seem effortless. As for Bush, he gets a hand from Willie Nelson, Floyd Tillman and Dale Watson on this examination of the soulful side of old-school country. "They Took the Stars Out of Heaven," "Pancho and Lefty" and "Family Bible," to name just three, swing with abandon and style. -- Jeff Wisser

KEY LOUVIN TRACK: "Waiting for a Train"

KEY BUSH TRACK: "Born to Lose"