Allison Krauss-- Forget About It (Rounder)

It’s weird that there are those writing "Forget About It" off as "pop" at the same time the Dixie Chicks are getting props for putting "traditional country" touches on their Dixie schtick. This 29-year-old bluegrass bandleader, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and song-interpreter has always had an eclectic range (remember her cover of the Foundations’ "Baby, Now That I Found You"?) and the highlights of her eighth disc are both songs you never would’ve expected (Todd Rundgren’s "It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference") and those made-to-order high-harmony classics she consistently makes her own (i.e. "Ghost In This House," "Maybe"). Everyone from mandolinist Sam Bush to the Cox Family singer to Lyle Lovett to Jerry Douglas to Krauss’ Union Station band lends subtle support, but the focus is on the artist’s beautiful voice and expressive violin. Great stuff, no matter where you file it.

--- Don Harrison