Robbie Fulks/Charles Hill Jr.

Tagged as alt-country before it was cool to be called alt-rock, singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks has aptly been described as "the missing link between George Jones and Screamin' Jay Hawkins." His latest album, Gone Away Backward, is a collection of subdued songs and ballads. Fulks storytelling abilities come to the fore in the sparse "Where I Fell" and he delves into bluegrass in "Long I Ride." It's another strong effort from an underrated songwriter. (Niesel)