Whether you call their music “newgrass,” “jamband” or just plain “rock,” Leftover Salmon is eclectic. Wielding fiddles, mandolins, banjos and at least four other instruments, this Boulder, Colorado based band stirs bluegrass roots and a jam band tradition to make a spicy concoction in their new self-titled album. Known for their live performances and incidentally Cajun flavor, Leftover Salmon could be compared to Phish or even the Grateful Dead, but their fifth album hits shelves as a new statement of individuality.

From the first fast-picking banjo song to the last swinging ballad, Leftover Salmon uses this disc to showcase their diversity and song-writing capability. Any listener can appreciate the spectrum of sound with songs like the sure folk rock hit, “Woody Guthrie,” and the Southern fried “Keep On Walkin.” The album delightfully maintains an impressive sense of cohesion and style. Instead of leading you astray, each track offers a different road to walk down and a different mood to discover.

Fluently translating their unforgettable stage talent into an hour of heartfelt soul, Leftover Salmon will surely win new fans with this album. Old devotees won’t be surprised that these musicians continue to please.

—Adam C. Estes

Loretta Lynn

Van Lear Rose

(Interscope)

To everyone who claims to like “everything but country” when it comes to music, I say: bullshit. You’ll like Loretta Lynn’s new album.

Lynn is 68 years old, and Van Lear Rose is her seventy-first album. She’s one of country’s greats and her collaboration with Jack White of the White Stripes (40 years her junior) couldn’t be a smarter move. The songs retain her country sensibilities, and while she doesn’t attempt any groundbreaking country themes, White’s presence is definitely felt. “Portland, Oregon,” for example, Lynn’s duet with White, could easily be mistaken for a Yo La Tengo song for the first full minute. There’s no confusion here, though; Lynn is still doing what she does best, and country’s soulful violins and funny songs about God are in attendance. The best songs, like “Have Mercy” and “Mrs. Leroy Brown,” seem to showcase the talents of both the Detroit rocker and the Kentucky country gal.

The rhythm section on this album pushes the country classification the most; the drums, when they’re there, seem to say rock more than country. The album’s full of twangy guitars and simplistic lyrical messages and lessons, though, so it would be impossible to say that Lynn and White have shaken the country boat very much.

Lynn is obviously a master of her craft, and if you’re a country master and 68 years-old, I can’t think of a better idea than to tap a young and popular ‘rocker’ to make your music that more accessible. Why Jack White is dating Renee Zellwegger, however, we may never know.

—Lucy F. Lindsey