North Mississippi Allstars

The North Mississippi Allstars draws from a rich culture of Southern country-blues, and takes cues from the molasses-dripping slide-guitar drone of legends such as R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. The playing style of guitarist/vocalist Luther Dickinson echoes these influences, but NMA's modern-rock and soul infusions and penchant for big, rousing hooks sets it apart. Over the course of five studio albums (including this year's Hernando), the band stays true to timeless regional blues traditions ("Mean Ol' Wind Died Down"), channels modern Nashville ("Shake 'Em on Down") and unleashes overdriven garage riffs and soul grooves which resemble the Black Keys or the White Stripes ("Take Yo Time, Rodney").