Paul Simon  Songwriter:  In celebration of his 70th (!) birthday on October 13th, Simon handpicked the songs for this two-disc collection that spans his accomplished and varied career. His amazing range is all here: from early Simon & Garfunkel hits, to the title track from this year's acclaimed So Beautiful or So What, and back full circle to a haunting live version of "The Sound of Silence." The title is no accident, and puts an emphasis on the essence of his work.

Paul Simon  Paul Simon:  Also this month, Simon is issuing a remastered version of his first solo album after the split with Art Garfunkel in 1972. Simon's intimate sound seems to benefit from the audio remastering. The album includes a timeless and infectious "Mother And Child Reunion" and a beautifully stripped down demo of "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard." You can also enjoy overlooked gems like "Peace Like a River" and "Congratulations."
 

John Prine  The Singing Mailman Delivers:  John Prine has long been considered the original "next Bob Dylan," and these live and studio recordings from 1970 back up that label. The record features raw, early versions of songs like "Hello In There" and "Illegal Smile" that caused almost resentful admiration from fellow songwriters like Kris Kristofferson ("He's so good, we're gonna have to break his fingers." complained Kristofferson). The title refers to Prine's actual employment at the time of these recordings.
 

Michael Feinstein  The Sinatra Project Volume II: The Good Life:  Michael Feinstein is the preeminent torchbearer of the Great American Songbook, and what better pages to revisit than The Chairman of the Board's? On this follow up to his 2008 The Sinatra Project, Feinstein focuses on highlights from the Sinatra's 1960's catalog, including "The Way You Look Tonight" and "The Lady Is A Tramp." Look for Feinstein on PBS this year, performing these songs with a 32-piece orchestra.
 

Thomas Dolby  A Map Of The Floating City:  Best known for the '80's hit "She Blinded Me With Science," Dolby's first album in 20 years delivers a much more natural and varied sound than his signature electronica. It features guest appearances from Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, Regina Spector and Natalie McMaster.