Reflections on some good albums

Once in a while I'd come across an album that I really like and would spend some time listening to the same album over and over again. Some of the recent albums that fit this descriptions are (in a rough chronological order, the most recent being first) :
- Krista Detor - Mudshow
A beautiful album! Just saw her at Mucky Duck's in Houston and bought the album there. Some may find it a bit depressing but great music and lyrics nevertheless. The ones that I like best are 'Ghosts of Peach Street'. 'Dancing in a minefield', 'A red bowl' and 'The Hampton sisters'
- Mark Knopfler - Shangri-La
The first album after he recovered from a motorcycle crash. Still has some of the same mellow qualities of the other albums, but without the celtic influences. Found the DVD-Audio version at B&N, and it sounded quite different from the stereo version. Apart from the obvious instrument placements, there're some things that I did not hear on the stereo version. For those with DVD-A players, it's really worth it to try this version.
- Carrie Newcomer - Regulars and Refugees
A follow-up to the 'Betty's Diner' album, it revolves around the characters in Betty's diner. There are some touching moments in the songs. Saw her performed solo at the Mucky Duck's last week. It was better live in such an intimate surrounding.
- Dar Williams - My Better Self
After a few years, finally a new album was out this year. One of the most interesting songs here is the re-made of Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb'. Very interesting duet there. It sounds completely different from the original but a very interesting remake! Some others that I like are 'Tones', 'Miss you till I meet you' and 'Hudson'.
- Capercaillie - Live in Concert
An older album that I got lately. Very interesting showcase of their music. If you like Karen Matheson's vocals, there are some very good vocal showcase like in 'Iain ghlinn cuaich'. Others that I like are 'Crimes of Passion', 'Bonaparte', 'Coisich a ruin', 'Nil si i ngra'.