Hey, TACIT, I know there's a pretty big difference in our ages (I'm a bit "beyond" you, lad!), but one of my students dropped by last night and gave me the new Linkin Park album, Meteora, to listen to, and I LOVE it! Being a guitar teacher keeps stretchin' my ears, but for some reason, although I worked for 6 yrs. in a CD store, and am aware of your "faves", I've never been exposed to them, aurally. Have to admit to being severly disappointed Tuesday, when I slipped by Circuit City to pick up the new ZZ Top album, Mescalero, only to find that it's release had been delayed. Next one I'm anticipating is the June realease of Metallica's newest. . .Weird taste for a cat that's almost 60, eh?
And, HIGHMAC, you might check out Kenny Burrell, if you haven't already, although you might want to shop in a place where you can listen before you buy, because he plays with everything from a jazz trio, to full orchestral backings. Quite a library. . .
PETRA, you might want to check out 2 albums of Ronnie Earl's, called "Still River" and "Language of the Soul". He's an incredible blues player, in a jazz setting. . .guitar, bass, Hammond B-3 organ and drums. Wonderful stuff for sitting with a glass of wine, and watching the rain or snow!