Willis Earl Beal is an unfolding enigma. Every single line of his biography is fascinating. Beal's website simply displays his address and phone number. He offers to trade drawings in exchange for letters and sing to anyone who calls. This was inspired by the Chicago-native's homeless phase.

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The Magnetic Fields' most ambitious undertakings could well be behind them. However, frontman Stephin Merritt's priorities are eccentric in their own right. Before 2010's folk-inspired album, Realism, Merritt claimed he had no desire to create big statements or epics. However, this assertion came on the heels of surrendering his synthesizers for a decade.

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Fred Eaglesmith is one of Canada's most recognized folk icons. He's a dedicated disciple of a way of life that refuses to die. His discography is decorated with songs about the down-and-out, death, trains and tiresome travel. This year, Fred tours extensively with the aptly-named Tin Can Caravan.

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Nicholas Thorburn of Islands hasn't always been candid. As a morbid merrymaker in The Unicorns, his delightful dark songwriting was buried of silly skeleton metaphors. When the band dissolved, Thorburn started multiple projects every year. Each band played a different genre.

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Someone is smiling down on Emma-Lee. The Toronto singer-songwriter has recovered from two vocal cord operations since 2006, yet her voice remains unhindered. In an age where pop-soul songstress Adele wins big at the Grammys, Emma-Lee fits right in. This may be her sophomore full-length but her dynamic with collaborators suggests a friendly level of professionalism.

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After all the countless years of drama, Van Halen finally managed to hold on to a lead singer long enough to release a new full-length studio album. This would be a full blown reunion, if not for the absence of former bassist, Michael Anthony. In his place, is Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie's son.

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I don't write reviews often, so let me fall back on the very basics of writing, i.e. making a concise statement that covers my basic thoughts and then expanding upon it.

So, to put it simply, Lady Antebellum's latest release, Own the Night, is fantastic.

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Welcome to the first of many top five lists that will undoubtedly lead to just about everybody questioning my sanity.

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I have been to the church of Levi Kreis and the gospel is simple. Love yourself! The last stop of his SideXSide Tour at Joe's Pub in NYC was electrifying and amazing! Levi is astonishing. Listen, you can sit there and say, 'great show,' but that's simply not enough.

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Over the years, Therion has seen many line-up changes, resulting in the presence of rhythm guitarist and former vocalist Christofer Johnsson as the only constant in the band. For the most part, the band has not been defined by their continuing changing line-ups, but by their ability to musically evolve.

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