Ray Charles' gritty voice takes a trifle of a tune and transforms "Isn't It Wonderful" into an intimate and enticing lover's plea. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

La Lupe in New York, 1967. Courtesy of Richie Viera's Archive/Fania Records hide caption

Yuck's "Rubber" fuses the DNA of grunge, shoegaze and fuzzy garage pop into a sound that has the '90s in its blood. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Los Ginkas courtesy of the artist hide caption

Nastiness and cynicism often take precedence over melody in Colin Newman's singing, but not in Wire's "Smash." Courtesy of the artist hide caption

The young Hawaiian ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro infuses a rock staple with a moment of tropical island Zen. Danny Clinch/Courtesy of Shore Fire Media hide caption

Country Joe at Woodstock. Bear Family Records hide caption

In "Free," Erik Wunder of Man's Gin exudes a certain rough sweetness even as he damns everything around him. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

James Carr. Courtesy of Ace Records hide caption

John Vanderslice's "The Piano Lesson" is imbued with a playfully cinematic quality, without becoming overly precious or saccharine. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

In "Brand New Swamp Thing," Giant Sand shares a roadside love story about a woman unafraid to make the first move. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

From left to right: percussionist Sara Lund, vocalist Corin Tucker and producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lorinczi. John Clark hide caption

"I Want to Thank You" shows off the heavenly exuberance that helped make Billy Preston a star in the late '60s. Apple Corps Ltd. hide caption

In the modern folk gem "My Father’s Son," Anthony D'Amato's protagonist struggles with inherited vices. Diamond D Photography hide caption