Various Artists: Down To The Promised Land: 5 Years Of Bloodshot Records

When Bloodshot Records set up shop, there was no way to know that alternative-country—whatever that is—was more than just a passing trend. All the label knew was that there were great songwriters making great music that needed a home, and it acted accordingly. Now, half a decade later, the label is ready to boast. Its Down To The Promised Land is an impressive double-disc set spilling over with 40 rarities, one-offs, and exclusives that showcase Bloodshot's breadth of talent. With more than 70 releases, it's fostered some real winners, and most are on hand here. Recent convert Alejandro Escovedo covers a Mick Jagger song, the gorgeous "Evening Gown," while label mascot Waco Brothers covers The Who's "Baba O'Riley." The latter is joined by Jon Langford's pub-rock predecessor Graham Parker for "See Willy Fly By," while label pal and on-again, off-again indie-country star Robbie Fulks contributes the smart-ass "Bloodshot's Turning 5." Regulars such as Neko Case, The Meat Purveyors, Devil In A Woodpile, The Blacks, The Sadies (whose cover of The Handsome Family's "Milk And Scissors" is a highlight), Trailer Bride, Kelly Hogan, Nora O'Connor, Sally Timms, and Split Lip Rayfield are squeezed in between special guests who include such Bloodshot alumni as Old 97's and Whiskeytown's Ryan Adams, as well as likeminded artists Giant Sand, Johnny Dowd, The Supersuckers (paired here with Willie Nelson's daughter Amy), Chip Taylor (with Jon Langford), and The Handsome Family. Wonderfully packaged with plenty of photos, all the set is missing is a coaster and a bottle of beer.