Box of Stones

From the first, Curtis Harvey's solo debut reveals itself as quite a departure for the man best known until now as the prodigious multi-instrumentalist behind Rex (Southern) and Pullman (Thrill Jockey). Box of Stones certainly pledges allegiance to the acoustic-folk mode and embraces traditional song structures, but stylistic permutations shine throughout: From dark campfire sing-along "Seen," to bright, Fahey-esque instrumental "Nod," to the driving carnival blues of album closer "Bad Patch."