If there's to be a nirvana among the bands that are imprecisely dubbed alternative country, look to Whiskeytown. Ryan Adams is a gifted writer who pens aching songs about alienation and love's lackings, and sings in a weary voice scuffed by hard luck. That he hails from Jacksonville, N.C., accounts for the twang; guitarist Phil Wandscher's fondness for the Rolling Stones adds drive; and Caitlin Cary's violin and vocals burnish the edges. Their second proper outing, like its predecessor, is not quite a masterpiece – still tentative, still learning. But for a handful of gutwrenching songs, notably "16 Days" and "Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight," Adams is far beyond his 22 years. (RS 766)

GRANT ALDEN