Fall Music Preview 2007: Bruce Springsteen, James Blunt, Alicia Keys and More

Devendra Banhart
Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
Out Now

For his fifth studio album, folk hipster Banhart hunkered down in a rustic home outside Los Angeles for five months. "We wanted something beautiful, something earthy," he says. "But the organic way, not via a laminated fake picture of Grace Slick at a coke party with Stevie Nicks." The project sees Banhart sing in five languages, take on musical styles ranging from bossa nova to doo-wop, and rip an awesome guitar solo on "Seahorse." The Black Crowes' Chris Robinson guests on charango -- an instrument made out of an armadillo shell -- on "Samba Vexillographica." "I was shocked to hear the level of authenticity Chris had given the song," says Banhart. "It was very weird." Click here for our review.

LISTEN
"Seahorse" from Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon