Amy LaVere - "Killing Him" (video)

LaVere captures the bizarre spirit of Memphis's past and evokes the music of the black and white era (both in terms of movies and race) that has an edge of danger mixed with cheap sex.

If 2007 didn't invite any gripping controversies, it was certainly filled with competitive comparisons -- between young and old, past and present, and among splintered factions -- and both surprising hits and disappointing misses. All in all, a dynamic and at times resurgent year for the broad scope of Americana.

If you can find a better opening song anywhere, then I'll eat the hat of your choice.