New releases: Aug. 7, 2007

It's summer, and it's hot and still. As I write, I'm brewing some delicious sweet tea that, if I close my eyes and focus on the heavy, sticky heat, might just trick me into thinking I'm back home again in the southland.

If you, too, are in need of refreshment, I strongly suggest you try some tea -- preferably so sweet it makes your teeth ache a bit. Or you could head to your nearest, air-conditioned record store and check out the latest.

New releases for Tuesday, Aug. 7:
Johnny Irion -- Ex Tempore (Rcam)
Okkervil River -- The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)
Donavon Frankenreiter -- Recycled Recipes [EP] (Lost HIghway)
Peter Case -- Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John (Yep Roc)
An album covering songs by bluesman Sleepy John Estes.
Sam Baker -- Pretty World (self-released)
This Texas singer-songwriter overcame some pretty amazing obstacles to establish his career, including a 1986 terrorist attack in Peru. His story is well worth a read.
Billy Joe Shaver -- Everybody's Brother (Compadre)
Described as a "spiritual" album by some, "honky-tonk gospel" by others. Produced by John Carter Cash.