2009’s most notable country releases

Buddy & Julie Miller “Written in Chalk” (New West). The Millers are the Americana movement’s Johnny and June, two singers and songwriters with a great love story who keep their focus on faith and emotion.  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Elvis Costello “Secret, Profane & Sugarcane” (Hear Music). The prolific, sharp-tongued musician roots his way through the history and culture of the American South, with much biting wit and a keen understanding of how certain forces continue to shape the nation’s thinking.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Brad Paisley “American Saturday Night” (Arista Nashville). Paisley makes commercial country at its best, this time slipping in some savvy social commentary along with his usual witty uptempo numbers and well-crafted love songs.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Exene Cervenka “Somewhere Gone” (Bloodshot). Most people wouldn’t consider Cervenka country, but her solo album, recorded during her four-year stint living in Missouri, continues and extends the straight-from-the-heart emotion of the Carter Family.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Miranda Lambert “Revolution” ( Sony Nashville). The young country firebrand takes a measurable step ahead with her third album, stretching herself impressively both as a writer and a vocalist.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)