“Bootleg Vol. 2: From Memphis to Hollywood”

by Johnny Cash 4 of 5

The Man in Black is back — sort of.

The second volume of Johnny Cash’s bootleg series “From Memphis to Hollywood” is more a collection of historical snapshots than an album.

Like Bob Dylan’s long-running bootleg series, “From Memphis to Hollywood” broadens the view of the artist and the studio tracks.

The album includes a recording of Cash’s first live performance in 1955 — a show that included Cash promoting awnings and other home improvement services.

The show was sponsored by Cash’s employer, Home Equipment Company, and aired on KWEM.

The new release includes early demos of the country legend’s biggest hits like “Walk the Line,” “Get Rhythm” and “Big River.”

Though most of the album consists of early demos, Cash fans will be delighted with some of the rare listens.

“The King of Limbs”

by Radiohead 4.5 of 5

Headphones are the best way to listen to Radiohead’s “The King of Limbs.”

Many are describing the band’s eighth album as minimalist, but there’s more going than casual listeners will pick up.

There’s no doubt the album has an under-stated sound unlike anything else the band has released. But that effect was no easy task given the intricate web of precise sounds where no note veers from the overall design.

While many of the band’s early releases were known for their multi-guitar punch, the guitars take a back seat on “The King of Limbs.”

Radiohead has made a career of abandoning the multi-guitar sound that made them famous on “The Bends” and “OK Computer” for an electronic sound, much like on “Kid A” and “Amnesiac.”

The album’s opening track, “Bloom,” pulls into gear with dual drum loops that play through most of the song. “Bloom” is a fitting opener, as many tracks reference flowers, fruit, trees, blooming or waking — a theme permeates to the music.

The song’s overlapping sounds take shape — like the rest of the album — around Thom Yorke’s hypnotic vocals. His performance stands out and carries the album.

While many fans were surprised by the album’s short length at 37:24, the conciseness helps make the release one of the band’s most cohesive albums. The beautiful “Separate” closes the album with a taste of the guitars that leaves you longing for more.

That wish could soon come true. Online, bloggers and fans are making the case that the band plans to release a second part to the album — possibly titled “The Queen of Diamonds” — sometime in March.

“No Witch”

by The Cave Singers 3 of 5

The Cave Singer’s “No Witch” is a satisfying listen.

Nevermind the schizophrenic shifts from electric mountain folk to spacey jams.

The Seattle folk trio’s third album alternates between droning indie guitars and driving drums on tracks like “Clever Creatures” to a harmonicas snare driven country tunes like “Haystacks.”

At times, “No Witch” sounds like two different albums.

But it’s still a fun listen with catchy guitar riffs and ample vocal harmonies.

Look for Jason Schoonover’s new music column, “Listen In” each week in the Spotlight section of the Austin Daily Herald. Schoonover will be bringing album reviews, concert reviews and much more to fans of music.