I feel bad for the albums released the same week as U2; I really do.  Don’t get me wrong – U2 is great.  I’ve already listened to No Line On The Horizon, and I’m sure the blogosphere will soon be filled with middle-aged hipsters offering their takes on Bono and Co.

The downside is that this same week Buddy & Julie Miller have released a beauty of an album full of American alt-country-soul:  Written In Chalk.

Fans of Krauss and Plant’s Raising Sand will appreciate the Miller’s offering:  well-crafted songs, great stripped down grooves, and some seriously beautiful moments.

The guest appearances of EmmyLou Harris, Robert Plant, Patty Griffin and more help round out a great album – one you might miss if your eye is only on the horizon…