On Ocean Songs, guitarist Mick Turner strums in grand and mournful sweeps while violinist Warren Ellis draws a rough, heart-pulling bow. On top, David Grubbs bumps lonely on his tom while keeping time with scratchy snare whispers and flickering tips and taps on the cymbals. It's a gorgeous blend that is fully informed by folk forms yet still manages to bristle with electricity. Dirty Three may seem like some mutant folk trio from the old country, but underneath there is a rock band--a dangerous, fire-breathing bunch with lust in their hearts and murder in their eyes. It's these rough edges that allow Dirty Three to speak directly to a boozy, well-worn place where sadness and beauty duke it out. --S Duda