Jazz may be the first indigenous American music form, but some recent music news items reminded us that rock owes the wild and crazy part of its soul to some real country originals.

We read with sadness earlier this year of the passing of psychobilly pioneer Hasil Adkins. Notable amongst the music he left behind with us is “Poultry In Motion”, an album entirely of chicken rock that is pure genius in that “I can’t decide if this is brilliant or not, but it is amazing” kind of way.

On a happier note, Willie Nelson continues to surprise and amuse with at least 10 (10 - that’s not a typo) releases this year. Suspecting that one standout must be lurking within while clicking through the flurry of early, mid, and late-career compilations, one first wonders if it is the strong collection of “Songs for Tsunami Victims”benefit CD. But then, in the carpal tunnel inducing equivalent of locking ‘em in a skid and throwing it in reverse, one pulls back the image of “Countryman”, a CD of reggae covers. No clips yet on the website, but who really needs clips to know they must find this CD?

Texas rocker Roky Erickson briefly re-appeared on the scene this past spring. He performed at Austin’s SXSW and released a new compilation of tracks from back in the day with The 13th Floor Elevators and The Aliens. “I Think Up Demons” made it on the CD, but you’ll still have to dig up his earlier releases for the likes of “Two-Headed Dog” and “I Walked With a Zombie”.

Finally, late last year West Virginia native but now Austin/Houston resident Daniel Johnston released the “Late Great Daniel Johnston”. Since the late 80’s, Johnston has built his reputation as a musicians’ musician. (His riveting a capella rendition of “Speeding Motorcyle” over the telephone from his then West Virginia home, and later re-released by Yo La Tengo, is musical legend.) This latest release features 18 of his songs performed by him paired with 18 covers by some of his favorite artists. It’s like getting 18 7-inches, each with two A sides, in one egg carton. What more could you ask for from the country?

Highlights from Live8: The honest passion of Sir Bob Geldof exhorting us all to peacefully petition the G8 to address African poverty in his VH1/MTV interview. The live Jay-Z and Linkin Park mash-up reprising their “Collision Course” release. Pink Floyd reuniting and performing “Wish You Were Here”.