Harrowing family drama has fueled the work of both these artists: a trio of best-selling memoirs by Karr (beginning with The Liar’s Club in 1995) and Crowell’s string of acclaimed albums (including 2001’s The Houston Kid) and 2011 memoir, Chinaberry Sidewalks. Now these two refugees from what Karr calls “the same swampy, godforsaken stretch of East Texas” have collaborated on an album (Karr’s first) that’s the most intoxicating of the year. Featuring vocals by the likes of Lucinda Williams and Norah Jones, this gripping collection is as addictive as the hooch beloved by the songwriters’ kinfolk.

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