A Texan at heart, Austin-bred rocker Rhett Miller sticks close to his Lone Star State roots. There's no rush to his melodies; like a rider on the range, he maintains a steady, breezy resolve, digging into pop with the same careful resolve you'd use to mend a fence. While he struggled to achieve the success he eventually earned with college-rock faves Old 97's, there's no denying the quality of his bittersweet baritone. And, with his critically adored 2002 solo effort Instigator, he came into his own, proving he has the chops to stand next to the likes of Wilco and Ryan Adams.