12 Area Standouts to Watch for in ’92

T he top 1991 freshmen of Southern California come from all over the musical map--from rap to country to Beatle-pop to grunge-rock. Here’s a look at the 12 new area acts who’ve made the biggest splash this year.

Jim Lauderdale: A longtime veteran of the “town south of Bakersfield” L.A. country scene and a songwriter popular among the Nashville set, Lauderdale released his stellar, Rodney Crowell-produced debut album on Reprise in November. Lauderdale’s winsome style combines the authenticity of the “new traditionalist” sound with the pop instincts of modern country.