Jolie Christine Rickman

It's time again to highlight a singer that is totally overlooked. I started listening to Jolie Christine Rickman about five years ago after being lent her CD Sublime Detonation. That cd was a joyful folk-music experience, like Dar Williams, but quirkier. Jolie's voice is expressive, and the music, while rooted in folk, is creative and sustains the listener's interest. Standout songs are "Out of Air" and "Fly", both songs about the power of individuality. "Fly" especially is a song I can listen to on repeat, getting carried away by the mandolin backing.
Jolie's themes are personal("Being Small"), political("Love Song for Newt", an anti-Gingrich song), and humorous("I Don't Speak Lithuanian", a wonderful song about learning and folk song from her grandmother).
Jolie's next album, Suffer to Be Beautiful, is darker and weirder but just as powerful, and also highly recommended. Definitely, check her out.

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Update: I just found out Jolie passed away on January 19, 2005 after a fight with cancer. My condolences to her family. She was a true and moving artist.