Best female vocals on CD

I second those who mentioned Iris DeMent. Whew, man! She is something else. Maybe an aquired taste for some (like Dylan, Tom Waites, Leonard Cohen, et al.), but an incredible voice!

On the classical side, the Korean soprano, Sumi Jo.

I can't stop listening to Toni Price. Maybe not the most polished, but certainly the most fun!

Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Try 'Little Queen' for a treat.

I just wanted to add that the singer's voice in Halou makes my toes curl (and in a good way).

I would also add: The Gathering, Lacuna Coil, Tapping the Vein, and Rain Fell Within (these are all metal-with-femme-vox). Alternative-with-femme-vox: Curve, Switchblade Symphony, Tori, anything Nicole Blackman has worked on, Dot Allison, Laurie Anderson (yes, really try _Live at Town Hall NYC September 19-20 2001_), Jane Siberry, Happy Rhodes, Kate Bush, Lush, Lisa Gerrard/Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, Garbage. More traditionally: Jewel, both Coles Holly and Paula, Lori Carson, Lisa Germano (possibly alternative), Alison Moyet (started out more alternative, has been doing mainstream rhythm and blues type stuff more recently). Obviously, in no particular order. Lots more I can't think of right now.

I don't know about the absoulte best,but if you like a great mix of vocals,piano,orchestra and precussion, then Vanessa Carlton's "Be Not Nobody" is great. It works well for auditioning equipment,especially speakers because it is a great recording as far as quality and it has some dynamics as well. And the Music is very good overall too.