Here's another mention of Tift on CMT.com for one of 10 countryish albums adventurous (for CMT) listeners might want to check out.  Kathleen Edwards and Shelby Lynne get mentions, too.  This guy has good taste!

Tift Merritt, Another Country (Fantasy)
A lot of influences converge here: North Carolina roots, a long French vacation and studio sessions in Topanga Canyon, California. A sunny-sounding album with undertones of sadness and frustration will get to me every time. Choice track: "Hopes Too High."