Well, as to the alien sounds; I guess I'm a bit wobbly on that one.
One of my favourite bluesy artists is Harry Manx and he has introduced Indian sounds in to his playing of blues and some Appalachian material - and I love it!
I love a lot of the Afro-Celts stuff.
Also, one of favourite tracks by Nic Jones is "Willie Don't you weep for" in to which Nic inserts a driving bluesy riff.
I guess I'm a lot wobbly on the whole "alien sound" thing.