
I spent the weekend in Cincinnati watching my Reds retake first place in the NL Central from the St. Louis Cardinals. I was at Saturday's game that featured two home runs from Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez, an outstanding pitching performance from Johnny Cueto, and a three RBI day for Brandon Phillips. It was a great day at the ball park. Now... None of that means anything to most of you other than to say that I was out of town this weekend and didn't have time to work up an in-depth album review of any kind. [...]

Caught the second night of Neko Case's two night run at the at the Warfield a couple weeks ago. It was a fabulous evening with that big-as-a-house voice of hers in fine form and along with regular companion Kelly Hogan we were treated to some of the best between song banter in the business. Unfortunately the new material from Middle Cyclone was delivered with less enthusiasm then the older stuff she played. I couldn't help thinking a well placed cover would have livened things up a bit. To that end I threw together of couple of songs by other folks [...]
Bob Wills célébré par la jeune garde alt-country, ça donne le 2ème album des Pine Valley Cosmonauts, collectif emmené par Jon Langford déjà auteur d'un tribute à Johnny Cash (Misery Loves Company : Songs of Johnny Cash) et qui s'illustrera par la suite avec un tryptique sur la peine de mort (The Executioner's Last Songs Vol 1, 2 & 3).The Pine Valley Cosmonauts Salute the Majesty of Bob Wills

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday – I love the non-commercial/no-agenda-ness of the intangible season that Hallmark has yet to find a way to hold us hostage with guilt and greeting cards. Grace abounds, as we are surrounded by ones we love who love us in return – in this spirit, despite economic woes, we count our blessings and realize we have much for which to be thankful. I remain grateful to all the Star Makers for widening the circle, making me feel welcome and introducing me to so many wonderful artists and songs in my short [...]