Are you worn out by the same ole Bing Crosby “classic” christmas music, but still wanting some happy holiday tunes? Well buck up buddy, today’s your lucky day.

Nashville band, The Nobility, has released a little EP, I’ve Got A Present For You, with original Christmas jams. And let me just say, it’s real goooood.

So head on over to their bandcamp, give it a listen, or buy it without listening (whatever floats your boat). But while you’re there be sure to check out some of their other stuff… you won’t be disappointed.

AND if you’re around Nashville tomorrow night, be sure to go see them for FREE at Exit In’s “Christmas on the Block”. Good times will be had. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Just another Monday… and another Song of the Week.

This week honor goes to Miike Snow’s Burial, mostly because I really love this video… go check out the rest of their album, it’s to die for. Ob-sessed.

Regina Spektor at the Ryman, Monday November 16.

Get ‘em while they’re hot…

Pre-sale Tickets on Sale TODAY 10am-10pm. Password: bluelips. Click Here.

Here’s the deal… Andrew Bird is playing the Ryman October 10, and I’ve got two really great tickets. One is for me (obviously) & one *might* be for you. I have this crazy idea, instead of taking one of my precious friends as usual, I’ll use this opportunity to get myself a date. Genius. Right?

People are always telling me I should be a hand model.

So here’s the criteria:
1) You have to be a single guy, age 22-35… sorry ’bout it.
2) You have to live in Nashville or have a place to stay in Nashville… I’m not offering you my couch.
3) You need to be an Andrew Bird fan… nothing crazy, just someone who actually knows the music.

It’s as simple as that.

If you’re interested leave a comment of your favorite Andrew Bird lyric or I don’t know… what you would do for a klondike bar.

It’s Monday, which used to mean it’s time for a new Song of the Week ’round these parts… well it’s been a good day and I’m feeling bloggy, so let’s see if I can remember how this thing works.

Did you guys know A Fine Frenzy released a new album, Bomb in a Birdcage,  a couple weeks ago? I hope so, because I’m really enjoying it. It’s such a fun, poppy, creative album. I dig it.

With no further ado… this week’s Song of the Week: Blow Away.

… But enough about me.

My darling friend Rachael is moving from Nashville to Hollywood, where dreams come true, and as a little going away gift I made a mix cd for her long drive. I know, I’m really generous. You might recognize a few songs from 500 Days of Summer (which hopefully you have seen, if not, go now… no seriously, right now). I’m not feeling very good with words today, so I’ll stop torturing you and by you I mean me.

Just to highlight a few:

Florence & The Machine - The full length album is finally out… and to die for, please for my sanity go check it out.

Fruit Bats: If you like Grizzly Bear/Fleet Foxes/Department of Eagles, this is your new favorite band. PLUS they are playing a FREE show at Grimey’s Monday Sept 7 @ 4pm. Best Labor Day Ever!

Cass McCombs: Dreams Come True Girl… lovely old-school throwback feel to it.  I’m loving this song, you might say it’s my current theme song. Well this and “Marry Me” by St. Vincent… but that’s a whole ‘nother blog post.

Dueces, I’m out.

Well, Hello…

If you don’t already have The Damnwells new album “One Last Century” head on over to their website for a FREE download! I have this sucker on repeat, like it’s no one’s business… so GO GET IT already!

Favorite Songs: Soundtrack, Come To Me, Everything, & Say
Tour Info: Playing @the Basement Thursday 7/30

Other good tunes you should check out:

The Avett Brothers – “I and Love and You EP”       Playing the Ryman 10/31

Sunset Rubdown – “Dragon Slayer”      Fav Songs: Silver Moons & You Go On Ahead

Broken Records – “Until the Earth Begins To Part”       Remind me of Arcade Fire

Ha Ha Tonka – “Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South”     Fav Songs: The Outpouring & Close Every Valve…

And…. Scene.

Regina Spektor - Far
I think you all already know that Regina Spektor released a new album last week… but in case you missed it. I’m gonna skip all the reviews & just say It’s Good. If you like her old stuff, you’re going to like Far.
My Favorite Tracks: Eet, Blue Lips, Laughing With, Human of the Year, & Two Birds.

God Help The Girl - God Help The Girl
This is Amazon.com’s “product description” cause I’m just that lazy, “After the success of the most recent Belle And Sebastian album, “The Life Pursuit”, band leader/singer/songwriter Stuart Murdoch decided to pursue his dream of writing a rock musical scored for female singers. After auditioning vocalists via Internet contests, he made his choices and, with all members of Belle And Sebastian backing him up, recorded this breathtaking record. It combines the strengths and feel of early Belle And Sebastian records in a broader musical palette, which draws equally on musicals, 60s girl groups, 80s indie, and most of all, classic pop.” Done & done.
My Favorite Tracks: God Help the Girl, Funny Little Frog, If You Could Speak, & Come Monday Night

Happy 4th of July!!

… I didn’t see you there.

Yikes friends, sorry for the crazy long hiatus. I seriously don’t know what happened… it’s not like I fell out of love with music or with the internet, just maybe the combination of the two [shoulder shrug]. Who knows?!? But I’m back, at least for today!

I’m listening to A LOT of crazy good music right now, so I’m going to split it up over a few days… Up first, two girls I just can’t seem to get enough of… St. Vincent & Jenny Owen Youngs.

St. Vincent – Actor
Released May 5… I just got this album last week, & it hasn’t left my car cd player (yes I still buy actual cds) yet. That’s a HUGE deal for me… I usually get bored with an album half-way through my second listen. But each time I hear this album, I find something new. Anyway, enough about what I think. Here’s what Paste has to say ” Most of its 11 tracks start quietly, [Annie] Clark’s lovely voice – like a more sprightly, less insufferably self-obsessed Tori Amos- unfurling over piano plinks, synth pumps and looped choirs of herself… The album overall is beautiful, transporting, sometimes even danceable.”
My Favorite Tracks: Actor Out Of Work, The Strangers, & Black Rainbow.
Tour News: Word on the street (but not announced by The Ryman) is she will be opening for Andrew Bird, Oct 10. Tickets are supposed to go on sale Friday June 26th… but like I said still no official word from the Ryman about all that.

Jenny Owen Youngs - Transmitter Failure
Released May 26… I think Amie Street recommended this one to me. There’s nothing overwhelming about this album, I don’t get chills listening to it or hear lyrics that I find myself repeating to friends or tweeting. BUT it’s a solid indie rock/pop album that doesn’t seem to get old… just good music, and sometimes that’s the best.
My Favorite Tracks: Led To The Sea, If I Didn’t Know, & Secrets.

That’s it for now… Thanks for not giving up on me! Post some comments & let me know what you guys are listening to!!

I’ve Already mentioned this band before, but didn’t want you to miss your chance to get some awesome FREE music.

Empire of the Sun – Walking on A Dream: iTunes Single of the Week. Go get it!