Tarun Bhattacharya "SARGAM"

Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya hammers and plucks his shathathanthri veena thru a amazing set of ragas and folk melodies. Accompanied by Tabla and Shenai (double reed oboe) this is a beautiful recording

John Coltrane "A Love Supreme" lp

I forgot what an amazing record this was. I listened to it most of the weekend. It was easy to get lost in this and remember why it is one of jazz' greatest records.

The Decemberists "The Hazards of Love" 2xlp

Wow, The Hazards of Love is a beautiful, long and deranged song cycle, rock opera or what ever you want to call it but it may just be The Decemberists at their peak. 17 songs tell the tale of Margaret. Special guests abound.

The Black Keys "The Big Come Up" Limited clear vinyl LP

So I managed to get a copy of this on vinyl. I was pleased to get a clear copy. (you know online orders) and I absolutely love it. I first heard The Black Keys when I picked up a copy of the Chulahoma EP and thought it was the second coming. Then I picked up Attack and Release and was a little let down(damn that shine you put on this Danger Mouse). It seemed to clean up all the things that I love about The Black Keys. I mean the blues should sound dirty, maybe even a little harsh, it should have a little grease and grit. Perhaps even a little blood and sweat. I definitely don't want it to sound all clean and shiny or even new. So, needless to say I put this record on and thought this is how a record should sound. I know I am about 7 years late here but this is good enough to hold up. So come on everyone lets Do the Rump.

Fulton Lights self titled

I float alone in an ocean of droning. Lifted up in this swelling of sound. Somehow sad, beautiful and majestic. I find a quiet peace.

This limited edition of 150 is a 2 disc version including a 4 track bonus disc of unreleased material and remixes with mini artcards for the song titles. This is a sweet little package. Originally on Android Eats Records, find this special edition at Catbird Records before there gone.

Catbird Bliss

The other day while drifting the net I found Catbird records, a boutique indi label that puts out limited edition small run hand printed discs for a affordable price with the inclusion of a tip the artist option, and early orders generally get some sort of bonus goodie. Current "available" releases from Maestro Echoplex, Manishevitz, Fulton Lights, Moviola as well as Mathew Sawyer & The Ghosts.
As far as I am concerned, you should run out and buy all these records. Give your money to the little guy. Promote more indi art. Dont just download the songs. support it.

Blitzen Trapper "Furr"

This subpop release of exerimental folk rock is perhaps my favorite album of 2008. My favorite track has got to be the amazing Black River Killer with Furr a close second. In my opinion this is a exciting and brilliant record all the way thru.