20 Buck Spin cap another banner year for their label with this split release from two of the best bands on their roster. DREAM UNENDING waylay the CURE-isms of the brilliant 'Song of Salvation' for slower tempos & a heavy grunge feel with bluesy leads & extended solos ala 90s METALLICA and even PEARL JAM (but with pitch black vocals). On their side, WORM continue sharpening their death metal attack, adding ethereal synths to the mix that amp up the cosmic & otherworldly elements of their music even higher. Whether this is just a one-off (two-off??) or an exciting tease of what's to come from both bands, this is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I'm not quite sure what is more underrated, the movie or the soundtrack; both use the theme of the western to epitomize their own years of the early seventies. Dylan has never sounded more at ease as instrumental numbers drift in and out of the mix. Themes of retribution and redemption (dylan favorites) cast the movie in near biblical scale as we learn the price of living the life of an outlaw. Dylan's own turn in the film as a soft spoken sidekick is memorable and comic, but pales in in comparison to the tour de force performance of JAMES COBURN as pat garrett. FILM and SOUNDTRACK are as recommended as they come.

2007 FOO FEAturing THE PRETENDER LONG ROAD TO RUIN COME ALIVE

Pure classic pop like a cross between BIG STAR & T.REX.

This 2007 album from Patty Griffin is another solid effort. With the popularity of singers such as Norah Jones, Patty Griffin is finally reaching a more mainstream audience. As always, Griffin's voice is the highlight of this disc with the song styles ranging from slow country to jazz & blues.