Beltmann

That's my problem, too. I get a lot of rolled eyes at our local record shop when I ask about stuff (apparently My Morning Jacket is too obscure for a record store owner to even know about), and the nearest Best Buy is 25 minutes away. As a result, the vast majority of my CDs are purchased online, usually from Amazon or Amazon Marketplace.

That was an unexpected choice, but one that showed just how much energy and fun go into their live show. My wife was very happy to hear it (although she had hoped for "Jack Killed Mom"). Fritz, the album is really very good... in my view, the songwriting doesn't reach Neko heights, but it's still pretty strong stuff. It's probably among my favorites of the year.

Coolage.

If the criticism reads good, read it, and if you don't like it, don't read it. It's all just a matter of opinion.

Yikes. Glad to hear you, and everyone else, escaped unscathed. My wife has been involved in three car accidents in the last four years--none of them remotely her fault--and it's always an eye-opener: We are at the mercy of happenstance.

I think I might love you.

Most of the repeat vote-getters are all on my short list, too: Jesus, etc., Poor Places, Via Chicago, Misunderstood, Gun, ITTBYH. But right now, at this moment, I'm going with "Sunken Treasure."

I'm not big on offering recommendations--I know what I like, and why, but that doesn't mean anyone else will have the same response--but I thought you would dig that one. 'Course, I also thought you would like Carnival of Souls.

"Sparrow" is my wife's favorite track from the new album, so when I told her this ACL DVD was coming up, her first question was, "Is 'Maybe Sparrow' on it?" Since it was an older recording, I assumed no, but was pleased when it was listed!

The Departed felt a little bit like a Scorsese Greatest Hits collection, but it was still a terrific entertainment.

I don't know if this has been posted yet, but the Autumn Defense is scheduled to open for Jeff in Milwaukee.

So it's still totally worth it, then?

I was just about to PM you to ask if you made the cut. Bummer. I'm hoping to see it tomorrow, if time permits.

I still don't see where there's any bad news to this.

The listed 49 definitely contain a few titles that are much better known than Loose Fur, so you might be safe.

I'm on the main floor, but way back in row R.

I didn't like Mothman much, either, largely for the same reasons you mentioned.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Really? I looked around a little and didn't notice any VC'ers, at least none that I would have recognized. Where were you sitting?

Careers and parenthood definitely put a crimp in the concert-going, especially weeknights. But I still manage to catch a handful. Recent shows: Jenny Lewis (just got back), M. Ward Next up: Tweedy, Guster, MMJ

Oh my. Ladies, shut up and hold on to your nipples!

There were only two new shows that I was interested in checking out this fall: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Friday Night Lights. I'll be at Jenny Lewis tonight, but I'll DVR Lights. It sure looks promising.

That's how I feel about Jon Stewart--he's smart and funny, yes, but every line is delivered as if he thinks it's the wittiest damn thing ever uttered.

I'm with you, froggie.

My entire familiarity with Dane Cook derives from the two times he's hosted SNL. I don't know anything about the frat-boy baggage he carries, but I thought he was fairly sharp and likable the first time he hosted. This week, though, was the complete reverse: The monologue was mediocre at best (no rogue peanuts to save the day), and he added virtually nothing to the sketches.