Well it’s Friday and there’s so much to do and so little time. I just slinked through my collection to find five tracks that I’m really digging right now, and I provide them to you with very little commentary. Well, I’ll try to keep it simple, anyways.

Blair Combest is one of Memphis’s most gifted songwriters and one that you will, hopefully, get to know more about as time goes on. The Dylan comparison is obvious and you can’t ignore it, but it’s really not intentional on Blair’s part — that is his natural singing voice. But you know, if you’re a singer who, even accidentally, is going to sound like the greatest songwriter of the 20th century, you’d better be as good of a songwriter as Blair Combest is. He’s not some half-assed Dylan imitation — he is a singular talent whose music seethes with respect for the history of American folk music. One of the best new albums of 2006, the sophomore self-titled release from Blair Combest speaks for itself as a document of a talented singer-songwriter whose music continues to mature. Catch him live whenever and wherever you can.

Listen To Blair Combest -Her Eyes
Listen To Blair Combest – Turn To Rain

You can purchase Blair Combest’s Self-Titled Album from Makeshift Recordings by clicking here.

Camera Obscura is a favorite among the bloggers these days because, well, they’re masterful at producing gorgeous twee pop like fellow countrymen Belle & Sebastian. Okay, you already know all about them by now but, just in case, grab an earful of this title track from their new album Let’s Get Out Of This Country.

Listen to Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out Of This Country

You can pre-order Let’s Get Out Of This Country by clicking here.

The Pipettes first full-length We Are The Pipettes, due soon from Memphis Industries, is three girls who make music that sparkles shimmers and shines from first track to last. This is twee Britpop fueled by two minute painkillers of the Ronnie Spector strength. This is a band replete with memorable jingle-jangles that are perfect for those with short attention spans who love ’60s-influenced girl rock. Look out, here come The Pipettes.

Listen To The Pipettes – July

You can buy two tracks from the album for digital download by clicking here

Paul Simon’s new album Surprise has just popped out and, indeed, it’s a surprise — Paul Simon has still got it and he continues to make beautiful and relevant albums. The exceptionally good Brian Eno-produced album is streaming online now and you can check out the entire album by clicking here.

Listen to Paul Simon – How Can You Live In The Northeast

You can purchase Paul Simon’s Surprise by clicking here.

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