Tax Return Splurge

Tax returns always have and always will mean only one thing for me: Music. This year a massive chunk of that money went to paying off my credit card. But, what was on my credit card? Concert tickets, gas to get to concerts, and hotels for after the gigs. Those who think the music industry is failing have clearly never seen my credit card bills, bank statements and constantly overflowing Amazon.com cart. So, with only enough fivers left in my account to cover parking at University, I thought it was time to give you an update on my latest purchases. Get ready. It's a long one...


Abigail Washburn-City of Refuge (CD)
-Dear Mr. Fleck, Your wife is my hero. Her sugared tinsel voice is lovely and her banjo pickin' leaves me breathless. Give her my love. -AD

Adele-21 (CD)
-As predicted, 21 is killing it. By Tuesday afternoon, it took a trip to three different Target stores before I finally found a store that hadn't already sold out. Bonus-The Target edition comes with a second four-song bonus CD. It's the best 10 bucks I spent all month.

Bruno Mars-Doo-Wops and Hooligans (CD)
-Forget the hair, the eyes, that grin and those dance moves-Bruno Mars' voice makes my knees jelly and there's not a single beat on this album that isn't absolutely hip swishingly good. Admittedly, my only regret for this album was that I didn't buy it sooner. "Count on Me" is sweet and "Runaway Baby," with its funky familiar guitar rifts and urgent drums, is pretty much my most favorite thing I've found this month.

Alison Krauss-New Favorite (CD)
-I own this on tape and haven't been able to listen to it for forever. "New Favorite" turned up on Pandora Radio the other night and I suddenly missed the it and new I needed it on CD. I bought it that night.

Joni Mitchell-Both Sides Now(CD) and Blue (CD)
-I have Blue on vinyl, but it's getting pretty worn out. I decided it was time to invest in some Joni CDs so she could come with me on my next road trip.

Carole King-Tapestry (CD)
-How have I never owned this? I do now and it won't be leaving my car any time soon.

Johnny Flynn-Hong Kong Cemetery EP (Vinyl)
-This EP has a really strange version of my favorite Flynn song, "Tickle Me Pink" (from "A Larum"). I heard it for the first time the other night and immediately added the EP to my cart. No regrets.

Laura Marling-Cross Your Fingers single(?) (Digital)
-This has a song on it that you can't find on "Alas, I Cannot Swim" or "I Speak Because I can." It's called "I'm a Fly" and it's brilliant. Also, great live versions of a couple songs from "Alas..." Great way to spend $3.

Bobby Long-A Winter Tale (CD)
-Everything I said about it in my last post, I still believe. It's a great, mellow album with a lot of heart and even more depth. He sounds just as good live, too-Though his shyness adds a bit of distance between him and the crowd.

Yellow Light Maybe-More of the World
-Five songs by four guys from Ohio. They opened for Bobby Long in Columbus and now they're back in the studio working on their first full-length album. It's pop-rock at it's most fun. I honestly left the gig more excited about discovering these guys than anything else, including meeting Bobby Long. Check em out on Facebook.