What did Santa bring you, sonny?

I finally made up my mind what to buy with my Christmas amazon gift voucher (thanks, Mom & Dad!), 'cos you want to spend on records you really want. This is not to be squandered on some throw-aways you only listen to once, ya know.

Haven't really had a chance to listen intently yet, so no reviews, no packdrill, just saying that I've got 'em.



Tambourine by Tift Merritt
I really liked her Bramble Rose record from a couple of years ago. This has more soul, more trumpets, and sounds like Sheryl Crow probably wants to sound like.



Vultures Await by Will Johnson
Solo record from Centro-matic leader; I was turned on to Centro-Matic by friend and drummer Paul. This is obviously, er..., him without the band.



I'm Wide Awake It's Morning by Bright Eyes
Has been huge in the USA indie markets. So far, its claim to fame is that it has been banned from general public playing in the house, due to language and some gritty images. It joins Post to Wire from Richmond Fontaine in that; not necessarily a bad thing, then.



Want One by Rufus Wainwright
In sharp contrast, widely liked. I saw a video clip of him playing I Don't Know What It Is (track 2), and was intrigued by really strong sense of melody.