STAFF PICKS

New release from Texas singer-songwriter, Pug Johnson.  He has a traditional country voice, which he combines with a swampy "border" vibe--melds Texas and Louisiana Americana sounds.

A detailed and insightful weekly look at great films.  Serrano is hilarious as he breaks down his favorite films.  Includes a "Pop-up Video" style breakdown of one scene in each blog.

Outstanding graphic novel written and drawn by one of the masters of the medium.

Amazing film from 2023, starring Teyana Taylor, William Catlett and Josiah Cross.  Tremendous acting and fantastic directing.

Not exactly brand new, but a new discovery by Tom of an excellent singer-songwriter from the 1970s.  Also Geardaddies have a great cover of My Maria.

Tom's comic book guy peeks through in his staff pick this week.  Highly recommended series, based on the Marvel Comics characters.

Released in March 2025, this new EP by Canadian singer-songwriter Whitcomb, is already one of Tom's favorites. He loves the British Columbia native's voice and "Medusa" has already made it to Tom's very exclusive workout playlist.

Fantastic music documentary, directed by Michael O'Brien about Ike Reilly. Streaming on Tubi but also available to buy or rent on the Apple Store. Definitely worth checking out.

Future guest Matthew Grimm covers a timely anti-fascist song originally recorded by The Young'uns.  

Chris loves Roadside Graves, a great example of an "unknown unknown"-type band.  This is their newest release.

Good songwriting and nice balance of guitar work to highlight the lyrics.  Session guy made good.

Interesting new work from the country and blues-influenced rock band.  Growing on Chris with every listen.

Chris recommends a new-ish native American vampire novel.  "I am the Indian who can't die.  I am the worst dream America ever had."

A recent favorite band of Chris'.   This Texas band features Giovannie Yanez, whose distinctive voice carries this new album.

One of Chris's long-time favorite bands returns with great new music. The standout punk bluegrass band takes on a little more serious themes on this one, with "Hard Times" being a good example and great song. A little less serious, but just as good is "I Love Doing Drugs," which is Chris's current favorite on the album.

Great new music by the former lead singer of the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies. Very bluesy with lots of horns and a cool, breezy feeling. Reminiscent of The Subdudes, a Third Song In favorite.