The Friday Refrain: A bit of what's new in music...

Merry Christmas all! Or whatever behooves you. This year it really seems that artists have taken a winter break. Last week was light for releases and this week is even lighter. The highlights are slim: Last week Jeff Tweedy of Wilco's son, Spencer Tweedy celebrated his 21st birthday by releasing his album, Geezer Love. Gucci Mane is back again with The Return of East Atlanta. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez added to his year's collection with Some Need It Lonely. Today Chance the Rapper teamed up with Jeremih to release the mixtape Merry Christmas Lil Mama. Nine Inch Nails is back with the ep Not The Actual Events. And that's really the biggest names - there are a few other mixtapes and such out today but that's pretty much it.

Which is why Josh is making us do our year end list in next week's episode instead of waiting until the traditional after the year is over.

But it's not over until The List sings a duet with The List of 2 weeks past.

Here is what I liked from the last few weeks:

Jeen, Modern Life - that closed reverbed female vocal with some driving guitar behind it.

Enemies, Valuables -  this is kinda like Animal Collective as unplugged as they would get.

Holly Bowling, Better Left Unsung - just because I'm a pianist, doesn't mean I'll pick all instrumental piano albums but this one has some good tracks with some interesting things.

The Colorist, The Colorist & Emiliana Torrini - I called this "Bjorky"

Stove, Is The Meat That Fell Out - some more of that low key driving rock I like.

The Microphones, Early Tapes- Oh I love The Microphones. I've just been eating up thi salbum with a spoon.

Peter Broderick, Grunewald - I really liked "Violin Solo No. 1"

Well there you have it. I hope you have a lovely holiday weekend and I'll see if I have anything to report next week! Until then, Happy Listening!