Though I did get a lump of coal in my stocking, I also was rewarded for going on a two-month CD moratorium. I found the latest compilation of Eddie Hinton demos, the 11th anniversary Bloodshot compilation, the 30th anniversary Born to Run set and, wait for it, three copies of the new Neil Diamond under the tree. One will be exchanged for the live Wilco disc. As for the other, I've been thinking all day and I can't decide what to swap it for. And thankfully my mother-in-law got a snapshot of me fanning out the triple Diamonds so it can be enjoyed on future Christmases.

Man, the market's going to be flooded with returned Neil Diamond CDs soon, through no fault of Neil's. I thought I was all smart in getting my mom that CD -- cater to her cheesy tastes but simultaneously sneak her something actually good -- but when I talked to her Christmas Day she was all like "Oh yeah, I bought that for myself months ago. I hated it." So I know the one I gave her will now be swapped for something hideous, probably more Rod Stewart songbook horror. Sigh. I give up.

I wouldn't mind listening to my favorite songs 5000000 times.But that one would be anoying....

How about Gary Glitter's new cover of "Young Girl", in Vietnamese?

love the blog and have posted a link on blueskies. Have been listening the the nitty gritty's trilogy will the circle be unbroken over and over again. I got it for Christmas from a fellow twanger and recommend it as it is stuffed with a bunch of yeeha diamonds. Keep it real keep it countrry!!!!