New releases: Nov. 4, 2008

Nothing much to speak of in the way of new releases next Tuesday -- my guess is that, here in America anyway, the record companies recognize that people might be a little too busy with something else to worry about swinging by the record store (ah, if only a record store could be a polling place!).

That said, please devote the energy you might have put into snagging some new music this week into voting instead. It's easy, and it's important. I ain't going to tell you who to vote for, but I am going to tell you that if you don't vote, you're kind of a choad. Your vote makes a difference, no matter what anyone tells you, and our country doesn't work without your participation. So go vote, and then swing by the record store on your way home and pick up something old you've been wanting as a reward (and, uh, to stimulate the economy? Yeah.).

If you need some music to get you in the mood, you could try "Lu in 08," a four-song digital-only live EP released this week by Miss Lucinda Williams. It's three covers of various protest songs (not necessarily red or blue) and one original, well worth a listen. Stream it free or buy it here. Her cover of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," is kind of skip-able, but Thievery Corporation/Flaming Lips' "Marching the Hate Machines" is divine. And the original, "Bone of Contention," is the Lucinda snarl put to very, very good use. Especially if the person in front of you on the way to your polling place is driving like an asshole.