We've got a bit of social commentary mixed in with the music this week, and a timely essay about the meaning of courage. We've got politics from both sides of the aisle, an article about ethanol use in Texas (is it coming to a gas pump near you?), and a compelling assortment of music reviews, TV stuff, and great coverage of gaming and sports. You won't be bored, we promise.

Let me remind those of you who are chosen that you are invited to submit your own pick for next week (due to space considerations, please limit it to one). Please feel free to email me your picks (including the URL) by next Tuesday.

MUSIC

In CD Review: Ministry - Rio Grande Blood, Jessa takes a good look at the band, the CD, their political message, and bands who use music to further a political message in her own charming and entertaining way.

It's one thing to review a concert. It's quite another to give your reader a front row seat right next to you, which is exactly what Joan Hunt does with Concert Review: Joe Bonamassa, Las Vegas - May 31, 2006.

Mark reviews The Jeff Gauthier Goatette - One and the Same in true Saleski style. If you haven't read the article yet, check it out and see for yourself why he associates Jeff Gauthier with Spring.

From Asst. Music Editor DJRadiohead:

The Friday Morning Listen: The Dixie Chicks by Mark Saleski
Mark is a hell of a writer and he has done a hell of a thing with this most recent Friday Morning Listen. I do not like the Dixie Chicks' music. At all. In spite of that, I still read the column. Why? Because like I said, Mark is a hell of a writer. He uses the Chicks' new record as the backdrop to challenge all of us to be better. If he can pull that off with the Dixie Chicks, imagine what he would do if he started listening to something good. I'm just kidding. A little. Well done, Mark.

From SciTech Editor Lisa McKay:

The latest of Gordon Hauptfleisch's entertaining Vinyl Tap series, in which he takes on Elvis Costello's fourth album, Get Happy, is a fine example of Gordon's ability to get to the heart of the matter where Costello's music is concerned. Gordon proves once again that Costello is best appreciated by those who have not only an ear for music but also a taste for an elegant and pithy turn of phrase.