It's the end of summer. It's the day after Labor Day. In any event, there's some cool stuff to pick up at the store.

Townes Van Zandt - For the Sake of the Song: First Album (Fat Possum)/Folk

Thanks to the folks at Fat Possum (a really stellar blues/roots label that you should check out), the first Townes Van Zandt record is finally being re-released. I'm tellin' ya, Van Zandt is an American original.

Greg Brown - Yellow Dog (Earthworks Music)/Folk

And speaking of American originals, Greg Brown is the real deal. If there was any justice in the musical world, Greg Brown would be a household name. Well, at least we pass his name about in our house.

Fitz Ellarald - The Very Air Seems Replete with Humming and Buzzing Melodies (Amorfon)/Electronica'

Vladislav Dobrovolski lists Astrud Gilberto and Arto Lindsay as influences. That's good enough for me.

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen - The Unforgettable Nhop Trio Live (Act)/Jazz

A (relatively) unknown bass player from Denmark. You should get to know his name.

Firefall - Colorado To Liverpool: A Tribute to the Beatles (Winged Horse)/Rock

So why do I want to hear Beatles covers by the band who did "You Are The Woman"? I have no idea. Sometimes, you've just got to roll the dice.

Ted Nugent - Love Grenade (Eagle/Red)/Rock

Again, I don't know why. I mean, I haven't bought a Nugent record since the mid-'80s. Maybe I'm bummed that it's the end of the summer and I'm lookin' to stir things up.

Patti Scialfa - Play It as It Lays (Columbia)/Rock

Honestly, this record is on the top of the list this week. People can write off Patti as "just Bruce's wife," and they are welcome to dislike her warbling, Ronnie Spector-ish voice. Me, I totally love everything about her.