Still spinning copious amounts of Old Crow and the Avett Brothers. I’m stoked to hear that Old Crow will release a new album in September. You can stream the great first single, “Caroline”, from their MySpace page. I’m still hoping to catch them at the Ryman in October. Sunny’s not a big fan, but she says she’ll be my date (‘atta girl!).

Also, the Avett Brothers announced last week that they’re in the process of recording a new album with uber-producer Rick Rubin. Of course, Rubin produced all of Cash’s American Recordings albums as well as the most recent Dixie Chicks disc, so you can imagine how excited I am about this news. Last year’s “Emotionalism” has vaulted into the hallowed ground of my top 3 or 4 albums of all-time. There’s literally not a song on there that I don’t love. I’m eyeing their September 26 Nashville show.

By the way, tickets to either of these shows would make for a great early birthday present for someone!