Chris Berardo & The DesBerardos "Pure Faith"

"There are places I remember..." Hey, I just bought $30 worth of Beatles from iTunes, and I have been driving around in the car with my iPod cranking to drink it all in. What is it about listening in the car that is just so...right? "In My Life," gawd, how did they ever write such beautiful and meaningful lyrics when they were so young? It is hard to believe, in retrospect, that the 60s didn't just yield The Beatles, but the landscape also yielded the likes of Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones, and oh so much landmark music. It was a golden age, and I am happy to have witnessed it first hand, although to be sure, we had no idea how special it was historically while we were in the midst of it.

I'm happy to report that many of today's artists bring it forward, with attention to the details. Melody, lyrics, counterpoint, production. Chris Berardo and The DesBerardos have been referenced by Mario Tarradell of the Dallas Observer as a missing link of sorts, "These guys make clean, real music that harkens back to the 1970's golden era when The Eagles and Jackson Brown attracted fans of pop, rock and country. Ah, the good old days."

Chris fronted the New York City based band Sleeper, before he moved to L.A. to form the band Berardo. Along the way his songwriting grew, as he collaborated with Hall of Fame member Bob Crewe ("Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You," "Lady Marmalade," "Big Girls Don't Cry,") and Jerry Corbetta of Sugarloaf ("Green Eyed Lady.") Chris returned to the Northeast and, along with his brother Marc, started the DesBerardos. There have been three CDs under the DesBerados brand so far, with album four in the works. Chris and company will be playing at The Mansion on O Street this Thursday night, December 2nd. So if you are in the DC area, come check them out...but you have to get your reservations in advance of the show, not at the door. The Mansion is a mysterious place, and if you don't know the password, they will disavow any knowledge of what is going on inside. To whet your appetite, this is "Pure Faith," the title track from album number two, with this version recorded during SXSW 2010 in Austin, at Threadgill's, for Music Fog's artist showcases.

- Jessie Scott

Red Dirt Rangers "Heaven & Hell"

Black Friday. The very words wring terror in my heart. I drive past the parking lots of shopping Mecca's with a genuine wonder as to the constitutions of those that would treat shopping like camping out all night to buy tickets for a major concert. Well, at least it is a physical exercise! And after yesterday's turkey, ham, roast beef, root vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and 4 gooey desserts, I guess it is not a bad idea to do some 'power shopping' and a rousing round of mall-walking in your tennies.

If you are going to send out cards this year, there are cool ones at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum from Hatch Show Printers. These are the prints that have accompanied the Grand Ole Opry Shows, among others, for decades. The Nashville store started operating in 1879, actually predating the Opry by 44 years. They employ hand-carved blocks and wood type, and their iconic posters appeared on buildings and barns across rural America back in the day.

Lots of other gift giving options at the CMHOF, too, and they are having their first-ever Black Friday and Cyber Monday online deals which includes free shipping on orders until December 15th. Check their website for any updates. And there are discounts on Country Music Foundation originals, among them, the Johnny Cash Christmas Specials 1976-1979 DVD Box Set. Me, I want the Johnny Cash - Triple Johnny poster! (Alvin, Alvin...Alvin!).

Next year it would be great if the Hatch folks would do a Red Dirt Christmas Card...maybe it could say 'Have A Green and Red Dirt Christmas,' or maybe it could be an homage to 'Rudolph The Red Dirt Reindeer.' Either sentiment would go along side their Honky Tonky Christmas Cards. And in honor of different strokes for different folks, whether you are avoiding the shopping or embracing it, let's all be thankful that this is the time of year that we celebrate, give gifts, and get together, whatever your choices.

We got to hook up with The Red Dirt Rangers during the heat of the summer at WoodyFest in Okemah, Oklahoma, but inside the cool air conditioning of the Thompson's Loft. We bring you an exclusive track from July's sessions, "Heaven & Hell," which will likely be on their next album. The Red Dirt Rangers for Music Fog.

- Jessie Scott

Bill Miller "Wind Spirit"

I have changed course a million times trying to figure out what song to bring you for Thanksgiving. I have researched a zillion "Thanks" songs to no avail, and have been racking my brain to deliver this simple, yet heartfelt, message...but with which song? We could have done "Thanks To You" Emmy's version, or Chris Smither's version of this Jesse Winchester song. None were on the web. I thought about Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant," Loudon Wainwright's "Thanksgiving," or even his "Suddenly It's Christmas." From the sublime to the ridiculous.

Today, thanks to us all. To our maker, to each other, to our land. To our families, to our friends. To life. To living in this great country. To freedom, to the stars and the sky and the wide open spaces. To those that have helped us along the way. To complete strangers for a smile, the opening of a door; of a small inconsequential kindness that made such a difference. I don't think we take the time to say thank you enough. Don't just take, give back. Be a good neighbor. Do things to help out in your family, community, school, church. Be considerate, be loving, share. Celebrate the harvest.

Sometimes saying 'thanks' is a hard thing to do, so the song we bring you today has no lyrics. It is from Native American artist Bill Miller. He has posted two CDs this year; they came out in June and September respectively, Chronicles of Hope and Spirit Wind East. He is an award-winning recording artist, performer, songwriter, speaker, painter, and a world-class flute player. Miller received the GRAMMY® award for Best Native American Music Album in 2005 for Cedar Dream Songs. Our friend peter Cooper did a wonderful story on him that was featured in the Tennessean's Entertainment/Music section, Tune In Music City.

Be thankful for whatever your blessings. The song "Wind Spirit" is from Bill Miller's album of 2000, The Art Of Survival. Let the warmth fill your heart. Be still, be joyous.

- Jessie Scott