Thomas Dolby "The Toadlickers"

The past, how it lurks in the back of one's brain. It was exciting being in New York City in the early 80s, disco-ing 'til dawn. Fun days, dangerous days; not particularly well spent, more likely ill-spent, but fondly remembered days anyway. Ah, to be a Yuppie again! Cut to today. Amidst the music on my iPod, there is Soul, R&B, Blues, Country, Americana; and there is - gasp - the guilty pleasure of 80's music. That stuff was fresh, catchy, and some of it continues to wear well to this day, it still makes a joyous noise. Thomas Dolby, for instance. I could watch the video for "She Blinded Me With Science" forever, and it is a song that never makes me want to hit fast forward when it comes up on shuffle.

Photo Credit: NK GuyIt has been twenty years since Thomas Dolby has put a new studio album out. He quit the music business in the early 90s and has spent years as a muckety muck in Silicon Valley, where he created the ringtone synthesizer that is embedded in more than 3 billion mobile phones shipped by Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and others. On the way, at long last, is A Map of the Floating City. The album features appearances by Mark Knopfler, Regina Spektor, Natalie MacMaster, Bruce Woolley and Imogen Heap. Leading up to the full-length, Thomas is releasing three digital-only EPs containing three or four songs apiece, exclusively to the members of his online fan community, The Flat Earth Society. The first EP is called Amerikana, and there is already a video from it, "The Toadlickers." We welcome yet another innovative artist digging into the rich loam of the Americana landscape for inspiration.

- Jessie Scott 

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