Friday Night's All Right for Rockin'

As long as I've been around here Friday and Saturday nights were the time to post non-political, fun or otherwise non-Rove diaries.

As a long-recovering record-store-guy these are some of the most interesting new albums I've listened to over the past week or so.  As the Chicagoland residents swelter to Lollapalooza in Grant Park, you can hang out in your cool basement and nod your heads to this.

1. Willie Nelson - Countryman:  Willie's just-released reggae album. Seriously.  The reviews aren't too hot but I like it.  Johnny Cash going NIN is one thing, Willie smoking weed with the spirit of Bob Marley is quite another.
2. Andrew Bird - The Mysterious Production of Eggs:  It came out in February but its new to me.  Downbeat lyrics coupled with crisp, energetic pop tunes.  A record for any mood.
3. Missy Elliot - Cookbook - Missy proves she can produce without Timbaland on this album with only a few missteps.  She's sassy and tough and the best female rapper out there.
4. Frank Black - Honeycomb:  I'm as unabashed a Pixies fan as there is.  I bought my tickets for their tour last year 7 months in advance.  This is Black Francis gone Nashville and it's an interesting combination.  The Pixies-style lyrics are still there but it's country.  Some Pixies fans might not like it but I love it.
5. Head of Femur - Hysterical Stars - Full disclosure:  I know the three core members of this band pretty well.  That doesn't stop me from having a hell of a time at their shows.  This album is good but I still like their first album Ringodom or Proctor? a little bit better.  They may be playing near you very soon.  Check your calendars.

Any other recommendations out there? *Poll Disclaimer: If I included every band that could be considered punk the poll would have 1000 choices and then someone would come along and say "but what about Ass Hymen?" And, yes, around these parts there was a punk band called Ass Hymen in the mid 90's.