Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#652 in the Series) is the Original Soundtrack Recording from the film, Once With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, if you are looking for a movie to get you in the mood for corned beef and cabbage, instead of the old standby The Quiet Man, check out the Irish musical film “Once.” It produced a terrific soundtrack that more than stands on in its own. It features musicians Glen Hansard, from Irish folk band The Frames, and Czech immigrant Marketa Irglová. You don’t have to see the movie to appreciate the soundtrack, but it only helps the appeal of these charming yet soulful songs that have pop rock roots. In...

  Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#632 in the Series) is Levon Helm, Dirt Farmer. (Vanguard Records) Every year since the early 80’s I’ve come up with my own Album of the Year. This won easily as my Album of Year in 2008.  (It was actually released late in late 2007, I know! You’ll understand soon.) We all know Levon Helm as drummer, picker and lead vocalist of The Band.  If you’re a fan of The Band, or just Americana music in general, you must add Dirt Farmer to your collection. It was strange.  I actually had this album for quite some time before I really got into it.  I had it, gave it a quick spin when...

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#302 in the Series) is Ray Davies, Working Man’s Café. For as popular and respected as Ray Davies is and for as popular and respected as the Kinks were, they’re both still extremely under-recognized. (I’m not a big fan of the saying “underrated” but you know what I mean.) Yes, they are often considered one of the greats.  That I see. It’s neither read, nor heard enough in my opinion. They’re top shelf in ANY team picture of all-time greats. Working Man’s Café was released by Ray in the fall of 2007.  I think it’s one of his strongest efforts to date. This is a story-tellers delight. Not a surprise from Ray, I know....