Topix — It proved all too easy to get a little melancholy while watching the Gourds perform what they termed a "hiatus" show at Threadgill's World Headquarters last night, especially as I reflected on how they've been part of the landscape of my life as an A... more info

Topix — Nothing screams "Austin" more than migas with Kevin Russell at Cisco's. Best known as co-frontman of iconic Austin jokesters the Gourds, Russell blends right in at the Liars' Club table in the legendary Austin Tex-Mex breakfast joint, sitting beneath... more info

Guardian Music — Some factual guidance for those still unsure as to when exactly we celebrate the birth of Jesus You couldn't really write a much simpler song. When, asks this standard of the black American Christian tradition, was Jesus born? And the answer? "Wasn't... more info

Topix — Did you make it to Red Fang 's air guitar shred off last night? Do you remember what happened? If so, it appears Red Fang could use a little help filling in the gaps. more info

Twangville — ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Old Mad Joy, by The Gourds The Gourds latest is a bit deceiving. The band has built a reputation as a bluegrass and backporch country band, but things aren’t always what they seem. The album open as one would expect. “I Want ... more info

Topix — Live from the Broken Spoke , our own Margaret Moser tips Fox 7 off to two Chronicle cover stars the Gourds and Nakia live this weekend, plus upcoming CDs from Speak and Carolyn Wonderland . more info

Topix — In 17 years together, the Gourds have fielded everything the greater music business has thrown its way, short of that coveted million-seller or a Grammy. more info

USA Today Music — Funky '65 R&B hit 'Hole in the Wall' is this week's pick. Among intriguing track stars are the Austin quintet and Australian sister act. more info

Totally Fuzzy — (Photo Jimmy Katz/Courtesy of Nonesuch Records) James Farm's self-titled debut — out April 26 2011 on Nonesuch Records. James Farm is the newish band featuring saxophonist Joshua Redman, pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Eric... more info

KEXP Seattle — For many musicians, covering other artists’ material comes at a peril. There is the risk of exposing one’s own weaknesses as a songwriter, or dragging a well-known tune so far from its stylistic roots that the results yield an amusing but short-l... more info