We've been busy over here. Nick has been hidden behind his computer throwing images at code and code at servers, working on an end-of-summer update to the site with an interface a bit more intuitive. Searching by artist will no longer require a drop-down list, and we think navigating through news, live shows, album reviews or whatever you're looking for will make a little more sense too. It'll also, like each update in the past, look a little cleaner than before.

While he's been busy with that, I've been soaking up C.W. Stoneking. C.W. Stoneking (his myspace) is a self-described 20's blues singer. No one, it seems, can tell when he's from, but the music makes a good case for a long time ago. His record, King Hokum, features mostly him singing and playing the simple blues on his guitar, with the occasional horn. He's got the right growl and the right grit.

On the other side of the spectrum, I recently was lucky enough to see This is the Life, a film about the beginnings of the L.A. hip-hop movement. The film features extensive interviews and is quite a treat, especially to someone who knew near nothing about it. The screenings look limited, but we'll keep you updated. In the meantime, you can try to get out to see one of the stars of the film, Abstract Rude, open for Atmosphere.

Check those two out, and keep checking up here, and all should be well.