If you like soul. . .

. . .then do yourself a huge favor and buy this recording. Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise is making some of the most beautiful music out there today. You'll listen to it and say, "So that's what happened to that kind of music! I thought it was dead!"

If you like a country music via Austin, Texas, you should also treat yourself to Randy Rogers Band's Rollercoaster. It has shades of Steve Earle, though without the strident stupidity Earle has exhibited over the past several years. What political commentary it does have will appeal to Crunch Cons -- though there's plenty of reason to like it otherwise. It's guitar-driven outlaw-ish country-rock, and it's very good. If you don't find yourself at least nodding your head along with it, well -- I just don't know what to think of you.

Jeff Curtis, RIP

Lucianne.com lost a great, longtime friend this weekend with the passing of Jeff Curtis. At this point, I know very little about the circumstances of his passing, but the loss itself is a big one for all who knew him in one way or another. Jeff was a selfless man who loved to do for others. He operated a message board (linked above) at Delphi Forums for people who frequent Lucianne.com to allow Ldotters to communicate directly with one another. He was a diligent, dedicated man who happily rushed to the aid of anyone in need of technical information or advice.

Rest in peace, Jeff. You're one of the good ones.

Amnesty beneficiary John Derbyshire. . .

. . .is very restrictionist these days, despite having been an illegal immigrant at one time. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but John Derbyshire's situation qualifies as amnesty in my book. After all, he lived in this country for a period of time in which it was illegal for him to do so. Yet, despite his obvious criminality, he's been allowed to stay -- provided he went through the proper channels.

Odd that.