Fresh off the presses from our inboxes comes this week's launch of GIVE -- 30 downloadable tracks from a variety of Seattle artists, who are donating their songs to benefit Arts Corps and local area foodbanks. The $7.00 (!) compilation, which was produced, curated, and funded by Caffe Vita, will be available online here. Physical compilations can be picked up at all Caffe Vita locations, Easy Street Records, Sonic Boom Records, University Book Store, The Crocodile, EMP, Neumo's, and Sorrento Hotel. The in-hand compilations will include a physical card with a redemption code for the download, and a prettied-up sleeve to make it a ready-to-give present.

Here's the full track listing -- nearly all of which are exclusive to the compilation:

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Last month, we heard the news that J. Tillman's next record will be out in September. If you can't wait that long, however (A Year in the Kingdom is still set to come out on 9/22) you can get your instant beard love on here: RockFeedback has just released video of a full half-hour recording session, showcasing Tillman's recent solo work in a well-deserved spotlight.

We've also got some West coast tour dates just shy of the record release, which looks like all California for now:

Aug 19 - Downtown Brew Pub W/ Pearly Gate Music - San Luis Opbispo, CA
Aug 20 - Muddy Waters W/ Pearly Gate Music - Santa Barbara, CA
Aug 21 - Echo W/ Evan Way & Big Search - Los Angeles, CA
Aug 23 - Cafe Du Nord W/ Pearly Gate Music & Moore Brothers - San Francisco, CA
Aug 24 - Crepe Place W/ Pearly Gate Music & Mariee Sioux - Santa Cruz, CA
Aug 25 - TBA - Big Sur, CA

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Beard and all, I loves me some J. Tillman. Really.

On his own, Fleet Fox-style, or backing up his brother Zach & the rest of Pearly Gate Music - whatever your personal taste may be, you've got to admit that this guy's got quite a bit of talent.

While the most recent show at the Crocodile left a bit to be desired (by fault of the crowd, that is, not the band), apparently the new album coming out on Western Vinyl won't disappoint. Based on the adjectives, it sounds like it's going to be quite a departure from what we've heard thus far...

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Pearly Gate Music opens up for J. Tillman at the Croc tonight, and you need to come get your wow on.

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So now a little bird told me that TWO mystery Sub Pop guests will be appearing at the Sunset show on Sunday night.

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It's going to be as exciting as those old Velvet Elvis Sunday afternoons for me, except I'm going to be drinking Bloody Marys! Woot!

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"It's with a level of excitement known only to those who have won the Super Bowl, discovered DNA, or unearthed the Rosetta Stone that we tell you that J TILLMAN has joined our musical family."

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Even though we're in the midst of a celebratory time of year, the shock of the sudden closing of the legendary Crocodile Cafe is still with us.

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I normally listen to music while driving/riding my bike/working. During any of these activities, my mixes are super random and I'm a big fan of Shuffle mode on the iPod.

Instead of listing off albums, I decided to share ten of my favorites songs from 2007, both local or otherwise. It was a great year for music, one that expanded my musical tastes. Attending festivals and shows to shoot photos exposed me to some bands I would never have known otherwise, ones that are now in constant rotation.

In no particular order (and with photos I've taken this year, where applicable):

The Arcade Fire - "Antichrist Television Blues"

Brother Ali -"Walking Away"

Japanther -"River Phoenix"

The Lonesome Rhodes - "Sunshine"

Siberian - "Belgian Beers and Catholic Girls"

Mewithoutyou - "Messes of Men"

Andrew Bird - "Imitosis"

J Tillman - "Steel on Steel"

Kevin Drew - "TBTF"

One Be Lo - "Gray"

Chop Suey is hosting a benefit on Sunday, December 30 for The Croc (RIP) staff and Three Imaginary Girls is proud to sponsor the event.

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