'Best mixtape you've ever heard'

One of the best things about the days leading up to Christmas is the arrival each year of the Oxford American magazine's annual Southern Music issue. The inspired writing on a wide diversity of music always makes for a months-long adventure. Toss in the companion CD -- or double CD as is the case this most recent issue focused on Tennessee -- and you have a double bill that's hard to match. 

The top-notch quality can be heard in a wonderful two-part podcast from the folks at Beale Street Caravan, a show celebrating the influential musical stew that emanates from Memphis's famed boulevard but whose influence spreads worldwide. Oxford American music editor (could that be the best job in America?) Rick Clark takes a starring role in each episode, sharing interesting back stories on the songs and the planning that goes into each issue. 

I highly recommend streaming or downloading both episodes, which the hosts describe as "a live-in-the-studio listening session of the best mixtape you've ever heard." Bold statement, yes, but give a listen to Part 1 and Part 2 and tell me you disagree.

And by all means buy the magazine, either direct from the website or at bookstores like Barnes & Noble. You'll be a better human as a result. 

Fascinating video of 1955 Belgian Grand Prix

Thanks to a tip from Nigel Roebuck at Motorsport Magazine, race fans are discovering a fascinating 30-minute documentary on the 1955 Belgian Grand Prix that takes viewers back to a much simpler time when speed and safety were completely different goals. 

You'll want to watch the entire clip -- which Shell funded at great expense given the number of cameramen and crew -- to see legends like Fangio and Moss muscle their way around the grandest of racing circuits, Spa Francochamps. It's scary to see how close cars at high speed get to nonchalant pit crews and observers.  

The many layers of Dave Mustaine

Dave MustaineI'm playing catch-up here but wanted to share a memorable "Soundcheck" podcast from early August featuring Megadeath leader Dave Mustaine. 

Metal musicians are often dismissed as clueless headbangers more interested in drugs, tattoos and leather than serious wide-ranging discussions on WNYC, the best-known public radio station in the States.  

But in this funny and eloquent interview, Mustaine discusses dementia as inspiration for song; the physical downsides of, um, headbanging; and performing with a South American youth orchestra whose instruments are made from items salvaged from their home -- a landfill. 

Mustaine is a rock legend, yes, but as this interview shows, a normal guy with whom you'd love to share a beer or two. 

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