Ok, the Monthly Mix is back. Thanks to all the folks who wrote in to say how much they like these things. So, ok, yeah, I’ll keep ‘em going. Probably.

My ol’ pal Charles (that’s Chattanooga’s own Charles Allison (the man responsible for one of my very favorite records of 2002)) just finished up a EP of new material that he’s been pokin’ around on for a long while. With the aid of his cohorts Black Eyed Dog, and with masterful mixin’ by the legendary Mitch Easter(!), Charles ‘ new disc, Some Queer Raincoat, is now available, and it’s a nice lil’ slice of Charles’ earnest and sweet no-depressed sounds.

::: Charles Allison - All On An Officer’s Wage :::

He’s pressed the disc in a limited edition, and is currently selling it for a mere six bones (postage included(!)). I’m putting his Buy Now button right here on the page to save you the pain of having to jump over to Myspace:

There’s apparently a new Final Fantasy video, for “This Lamb Sells Condos,” here. I can’t see it because my internet is TEH SUCK right now, but I bet it’s probably pretty cool.

Got a note from Merge that there’s a new Rosebuds record on the way, which is great news… Night Of The Furies is out on April 10th, and is apparently a combo of their bouncy pop stylings (a la Make Out) and their gloomy pop stylings (a la Birds Make Good Neighbors). Check yr local listings- they’re touring throughout February and March.

Pitchfork had a nice review yesterday of that new Beirut EP, Lon Gisland. I just got it last week and am thoroughly enjoying it, brief as the damn thing is. For those not paying very close attention, this is out not only on CD, but also as a one-sided vinyl from Chouette. Completists may also want to take note, if they missed it, about the limited-edition Calexico/Beirut 7-inch that City Slang put out when the two bands were on tour together. Tracks are Beirut - “Interior Of A Dutch House” / Calexico - “The Guns Of Brixton.”