We are enjoying some good music while the children play. The weather is nice and cool. It is not crowded at all.

I can see some of the food offerings in my future.

We are relaxing and enjoying the band.

I decided to expand my blues collection, which is sorely lacking. I knew that I needed to focus on the classics so I started looking for who are the must haves.

I came up with a number of names, but these three stuck out: Sonny Boy Williamson [II], Elmore James, and Muddy Waters. Once I decided on who I was adding to my collection, I needed to decide what albums I was going to purchase. I searched iTunes and Amazon. After looking forever, I decided a collect was the right answer.

I decided on the Chess 50th Anniversary Collections of Sonny Boy Williamson and Muddy Waters. For Elmore James, I selected The Sky is Crying: The History of Elmore James collection.

While doing all of this searching, I ran across a number of good collection album in the “Milliennium Collection” series. I just couldn't pass on the “The Best of Blues Guitar” and “The Best of Blues Rock Songbook“.

Here are links to the albums on iTunes:

His Best : Sonny Boy Williamson [II]

The Sky is Crying : Elmore James

The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection: Muddy Waters – His Best, 1947 to 1955

20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Blues Guitar

20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Blues Rock Songbook

Now, I can turn my focus onto more current blues talent like Sue Foley.

- Brian Allen

The Nook is starting its change into the bar my dad has always wanted.

The bar went non-smoking on Sunday.

Today at 5 o'clock, a three piece blues band will be playing.

If you been listing anywhere you have to have heard the latest song Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

This is song that will pull you into a mood.

I am heading out tonight to listen to my friend Harry Delugach at the House of Brews. Harry has been playing open mics around town such as Kaffee Klatsch Bar. But, a couple of months ago he started playing actual gigs.

- Brian Allen

You have just got to stop and wonder when you see a band named “Panic! At the Disco”.

Even though their last full album release “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” was out in September of 2005, their hit song “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” is still is getting great air play.

Tracy Carreon's “A Moment's Peace”

“A Moment’s Peace… It can be so difficult to find these days. Yet, taking time to slow down and replenish our energy is essential for health and well-being. If you desire to reduce stress, create balance, and connect with a greater sense of peace, wisdom and joy, this beautiful audio is a gift you give to yourself. Here are the essentials for creating a personal stress reduction practice, with three powerful visualizations that invite you into a restful, centered state. Enter, and be deeply renewed. Return, and find yourself ready to fully embrace life… and all of its moments.” © Amazon.com

This a great relaxation CD.

I see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are coming out with a new album, but I had forgotten the great songs they had made in the past.

It is amazing how a little reminder can bring back many things.

On their Fever to Tell album, they have a great tune in the song “Maps“. The sound just runs on forever in your mind after hearing it.

And if it doesn't run on in your mind, their web site may stick in your mind or your nightmares.

Last night I as listing to a great band play covers at The Furnture Factory restaurant. And they played some great Santana. So, it is time run over to iTunes and get some great tracks off of The Best of Santana and The Best of Santana, Vol. 2.

It amazes me how you can stare at the iTunes stone and you can't think a single song to purchase. But every night out on the town, I hear a band playing a cover of a great song that I would love to have on my iPod.