The latest issue of the newly resurrected (hooray!) Oxford American had an article about the Old Crow Medicine Show, a group of fellas all under a quarter century old, who play music from as far back sometimes as the turn of the century (note: not the latest one, but the one from 19th to 20th.) According to the article, they tore the roof of the Grand Ole Opry when they had their debut appearance there. Makes you wonder how "Old Timey" music came to be old -- people seem to still love the stuff, why'd we stop listening to it?

Speaking of Oxford American, BTW, their next issue will be the music issue. Pick a good newsstand or bookstore, and keep an eye out. The OxAm music issue is the best single issue of any magazine for music geeks all year long.

One of the great rock'n'roll magazines faded away on us in 1988. But now Creem is back, and the world is safe for rawk again. They have a bunch of reviews online, and an archive that that serves as a handy snapshot of the world of rock from '69 to '88 if you drill in and check out the covers.

For a slightly more commercial take on tunes (and movies as well) there's also the British mag Uncut. You might find it in a bookstore or newsstand with a deep selection, and at $8.95 it ain't cheap. But you do get a mix CD each month, and the March 2003 one was full of very good Bowie covers, including "All the Young Dudes" by Alejandro Escovedo, and "Heroes" by Blondie (circa 1980!).

March of Death - Zack de la Rocha and DJ Shadow
Seems like Zack was born pissed off. Good thing he's working for the good guys.

The Price of Oil - Billy Bragg
(props to Goddess for the tip!) Everyone's favorite British socialist speaks truth to power.

Self Evident - Ani Difranco
This one actually came out soon after 9/11, underscoring Ani's status as a fearless and uncompromising righteous babe.

Ready for more? The Peace Not War Compilation website should keep you busy for a good while.

The latest of the The Music They Made articles came out in the NYTimes Sunday. It's about B.B. King this time. I personally have seen his bus on the highway no fewer than four different times. Works pretty hard for a man of 77.