My Morning Jacket, The Bridges & Beer

Lots of good records out today, including new ones from Jakob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, The Fratellis, Joan as Policewoman and Solomon Burke, but there can be only one...

CD OF THE WEEK
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Back in 2006, when we recruited Drive-By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood to write about one of our 100 Best Living Songwriters, I was surprised that he chose Prince. But listening to My Morning Jacket's latest makes me realize Mr. Purple Rain's influence on Southern rockers is more widespread. Jim James gets downright funky on songs like "Highly Suspicious" which has half our office scoffing and the other half rocking out. The album is the biggest departure for the band yet, but I think it's a trip that most of their fans, including me, will be more than willing to take. Check out our July cover story hitting newsstands (and hopefully your mailbox) soon.

NEW DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK
The Bridges - Limits of the Sky
Fans of Sixpence None the Richer or Eisley will dig this new band from Oxford, Ala. Fronted by Brittany Painter and backed by four siblings—Stacey, Natalie, Jeremy and Isaaca Painter—the melodies, harmonies and chiming piano make a marvelous sound. The album is out today, and you can read more about The Bridges here or listen for yourself here.

BEER OF THE WEEK
Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock
I love to tell people how the best beer in the world comes from Belgium despite Germany's successful marketing to the contrary (like the poor exchange student I cornered in the pub a couple of weeks ago). But this is a serious excpetion. The  unique ice brewing creates a much fuller, complex malty flavor. And I love the story behind its creation...

Up until the 1940's, Aventinus was shipped all over Bavaria in containers lacking temperature control. Consequently, the precious drink partially froze during transportation. Unaware that the brew was concentrated by the separation of water from the liquid. People were baffled by this unique version of Aventinus. By chance, the first Aventinus Eisbock was created.