Another frigid weekend on the Flatlands – it’s mid-February, though, so we’re getting there. We’ll be watching the buds pop and grass green soon – so in the meantime, we’ll warm up with some spectacular Americana tunes!

Batting lead off today for us is a band I’ve loved for a long time…Son Volt. Jay Farrar is back with Devil May Care off of their album “Union” set to hit March 29th. The Volts’ classic song rings in your ear immediately and Jay’s vocals spin you back in time as it strains to push you in the right direction in tough times. The calendar says Winter, but this one says Summer backroads wandering.

Speaking of going on a wander – take along Strand of Oaks Weird Ways the next time you wander through oaks or maples or aspen – which ever strands you wind through. Weird Ways is a thoughtful, full slide through Timothy Showalter’s return that he thought he’d never make. I’d like to personally thank the guys from My Morning Jacket for getting Timothy back into that studio and coaxing out the “Eraserland” album.

Fragile, yet so full of feeling – that’s Caroline Spence to me. Sit Here and Love Me is her plaintive and heartfelt reach for love and tenderness. It’s one of those songs I don’t want to move during for fear of disturbing the serenity of the listening. Settle in and let it warm your soul.

“We’re all headed somewhere…” Under The Oak reminds us of the journey and helps us on the way with their Beyond the Physical. The harmonies echo and burrow their way through you and nestle in right where you need them. I enjoy the mix of strings – and it helps elevate the harmonies even higher. The video walks along the shore and into the meadows, and the song took me there even without the video cues.

Colin Meloy’s lilts take us Traveling On with The Decemberists latest. It’s vocal people watching for me in this one. A well travelled ensemble now, these folks have seen a lot over the years and they share a view out the window with us. “It won’t be long…til we’re traveling on…” Thanks for the postcard you guys.

That’s the mixtape for this weekend. They’re saying a little more snow for us on the Flatlands Sunday…I’ll pull another blanket out and toss another log on the fire for you – in the meantime – enjoy the Mixtape!