"Groove Interrupted"

With the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the arrival of Hurricane Isaac, I’ve had New Orleans on my mind.

I just recently finished reading “Groove Interrupted: Loss, Renewal and the Music of New Orleans” by Keith Spera, the music writer for the city’s Times-Picayune.

It’s a great read, one of the best music books that I’ve picked up in a long, long time.

Spera shares the heartbreaking and inspiring stories of many of New Orleans’ musicians following Katrina.

He writes about Aaron Neville losing two loves -- his wife and his city. He reveals Alex Chilton living in a cottage in the Treme neighborhood. He takes us with Fats Domino as he visits Manhattan.

Spera also unveils rapper Mystikal after he is released from prison and bluesman Gatemouth Brown’s struggling with his declining health. He also takes us into Terence Blanchard’s world as he tries to translate Katrina into music.

The book is structured with each artist’s story as a chapter. Even if you aren’t into a particular artist’s music, don’t skip a section. Each story is riveting.

It’s cliche, I know, but I’ll say it: I didn’t want the book to end.

Avett Brothers, Others Ready New Releases

Hey Vinyl Fans:

There are a few notable September releases coming up.

The Avett Brothers will deliver The Carpenter on Sept. 11. The album is produced by Rick Rubin. That's a great pairing.

The Dave Matthews Band is also scheduled to release Away From the World on the same day.

A week later, Ryan Bingham and Aimee Mann will release their new albums.

Bingham will give us Tomorrowland on his own label.

Mann returns with Charmer, her first album is many years.It is said to be influenced by the sugary pop sound of the 1970s.

Mark your calendars.

Searching for Sugar Man

I'm really looking forward to seeing "Searching for Sugar Man." The film is about singer-songwriter Rodriguez, who emerged in the '60s, but then soon fell into obscurity.

While many people in the United State never heard of him or believed he had died, Rodriguez was gaining a rabid following in South Africa. His anti-establishment lyrics resonated with people there during a time of Apartheid.

The film is both a musical and a mystery as it unravels the story of Rodriguez.

And, yes, vinyl fans there is a soundtrack coming from Light in the Attic.

Mark Your Calendars for Mountain Goats Album

The Mountain Goats have announced the release of Transcendental Youth on Oct. 2.

Merge says it will begin taking pre-orders July 23. What's intriguing is the record label says the advance orders will come with a special surprise.

I wonder what it could be.

Stay tuned to Merge to find out.

Cat Power Announces New Album

Cat Power’s first album of original material in more than six years is scheduled for a Sept. 4 release.

Matador is taking pre-orders for Sun, including a limited-edition, two-disc version on clear vinyl in an alternate gold foil cover. It also comes with a 7-inch record with two tracks not on the album.

Get a little taste of the upcoming album in this video announcement.

Gaslight Anthem LP Pre-Sale

The Gaslight Anthem’s fourth album, Handwritten, is available for pre-order on the Sideone Dummy Web site.

On blue vinyl, the album is $15 and is scheduled to be released July 24.

I’m big on this band, especially frontman Brian Fallon, who recently spent some time working on his side project, The Horrible Crowes.

He’s a terrific singer and songwriter whose gritty voice perfectly complements his barroom rock songs. This is the summer album that I've been waiting for.

Here’s the tracklist for the upcoming album:

1. 45

2. Handwritten

3. Here Comes My Man

4. Mulholland Drive

5. Keepsake

6. Too Much Blood

7. Howl

8. Biloxi Parish

9. Desire

10. Mae

11. National Anthem

Inside John Peel's Collection

You can look inside John Peel's vast record collection at The Space.

The legendary DJ amassed an amazing archive of more than 26,000 LPs, 40,000 singles, and thousands of CDs. This important collection of rock and other music is being made public through a special online project that will run for 26 weeks, from May through October.

Because of the size of the collection and time limitations, the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts and project supporters have decided to release details of the first 100 albums, listed alphabetically, from each letter of the alphabet each week. On May 1, the first 100 As were released.

In addition, with each release of 100 records there will be a mini-documentary about one of the artists. The first features 1960s singer-songwriter Mike Absalom.

Take a look. It's fun and worth spending time inside Peel's celebrated collection.