Mean Wind - “Kingdom Come” This story takes place in a sacred house. A treasure house hidden by trees and down a rocky lane. The air thick with humid history, a fortifying stillness, a rousing energy of glad, of birth in the face of death. The story is simple: a family grows up. But the house, glory be, the house is what makes it. Like gilded velvet curtains around the same old play.

[Mean Wind are continually impressive, clever, sparkling. They have a new EP]

Chromewaves shares mp3s of holiday-themed covers.

American Songwriter lists 2011's anticipated music releases.

Prefix lists its 30 most anticipated albums of 2011.

Yesterday's updates to the list of 2010 year-end online music lists included Little White Earbuds' top albums, author Blissblog's of the year, and much more.

CHARTattack lists 17 reasons Captain Beefheart was cool.

The Atlantic explains how "Jingle Bells" by the Singing Dogs changed music forever.

Up on the Sun breaks down Pitchfork's best albums of the year list.

NPR Music is sharing a streaming holiday mix.

Editor vs. Editor analyzes Pitchfork's Best New Music picks over the last eight years.

20 soulful blogs for vinyl fans and collectors.

The Measure lists the top six Christmas rap songs.

Yesterday's updates to the list of 2010 year-end online music lists included the Boston Globe critics' top albums, author Rob Sheffield's artists of the year, and much more.

The A.V. Club recommends entry points into the music of Paul Weller.

The Bay Bridged shares a collection of new indie Christmas songs from the Bay Area and beyond.

Stream a preview of the new EP by Beth Ditto (Gossip) at the Sydney Star Observer.

Vanity Fair interviews Ronnie Spector about Christmas albums.

Stuff remembers Captain Beefheart.

Consequence of Sound is streaming two Christmas songs created by the musical team of Sufjan Stevens and Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National.

Cover Me has wrapped up its list of the best 50 cover songs of the year.