At the Record Store - 11/8

Laura Veirs - Tumble Bee: This Portland mainstay, who is a good friend of the Decemberists, is taking a little bit of a different route with her latest release... or at least lowering the target demographic.  Apparently, Tumble Bee is a kids album, that can be enjoyed by grownups too.  I've always thought that Veirs' fantasy-like songwriting style would lend itself easily to children's songs.  Now I get to see if I was correct.

Owen - Ghost Town: Owen, or Mike Kinsella, writes songs that cut deep.  They're honest, sometimes awkward in the best sense of the word.  He's not afraid to accompany himself with a band which adds some energy to his music, but sometimes he's best by himself.  Either way, his albums have a strong history of being worthwhile.