I'm a little late to the ball, but if you're not familiar with Alejandro Escovedo, before we all turn into pumpkins pick up the latest "Under the Influence" or the one before "With These Hands." A dizzying and satisfying mix of styles and heartfelt lyrics and vocals.

Now, for the request: if any of you are home in front of the tv tomorrow instead of watching the fireworks, please post your reactions to the Brian Wilson tribute on TNT and your thoughts about other artists covering this catalog. Let's leave Mike Love out of the mix; it's much too easy to remember James Watt and the Washington Monument, esp on the 4th of July. I'm in the Elvis Costello camp of thinking many of these songs are pop classics and wondering why they haven't been covered more often. And I have my reasons!

Thanks. God shed his grace on thee.