Simone Felice has announced details of his debut solo album, set for release on April 2nd 2012 via Reveal Records. To celebrate this announcement, Simone has made one of his brand new album tracks 'New York Times' available for free download here.

Rolling Stone reports: "Many bands reimagine traditional holiday songs when writing original Christmas tunes. Portland, Oregon's Blitzen Trapper, on the other hand, wrote the melodic "Christmas Is Coming Soon" about all the aspects of small-town life – and a hick Santa."

Pitchfork reports: "The Beach Boys will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reunion, a new album, a world tour, and a reissue campaign. And yes, Brian Wilson is part of it, joining Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks."

Have a good weekend whatever you're up to, be it festive or rest-ive.  From the AMA site: "The Americana Music Association has announced its year-end Top 10 & Top 100 Albums of the Year. The Top 100 albums are based on those records reported to the Americana Airplay Chart during the period of November 16, 2010 through November 14, 2011. This years’ Top Ten most played albums are...."