I'm fresh off the JFK air train, back into the seething belly of Manhattan after a great weekend down South in Atlanta. I didn't see any shows, go to any record stores or even really listen to music besides what was on the radio in the car. Being back in a car was a real pleasure. I missed being behind the wheel, radio blaring, with the windows cranked down and the cool night air howling away. It was a familiar experience, but it felt new and inspiring.

Besides reacquainting myself with driving, I played the tourist at Stone Mountain, enjoyed real Southern BBQ for the first time (at Fat Matt's Rib Shack) and witnessed the honest and legendary hospitality of the South. Oh, and I drank several gallons of sweet tea. If I could write songs, I would compose one to the magical drink that is sweet tea.

The plane ride back to New York was brief, but it allowed me time to check out some new music. Most pleasing was Cannery Hours by New York's The Occasion.  "The Occasion makes music layered so thickly that it feels as if the walls are closing in," Peter Funk wrote in his review of Cannery Hours on Junk Media. "It's the density, the swirling cacophony of keyboards, tape loops, bass, guitar, and drums, that makes Cannery Hours both new and retro." Download the title track (MP3) and "All Over Idaho" (MP3) from the band's label, Say Hey Records.

Along with Levy, the Occasion will open for Art Brut at Maxwell's on Wednesday and I will be there. The Occasion will also join Art Brut and Test Icicles on Friday at Northsix. Don't forget, Art Brut will also be at the Tribeca Grand Hotel on Saturday night. It's a free show; just RSVP to getrad@igetrvng.com.