My brother in beard-age here at KVSC, James, is a happy, hairy man this week. Yo La Tengo up went and stole the show this week, puttin’ a real hurtin’ on the other artist in our charts (the image which makes me think of this). He’d told me when he reviewed it that it was going to be hot, and from what I’d heard of it myself, I had reason to agree. Still, the sudden meteoric rise is something to behold. Or I’m just easily impressed.

I am also pleased-as-punch to see "fun." (quotes for clarity) slotting in at number 2 this week. I was getting worried that its early promise was fading as it reached the end of its run in our New Music Rotation, but it just took off this last week, almost inexplicably. Granted, the record has shown a strong tendency to chart, but to see it rubbing elbows with the top spot took me off guard (in the best possible way).

I was also concerned this week with the plight (apparently) of Arctic Monkeys. It took the very last tallies to even allow it to sneak into the bottom of the list, despite its strong showings in weeks past. But, as I have promised: WOO!

Finally, two last (final last) causes for joy: Fink is still going strong, and The Rifles (whose debut I wish we had here at KVSC) made an appearance. The former is likely to keep up the momentum while I feel the latter will only make the brief, occasional appearance in the Top 30, as much as I might like it to be otherwise.

It’s time to bend over, grab your ankles and kiss your charts goodbye.