Yesterday was a shoegaze kinda day – today, the opposite side of the coin (as far as my musical tastes go). We got some folk, some country, some singer-songwriter, some America(na)… It’s a gol-durned pot pourri.

Scotland On Sunday talks to Gemma Hayes about writing and recording her new album The Roads Don’t Love You on the road in Los Angeles. The album is out October 31 in the UK (cover art). The first single from the album is called “Happy Sad” and you can see the video here:

Video: Gemma Hayes – “Happy Sad” (WMV)

It’s a peppy-ish number, though not as strong at first listen as some of the stuff off of Night On My Side (you can see a couple of the videos from that record here. I heart me some Gemma, and not just for the obvious reasons. Her music is excellent too.

Sarah Harmer will release her new album I’m A Mountain on November 8. It will feature, in Sarah’s own words, “acoustic bluegrass style ditties of mine and some choice covers”. She’ll also be touring the album including a couple of shows at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre on December 2 and 3.

In what might be the coolest thing I’ve heard this fiscal quarter, Neil Young will be the musical guest on Late Night With Conan O’Brien… for a whole week. Neil will appear on the show four nights straight from November 1st through the 4th, certainly performing material from Prairie Wind and hopefully some classic stuff as well. I rarely (read: never) stay up for late-night TV, but may have to make the exception for Neil.

Son Volt to The Chicago Sun-Times – “Don’t call it a comeback, I been here for years – Rockin my peers and puttin suckas in fear…” (via LHB). Dirt Music also has an interview. Jay Farrar and his posse are at the Opera House on Monday to rock the mic.

Boston.com looks at the new My Morning Jacket and likes what it sees (via LHB). Maine Today talks to local boy and MMJ drummer Patrick Hallahan. The Villager and Rolling Stone also have pieces. MMJ are at the Guvernment on Wednesday night, and I think I’m going to be there – not 100% certain, still working that out. You’ll find out Thursday if I make it or not.

Embarking on their largest ever tour in support of Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River are giving their fans an extra treat – they’re taking requests. Whether this is requests for their own material or Neil Diamond covers, I’m not sure, but whatever the set list ends up being November 7 at Lee’s Palace, I’ll be ecstatic.

Thought Sufjan interviews were all played out? Chart disagrees.

Also from Chart – a chat with The Decemberists’ Chris Funk. After the current tour (which stopped in Toronto Thursday night), they’re off to Europe, taking a vacation and then recording their fourth album with an eye towards a Fall 2006 release.

Local Death Cab coverage, part the second – Chart and The National Post (via Adam Radwanski).

Reuters reports that The West Wing will air a completely live episode November 6 to coincide with the Presidential debate between fictional candidates Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda, and not just once – twice. Once for the east coast and once for the west coast. It’s meant to drum up interest in the show, whose ratings are flagging in its seventh season. I blame the time slot move to Sundays at 8PM after six years more than anything else. I’ve been watching the show religiously since its inception and I’ve already forgotten when it’s on. It’s a shame they chose to mess with it in what is likely its final season – the election campaign storyline that made last season so enjoyable to watch hasn’t flagged this year, and will certainly send the show off on a high note. If anyone’s watching, that is.

np – Okkervil River / Black Sheep Boy