¡viva la graham!

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sara Beck has finally unveiled her debut full-length disc, a fantastic collection of folk-country-pop songs called Music for Lovers and Fighters. Though her sound is refreshingly original, it’s often reminiscent of Taylor Swift in pop mode, Colbie Callait minus the smirk, and Bonnie Raitt at her most soulful.

My favorite on the album has to be “Highs & Lows,” a clever kiss-off to a good-for-nothing ex. It’s as good, if not better, than anything you’ll hear on pop radio at the moment. Check it out:

Beck is celebrating the record’s release with a performance in Music City on April 30 at 12th and Porter. A copy of the CD is yours with the price of admission. See you there!

New Orleans-based rock act Mute Math finally unveiled the manic video for latest single “Spotlight,” a raucous, infectious creation complete with hand claps and distorted guitars. The clip appears simple enough — the dapper gents play the song in the back of a moving van — but repeated views reveal much more than a simple performance. It’s impressive and imaginative in the same vein as the band’s video for “Typical.”

The track originally emerged on the Twilight soundtrack last year, making it Mute Math’s second soundtrack entry after its Transformers theme. The group’s full-length sophomore release is due this summer.

Meet my new favorite cat lady, 47-year-old Susan Boyle, a frumpy, scrappy Brit who shocked everyone this week with her angelic voice on Britain’s Got Talent. After a slightly-awkward interview with the judges (including Simon Cowell), her flawless performance of Les Miserable’s “I Dream A Dream” stunned the entire crowd, most of whom expected her to be a joke. Honestly, I was moved to tears by Susan’s triumph — as was she.

The viral video I posted above has since exploded on the internet, making the unknown singer an instant sensation. Word is that she’s already in talks with Cowell’s management team. Her kitty definitely has a new scratching post coming!

On the image front, something tells me Susan will be getting a makeover very soon, though I think she’s pretty fucking awesome just as she is. And on a final note, when she went to her local church on Easter Sunday, the congregation gave her a standing ovation! Precious.