'Best mixtape you've ever heard'

One of the best things about the days leading up to Christmas is the arrival each year of the Oxford American magazine's annual Southern Music issue. The inspired writing on a wide diversity of music always makes for a months-long adventure. Toss in the companion CD -- or double CD as is the case this most recent issue focused on Tennessee -- and you have a double bill that's hard to match. 

The top-notch quality can be heard in a wonderful two-part podcast from the folks at Beale Street Caravan, a show celebrating the influential musical stew that emanates from Memphis's famed boulevard but whose influence spreads worldwide. Oxford American music editor (could that be the best job in America?) Rick Clark takes a starring role in each episode, sharing interesting back stories on the songs and the planning that goes into each issue. 

I highly recommend streaming or downloading both episodes, which the hosts describe as "a live-in-the-studio listening session of the best mixtape you've ever heard." Bold statement, yes, but give a listen to Part 1 and Part 2 and tell me you disagree.

And by all means buy the magazine, either direct from the website or at bookstores like Barnes & Noble. You'll be a better human as a result.