As the year starts to wind down (hasn't it gone quickly), there would appear to be no more absolutely essential releases to come. But, there are always surprises. And it would appear that Zookeeper have something special in store. Chris Simpson formed Zookeeper in Austin, Texas after a two year hiatus from music. After releasing a 5 song EP that was beautiful and touching in a lo-fi way, they now return with their first full length, "Becoming All Things". It is due for release on November 6 on Belle City Pop. Judging by the first two songs to hit the universe, it is certainly one to look forward to. These two songs are full of heart and soul. A glorious blend of folk and rock. I can particularly recommend the title track, quite majestic.

MP3: Trumpets-Zookeeper
MP3: Becoming All Things-Zookeeper

Some other tunes spinning at the moment-
MP3: Islands Forever-Siberian
MP3: Truck-The Octopus Project
MP3: For Emma-Bon Iver
MP3: A Picture of Our Torn Up Praise-Phosphorescent
MP3: Guns of Navarone-Maritime
MP3: That's That-Cass McCombs
MP3: 2080-Yeasayer