On Monday we remembered Otis Redding. Last night Okkervil River made available the Golden Opportunities Mixtape for free download, including nine tracks, eight of them covers, but bringing things full circle and in the spirit of Christmas, they offer a live take of their original number entitled, “Listening To Otis Redding At Home During Christmas.”

The self-titled debut by Beach House was delicate and beautiful enough to land on our favorite album list from two years ago. That being said, there were high expectations on their upcoming album Devotion, which, after a handful of listens is exactly what you’d expect from their follow up, though a slight Grizzly Bear influence can be heard which can only be attributed to their time together on the road, even though the record was done before that tour began. The first track from the upcoming album, “Gila” is available for download now, which should provide excitement for Devotion’s February 26th, 2008 release date.

MP3: Beach House – “Gila”

Remember The Walkmen and White Rabbits show at the High Noon Saloon that we announced last month? Well, that bill got even better with the addition of White Denim. If you’re not familiar, their album Let’s Talk About It landed at #2 on Gorilla vs. Bear’s favorite records of the year.

Speaking of concerts don’t miss these recently announced shows in Madison:

Madison Concert Announcement: Nicole Atkins
Madison Concert Announcement: Basia Bulat
Madison Concert Announcement: Steve Earle