Sights and Sounds: The "4 Weeks of Christmas," Yamaha turns 125, Susanna Hoffs issues "From Me To You" EP

Is it Wednesday already? I better catch up on some exciting stuff floating around my inbox and desktop...

TJR and I are doing a special series of short videos where we each discuss a favorite under-the-radar Christmas song on Music Worth Buying. Here is the first video in the series. Fans of The Shins should definitely tune in!



It's hard to believe but 2012 marks the 125th year since Torakusu Yamaha built his first reed organ. Today, Yamaha is the world's largest musical instrument manufacturer. The Buena Park, California-based company has launched "an innovative, year-long promotional event" featuring one-of-a-kind experiences that are sure to thrill musicians and music fans. To enter, contestants will create an account on the company's Web site where they can connect with Yamaha. One lucky winner will win an all expenses paid trip to the Winter NAMM Show, the largest music trade show in the world (it's held in Anaheim, California every January). Yamaha will also give away 25 pairs of 25 noise isolating PRO-500 headphones (retail value, $399.95 each). Visit Yamaha's My Rewards site for more information.

I just got wind today (I am behind the times!) that Susanna Hoffs has just released a new EP titled From Me To You on Baroque Folk(Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012) featuring her interpretation of songs by  The Beatles ("All I've Got To Do"), The Zombies ("This Will Be Our Year") and The Jaynetts' "Sally Go 'Round the Roses." Mitchell Froom, who produced Hoffs' excellent Someday disc also produced From Me To You.

Information: http://www.susannahoffs.com/