We have an open invitation to call John Vanderslice anytime we want, just to check in. He’s a gracious man, who happens to write impeccable songs (see, most recently, “Pixel Revolt” and “Cellar Door” on Barsuk Records) with unparalleled depth and an understanding of what we don’t mind getting stuck between our teeth after a hearty chew. He’s got a film director’s eye for scene and lighting and the bigger picture and what you hear in each of his songs is a radiant snippet of what could be a larger story – the people fascinate and their actions create the kind of sullen sweetness that sometimes gives off the best heat. One of the last few times we checked in with JV, it was to ask him what he bought The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle for Christmas the year before. He was visiting his mother out east and they were watching Monday Night Football. Suddenly, during the middle of the conversation, he says, “Holy shit, what just happened, mom?” Something had happened in the game and that moment made me realize that this time in the fall – with the college and NFL seasons kicking into gear – would be the absolute best time to check in with him again to see what he’s been crushing on. He admitted that his current bass player is Cornhusker crazy so they crank those games in the van when they’re driving, but from the man himself, we get gardening blogs from a man who supposedly loves football. John, it’s Septemeber…—Sean Moeller

1. Whisky Bar
“Free thinking in a dirty glass” says the tagline. This blogger is middle-east obsessed and extremely cynical. His coverage of the Lebanese war was superb; today he posted about Isreal’s use of cluster bombs in populated areas.

2. Emperor X
Holy shit! Emperor X, otherwise known as Chad Matheny, is seriously good. We toured earlier this year and I was stunned how he took over a room. Once, in Asheville, he opened the show by kicking a small tape recorder (which played some distorted backing tracks) along the floor as he played and sang. It was one of the better live shows I’ve ever seen.

3. Dirt
Organic gardening, essays, articles, and rants by writer Amy Stewart.
Very well-written and informative, she’s great on flowers, organic produce, and the environmental impact of agri-business on our very fragile planet.

4. Dave’s Garden
A wonderful encyclopedia of plants and flowers, with growing tips, shared wisdom and technical information galore. People trade seeds, ask questions about rare plants, and post photos of their favorite flowers. A few years ago this site would’ve reminded me of my mom and grandma, quaint and sweet but not my thing… But things change!! Now I think more about my passion flower than I do my Wurlitzer.

Which brings us to…

5. Pulling Vines (activity)
My girlfriend Isa and I spend hours a day ridding the backyard of 20 years of English Ivy growth. These vines are invasive to the point of absurdity. They strangle roots, canopy over trees, and run circles around my fuchsia and jade tree, trying to kill every living thing in the garden. After we clear an area, the birds return, grasses grow, and long forgotten plants pop up through the dirt looking for sun.

John Vanderslice
Barsuk Records
Tiny Telephone