The Pretender has been quiet for a little while now, I’ve been too busy not-making best of 2011 lists, but there should be some exciting things happening here in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, some links, in question form:

Is Justin Vernon’s work on the new Kathleen Edwards record the best thing he’s ever done?

Has there been a more heartbreaking moment in this very young year of music than the bridge of the new Justin Townes Earle single, “Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now?”

How much longer are they going to make me wait for U.S. tour dates?

Lastly, I hope you enjoy Buck Owens and his band, in all their sparkly-suited glory, teaching a class on songwriting 101 with “Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line.”