As Christmas approaches, good shows tend to get sporadic and good friends tend to leave town, but the promise of Emo’s Free Week will carry us into the empty canvas that is 2008. Still, we have ten days or so to find that one last good moment of 2007....

: : FRIDAY : : [film] New Movies @ Your Local Theaters! [music] Ethereal Planes Indian, 7pm @ End of an Ear - FREE! [music] Ghostland Observatory, The Veldt, Haunting Oboe Music and Low Line Caller @ Flamingo Cantina [music] Orange Mothers and The Damnations @ Continental Club [music] Glen Phillips, 8pm & 10:30pm @ Cactus CafeŽ - $16 [art] Reception for Sydney Yeager's "Billow & Fold," 6-8pm @ d berman Gallery [theatre] "Xmas......

M O N D A Y [5] music · MF Doom, Count Bass D, John Robinson at La Zona Rosa music · Saves the Day, Senses Fall, Emmanuel, Early November at Emo's film · "Shaun Of The Dead" spinoffs at The Drafthouse Downtown (7pm) [link] T U E S D A Y [6] music · Red Leaves at CRL Art Gallery film · AFS screens "The Singing Blacksmith" at The Drafthouse Downtown (7pm) [link]......

Cross’n Over, the title track of Ethan Azarian’s second solo album, is about death. But far from dwelling on the macabre, this gentle folk song focuses on redemption and renewal: "no more gamblin' and drinkin' / no more taking this good life for granted / and I'm seein' my lovely / on the other side", exalts Ethan. This sets the tone for the rest of the record, which is distinguished by distinctly introspective meditations......

We've been given some free CDs and a few spots on the guestlist for tonight's I Eat Records label launch show at Emo's, which we're passing on to you guys ... because we love you! Yes, you. The gargantuan lineup starts at 8 and includes sets by (take a deep breath): The Glass Family Thor & Friends Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater The Casting Couch Orange Mothers Ethan Azarian Will Sheff (of Okkervil River) Hitchhike......

This week's IST list is a work in progress. Bear with us -- we're tired and hungover. M O N D A Y music · I Eat Records label launch show at Emo's with: The Glass Family, Thor & Friends, Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater, The Casting Couch, Orange Mothers, Ethan Azarian, Will Sheff (of Okkervil River), Hitchhike, The Handsome Charlies, Fluffers Union, and Fine Fifteen. Benefiting SafePlace and Capital Area Food Bank, new compilation CDs......