Drivers: Music, Golf Balls, and Autos.

Okay, maybe the post title is a stretch to relate the topics. Maybe you get exactly what you pay for here on my blog. Uh, that is... Oh well.

Let's start with music, like the bankrupt Tower Records. Gosh, not that this is late breaking news; but I figured I'd throw a link to a great music distrubution company, Independent Distribution Collective and Positive Sound Massive. Steffan is the real deal, with experience working with top name acts, just check his C.V.

Then there is the "Indie" music he reps- he's got big names, like Rocker T. However, I really dig Goddess Gaia and Artemis. GG's work is very global, and has a beautiful tone throughout; think world beats with an uplifting and colorful mood. Artemis' album Gravity has been a favorite listening since I got it several whiles back. It's a lot like The Future Sound Of London to me (The Isness, a UK Limited Release album I love). Smooth and polished, with ethereal and ambient textures woven into a great product.

Next, a track that always stays with me, Aftermath #05 by Aes Dana. I originally wanted to buy the rights to use it for a website. But I just enjoy the composition and spatial play so much on its own. The ethereal complexity, buildup, and overall sound is just perfect. Ultimae.com has them and many great, great artists. And a site that offers album downloads for these artists (that specialize in down-tempo, world, or trance music)- at great prices- is ambient.us.

Next, let's talk about driving golf balls. If you are not wanting to get an NCGA/USGA handicap index... Whether it's too expensive or you just don't play that often, I think you might appreciate BirdieTracker.com. You can register for free and post scores, even post course ratings and it will give you an aggregate handicap! It's just like the USGA, but free. And, ... subsequently, will not be honored if you ever play in a competitive event.

If you do want a real index, Worldwide Golf Shops, Roger Dunn, and Golf Mart all offer their Birdie Savings Card for an unprecedented $40! That gives you a 2007 NCGA index, 40% off greens fees at specific courses (ones you actually will want to play), and some in-store specials. By far the cheapest way to get registered. Sure you've gotta join Worldwide Golf's membership first, but it's still a great deal. And you'll get some immediate discounts when enrolling.

Let's move on to autos. It's looking like the Toyota Yaris is the next "Mini." I mean, it's a very serious compact, and sports a pretty good ride from all critical accounts. It runs about $12K in the U.S., about $14,500 loaded with things like leather seats, a more serious stereo, 17" wheels, and an available all-weather package.

I'd get really excited about this 3-door hatch IF they release the TS model in the U.S. (which are currently NOT slated for a North American release). The TS features something like a 1.8 litre, 132 hp engine; and almost the same gas mileage estimates as the 108 hp model. The TS also features most of the comfort and performance options I'd dig.

Now, if the Yaris ain't the car that blows your hair back, maybe you're more of the sexy Volvo type? Did I just say that? Well, the critics are claiming this may be that. The first Volvo with real curb appeal, the Volvo C30. Oh, it'll be for sale in the U.S. (estimates at about $26K?), and prolly will make it bigger than Volvo plans... They expect to only sell about 20,000-30,000 of these worldwide, I think I read. Hmm, makes you wonder... it's got critics raving that it will kill Audis and VW's (maybe not that VeeDub needs help in hurting these days?).

Lastly, since we're talking about cars, there's no one better to talk shop with than Dan over at AutoSavant.net. He is the business. And you may find a few worthy tidbits on his site. It's very informative, easy to digest (uh, 'specially if you're at all a gearhead). I'd say many could learn from his post about leasing vs. buying and other very creditable articles. He writes about the auto industry and how it affects real people. Go visit. Cheers.

image credits: Aftermath from ambient.us, Toyota Yaris from topspeed.com, Volvo C30 from autoblog.com.