Just in time for your Memorial Day music shopping, Texas Music Group offers two new releases (out May 25) to heat up your summer listening.

From the vaults of Antone's Records comes Gulf Coast Beach Blast, a 16-song set of sizzling summery blues and R&B dance tunes. With tracks by Doug Sahm, Doyle Bramhall, Lavelle White, Lazy Lester, Toni Price, Omar & The Howlers and the trio of Marcia Ball, Lou Ann Barton & Angela Strehli (as well as Barton & Strehli on their own), as well as others, this collection gets the party started and keeps it going all night long. Specially priced at $8.00!

Known as "the musical mayor of Chicago," Nicholas Tremulis has performed, recorded and written songs with some of the biggest names in rock: Keith Richards, Billy Corgan, Rick Danko of The Band, Marianne Faithfull, Maceo Parker and Bonnie Raitt. Just a listen to Napoleon by The Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra tells you why he keeps such esteemed company. The album seamlessly travels through the rock concert hall, soul dance party, Crescent City fete, late night jazz lounge, rollicking blues bar, and sharp-witted poetry slam. And all with a popular rock'n'roll vision that rests on a foundation of the finest musical traditions. "With all the talk of rock dying out due to its own lack of inventiveness," observes All Music Guide, "maybe the powers that be oughta give the Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra a listen." And so should you.

Taken from Alejandrofund.com:

"Following a show in Phoenix on April 26, 2003, acclaimed singer-songwriter and playwright Alejandro Escovedo collapsed and was hospitalized due to complications from Hepatitis C. He is currently at home in Canyon Lake, Texas, resting and undergoing treatment to alleviate the effects of his condition. Alejandro's rigorous touring schedule and recording sessions for a new album that had begun the week before are both on hold as he recuperates.

"There is no health insurance to cover the mounting medical bills and loss of income as Alejandro continues to pursue treatment. In response to an outpouring of concern from friends, fans, and associates from across the nation, a trust has been established to handle donations on his behalf.

"If you'd like to contribute, you may make donations directly and securely from this Web site using a Pay Pal account or by mailing a check to the fund's administrator. GIVE NOW and receive a free download of a previously unreleased song from Alejandro Escovedo."