There is so much going on the musical world that is making me happy so far this week I just had to blog about it all. And it’s only Tuesday! So much more musical joy could still be in store. Who knows.

I know everyone has already seen this because it was spreading around the internet like a wild fire yesterday, but in case you somehow missed it check out the new video for Mumford & Sons’ Hopeless Wanderer. I guarantee it will be the best thing you see all week. Jason Sudeikis, Ed Helms, Jason Bateman, and Will Forte play the members of the band in this highly hysterical video. Great song, insanely amusing video. What’s not to love? My favorite part is the section where they’re dancing with the banjos that starts around the 3:43 mark. It’s closely followed by Jason Bateman playing the banjo at the 4:25 mark. So funny!

On the other end of the spectrum is the release today of The Civil Wars’ self-titled new album. Anyone who likes the Civil Wars I’m sure knows the sad tale of the implosion of the band while on tour last year. Joy Williams is doing all the press for this album, which was recorded before they completely fall apart. John Paul Williams is staying out of the whole thing and from all the interviews I’ve heard and read the two haven’t seen each other or talked since everything fell apart. I downloaded the album first thing this morning and have listened to it twice so far. The music is beautiful, but haunting especially if you read their relationship into many of the songs. I had already been enjoying Dust to Dust and The One That Got Away, which had seen some radio airplay, but the rest of the album is fantastic too. I had the pleasure of seeing The Civil Wars open for Adele a few years ago, which happened to me first introduction to them. I was immediately taken with them and loved their first album Barton Hollow. This album is a fantastic follow-up and even more precious knowing that most likely it is the last one that will be created by them at least together.

Finally, The Head and the Heart have released Shake,  their first single off their second album, which is due out in October. It seems a little bit more old school rock guitar influenced than the music off their debut album, but I’m really digging it so far. I can’t wait to hear what the rest of the album holds. Sadly looking at their tour dates it appears they won’t be coming around to Baltimore any time. Instead they’ll be playing dates in DC and Philly. This often happens to us poor Baltimoreans sandwiched here on the east coast between two larger cities. Of course DC and Philly are totally doable as far as traveling to concerts goes, but it definitely makes it much less of a slam dunk decision to attend than if the concert was in Baltimore.