I realize that, technically speaking, this post doesn’t qualify as news, because it is about an event that happened over a decade ago. However, since history has shown that not enough of you know about the late great Catherine Wheel, this post, to a certain extent, does qualify as news.

In September 2012, YouTube user Michael Bond, who I can only assume is the younger brother of famed superhero James, posted a nearly complete concert of the Wheel from July 2000 at the Bowery Ballroom, when the band was touring in support of Wishville, their last record. The footage is pristine, and the sound quality is top-notch.

Still decidedly enjoying the honeymoon following the release of Come Cry With Me, his widely-acclaimed third album, traditional country troubadour Daniel Romano has offered PopMatters a little gift. It seems that as he readied himself to head out on a tour opening for Caitlin Rose (maker of another of the very best albums of this year so far), Romano pulled his bandmates together and set up in a Toronto Legion Hall for a rehearsal. Some of the results are found here, on this exclusive PopMatters premiere: an intimate short film featuring a medley of two of the sweetest weepers from the latest album. When I asked him to describe the songs, he reminded us (in his playful, enigmatic way) that we should just let the music do the talking. Perhaps riffing on the archaic royalism of the setting, Romano quipped: “Clearly this is a medley in honour and dedication to the Queen Mother.” So, right. Come cry with him, people. Or with the Queen Mum. Or I dunno what. Maybe just don’t think about it and enjoy. We will.