Over the last 14 years, Raleigh's Marshall Wyatt has quietly acquired a reputation for excellence with the compilations of old-time music he's released on his label, Old Hat Records. His latest album is a true masterstroke, a collection of songs about...barbecue. And if he has his way, it won't be the last food-related album to bear the Old Hat imprint. For more details, click on through to the story in Wednesday's food section.

This year has seen a ton of fantastic local records perfect for gift-giving -- just check the tags on this post for a few suggestions on acts to look for. And for further specifics, click here.

Meanwhile, the annual "alternative" musical gift guide is coming on Dec. 14. Check previous years' installments here.