We've been fans of Brandi Carlile for a long time. So we have to say that startling excellence of her new album, Bear Creek, isn't a complete surprise. We could see this coming.

But wow, what an album. Yes, the new single, "That Wasn't Me" -- which she performed last night on Leno's show, and which is the subject of her music video featuring Kris Kristofferson -- is great. But it's really only scratching the surface. I'm eager to see what happens when "100" hits the airwaves.

Anyway, we here in Seattle are awfully proud of this hometown girl. And what a role model she is for 11-year-olds like my daughter.

FWIW, Brandi is a proud Seattleite too. See below.