The Winter Of Mixed Drinks, the latest record from Scottish band Frightened Rabbit, is one of the best records we've heard this year. Heck, it's one of the best records we've heard in a very long time.

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, led by the former Pussy Galore frontman, hit New York City in 1990. To celebrate its first 10 years, the Explosion has released a greatest hits record titled Dirty Shirt Rock and Roll. It's awesome sexy, or it's just terrible noise masquerading as art rock. We discuss -- and we might even use some totally appropriate dirty words.

Norah Jones' latest record, The Fall, released in -- uh, the fall, shows her development since 2002's knockout Come Away With Me. But how do they compare? Can they compare?

Joanna Newsom has blessed us with three records' worth of ... well, listen to the podcast and hear our take on exactly what these 18 songs are.

The Golden Archipelago, the latest record from Austin band Shearwater, is an epic trip through islands of the earth and of the mind. The drums pound, the voices soar, the music crescendos and we swoon.

IRM is a record from French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg. Or is it a Beck record sung by a French actress? In any event, is it worth a listen? At least one of us thinks so.

Teen Dream, the third album from Baltimore dream-pop duo Beach House, is going to be one of the best albums of the year. Can we say that in February? Oh yes.

Vampire Weekend's first record was all that. Is their second record all that too, or is it all this?

Lady Gaga is huge and tremendous, and she proves it with Fame Monster. We are, to varying degrees, in awe.