It's that time again ... a friendly guide to your next music purchase:--- 

When Scarlett Johansson released a collection of Tom Waits covers last year, the first thing that came to mind was "Why?" followed by "Huh" and finally "Meh." The actress' recent collaboration with troubadour Pete Yorn, Break Up, is much more successful - arguably more so than She & Him's over-hyped output. Decide for yourself by picking up a copy of the LP, today.

Shampoo - Scarlett Johansson, ...

Also on shelves, the most-excellent Let It Beep by Royal Bangs, a band discovered by Patrick Carney (The Black Keys) and signed to his label, Audio Eagle. The group will be performing tonight at Burt's Tiki Lounge. Catch them before they're huge!

My Car Is Haunted - Royal Bang...

Mason Jennings decided to plug-in for his latest record after his kid came to him with an electric guitar and asked dad, "What is this?" The resulting Blood of Man casts a whole new light on the typically quiet folk singer with fiery songs like "City of Ghosts."

City Of Ghosts - Mason Jenning...

Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) has a new one full-length for the taking. See if Get Lucky holds up to his earlier efforts. The odds are in his favor.

Additional releases worth considering: Simian Mobile Disco's Temporary Pleasure, Straight Line by Peter Bernhard of The Devil Makes Three (coming to The State Room in November), and, of course - how could we forget - Jay Z's The Blueprint. We love you, Jay Z. Keep reppin' for the indie rock underdogs!

Now, you know what to do - make haste to your friendly neighborhood record store!!