Turn on the heat, make yourself a cup of tea, and curl up with the best of the week. Our editors read it all every week and pass on the best to you, so enjoy. When you're done here, there's lots more to explore, so don't change the channel.

MUSIC

From Music Editor Connie Phillips:

Lisa McKay graced the music section this past week, taking the reins on the Band of the Week feature and introducing us all to Naomi Sommers. In Music Review: Naomi Sommers - Flying Through and Hypnotized she shared her insight and passion for this artist's music with readers and persuaded me to give Sommers a listen.

In Music, Software, and Video Piracy, Shari eloquently shared her memories of the best parts of buying a new album and took a well rounded look at the controversial topic.

Ian Woolstencroft dug deep into the new Who album, and shared his insightful observations with readers in Music Review: The Who - Endless Wire. It's a must read for a fan of the band... and anyone else.

From Asst. Music Editor A.L. Harper:

Fantasma el Rey shows us just how vibrant Goth music can be in El Bicho's Music Review:  A Life Less Lived - The Gothic Box.

Big Geez reviews the new CD from the Dave Brubeck Quartet by looking over his shoulder at their past.

From Asst. Music Editor DJRadiohead: 

I probably would have selected Lisa McKay's review of Naomi Sommers' album just to encourage her to contribute more articles to our music section. That she did such a tremendous job and it is such a great read really just takes me off the hook.

Mark Saleski couldn't outsmart the CD player for this week's Friday Morning Listen but he did find a workaround and gave us an entertaining read in the process.

BOOKS

From Books Editor Natalie Bennett:

Nominating Mayank Austen Soofi's review of Azadeh Moaveni's Lipstick Jihad isn't easy. A drop intro, for those who don't know the term, refers to an introduction that keeps the reader guessing as to the main part of the story - and this is a doozie. But a promise that you'll be glad you stuck with the little mystery.

Howard Dratch in his review of Q&A also has a surprise - a diplomat who can spin a yarn like Scheharazad while putting himself into the shoes of a street boy who finds one chance of escape from an exploitative life. After reading this review you'll be looking for Vikas Swarup's first novel straight away.

From Asst. Books Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch: