Initially, Cath Roberts only intended to expand Sloth Racket to 10 members for a jazz festival appearance, then Favourite Animals became a new band.

An expanded gift guide highlighting notable new Beatles-related items, with items that appeal to both the most-casual and hard-core enthusiasts.

Few seem to know that Joan Baez is a gifted songwriter in her own right, composing many powerful and poetic tracks over the course of the decades.

David Crosby seems almost naked without his guitar, yet still shines brightly on yet another stellar Joni Mitchell cover song.

Teeming with guitars, Wadada Leo Smith’s ‘Najwa’ is one of those particularly bright moments in a catalog full of them.

‘Walkin’ on Air’ is a terrific showcase for Tomi Malm’s soulful AOR songwriting, West Coast-level production and a creme de la creme of players.

In its best moments, ‘Everyday Is Christmas’ challenges the notion of what a holiday album should be. Sia just needed more of them.

Arguably one of the Beatles’ best B-sides, “Yes It Is” features sophisticated wordplay, deeply reflective lyrics, and unusual chord changes.

Steely Dan’s “Black Friday” might feel a bit on the nose this morning, but what else comes to mind on the first day of the Christmas shopping season?

Anna Nalick’s vulnerable, touching ‘At Now’ breaks down the barriers to human emotion, telling her story through song.