What? On May 2, The Slip—Nine Inch Nails’ eighth full-length since 1989—landed on the band’s website with little fanfare, and no option to pay. “This one’s on me,” a message from Trent Reznor read, his giveaway serving as the culmination of a career-long battle with what the alt-icon saw as the music industry’s unfair exploitation of consumers.

What? The members of Broken Social Scene collect side projects the same way most people hoard takeout menus. But while the umpteen others quell their creative urges, BSS co-founder Brendan Canning has remained one of the quieter members of the Canadian indie super group -- until now.

What? When Brazilian nightlife aficionados CSS hit North America with their bratty self-titled debut -- playfully prodding Paris Hilton and copulating to Death from Above -- inhibited Yankees rejoiced inside, but only coyly shuffled their feet. Call that a warm-up.

What? Even at 50 years old, Brit rock'n' roll icon Paul Weller hasn't missed a stride and will release his ninth solo album, 22 Dreams, next week and offer 21 tracks of throaty melodies, Kinks-inspired retro riffs, and sunny brass and keys from the album's title track to its closer, "Night Lights." And for us wee mortals, Welle