This week our playlist includes music by Frank Sinatra, Radiohead, Elvis Costello, Lester Young, Passion Pit, Ella Fitzgerald & Oscar Peterson and more.

As this week comes to a close, it seems the newest batch of music and movies have proved successful in motivating a new roll of disappointing reviews....

Donald Fagen -- as a solo artist -- is back, and this time we only had to wait six years. When the first single from Sunken Condos dropped in September, it only heightened anticipation. Now that the full album is in hand, how does it size up?

John Pizzarelli: Favorite album of all time? ... Abbey Road is pretty close to the top of the list. It's funny. You could say Abbey Road or you could say In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, because they're the types of records you put on and say, 'Oh, I'll just listen to one or two tracks.'

This week we review albums by Neil Young, Bronski Beat, Cheap Trick, Hafdis Huld, The Beatles, and other artists.

Steely Dan, which has morphed from a strictly-studio act into touring road warriors over the past ten years -- with a steady group of veteran band members, no less -- inspires a Dead-esque fan passion that no distance will deter.

The TSA is apparently taking a very hands-on approach to airport security these days with their new and supposedly improved pat-downs. Here then is some loosely fitting mood music for your next airport close encounter.

According to singer Michael McDonald, "I remember thinking, 'God, why [is Motown] asking me to do this?' At the same time, I wanted so badly to do it and I wouldn't allow myself to say no."

Slash's first solo album shows continuity and expert songwriting despite all of the musical influences involved. But despite its being a solid release, the old school rock 'n' roll can sometimes get a little too reliable.