It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Austin, TX’s very own Spoon (nearly three years to be exact, since their last record, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga was released). But they just announced a forthcoming new album due out in January, which, if staying on par with their previous output, is sure to be full of wry, awesome rock ‘n’ roll and will be a favorite of both critics and fans. (Pitchfork)

For your Friday afternoon entertainment, check out this piece on buskers in various cities across the country pandering to their, yep, advertisers. (Idolator)

After playing 37 CMJ shows, one of the more hyped about bands of the fall, xx (signed to Matador) has (temporarily? permanently?) lost their guitarist and been forced to cancel their upcoming string of European dates. (Stereogum)

Wired has just posted an article, in wiki format, about how to explain DRM to your dad (or, er, your mom) with a big list of examples. (Wired)

Since the Christmas onslaught begins after this weekend anyway, here’s a little rundown on whose upcoming holiday album is better. Dylan? Or Sting? (TIRBD)

Justin Timberlake has just co-opened a new, eco-friendly golf course in his hometown of Memphis. (Undercover)