The Barometer: Julian Casablancas; Lil Wayne, Sleigh Bells; Amerie; Tom Waits; Ryan Bingham & T-Bone Burnett; Vampire Weekend

Julian Casablancas I Wish It Was Christmas Today

The Strokes' frontman takes a foray into the dangerous world of the Christmas single with this sparky cover of a song that was originally 'Saturday Night Live' parody.

Lil Wayne, Sleigh Bells Fireman On The Ground

The up-and-coming Brooklyn duo are paired with Weezy for a discordant but danceable mash-up track.

Amerie Dangerous

Another totally infectious cut from Amerie's latest album, 'In Love and War'.

Tom Waits Better Off Without a Wife

As Tom releases a new live album, it's a nice moment to revist a standout song from a previous live recording; the sublime 1975 LP 'Nighthawks at the Diner'.

Ryan Bingham & T-Bone Burnett The Weary Kind

A fantastic country song by Burnett, sung by Bingham, and featured on the soundtrack for 'Crazy Heart', a forthcoming Jeff Bridges Oscar-bait film.

Vampire Weekend Cousins

From their new LP 'Contra', this is swift and frenetic.