TOP PICK
Curb Your Enthusiasm
(HBO)
The good news is that Larry is as cranky as ever on the seventh-season premiere (which airs at 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO). The better news is the Seinfeld reunion that's part of Curb's storyline this year. But first you'll have to watch Larry squirm his way through a new relationship now that he's single.
CD
Chris Bell: I Am the Cosmos — Deluxe Edition
(Rhino Handmade)
Bell was a founding member of Big Star who left the power-poppers in 1972. He died in a car accident six years later. In between, he recorded a bunch of songs that were eventually released in 1992. This expanded reissue adds a disc of alternate versions and a few unreleased songs. A must-hear for Big Star fans.
DVD
Doctor Who: The Next Doctor
(BBC)
This special outing of the cult sci-fi show was originally broadcast overseas on Christmas Day. Appropriately, the hour-long episode takes place during the holiday, when the doc is transported back to 1851 and bumps into a man who may or may not be a future version of himself. Extras include a concert of Doctor Who music from the Royal Albert Hall.
CD
Smokey Robinson: Time Flies When You're Having Fun
(ROBSO)
Robinson celebrates his 50th anniversary of making music with his most solid album in years. India.Arie, Carlos Santana and Joss Stone all show up to help out, but it's Robinson's quiet-storm love songs and still-sweet voice that fuel these baby-making tunes. The bonus cover of the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" is a poignant tribute to a fellow Motown star.
DVD
Unwigged & Unplugged
(Courgette)
This souvenir from Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer's recent tour includes live versions of songs heard in This Is Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind. There's also plenty of storytelling and joke-telling onstage. Best of all, Spinal Tap's debut (from director Rob Reiner's 1979 TV show) is one of the extras.
