• The wonderful Austin band Voxtrot (whom I fondly call Spoon Lite) has released a new single titled “Your Biggest Fan”. It’s pretty similar in sound to their first two EPs, though not quite as catchy. Still, it’s an oustanding little gem that everyone should own.

• A new Yeah Yeah Yeahs remix cd is out (Show Your Remixes). It’s got Diplo’s genius mix of “Gold Lion” plus Nick Zinner’s gorgeous, Grandaddy-esque undertaking of “Turn Into”. Also, a rather boring attempt at “Cheated Hearts” by the overly masculine, disgustingly transexual Peaches.

• The Shins‘ latest album, Wincing The Night Away, has leaked. And it’s damn good, if I must say so myself. Much better and more focused than 2003’s somewhat forgettable Chutes Too Narrow. The standout track is the opener, “Sleeping Lessons” — a subdued and catchy introduction that will surely stir up memories of Garden State. I can already imagine Zach Braff salivating over its soundtrack capabilities.

• I won the Super Bowl in my first season of Madden ‘07. As I’ve already mentioned, this game is ridiculously easy. I think my QB finished with a rating of around 140.

• I had my doubts before this season of Prison Break, but I can safely say each and every one of them has been squashed, smashed and destroyed by the incredible intensity of Season 2. Just watching a single episode is enough to give me an adrenaline hangover when finished.

• Dennis Green’s post-traumatic tirade last week Monday after his Cardinals‘ unbelievable meltdown and subsequent loss to the Bears is my new ringtone.

• Game 3 of the World Series is tonight. Personally I can’t even believe the Cardinals even made it, much less won a game. Hopefully the Tigers will take the next 3. Also this Dirtgate/Smudgegate/Whatevergate thing needs to stop. Now.

• William Shatner is the funniest man on this planet right now. Boston Legal’s 3rd season is head and shoulders above previous years (which were still hilarious, by the way), and Shatner is the reason. He just keeps getting funnier. The man’s a genius.

• The Draft’s In A Million Pieces has been playing almost non-stop since I first listened to it two weeks ago. The former members of Hot Water Music (minus frontman Chuck Ragan) have recorded a stunning album packed with folksy pop punk. Imagine a more poppy Tiger Army or Against Me!. The highlight of the record is undoubtedly the swaggering “Wired”, which brings to mind the aforementioned folk-punk/hillbilly-punk bands but adds a delicate pop sensibility.