Contributing music writer Corey chats to Bella Saona, the stunning frontwoman of New York electro-rock act The Fire And Reason, a band that’s been on a steady rise since performing their infectious pop at Logo’s NewNowNext awards and winning the Brink Of Fame award. Bella answers a few questions on how they formed, who she’s obsessed with, and what’s in store for 2010.

Karmen shares her many feelings about ‘Love Is Not Pop’, the heartbreak album from Swedish songstress El Perro Del Mar and the soundtrack for Karmen’s winter. Love may not be pop, but we do love El Perro’s pop and so we’re going to give away a few copies of this album to our readers.

Christmas carols, by nature, are mostly fairly schmaltzy. So what kind of justice can an artist like Tori Amos bring them? In her new Christmas album “Midwinter Graces”, Amos does an interesting job of reinterpreting well-known traditional Christmas songs, and even adds five of her own originals to the mix. Contributing writer Isabelle reviews the record and tells you how you can win a copy.

Tegan & Sara’s Alligator EP and German tour, M.I.A headlining HARD festival, MGMT’s new album leaks, new releases from Jenny Owen Youngs, She & Him and Monica, Big Star musician Alex Chilton passes away, the Gods of Hip-Hop, the 21 worst charity music videos and more.

A symbolical analysis of the Taylor Swift canon (w/infographic). Is there art without sex? Love without raincoats? Feminism without girls? Beauty without dirt? Copycats without claws?