While most people are putting together their best-of-2008 album lists, others are still working hard to release an end-of-the year album. Here are a few this week that would make great stocking stuffers.

Brandy — Human (Epic Records)

After a four-year hiatus, the R&B singer returns with a new record label and several producers creating upbeat tracks to aid her lyrics. Brandy seems to have been able to channel her controversial personal life into fodder for her album, and it's better off for it. … continue reading

Hipsters have been mad for British electro-rock singer songwriter M.I.A. since she released her debut album Arular in 2004. Now, four years, another album and endless critical praise later, M.I.A. has finally scored a Billboard hit and it’s thanks to a television commercial.

M.I.A.’s song “Paper Planes,” from her 2007 album Kala, is that catchy song you hear every time a trailer comes on television for Pineapple Express, the new Judd Apatow-penned comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. “Paper Planes” shot to the middle of Billboard’s Hot 100 and cracked the iTunes Top 20 after that spot aired — even though the song isn’t included anywhere in the movie itself.

M.I.A. is just the latest of countless indie artists who crack the mainstream via commercials. Pop songs and commercials have always gone hand in hand, but big corporations once only banked on bona fide hit makers. In 1987, The Beatles’ “Revolution” was used to pimp Nike shoes. Just a few years before, Carly Simon’s “Anticipation” sold Heinz ketchup. There used to be endless debates about artist integrity: Was it tacky for big name musicians to sell their tunes to corporations? How much money did these people need?

Nowadays, clever ad execs are using more obscure artists to peddle their goods. The results are big time attention for little known acts that wouldn’t otherwise receive airtime on the radio. Having a debate about the evils of selling out for these upstarts isn’t as relevant when you consider independent artists on small labels have no way to crack the mainstream. Most of them don’t have megabucks either so getting paid to have your song heard on TV could be a very attractive deal. … continue reading

Cat Power is officially the first woman to win the Shortlist Music Prize, which honors "acts who have made sterling albums but have not hit the mainstream." Finalists for this year's award included Regina Spektor and Joanna Newsom, while the judges included KT Tunstall. That's a lot of coolness in one paragraph; I need a moment.

This isn't Power's first nomination for the award, but it's her first win. If you ask me, any sort of recognition is long overdue. (Power's real name is Chan Marshall, by the way. And Chan is pronounced "Shawn." OK, I'm done with that.)

In celebration of her win, iTunes is featuring an exclusive Cat Power track, "Up and Gone." While you're there, download The Greatest (also on eMusic) — you won't be sorry. … continue reading