Your Weekly Pop Culture Mandate

Sidewalks, Matt & Kim 

Matt & Kim, one of our favorite sexy duos, returns with their third album of infectious indie-pop. These sunny and synth-heavy songs are sure to inject a well-needed boost of optimism into your earbuds, all while restoring your faith in the ability of super-cute people with actual musical talent. November 2    

Pinkerton: Deluxe Edition Reissue, Weezer
Like the rest of us, you may have been disappointed by Weezer's post-1996 musical output, but if this reissue of Pinkerton proves anything, it's that once upon a time, the band wrote great songs about sexual frustration and social awkwardness and wrapped them in memorable power-pop hooks. Now, revisit those glory days, and check out sixteen unreleased songs. November 2  

127 Hours, Danny Boyle
How long would you have to consider cutting off your own arm, before you actually did it? For James Franco's character in this film, the answer is just over five days. Franco plays a mountain climber trapped in an isolated canyon after a boulder crushes his arm. For fans, it's two hours of non-stop Franco. For detractors, you get to see him lose an arm. November 5

Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People, Amy Sedaris
In her follow-up to 2006's guide to entertaining, I Like You, Sedaris continues to blend absurd humor with how-to instructions. Simple Times actually features some practical tips and inspiring ideas (seashell toilet-seat covers!) from the mind of its comedic author. November 2  

They Call Me Baba Booey, Gary Dell'Abate and Chad Millman
No stranger to public humiliation, Howard Stern producer Gary Dell'Abate, a.k.a. Baba Booey, has plenty of crazy antics to recount -- like the time he almost killed the Mets mascot. The book chronicles his life's trajectory from adolescent pop-music nerd to radio persona and professional good sport. November 2