The return of pop music disaster Britney Spears arrives in music shops (and Amazon, and iTunes) on Dec. 2, which just happens to be her birthday. And coupled with some well played publicity efforts (appearing on stage with Madonna in Los Angeles, unveiling her newly toned body in the "Womanizer" video), the album Circus could very likely usher Ms. Spears back into America's good graces.

Will her fans take the bait?

Take a listen to a series of track snippets from her upcoming album, and jump to conclusions yourself.

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If you're lucky enough to have someone you love, we suggest you play them Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)." As for us, we dedicate this to you.

McFadden and Whitehead's disco hit "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" goes out to all of you fighting the good fight for gay rights. Go on with your bad selves!

Here's a tip to winning our aural affection: make a reference to Sisyphus in your song's first line, as Filthy Dukes did in this track, "Tupac Robot Club Rock."

This track, "Dita Dimoné," comes from British popster Pop Levi's second album, Never Never Love.

Yeah, yeah, most of us know this song by heart - you know who you are - but we can't resist sending President-elect Obama some Kylie love. He's up in our head - and we like it.

Barack Obama's certainly not "ramblin'," but he's definitely bringing joy this fine Wednesday. Here's Tom Saxton and Pete Seeger singing Saxton's track, "Ramblin' Boy."

We're "Living In America" and wondering how the late James Brown would vote in this election - Alan Keyes?

We've been secret Seal fans for some time, but can't hold on any longer - the singer's latest track, a cover of "Change Is Gonna Come" perfectly fits today's epic electoral show down.

Black, white, and everything in-between, who doesn't love Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder's colorblind collaboration "Ebony and Ivory"? Hooray for integration!

Brazilian duo Tetine offer some same-sex love when lead singer Bruno Verner gives - and gets - a big ol' gay kiss at the end of their new video, "You're The One."

We're not really sure how to describe San Francisco-based Deerhoof. Jazzy indie twee rock? Maybe. Whatever you want to call it, this track, "Chandelier Searchlight" deserves a little listen.

Depeche Mode's kind of Halloween-y, right? Anyway, you should always have a "Policy of Truth."

Hey, did you hear it's Halloween? Well, it is, and we simply couldn't resist the chance to post Michael Jackson's entire "Thriller" video.

It's epic, so we've tucked it down below. Enjoy!

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