In an effort to expand the musical palate of Vampire Weekend fans newly taken to the sounds of Afro-pop, which the band references in its work, the Los Angeles Times offers some "relatively recent gems" from Africa's diverse musical offerings. Included is Amadou & Mariam's Manu Chao-produced album Dimanche à Bamako, which the Times' Ann Powers says "ranks as one of the sunniest musical outings released this century." She writes: "Some tracks boogie like classic rock, others roll along on those gloriously languorous Malian rhythms, some flirt with hip-hop. Every one will make you jump up and dance."

Jonny Greenwood picked up an Evening Standard British Film Award last night for Best Film Score for his contribution to There Will Be Blood. The film's star, Daniel Day-Lewis was named Best Actor. Helena Bonham Carter was recognized as Best Actress for her work both in Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and in the small, independent film Conversations with Other Women.