As Tim Burton's film version of Sweeney Todd gets set to open in the UK this weekend, the Times of London gives the film four stars, declaring it a "wonderful adaptation of Steven Sondheim’s musical ... that Burton was born to film." With the film now open in Australia as well, the Melbourne Herald Sun offers his praise for Johnny Depp's successful portrayal of the Demon Barber: "Sondheim's scores are notoriously difficult, yet Depp reveals a remarkable voice and receives fine support from his co-stars ... Depp, typically, leaves all other versions of Todd dead in the water."

"The Wire is not your average drama," says the Guardian, and "like every other element of The Wire, the music never lets you down." Music plays an integral role in The Wire's realistic look at inner-city life in an ever-struggling Baltimore. This leads the soundtrack to be "as real, or at least as electrifyingly lifelike, as anything else in the show." Advertising Age names the soundtrack the current "pop pick."

Reviewing The Magnetic Fields' latest Nonesuch release, Distortion, the New York Daily News has kind words for Stephin Merritt's trademark wit and also draws attention to his "flair for melodies," which shines through on the new record. "I could go on praising Merritt's hard wit," writes reviewer Jim Farber. "But he's long been known for that. What's new is his fetish for sound—this one so woozy and blurred it gives his disturbed lyrics their perfect mate."

Sérgio and Odair Assad's Jardim Abandonado receives five stars from Audiophile Audition, which credits the brothers' "great artistry and amazing technical facility" with setting "new standards for guitar duos." On the new album in particular, "The sound of the duo is just perfect—rich and natural, with the separation of the two instruments just enough without being exaggerated ... A winning collection with very wide appeal!"

The nominations for the 80th Academy Awards have been announced. Congratulations go to There Will Be Blood and Sweeney Todd, which have received a combined 11 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for There Will Be Blood and Best Actor for Sweeney Todd. The Awards will be handed out in Hollywood on February 24.