Mark Jacobs

Finally, with “Reflektor,” the first cut off the eponymous new album, we can begin to hear what this quasi-supergroup sounds like. Murphy’s touches — the throbbing bass, the squawk of scratchy needles — are unmistakable.

Even by waning ‘90s celebrity status, Marilyn Manson is a hard guy to keep up with. One minute he’s co-authoring a coffee table book with Shia LaBeouf, the next you’ll spot him in the studio with the Daft Punk and Justice affiliate Mr. Oizo.

Thanks to the armies of R. Kelly fanboys, weekend passes to this year’s Pitchfork Festival sold out faster than you could say “Remix to ignition, bro.”

It’s clear (once you set aside all things non-musical and just listen) that Jay-Z’s twelfth record can’t touch Kanye’s sixth.

But be warned: if you have any friends who are insufferable freestylists, play at your own risk. You’ll never get them to shut up over this.