Another actress crosses over into music next week with the release of Anywhere I Lay My Head from Scarlett Johansson. Featuring one original track, "Song for Jo," co-written with David Sitek of TV on the Radio (who also serves as producer and player), the rest of the CD consists of interpretations of songs by Tom Waits. Guests include Nick Zimmer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sean Antanaitis of Celebration, and David Bowie on two tracks: "Fannin' Street" and "Falling Down."

Coldplay fans should seek out the latest issue of Britain's New Music Express magazine and quickly surf to the band's Web site. The May 10 issue of NME features a free bonus seven-inch single of "Violet Hill" with a non-LP B side, "A Spell a Rebel Yell," and details can be found online about securing tickets to the band's free show at the Madison Square Garden on June 23.

If you're listening to Martin Sexton's Seeds and occasionally find yourself confused by the lyrics, don't despair.

The 2007 album, Sexton's first non-live-performance, non-holiday album since 2000's Wonder Bar, was made differently from his previous work.

"This was the first record I ever did where I didn't have everything written, lyrically, when I was making the record - the first record I didn't do live, basically," he said in a recent phone interview. "I had the music, and I'd have, say, the chorus of a song, but I didn't have the lyrics. So I figured if I make the record, that'll be the little flame under my feet to finish the tunes."

This Saturday, the best brick-and-mortar record retailers across North America have organized a holiday of sorts in their own honor. Log on to (http://www.recordstoreday.com) to find out what shops in your area are participating, with a variety of special events and cool stuff that can't be squeezed through the Internet. Happenings include in-store appearances by Metallica, Panic at the Disco, Allison Moorer, Regina Spektor, Will Oldham, Thrice, Marshall Crenshaw, Steve Earle, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Peanut Butter Wolf. Many participating stores are offering deep discounts and are the only place you'll find Record Store Day-only releases on vinyl from Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks and others who haven't forgotten that the old days were maybe the best ways.