The Killers crown their excellent year with a Christmas single, Last.fm adds a new word to our vocabulary and Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys goes solo...

TRACK OF THE WEEK

The Killers - A Great Big Sled
The Vegas synth rockers have found time between playing huge gigs to crown their excellent year with a Christmas single. It's only in download stores from Monday and no doubt features sleigh bells in some capacity.

WEB EXCLUSIVE

It's Not Like Christmas
Continuing the festive theme, here are 18 more Santa-based tracks by indie bands, released as a charity compilation album in aid of Shelter. In the iTunes store now ahead of its full 13 December release, it features acts including Duels, Duke Special and Electric Soft Parade, plus the Futureheads performing under the superb alias, the Joseph & Mary Chain.

IN THE NEWS

Virtual Life TV
You'd think that as a computer-generated person in the cult online-community Second Life you would have better things to do than watch music videos, such as shooting thunderbolts from your ears or marrying a virtual goat. Nonetheless, Virtual Life TV is here imminently offering music channels from labels including Ninja Tune for the viewing pleasure of your alternative self. http://virtuallife.tv

THE SITE

Last.fm
Here's a word to add to your vocabulary: scrobbling. That's how Last.fm pays attention to the music you listen to on your computer, and then lets you hear other similar bands that you might like too. Along with Pandora.com, it's frequently cited as one of the best ways to discover new music online. www.last.fm

THE BUZZ

Gruff Rhys
The Super Furry Animals frontman has gone solo in order to make music a little weirder than that of his band. Dreamy new single Candylion, his forthcoming album's title track, is in download stores on Monday.