Fresh Sounds for November 1

The Beach Boys  The Smile Sessions:  After 45 years, one of the most famous unreleased records ever is finally out. Smile was meant as the follow up to the Beach Boys masterpiece, Pet Sounds, but it fell apart amid creative differences in the band and the increasingly fragile mental health of Brian Wilson. Nine years after Wilson's re-recording of Smile, (and the triumphant tour that ensued) here's the original — and more. The two-disc set features the 19 songs planned for Smile's release, another eight bonus tracks, and a full disc of demos and outtakes from the recording sessions. For uber-fans, there's also a five disc deluxe version, highlighted by an entire disc of (24!) takes on "Good Vibrations," the 1966 mega hit single.

Susan Boyle  Someone To Watch Over Me:  On her third album, the English reality TV sensation proves she's here to stay. Someone To Watch Over Me includes a tasteful combination of original material with well chosen covers, especially "Unchained Melody."
 

Miranda Lambert  Four The Record:  Miranda Lambert's boisterous voice and independent spirit remind us of the outlaw country of the early 1970's — fresh, authentic and not concerned with sticking to the predictable success formula. In fact, some songs here, like the rollicking "Fine Tune" and stripped down "Oklahoma Sky," lean more toward rock than country. Husband Blake Shelton joins her for a satisfying duet on the more traditional sounding "Better In The Long Run."
 

Pink Martini  A Retrospective:  Searching for an album you can play at your holiday dinners and office parties? Look no farther than this collection from the Portland, Ore., neo-swing group. It's guaranteed to be a conversation starter and position you a step ahead of the typical holiday music curve to your friends and co-workers. Songs like "Sympathique" and "Splendor In The Grass" will energize the dinner party, while their takes on "Mas Que Nada" and "Que Sera Sera" will add a world flavor to the festivities.