Guardian Music — 1953: This piece of escapism was the perfect antidote to the drudgery and austerity of life in 1950s BritainJo Stafford became the first female vocalist to have a UK No 1 with her take on this much-covered ballad (Dean Martin's version reached number... more info

Guardian Music — Fancy some Purple Stew cooked in a Melting Pot, washed down with some Alligator Wine? Then tuck into this week's playlistWe asked you to nominate some songs that take the form of recipes. And – would you believe? Many of them turn out not to be abo... more info

CNN Showbiz — Bob Greene says the crooner's tunes are still ubiquitous, working their magic even years after his death, their calm vibe like a muscle relaxant more info

L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — Musician Billy Strange dies at 81 in Nashville. Billy Strange wrote songs for, arranged or played on hundreds of recordings for Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Dean Martin and many others. more info

Time — I’m a Christmas music traditionalist. Whereas I happily seek out new bands and explore new music throughout the year (and not just because it’s my job), around the holidays I become so conservative, so unyielding in my song choices — it’s Bin... more info

Guardian Music — Save your virtual breath. There is nothing you can say to stop me rejoicing in mistletoe and wine slung in with Christian rhymeThere's a bit in A Passage to India where two missionaries discuss who would be allowed into God's heaven. Humans, black or... more info

Stereogum — Not even the afterlife can keep Scarlett Johansson from a prominent duet. So here’s Scarlett Johansson’s contribution to the new edition of Dean Martin’s My Kind Of Christmas; stream their take on “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” after the ju... more info

Big Apple Music Scene — • Selena Gomez's holiday plans. (Celeb Dirty Laundry) • Check out this Scarlett Johansson and Dean Martin Christmas duet. (Have U Heard) • Beyonce shows off her baby bump. (Celebuzz) • Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes taking a stroll in Paris. ... more info

Perez Hilton — If you're not in the Christmas spirit yet, you will be now! Scarlett Johansson re-recorded a holiday classic, I'll Be Home For Christmas using the vocals of the late Dean Martin. The single will be featured on the upcoming Christmas album Dean Martin... more info

Guardian Music — Imelda May's a bona fide star now, but she'll never forget where her route to the top startedPoured into a slinky, leopard-print dress, her dark hair caught in a quiff topped with a bleached-blonde swirl she calls her "cinnamon bun", Imelda May has k... more info