Robot Sunday

Connie Francis played an important part in late-'50s and 1960s American pop music as one of the most versatile vocalists in the field (she has been likened to Pat Boone in that respect) and one of the few women to join the top ranks of Italian-American entertainers like Dean Martin and Tony Bennett. Souvenirs is a four-disc career retrospective that goes beyond the hits – of which there are many – to present her early recordings as a demo singer, offbeat novelties like "Robot Man," and many non-hit singles and album sides.

The average listener with only a passing interest in heavy metal might be surprised that the Scorpions had been recording since 1972 – they actually formed in 1965 – as their success in the United States didn't really begin until the release of 1982's Blackout. Hip-O's Box of Scorpions is the first U.S.-released box set from the veteran German rockers to sample from their entire 30-year career…

Like many emo/post-hardcore acts, Californian quintet Dance Gavin Dance—which formed in 2005—is inherently an acquired taste due to its drastic fusions of alarmingly hostile centers with invitingly emotive choruses and soaring instrumentation. Few other genres blend such polarized extremes, yet there's always something alluring and admirable about the sheer skill the band shows in balancing these personas. Thankfully, that remains true on Artificial Selection, the group's eighth studio album. While it can be a bit too abrasive and repetitive sometimes, there's still a lot to like and commend about the collection's catchy hooks, refreshing aggression, and subtle yet significant stylistic amalgamations.

New collection of great music from Orange Juice Records Vintage label