Reuters - At first thought, Robert Plant might seem an unlikely outlet for a celebration of Americana. But think about the myriad sounds from the colonies that Led Zeppelin melded into its music, and it makes sense.

AP - "Side Effects: A Bestselling Drug on Trial" (Algonquin Books. 240 pages. $24.95), by Alison Bass: It's hard not to cheer for the little guy in "Side Effects," the true story of underdogs who stand up to powerful drug companies and their questionable ethics.

AP - "Hit and Run" (William Morrow, 287 pages, $24.95), by Lawrence Block: John Keller, professional hit man, is on his way to Des Moines to take a life — one last job before retiring to spend more time with his stamp collection.

AP - "Conquistador: Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma and the Last Stand of the Aztecs" (Bantam Books. 330 pages. $27.50), by Buddy Levy: Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes met the mighty Montezuma during a brief but elaborate ceremony in the Aztec ruler's home city of Tenochtitlan on Nov. 8, 1519.

AP - Rap and opera — an unlikely combination. Then add "gay" to the mix.

AP - "Palace of the End" is a powerful contemporary political drama by Judith Thompson that will haunt the audience long afterward.

Reuters - As any fan will tell you, there are two faces of the Cure.

Reuters - "Finding Amanda," a misguided comedy directed by "Analyze This" writer Peter Tolan, sinks under the weight of misogynistic jokes.

AP - Amos Lee, "Last Days at the Lodge" (Blue Note)

AP - Alejandro Escovedo, "Real Animal" (Back Porch/Manhattan)

AP - G. Love & Special Sauce, "Superhero Brother" (Brushfire Records)

AP - Ry Cooder, "I, Flathead" (Nonesuch/Perro Verde)