Once the phrase “Black Mirror Christmas special” entered the culture, the best part of the 2014 holidays was already guaranteed. We already knew the marvelous, evil, prophetic show would weave three stories together for the first time ever — but now Jon Hamm is the link among the three. “[Black Mirror‘s] dark humor and intelligent observation of our society and values hooked me deeply as a viewer,” says Hamm, “and I’m honored that Charlie [Brooker] and the rest of the creative team have asked me to participate in wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.” We’re honored, too, Jon. Exciting times we live in.

The Simpsons’ 26th season premiered on Sunday; you have to see this two-minute absurdist couch gag. [via]
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Talib Kweli says what needs to be said: “When you pay for a Lauryn Hill concert you are not paying for her to do what you want, you are paying for her to do what she wants. She is not an iPod nor is she a trained monkey. She doesn’t have to do her hits and she doesn’t have to do the songs the way you want to hear them.” Go read it all.

Thom Yorke’s $6 BitTorrent album has been download 408,000 times since Friday.

This is Lorde’s single for Mockingjay, the one where she’s “curating” the soundtrack. Analysis: Lorde has really figured out how to be Lorde. [via]
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Rumor: a two-part Avengers 3.

Brad Pitt luvs Shia LaBeouf. “Oh, I love this boy. He’s one of the best actors I’ve ever seen. He’s full-on commitment, man. He’s living it like no one else, let me tell you. I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of great actors. He’s one of the best I’ve seen.”

Denzel’s got a hot Jay Z impersonation.

If we’re 8-bitting everything, sure, why not Friends?

Black Sabbath is doing a “final” album and tour next year. (Without original drummer Bill Ward, but still.)

Kid Cudi is pissed he has only five fans, storms offstage at cushy Outkast opening gig.

Robert Plant and Jimmy Fallon did a little doo-wop together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz8KQWWaaRQ

And Aretha has a covers album on the way; here’s “Rolling in the Deep.”