If you want to be transported to a time and place when music didn't, as a rule, sound homogeneous and sucky, pick up Seven Summits by The Secret Life of Sofia. The Brooklyn–based band's first full length release is a concept album of sorts: All the songs are about mountain climbing, either literally ("Nepal, 1905") or figuratively ("Government Lakes"). It's awesome. The beats are solid, the vocals earnest without being whiny, and the guitars wash each track in an atmospheric, buried-in-the-mix glow. The thumping bass adds some urgency and the occasional nylon-stringed guitar pretties things up.

—David Riedel

It's not necessary that every single product design convention be re-thought, but that's never stopped companies such as ShotPak Inc. from doing things like packaging their single-serving liquor in little plastic tear-top pouches instead of little plastic bottles. The odd packaging system means the little bottle will be more easily concealed, making ShotPaks perfect for concerts, proms and family reunions. shotpakinc.com

—Hugh Elton

For those who can't get enough hog fat first thing in the morning — and make no mistake, we're legion — our pork problem may be solved. The Wake n' Bacon Alarm Clock wakes sound sleepers with the smell of freshly cooked bacon. Put in frozen strips the night before, set the alarm and the Wake n' Bacon cooks it so it's ready when you rise. If someone could find a way to keep the swine from shrinking into a little fraction of its former self while cooking, that would be even better.

—David Riedel

From the folks who brought us ICanHasCheezburger.com comes the great site TotallyLooksLike.com. For instance: Laura Bush totally looks like The Joker. Quentin Tarantino totally looks like Squiggy. Poker player T.J. Cloutier totally looks like a grumpy cookie. And on and on and on.

—Andy Bromage