X-ray musical critic at times? (3,7)

I believe the answer is:

cat scanner

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'times?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'x-ray musical critic' is the wordplay.
'x-ray' becomes 'CAT' (CAT is an example).
'musical critic' becomes 'scanner' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'cat'+'scanner'='CAT SCANNER'

'at' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app