411 Music Roundtable: April Edition

Posted by Mitch Michaels on 04.05.2007

The 411 Music Staff talks about Paul McCartney, Modest Mouse, Hip Hop album sales, Van Halen and all the other March newsmakers. Plus, previews for new albums by Timbaland, Black Sabbath, Avril Lavigne, Arctic Monkeys and tons more!!!

Hey folks, it's another edition of the 411 Music Roundtable, where the respected and/or strung out Music Zone staff look back on the news of the last month and forward to the new releases of this one.

On with the show!


APRIL 2007


BIGGEST WINNER OF THE MONTH


Modest Mouse
James Munson: After a three year wait (and overwhelming anticipation), Modest Mouse put out one of their finest efforts in We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. Despite reports that Isaac Brock has been feeling a little bit under-the-weather at a recent show where he carved into himself with a pocket knife, their album debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts and far out-sold the numbers that Good News made in its first week.

Danielle Ricci: This band debuted at number one on the Billboard charts with an album that maintained their sound and integrity. No small feat.

Prodigy & The Alchemist
Phil Watts, Jr.: Not too long ago, Talib Kweli made his first good album in years, Liberation, with some help from Madlib on the boards. Just recently, after years of bad albums (and being the butt of ballerina jokes), Prodigy makes HIS first good album in years, with the help of the Alchemist and a whole bunch of old 70's soul records. Hopefully more rappers will start stepping their game up and start putting out better records (not to mention, getting ONE PRODUCER and sticking with him!)

Indie Bands
Jamie Buttineau: Man, the music industry is weird isn't it? One second people are buying albums from a bald headed "American Idol" losing Nickelback clone and the next they're coming out in droves to buy the new Arcade Fire album. This month has seen the release of some of the best albums of the year so far, mainly the new Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse albums. And surprisingly, they've both topped the charts with The Arcade Fire scoring a #2 placement and Modest Mouse somehow getting #1. And this has been going on for a while now. Back in January, The Shins also managed to make it to #2. Hell, even LCD Soundsystem managed to make it to 46 which is James Murphy's highest placement ever. I don't know whether or not this signifies a change in the record buying public's musical tastes, but it's nice to see bands that deserve recognition are getting it. Now stop cutting yourself Isaac Brock.

Starbucks
John Nagle: When Starbucks first announced they were starting a record label a year ago, many music industry insiders rolled their eyes. Starbucks would have the last laugh though, by signing Sir Paul McCartney to the label on March 21st. Starbucks may be a soulless corporation, but their record label has instant credibility. I wonder how Sir Paul takes his Lattes. Soy milk perhaps?

R.E.M.
Mitch Michaels: For a band that hasn't had a Top 40 hit in the US in over 13 years ("Bang & Blame", look it up), R.E.M. has really been riding high lately. With their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this month, it seems like critics have been willing to forgive Stipe and the boys for the disaster that was Around The Sun and news of their upcoming release and possible tour is a hot topic. I just hope they can make good on all the hype.


BIGGEST LOSER OF THE MONTH


The Stooges
James Munson: While they may be one of the greatest founding-father punk bands that ever existed, The Stooges dropped a bomb this month when The Weirdness came out. The musicianship is pretty hardcore, but Iggy's singing suffers a lot on this one. Sometimes it doesn't even sound like he's trying. One of the newer songs is called "Mexican Guy". I know they're touring with Mike Watt now, and that's beyond exciting, but was it necessary to release a new album after 30-some years?

Miss Jones (NY radio shock jock and failed R&B singer)
Phil Watts, Jr.: I've said it before and I'll say it again: it's people like her that are the reason why New York is losing. Miss Jones used her radio show to shit on Beyoncé's career and gas Heather Hudson's head up. Maybe it's because of jealousy over the fact that before Miss Jones was a radio shit-jock, she was a failed R&B singer who's songs NOBODY remembers. Come to think of it, she's made only ONE memorable song in her whole career: "The Tsunami Song", where she laughs at the tragic deaths of over 200,000 people. Despicable. Meanwhile, she also shits on Lupe Fiasco because his guest verse on Musiq's "Buddy" remix didn't have anything to do with the song, like that's the first time stuff like that happened in an R&B remix over the past 17 years! I have visceral hatred for her and anyone else in New York radio these days. Everyone from Star & Bucwild, Wendy Williams, and anyone else who is all about gossip and shitting on people instead of playing music like a Disc Jockey is supposed to do. These people contribute nothing.

Snoop Dogg
Jamie Buttineau: Arrested, again. In Sweden no less. I mean, come on, how high do you have to be to piss off the Swedes? They're such fun loving happy people, yet somehow Snoop manages to get busted by them. Also, why the hell was Snoop Dogg touring with Diddy in the first place? I didn't even know Diddy still toured, or that people still cared enough about Diddy to buy tickets to his tour. Strange, very strange indeed.

Capitol Records
John Nagle: Sir Paul might not sell millions of records anymore, but he was one of the cornerstones of Capitol for four decades. Paul's departure is a major blow.

Van Halen
Mitch Michaels: On the opposite end of the spectrum from fellow 2007 R&R HOF inductees R.E.M., Van Halen have had nothing but trouble lately. First, they called off their big summer tour, then they blew off the HOF ceremony (sending ex-bassist Michael Anthony and ex-singer Sammy Hagar to accept the award). David Lee Roth got mad and didn't show up thanks to not being able to sing the songs he wanted to sing, while Eddie Van Halen announced around that time that he was entering rehab. When Velvet Revolver (featuring a thisclose to rehab Scott Weiland and Slash who, if anything, was one of VH's greatest peers of the 80's) is doing your "tribute performance", you know you've hit hard times.

The Ghetto-Fabulous Karl Rove aka MC Rove
Danielle Ricci: You know, if my political career was marred by so many horrific scandals (the handling of Katrina, the Valerie Plame affair, the suspect firing of US attorneys) I might just throw up my hands and decide to screw it and do what I want. Then again, I still wouldn't wouldn't make such a fool of myself trying to front like my pasty ass belongs in Three Six Mafia, throwing up gang signs like it's my job.


BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS OF THE MONTH


Marilyn Manson and Slayer Summer Tour
James Munson: Talk about a nostalgia trip. Having been a casual fan of both bands in high school, these two metal giants will make quite the combination to see. I'm not even sure how well their fans will mesh, although it undoubtedly has to be better than the Marilyn Manson/Hole tour that fell through in 1999. With both bands doing complete sets each night, it will be interesting to see the over-the-top spectacle Manson will put on and the ear-bleeding intensity Slayer will unleash upon eager fans young and old.

Hip-Hop Album Sales Plummet
Phil Watts, Jr.: This is what happens when too many people wind up putting all their eggs in one basket. Sales figures have shown that between the years 2005-2006, sales of Hip-Hop albums have plummeted 21%. Plus, it's the first time in 12 years when the Top 10 hit singles did not include a single Hip-Hop song. Now while people will try to blame music downloads for the plummeting sales, to me, it's just another excuse. After all, anyone's music, regardless of genre, can get ripped off for free on the and yet, only Hip-Hop's sales have plummeted. Why? Simple: [*clears throat*] Everyone sounding the same, looking the same, doing the same kind of songs, with the same kind of beats, same kind of focus, promoting their records with the same tactics (I.E. PROCESSED BEEF; grown men acting like they are still in HIGH SCHOOL), all while thinking this gravy train is going to ride on forever. There was once a time when artists took more chances, and whether you were a thug or a prophet, everyone brought something to the table. Now, with everyone looking at THE BOTTOM LINE and only using tactics that sell, you end up with a bunch of shirtless clones making identical, disposable music product, and people are waking up to that.

Sonic Youth Plays Daydream Nation Live
Jamie Buttineau: Oh come on, it's one of the greatest bands ever playing one of their best albums ever in its entirety. It's hard to believe that Sonic Youth has been around since the 80's, you never would have thought have they could have this kind of longevity. Yet here they are, nearly 30 years later, still rocking the noise rock and playing at festivals. It's heart warming really.

Paul McCartney signs with Hear Music
John Nagle: I realize this is redundant, but this is a major moment in music history. I think this is a glimpse to where music will head in the future. The traditional record labels are becoming a thing of the past, and I think more companies will begin to take Starbucks' lead. The times are a-changin', and not for the better.

Traveling Wilburys Get Re-Released
Mitch Michaels: After over a decade of being out of print, rock's greatest super group will see both of their albums re-released through Rhino Records. Not only that, but we're getting a DVD documentary with videos and four rare tracks. I couldn't be more psyched. If you want to know what pop/rock was ALL about at the end of the 80's, pick up this album.

EMI Distributes Goes Copy-Protection Free
Danielle Ricci: iTunes copy protection is a drag; EMI's (distributor of the Rolling Stones, Norah Jones, Coldplay and others) decision to sell its songs DRM protection free hopefully signals the beginning of the
end of the end of the cumbersome, big brotherly technology.

Keith Richards Snorts His Father
Danielle Ricci: Keith Richards revealed to a London tabloid that he once mixed a little of his cremated father into some coke and snorted it. Here's the quote in full: `The strangest thing I've tried to snort? My father. I snorted my father. He was cremated, and I couldn't resist grinding him up with a little bit of blow'' (Ed. Note: Richards has since stated that this story was just a joke)


MOST NOTABLE RELEASE OF THE MONTH


LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
James Munson: I didn't think it was possible for James Murphy to improve upon LCD Soundsystem's phenomenal self-titled debut, but his new album has more groovy, dance tunes than you can shake a stick at. "Sound of Silver" and "North American Scum" sound fantastic and further legitimize Murphy's highly regarded talents as a music composer as well as a producer.

El-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead
Phil Watts, Jr.: You know what? I love how people are trying to discredit this man and the things he's accomplished in Hip-Hop. It proves that they are absolutely CLUELESS. At a time when Hip-Hop was becoming more like Marvel Comics BULLSHIT "Civil War" story (WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON? I'M WITH PUFF! I'M WITH SUGE! I'M WITH BIG! I'M WITH 2PAC!), El-P took a wrecking ball to all that foolishness by bringing the underground movement to a much bigger level - all while bringing back the Bomb Squad's Sonic Wall sound. Ten years later, he's still putting out that innovative shit. So don't sleep - cop this shit right now. Besides, if even PUFFY is feeling it, then you people have no excuse!

The Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
Jamie Buttineau: Now this was a close call, since this month alone we've gotten kickass albums from Modest Mouse, LCD Soundsystem, Andrew Bird, !!!, etc etc. It's been a damn good month. Still, for the time being, Neon Bible remains my current favourite album of 2007. It doesn't top Funeral, but then again what can? It takes bits and pieces of that album though and elevates them to anthemic, Springsteen-esque heights. Still, it's a close race between this and Modest Mouse and LCD Soundsystem's latest albums, which I believe are the three best albums released thus far this year.

The Stooges - The Weirdness
John Nagle: Unfortunately this album is notable for the wrong reasons. It is a prime example of why bands shouldn't make reunion albums. The Stooges sound like shadows of their former selves, and it's heartbreaking to listen to.

Relient K - Five Score & Seven Years Ago
Mitch Michaels: I was prepping for an interview with Matt Hoopes from the band and was surprised by how much I liked this record. I liked it so much I actually paid to download it from iTunes. There's something magic in these songs. I'm not normally into pop/punk, but RK has taken a heavier approach to this album and, finally, sound like a heavy hitter in the industry. Plus, there's a lot of great, Christian messages here, a theme that has been missing on the band's recent output. This is a good set.

Modest Mouse We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Danielle Ricci: They've kept us waiting since 2004, but it was worth it. This album rules.


MUSIC DVD OF THE MONTH


U2: Vertigo 2005 – Live from Chicago
James Munson: In my opinion, nothing beats their Elevation – Live from Boston concert, but everything people love (or hate) about U2 is here. Grandiose visual curtains, a target-shaped centerpiece for a stage, and Bono going off on poverty/world hunger. Spot-on reproductions of U2 classics make this DVD a fitting retrospective of U2's older and more recent material.

Butch Walker: Live At Budokan
John Nagle: If concert DVDs are meant to be an advertisement for a live show, then this is the most effective advertisement I have ever seen. Butch sweats, screams and bleeds for about two hours, and has the audience in the palm of his hand.

Metallica: The Videos
Mitch Michaels: Not only does this DVD present ALL of Metallica's videos in pristine 5.1 Surround, it reminds you how great the band was and still is. Even if St. Anger disappointed or you thought that Reload was junk, you can't deny that the singles and the bad ass concept videos this band has made throughout their career are legendary. With two hours of gems, you'll be reminded of songs you'd forgotten about ("I Disappear", "Whisky In The Jar") and of why you loved these guys in the first place.

Hedwig And The Angry Inch
Danielle Ricci: I hate just about every musical, except for this one. The story follows a girly German boy through his botched sex change operation and subsequent career as the ultra-glam frontwoman of a rock
band full of Korean born army wives. It's campy, absurd and fabulous.


CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE MONTH


The Clash - London Calling
James Munson: Often referred to as the band's swan song, this perfect album has aged refreshingly well due to recent remasters (including one with a bonus disc titled "The Vanilla Tapes") and the songs have a wide variety of stylistic range from ska ("Rudie Can't Fail") to punk ("London Calling") to pop ("Train In Vain").

Al Green - The Lord Will Make A Way
Phil Watts, Jr.: With it being the Easter season, I decided to bring up a gospel album this time out. In this case, it's Al Green's first album as a gospel singer. After a horrible incident that involved his girlfriend dumping a hot bowl of grits on him in the shower for refusing her marriage proposal (and committing suicide afterwards), Al decided that he needed to get his life right. He converted to Christianity and became an ordained preacher - but he still tried to record his usual soul music records. However, he was at the down point of his career at this point, especially with disco at full swing. Then, after falling off the stage during a concert in 1979, he saw that accident as a message from God and finally decided to go all the way. Thus, this album was born. The Lord Will Make A Way shows Al retaining all the soulfulness and charisma that made his soul hits classics. So if you're an Al Green aficionado or you just want a decent gospel album, you can't go wrong with this one. (By the way, be on the look out for an upcoming colab with ?uestlove of the Roots! I'm definitely looking forward to see what that's about.)

Dr. Dre – The Chronic
Jamie Buttineau: I've been getting into hip hop more and more lately, so I thought I'd check out what is considered to be one of the most influential rap albums ever. And it damn sure lives up to the hype. Quite possibly one of the best rap albums or even albums period I've ever listened to. I mean just about every song on this album is great. Plus this was basically the debut of Snoop Dogg, back when he was Snoop Doggy Dogg. I miss the Doggy part, it's like a little piece of him died when he lost that.

Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream
John Nagle: This was one of the first albums I ever bought, so it has quite a bit of sentimental value to me. Beyond nostalgia though, this is the Pumpkins' finest moment. I think what stands out the most is that Corgan is unafraid to go from loud to soft. This creates many different textures and moods, especially in a time where most alternative bands were just going for straight distortion.

The Traveling Wilburys - Vol. 1
Mitch Michaels: I can't remember how I first heard this album, but I can remember getting it on cassette and just wearing it out. There's not a bad song on this set, and with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne all mixing it up vocally, you could just never get enough. From "Handle With Care" to "The End Of The Line", you're not gonna find a better album for jangly acoustic pop and sweet melodies. This is how the masters have fun.

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Danielle Ricci: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea should be one everyone's top 10 list of most important recordings of contemporary music.


LYRIC OF THE MONTH
James Munson: "Well some day you will die somehow and something's going to steal your carbon" - Modest Mouse, "Parting of the Sensory"

John Nagle: "All I wanna do for fun/Is kill everyone" –The Stooges, "Idea Of Fun" (Two words: Arrested development.)

Mitch Michaels: "Been stuck in airports, terrorized/Sent to meetings, hypnotized/Overexposed, commercialized/Hand me with care" - The Traveling Wilburys, "Handle With Care"

Danielle Ricci: "I worry about how this album will sell because I believe it will determine the amount of sex I will have in the future." - Say Anything, "Admit It!!!!"

NEXT MONTH'S NEW RELEASES


Fountains Of Wayne – Traffic And Weather
James Munson: I think these boys have more pop hooks in them, but after a lot of their purist fans were burned by "Stacy's Mom", they will have to come up with something as exciting as their self-titled debut or create another novelty hit for this one to fly.


Black Sabbath – The Dio Years
James Munson: I'm sure this one was fueled in part by cashing-in on the upcoming Heaven and Hell tour. Dio's Sabbath-era stuff isn't actually all that bad, but besides Mob Rules, who needs to pay again for this collection?

Jamie Buttineau: DIO!!! DIO IS AWESOME!! YES! Although I never heard anything from his days fronting Black Sabbath, but I imagine it must at least marginally rock.

John Nagle: Black Sabbath's post-Ozzy era has never gotten the respect it deserves, and I'm glad to see that the Dio material is being recognized. "Neon Knights" is on par with "Iron Man" in my opinion.


Grinderman – Grinderman
James Munson: This is one of the new releases I'm most excited for this month. Anything Nick Cave related hardly disappoints. If you've heard and enjoyed "No Pussy Blues" from this upcoming album, I have a feeling Grinderman is up your alley.


Boot Camp Clik - Still For The People Reissue
Phil Watts, Jr.: Ten years ago, you make an album that was so wretched that it caused you to lose lots of fans. It would take a few years for you and your crew to go back to basics and go back to making the kind of music that got people to love you in the first place. And now that you're back on people's minds again, with hopes of doing bigger and better things, what is your next move? Why REISSUING THE VERY ALBUM THAT GOT YOU TO LOSE ALL THOSE FANS IN THE FIRST PLACE! Bright decision, guys.


Timbaland - Timbaland Presents Shock Value
Phil Watts, Jr.: Of all the hot-hot-hot mainstream producers, I have at least some respect for Timbo, as he's the only one that can make a decent beat when he wants to. However, I do have a problem with many of the people he often colabs with, from Missy Elliott to Justin Timberlake. The more I hear people like them over his tracks, the more I wish Aaliyah was still alive.

Jamie Buttineau: From all accounts it doesn't appear to be very good but I could be wrong. Also, is the title Shock Value or Timbaland Presents Shock Value? I had this same issue regarding whether it was Food & Liquor or Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. Why put your name in the damn title? Redundant!


Chris Lowe - Black Life 2: The Next Thing Smokin'
Phil Watts, Jr.: A few years ago, Chris Lowe came out with the Black Life album which was actually pretty dope, with such joints as "The Treacherous Three" (with Sadat X and Dinco of the Leaders Of the New School), "Uncut Action" (with Large Professor), and "CT to LI Buckwhylin" with Parrish Smith (the PMD of EPMD). However, the album got nothing but hate from various critics, particularly Jay Seagraves and his long-DEAD HipHopInfinity website, where he shitted on Chris Lowe's lyrics. Maybe he would've liked it if Sage Francis was in it. Moron. Anyway, Chris is coming back with another album of dope material for the idiot critics to turn their back on.


The Alchemist - The Cutting Room Floor, Vol. 2 & Rapper's Best Friend
Phil Watts, Jr.: Hot off of his amazing work with Prodigy's new album, ALC is coming back with two more mixtapes: The Cutting Room Floor, Vol. 2, which gives us more outtakes from the projects he's worked on over the past few years, and Rapper's Best Friend, an album with some instrumentals for any aspiring rapper to get busy over. This promises to be a big year for him and his affiliates, and more power to him.


Mic Geronimo - Alive 9/14/73
Phil Watts, Jr.: It's been 12 years since he came out with The Natural album, which had such hits like "Masta IC", with O.C. and Royal Flush ("Iced Out Medallions"), "Where You Are", and "Shit's Real". Sadly, after watching many of his neighbors and best friends move on to huge success (Puff, Ja Rule, DMX, and DJ Irv Gotti) while he was struggling, he tried many attempts at getting more exposure, from the Puff-influenced Vendetta album to reality shows (there was an MTV reality show that involved him and his live-in girlfriend - and it became obvious that SHE wore the pants in that relationship!) Now, he's returned to the game with a new album, with Large Professor doing a few tracks on it.


J. Rawls & Declaime - It's The Dank & Jammy Show!
Phil Watts, Jr.: J. Rawls, the producer half of the Lone Catalysts, and Declaime, long time member of the Stones Throw family, have joined forces to bring us The Dank & Jammy Show! Hopefully, Dudley will be a little more light-hearted this time out (and keeps the singing-in-the-shower act to a minimum). But hey, as long as it keeps J. Rawls from making another boring-ass 3582 album, it's fine by me!


Cormega - Best Of, Volume 1
Phil Watts, Jr.: While he's not WHINING LIKE A BITCH about Nas not including him in a photo shoot to a magazine that got canceled a month later, he's actually put out some pretty decent recording through the years. This album contains some of the best from all his self-released albums. (By the way, both Cormega and Nas squashed their beef. Good.)


Phat Kat - Carte Blanche
Phil Watts, Jr.: Phat Kat is a long time affiliate of the whole Detroit/Slum Village family, as he was the MC half of the duo First Down (with J-Dilla playing the DJ/Producer half). This album is a mix of new and old material, including "Cold Steel", "Survival Kit", "Don't Nobody Care About Us", and my favorite, "My Old Label" (you know somebody who STILL thinks that J-Dilla can't make beats without using handclaps? Shove their ear to the nearest speaker and bump "My Old Label" up REAL LOUD! If that don't convince them, the ringing in their ears will!)


Hilary Diff – Dignity
Jamie Buttineau: This must be the first chapter in her upcoming series of albums based on things she's lost. Next up will be Integrity and Virginity.

John Nagle: Does anyone else see the irony in this title?

Mitch Michaels: So, is Hilary Duff the respectable one now? Or is that Christina Aguilera? Wait, who's on drugs this week?


Bucky Covington - Bucky
Jamie Buttineau: Another "American Idol" loser?! I thought it was bad when Kellie Pickler got a record deal, but Bucky?! BUCKY?!! The skeevy Deliverance looking guy? Logically this shouldn't be remotely close to a hit, but I have a bad feeling that it might somehow. "American Idol" is taking over people, it might be time to get scared.


Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing
Jamie Buttineau: You see it's ironic, because this will not in fact be the best damn thing or anything remotely close to something that could be referred to as the best damn thing. Therefore it is ironic. And kudos to Avril for utilizing the dangerous potential power of irony. Unless she actually thinks this album will be in fact be good, in which case she truly is a sad little thing. Also, is she seriously still married to that Sum 41 douche? How the hell has that little masquerade not imploded upon itself yet?

John Nagle: I don't care what anyone says, "Girlfriend" is one helluva catchy single. This record is poised to become my guilty pleasure of 2007.

Mitch Michaels: I agree with John. A little story. My wife heard "Girlfriend" and then brought me in to watch the video. I just stood there stone faced and when it was over said, you've known me for years, what made you think I would like that song? But secretly, I knew it was catchy. Weeks later, I still can't help but say, "Hell yeah, I'm a motherfucking princess". Also, the video, are we supposed to hate the current girlfriend just cause she seems nice? They shoulda made her more of a whore.


Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Jamie Buttineau: Or basically Whatever People Say I Am, That Is What I'm Not Part Deux. Which they can get away with, since they're fairly new and fresh. It'll probably be worth a listen.

John Nagle: I really liked the first album, and I hope these guys avoid the sophomore slump. I'm not holding my breath though.


Paul Wall – Get Money, Stay True
Jamie Buttineau: Yes, a whole new album about how great it is to be a redneck white guy rapping about shiny metal that he wears on his teeth. Absolutely enthralling.


Blonde Redhead - 23
Jamie Buttineau: It looks like it'll be weird, so I'll probably like it.


Nine Inch Nails – Year Zero
Jamie Buttineau: Ah, Trent Reznor, nearly forty and still gothing it up. Well he hasn't quite reached that "Robert Smith" stage where it becomes sad at least.

John Nagle: It's only been two years since the last NIN album. When did Trent become so prolific?!


Patti Smith - Twelve
Jamie Buttineau: Patti Smith is like the crazy cool pot smoking hippie aunt still trapped in the 60's that we all wish we had.


Kings Of Leon - Because Of The Times
Jamie Buttineau: I always found these guys to be somewhat overrated. However, April isn't chock filled with awesome releases so I may give them a listen just to see if they're any good. Time will tell.


Static-X – Cannibal
Jamie Buttineau: I used to like these guys back in the day, not so much now. They were quite popular at my high school though. Does Wayne Static still have that funky ass vertical hair? Because that shit was awesome.


W.A.S.P. - Dominator
John Nagle: Blackie Lawless refuses to go away, and you have to admire his persistence. Although the band's best days are far behind them, each WASP record has a few decent tunes. Hopefully it'll contain poetry on the level of "1-800-95-NASTY"

THE END
And that'll do it for this month. Join us next month for another awe-inspiring edition of the 411 Music Roundtable!