411 Music Roundtable: May Edition
Posted by Mitch Michaels on 05.09.2007
The 411 Music Staff talks about censorship in hip-hop, Lollapalooza, Sanjaya, Björk, and other news, as well as previews for albums by Megadeth, Linkin Park, Kimberley Locke, Maroon 5 and tons more!!!
Hey folks, it's another edition of the 411 Music Roundtable, where the loved and/or high 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!
MAY 2007
BIGGEST WINNER OF THE MONTH
Sanjaya Malakar
Ari Berenstein: The talk of the town at the White House Correspondent's dinner. He might have finally gotten the boot from "American Idol", but he may still be the biggest winner of this year's class. Sure, his fame might be of the William Hung variety, but that guy rode his fifteen minutes for all they were worth. I wouldn't begrudge Sanjaya the same.
D'Angelo
Phil Watts, Jr.: IT'S ABOUT TIME! After 6 years of doing everything possible to kill his own career, Mr. Archer finally wises up and realizes that there are people who actually miss him and want him to put out something. ANYTHING. Just recently, a new track was leaked, entitled "Really Love", which shows that, while he has traded the six-pack for a keg (he kinda blimped out in his last mugshot), he hasn't lost any of his music talent. Hopefully, he'll stay off the nose candy and the weed long enough to bring us a full album before the year's over. And one other thing, D: Keep your clothes on this time, will you?
Björk
Jamie Buttineau: Things are going pretty well for Björk. Her album Volta comes out this month, and it's looking to be a reasonable success. She even managed to snag Timbaland to lay down some funky beats. Although the combination of Björk and Timbaland may be one of the strangest duos I have ever even considered, there's some real cognitive dissonance going on there. Plus, she got to perform on "SNL", which is pretty neat and usually translates to decent record sales. I guess it pays to be crazy and Icelandic.
Now That's What I Call Music! 24
Dan Marsicano: I didn't even know they were still making these. So I'm looking through entertainment news and what do I find out? Now 24 was number one on the Billboard Charts two weeks in a row! That's just amazing and proves my point that most Americans don't know what decent music is. (Ed. Note: Don't be alarmed, readers, we actually did find Dan under a rock a couple months ago)
Lollapalooza
Mitch Michaels: The line-up's pretty-much been finalized for Lollapalooza '07 this month and it looks like the potential for another smashing success. You've got all the big "indie" rock bands that are making headlines these days (Modest Mouse, YYY's, Snow Patrol), the upcoming indie darlings (!!!, Blonde Redhead, Amy Winehouse, LCD Soundsystem), and you have the big nods to Lollapalooza's past in headliners Pearl Jam and other acts like Silverchair and even The Stooges. It's hard to believe this festival was nearly dead and buried just three years ago. Now as long as Virgin doesn't steal their attendance (and let's face it, Chicago isn't THAT fucking close to Baltimore unless you live in L.A.) they should be ready to make history again.
BIGGEST LOSER OF THE MONTH
Sherly Crow
Ari Berenstein: Her statements about using one square of toilet paper to conserve the environment may have been a joke, but few of those in the national media got it. The whole thing may have backfired on her because as it turns out, no one can take a joke these days.
"Reverend" Al Sharpton
Phil Watts, Jr: It's time that we learn the truth about this so-called reverend. First off, his reverend status is about as fake as that tacky processed hairdo he's had for several decades (Ordained at the age of 9. RIGHT.) Second, how in the hell can this man preach to rappers about the "destructive power of words" when he's even more guilty? During his "protest" of Freddie's Fashion Mart in Harlem, this fake-ass reverend got on his bullhorn spewing "kill-whitey/dirty-Jew" bullshit, which incited a riot, resulting in the destruction of that fashion mart and the deaths of 7 people, all in front of the approving eyes of the fake reverend. Yet, despite the fact that he was caught on tape, he's not only absolved of all wrongdoing, he's got everyone kissing his ass, with different politicians giving him endorsements (including Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama). After an incident like that, why do people treat him like he's the final arbiter of what we should and shouldn't say? By the way, everyone was too busy cheering when Don Imus got axed by Sharpton that they didn't notice that a garbage talk radio host with a long history of racist comments was eliminated by another garbage talk radio host with a long history of racist comments (what? You didn't know Al had a RADIO SHOW? Now you know!) Nothing like using your counterfeit reverend status to get rid of your competitors, huh? Al Sharpton is a crook, a fraud, and an embarrassment, and it's long overdue for someone to air out all his crimes before he's allowed to set back free speech rights by 20 years.
Sanjaya Malakar
Jamie Buttineau: Now hear me out, I know what you're thinking. "But Jamie, Sanjaya is one of the most popular people in the world right now. Despite being voted off "American Idol", he's being talked about by almost everyone and has become world famous." Indeed he has, but I would not call him a winner because of it. This will not end well, I've seen the kid on "American Idol", he's one very teensy tiny step away from a full blown mental break. You see, he's tasted fame and now he's going to do whatever he can to get people to keep talking about him. He'll release an album, it'll bomb. Then he'll start popping up on other reality shows, "The Surreal Life", "Dancing With The Stars", etc. Then it'll start getting nasty. I'm talking DUI's, rehab, sex tapes, violent public outbursts, being caught in bed with trannies, bank robberies, attempted murder, high treason, possession of nuclear weapons, and so on. Essentially what I'm saying is, Sanjaya will eventually grow up to become a supervillain. Either that or he'll end up becoming a MTV VJ or hosting some low rent VH1 or E! Channel show and fade into obscurity. Either way, in the game of life, this young guy has lost. It may not look that way right now, but check back in five years when every so often someone will come up to him in public and say "Hey! You were that weird looking kid who couldn't sing with the funny hair on "American Idol"! Man you sucked! Hey, wanna sign my t-shirt?!" Poor bastard, America has doomed him to a hell from which there is no escape.
Megadeth's Remake of "A Tout Le Monde"
Dan Marsicano: Being a huge Megadeth fan, when I found out that Dave Mustaine and company would put a remake of "A Tout Le Monde" on their new album, I was a little hesitant. Sadly, I was correct. The remake of a great song, with backing vocals by Christina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil), is the most unnecessary remake of all time. I mean, it's like trading in a BMW for a station wagon.
Eve
Mitch Michaels: Not only was Eve the latest casualty in the war of rappers vs. the law, she wrecked a damn nice Maserati in the process. This chick couldn't keep it between the lines on a 0.08 blood alcohol level? What a lightweight.
BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS OF THE MONTH
Spinal Tap Reunites
Ari Berenstein: The greatest reunion of all time! Marty DeBergi is bringing the gang back together and its all for a good cause. Global warning is a huge issue the Tap are concerned about and they will perform for Live Earth on July 7th. You can take The Police and reunite them all you want, but when you've got the Tap back, the good times will really roll.
The War On Rap Lyrics
Phil Watts, Jr.: It all started when Al Sharpton, my candidate for this month's LOSER, kicked Imus off the radio and MSNBC for saying "nappy-headed hoes". When that happened, the talking heads on every news station all started yapping about "How come Imus got kicked out, yet rappers say it every day?" From there, it became 1986 all over again. Just replace Al Gore's wifey Tipper with Sharpton. Now, granted, there are legitimate concerns over the portrayal of women in Hip-Hop, but the same can be said about the entertainment industry as a whole (A no-talent skank like Paris Hilton being brought up as the standard of what HOT is; a cartoon like "BRATZ" teaching little girls to dress like sluts; Halle Berry only being worthy of an Oscar when Billy-Bob ran up in her; Anna Nicole Smith getting drunk and drugged up, basically killing herself on camera, while the media stood by and did nothing), yet only Hip-Hop is being singled out. WHY? Simple: Hip-Hop isn't selling as big as it used to be. These industry people only tolerated Hip-Hop when it was making massive money, but now that it's not, they are using any excuse to wash their hands of it. It's all about the money, people. And let's say that we get rid of all the negative images in the media. Who's morality do we abide by: Bill "I-want-to-put-wines-into-you" O'Rielly or Jesse "Sex-an-intern-behind-his-wife's-back-and-pay-her-some-shut-up-money (our charity dollars at work)" Jackson? There's a phrase that came out of all this that fit's the whole fiasco perfectly: SELECTIVE MORAL OUTRAGE. Hopefully, today's rappers will put their meaningless processed beefs aside and realize that the free speech rights that Ice T, The Geto Boys, Luke Campbell, and Public Enemy fought for is about to be taken away from them.
Live Earth Line-Up Revealed
Jamie Buttineau: Huh, so they're actually gonna do this thing. First Al Gore wins an Oscar, now he's putting together a music festival with Bono. Actually I'm not sure if Bono is involved but considering how it's a charitable music festival you have to assume he and his oversized sunglasses will find their way in there. The acts so far actually sound pretty cool, with the UK festival having the best line-up with Beastie Boys, Bloc Party, Duran Duran, Red Hot Chili Peppers and mutherfuckin' Spinal Tap. The US isn't too shabby either with The Police, Roger Waters and Kanye West performing along with a slew of shitty bands. And Australia gets Wolfmother….Ahem. Should be a fun event to help save the Earth's environment….As long as you don't count all the pollution and fuel consumption from the private jets used to charter the guests in and out of countries. Mmmm, you can almost taste the hypocrisy.
Rage Against The Machine Reunites
Dan Marsicano: I've always been a fan of Rage Against The Machine and was excited to hear them back together. From what I heard, they killed at Coachella. Here's hoping for a new studio album in 2007.
Phil Spector Trial Gets Underway
Mitch Michaels: Although Phil Spector's status as a celebrity is kinda up in the air, I've been looking forward to the fucked up stories that will come to light from the testimonies and such. I just hope they don't get buried under news of Paris Hilton somehow getting out of her prison sentence or "AI" rejections, etc. I don't see the trial ending well for Spector, but it's gonna be a hell of a ride for the morbidly interested public.
MOST NOTABLE RELEASE OF THE MONTH
Ted Leo and The Pharmacists - Living with the Living
Ari Berenstein: Yes this might technically be from March, but you'll forgive my enthusiasm for this album by listing it here. This is a blistering CD full of good alt-punk anthems. There's plenty of politics and great stories within the songs, but even more importantly for me, the songs sound awesome. Leo hasn't lost his touch for making rollicking good rock music. Must listens: "Sons of Cain", "Who Do You Love" "Bottle of Buckie", "Bomb, Repeat, Bomb" and "CIA". If you can find the Mo Living bonus EP, then definitely check out the chance at love gone wrong "Already too Late?"
Fountains of Wayne - Traffic and Weather
Ari Berenstein: I wasn't expecting all too much from this one after not being impressed with the single. Luckily, the rest of the album is good and has a surprising amount of depth. Being a New Yorker, I can't help but love the tri-state name checks, including broadcasters Chuck Scarborough and Sue Simmons. Best tracks: "'92 Subaru", "Yolanda Hayes" and "Strapped for Cash".
The Twilight Sad – Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters
Jamie Buttineau: Ah, Scottish people, you'd think with that accent they wouldn't be able to blow your mind with emotionally charged power rock. But, you'd be wrong laddie! This is the first album from the The Twilight Sad and it's surprisingly very good. It's kind of like if U2 and Bloc Party combined with a Scottish lead singer. Probably the best album to come out of all of April.
Porcupine Tree - Fear Of A Blank Planet
Dan Marsicano: This is probably one of the best albums released in 2007 so far. A fifty minute epic divided into six parts, the album criticizes our society's youth and how technology and drugs affect teenagers. A great album that will probably not get noticed in the mainstream.
Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing
Mitch Michaels: I usually reserve this spot to talk about notably good albums, but this new Avril CD has stuck with me like no other. It's like this: I've already written a terrible review for this album, a mind-numbing hour of a 22 year-old woman pretending to be a 16-year old girl. I've already warned family and friends to not listen to this. But the pain I experienced from having to endure it multiple times, I just feel like I must keep spreading the word. Hey! Hey! You! You! I don't like your music.
MUSIC DVD OF THE MONTH
Ben Folds And WASO: Live In Perth
Ari Berenstein: Ben Folds by himself is usually awesome. Ben Folds plus a band is usually a great rock experience. But when you put Ben Folds together with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, what you get is music excellence. There are memorable orchestral arrangements and a cast of hundreds playing along with Folds amongst the beautiful scenery of Perth, Australia. Pick this up! You can get to see Ben play maestro with the orchestra as they improv a riff of "Rock this Bitch".
Smokin' Aces
Phil Watts, Jr.: Not exactly a music DVD, but any DVD that has Alicia Keyes and Common cast as bounty hunters is tops in my book!
Dream Theater – Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour (Live with the Octavarian Orchestra)
Dan Marsicano: The fact that I was at the show where the DVD was filmed makes it extra special to me. Dream Theater really pulled out all of the stops on this DVD, including getting a 30 piece orchestra to help them through half of the show.
Nine Inch Nails: The Downward Spiral (DualDisc Edition)
Mitch Michaels: I just got this 2004 DualDisc release through BMG and, holy fuck, it has rocked my world. Trent Reznor was directly involved with the 5.1 Surround mixing of his '94 masterwork and it really shows. The music of Downward Spiral does more than surround you here, it absolutely envelops you. It's almost hard to believe this wasn't the way the tracks were originally meant to be heard. The 5.1 mix is accompanied by an artwork slide show, and there are also three music videos included here ("Closer" (in stereo and 5.1), "Hurt" and "March Of The Pigs"). If you have any interest in this record or 90's industrial, buy this DualDisc and prepare to have your mind blown.
CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE MONTH
Patty Griffin - Flaming Red
Ari Berenstein: Just purchased this 1998 album and it's a great combination of countrified rock and singer-song writer balladeering. Several tracks are just absolutely scorching with guitar hooks, including the title track and "Change". Griffin's voice in particular has a great range and depth to it.
Leon Ware - Musical Massage
Phil Watts, Jr.: During the month of April, I spent my Loop Diggin Thursday columns talking about the life and the music of Marvin Gaye. During my research, I came across this incredible album from Leon Ware, the man who produced Marvin's I Want You. Now, by looking at the cover, I don't even have to tell you what this album is for. This is some of the finest bedroom music you will ever hear. With songs like "Body Heat" (which he did for Quincy Jones), "Instant Love", "Phantom Lover", and "Turn Out The Light" (as well as HIS versions of "Come Live With Me" with Minnie Riperton, and "I Wanna Be Where You Are") this is the perfect companion to I Want You.
Nirvana – Nevermind
Jamie Buttineau: Let's go with an easy selection this month. Everyone should have this album, it's one of the best rock albums of all time. It's almost punk-esque at times. It hits hard from the start and doesn't let up. I used to think Nirvana was kind of overrated, but with this album and In Utero, it's obvious that these guys knew what they were doing and they were damn good at doing it. The only bad thing about Kurt Cobain's legacy is that he most likely inspired shitty bands like Creed and Nickelback. Shame that something so awful had to come out of something so great.
Black Sabbath - Heaven And Hell
Dan Marsicano: Seeing as the Dio-era of Black Sabbath is currently back together, I found it was appropriate to put this album as classic album of the month. Released in 1980, Heaven and Hell showed people that Black Sabbath could continue without Ozzy. Dio really gives the performance of his career as Tony Iommi pulls off one of his greatest solos ever in the title track.
Hootie & The Blowfish - Cracked Rear View
Mitch Michaels: There's a reason this record sold a bajillion copies back in the mid-90's: it's just that excellent. Hootie & The Blowfish revived college rock without even trying and at the same time put out one of the greatest sets of modern country-rock ever. If you roll your eyes at the overexposure, fine, but don't discount how great Darius Rucker's soulful vocals were on hits like "Let Her Cry", "Time", "Hold My Hand" and, of course, "Only Wanna Be With You".
LYRIC OF THE MONTH
Ari Berenstein: "You're the girl of my dreams/And a pistol it seems/But you shoot me straight and true/Time to lay down my bets/I'd put all my money on you." - Dustin Kensrue, "Pistol"
Jamie Buttineau: "Heads down, thumbs up/Two sips from the cup of human kindness and I'm shitfaced/Just laid to waste" – The New Pornographers, "Use It"
Dan Marsicano: "Let's sleep together/Right now/Relieve the pressure/Somehow/Switch off the future/Right now/Let's sleep forever"" - Porcupine Tree, "Sleep Together"
Mitch Michaels: "Now doesn't that make you feel better?/The pigs have won tonight/Now they can all sleep soundly/And everything is all right" - Nine Inch Nails, "March Of The Pigs"
NEXT MONTH'S NEW RELEASES
Feist – The Reminder
Ari Berenstein: I felt Let it Die was very hit or miss despite the critical acclaim. I have fallen in love with this new album though (available for listening on Feist's MySpace). "1234" is a perfect song.
Jamie Buttineau: Leslie Feist owns your ass. Remember that. Probably one of the best if not the best album of May.
Tori Amos – American Doll Posse
Ari Berenstein: Available for listening on Tori Amos' MySpace. It has its faults, namely, at 23 tracks, its TOO damned LONG - a widespread fault of many albums in the post iPod/mp3 age. The first five tracks are great and that there is enough interspersed throughout the rest of the album to keep things interesting. I think "Teenage Hustling" is great - great sound and great chorus. On the back end, "Girl Disappearing", "Secret Spell", "Father's Son" and "Code Red" are all memorable. Vocally, it's still the same range and tone that Tori has been using for years. It's comfortable, but predictable. Tori does need to stop doing this "multiple" personality deal. First, Strange Little Girls, then the multiple garden shtick on The Beekeeper, now this. Five "alter egos"... why can't she just stick to being herself?
Jamie Buttineau: Either a return to form for Amos or yet another sucky album in a currently long line of sucky albums. Come on Amos, you can do it! It may sound hard, but I know you can not suck for once!
Mitch Michaels: The real question is when we get a JCW War Games-style main event of the Insane Clown Posse vs. the American Doll Posse. WICKED CLOWNZ!
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Baby 81
Ari Berenstein: Three songs available at BRMC's MySpace. Good, adrenaline pumping rock music. "Weapon of Choice" is way cool.
Music From And Inspired By Spider-Man 3
Ari Berenstein: As long as there is no "Hero"-like song on this album, the destruction of all of humanity will be prevented. Luckily, I think we're safe and sound. The tracklist is definitely killer. "Sealings" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs is a definite hit, songs by Snow Patrol, The Walkmen, Wolfmother, and holy crap - is that Chubby Checker's "The Twist" on the tracklisting? Must buy!
Jamie Buttineau: The Walkmen, Flaming Lips and Yeah Yeah Yeah's? Wow, when did Peter Parker score some indie cred? Also, The Flaming Lips' song is called "Supreme Being Teaches Spiderman How To Be In Love". God I love The Flaming Lips.
Kimberley Locke - Based On A True Story
Ari Berenstein: Her second album released conveniently in time to cash in on the "American Idol" hype...well, the time is now after all. If Elliot Yamin can rake in the dough, why not Locke?
Jamie Buttineau: Unless I'm mistaken this is another album from one of those American Idol losers-I mean runners up. Man, we can't go a month without this crap now can we? Hey, America, it's a talent CONTEST. That means there's only ONE winner. If everyone gets an album then what is the point of democracy?! STOP FUCKING WITH THE SYSTEM!!
Elliott Smith - New Moon
Ari Berenstein: Smith is quickly becoming folk's equivalent to 2Pac - just keep pumping out those albums long after death.
Mitch Michaels: It's amazing that they've culled 2-discs worth of material from just two album's outtakes. It makes you wonder what Dreamworks has tucked away in their vaults. Sad indie kids will be bowing to this record and, from what I've heard of it, rightfully so.
Linkin Park - Minutes To Midnight
Ari Berenstein: Love or hate them, they'll be back to rule the airwaves again very soon. I think there's a lot to anticipate for this one as far as the music goes, but I don't know how relevant these guys can be nowadays.
Dan Marsicano: I'm interested to see if Rick Rubin did anything to make this band sound listenable.
Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Ari Berenstein: I liked them a lot better as Kara's Flowers, but I'm sure their bank accounts like them a lot better as M5. Songs About Jane was a huge guilty pleasure of mine. I didn't want to like it, but "Makes Me Wonder" is impressive, with as addicting a hook as there's ever been. I think this is going to be a smash success, and very easily done so at that.
Jamie Buttineau: ….What the hell does that even mean?! Shut up Maroon 5.
Mitch Michaels: Is there anyone out there, ‘cause it's getting harder and harder to diagram that sentence….Fuck you, I thought it was funny.
The Used - Lies For The Liars
Ari Berenstein: The band name is certainly appropriate now. They are the used - the used up that is. Screamo is so 2004.
KRS One & DJ Marley Marl Hip Hop Lives!
Phil Watts, Jr.: On one side, you have one of the pioneers of conscious/revolutionary Hip-Hop and one of the first to fuse Hip-Hop with Reggae. On the other, you have one of the Godfathers of modern-day beatmaking and founding member of one of the greatest Hip-Hop crews of all time, The Juice Crew. After over 20 years of service, both have combined to create this album. I would love for Marley to bring back them old James Brown records and show people WHY he's one of the most influential producers of all time. And KRS - look, it's you're 20th anniversary. Lighten up a bit, will you?
JayLib - Champion Sound: Deluxe Edition
Phil Watts, Jr.: J-Dilla joined the proud Stones Throw family with this colab with Otis "Madlib" Jackson , Jr. Even though J had been slowly diversifying his sound since "Raise It Up" (from Slum Village's Fantastic, Vol. 2), I think that it was with the Stones Throw family that he really opened up creatively. By the way, this reissue, just like the Ruff Draft reissue, includes instrumental versions of all the songs - because, after all, STONES THROW RECORDS LOVES YOU!
A-Plus - My Last Good Deed
Phil Watts, Jr.: It's good to hear that the Hiero Crew is still putting in work. In case you haven't noticed, the individual members of the Souls of Mischief have been doing solo albums (Tajai's Power Movement; Opio's Tringulation Station, with Phesto D's album coming soon), so when they all get finished, they can recombine and hook us up with another Souls album, which is rumoured to be produced by Prince Paul. Besides, if anyone can wipe away the aftertaste of that horrible Trilogy album, it's him.
Marco Polo - Port Authority
Phil Watts, Jr.: This Canadian beat maker has been around for a while, working with such artists as Pumpkinhead, Supernatural, Sadat X, and the Boot Camp Clique. However, the true test of a producer is how well he can carry an entire album. From what I heard, this man has some potential, so I think he can pull it off.
DJ Jazzy Jeff - The Return Of The Magnificent
Phil Watts, Jr.: Jazzy Jeff and his production team The House Of Jazz crank out the sequel to The Magnificent. The biggest difference between this and the first album? This time, Jeff brought in a better line-up of MC's, which includes Posdonus, Rhymefest, Big Daddy Kane, Kardinal Offishal, Method Man, Jean Grae, and CL Smooth, among others.
Kool Keith - Ultra-Octa-Doom
Phil Watts, Jr.: "Blah-blah-blah-MASTURBATION. Blah-blah-blah-URINATION. Blah-Blah-Blah-BUTTSEX. Blah-Blah-Blah-ORAL SEX. Blah-Blah-Blah-INTERNET CRITICS. Blah-Blah-Blah-EVERYBODY SUCKS EXCEPT ME!" Now, repeat all that for 40-50 minutes over some crappy keyboard mess, and you've pretty much nailed down every single Kool Keith-related album since Black Elvis Lost In Space. Keith needs to either STEP HIS GAME UP or HANG IT UP!
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Strength & Loyalty
Phil Watts, Jr.: There was once a time when I liked these guys. After the break-up of NWA, Eazy E brought in Bone Thugs-N-Harmony in hopes of rebuilding his Ruthless Records empire. They put out Creepin' On Ah Come Up, which had the smash hits "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" and "Foe The Love Of ", making it one of the dopest West Coast thug albums. *Sigh* Then Eazy E passed away, and from there, Bone started sounding more and more miserable with each release. I'm hoping they break out of the doldrums with this album, but I doubt it.
Michael Bublé - Call Me Irresponsible
Jamie Buttineau: Call me uninterested. I could come up with something wittier, but come on, it's Michael Bublé. I'm not gonna strain my funnybone over that.
Rush – Snakes And Arrows
Jamie Buttineau: Geddy Lee is still alive?! And making music?! Huh, I suppose that's somewhat awesome, even if this album will undoubtedly suck. Still, HE IS A SALESMAN!! A SAAAAAALESMAN!!
Dan Marsicano: I'm pretty excited about it. Rush implements a new style of songwriting by using the acoustic guitar to write every major melody on the album.
Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond
Jamie Buttineau: So far I've heard good things about this. This could also be the first Dinosaur Jr. album I ever listen to. I tend to jump on indie bandwagons way later than everyone else.
Björk - Volta
Jamie Buttineau: It'll be weird yet fun and beautiful. That's basically a Björk album in a nutshell.
Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
Jamie Buttineau: Purchase it or Jeff Tweedy will punch you in the face.
Mitch Michaels: You know how a lot of bands allow you the luxury of saying, I like this band, therefore, without hearing any material, I know I will probably like this album. Wilco does not allow their fans that luxury. Since A Ghost Is Born sucked so bad, I can only guess what this album will bring.
Hanson - The Walk
Jamie Buttineau: That's right, motherfuckin' Hanson has a new album out this month apparently. Come on, they don't actually think they still have a fanbase do they? Most of their fans were too old for their shit 10 years ago.
Mitch Michaels: Those chicks just aren't as hot as they were when "MMMBop" was out.
The National - Boxer
Jamie Buttineau: Ian apparently loves the hell out of this album. Hopefully that means it's pretty good.
R. Kelly – Double Up
Jamie Buttineau: Well it's good to know that pissing on people hasn't affected his creative output.
Mitch Michaels: Now Jamie, you know that piss could've been digital.
Megadeth - United Abominations
Dan Marsicano: Even with the terrible cover of "A Tout Le Monde", I'm still eagerly anticipating this album. Hopefully, the promise of a more thrash-metal sound will be fulfilled.
Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain
Dan Marsicano: Great, another over-produced Ozzy album. The first single sounded decent, but my hopes are not set too high.
Gretchen Wilson - One Of The Boys
Mitch Michaels: I KNEW that ugly bitch was a trannie!
THE END
And that'll do it for this month. Join us next month for another awe-inspiring edition of the 411 Music Roundtable!
