411 Music Roundtable: October Edition

Posted by Mitch Michaels on 10.08.2007

With the month of Britney’s meltdown, the Kanye/50 Cent war and the MTV VMA’s behind us, the music staff takes one last look at those events, plus a massive set of new release previews including Alter Bridge, J. Holiday, The Cult, Little Brother, Matchbox Twenty and tons more!!!!

Hey people, it's another edition of the 411 Music Roundtable, where the adored and/or inebriated 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!


OCTOBER 2007


BIGGEST WINNER OF THE MONTH


Hip-Hop
Show'Chi Tyler: With hip hop taking a seemingly never ending beating in the sales race, we saw the labels of both Kanye West and 50 Cent put together one of the greatest opening weeks in hip hop history using one of the most celebratory features of our culture, that of the competition. For weeks, Ye and 50 jabbed each other publicly to build anticipation for their shared release date, which culminated by a joint appearance on BET's "106 & Park". While both efforts were lackluster compared to their previous works, you wouldn't know based on the end result, as both easily outsold every other major release of 2007.

Kanye West
Jes Tones: I don't really care for the guy, but I care for 50 Cent even less, and word on the street is Kanye kicked 50's ass on their September 11 album release standoff. Good enough for me.

Matt Reno: Kanye needs to quit whining about the VMA's. What does MTV know about music anyway? His sales battle with 50 Cent sparked major interest in hip-hop and, best of all, the winner was the artist who does something different instead of rehashing tired clichés of pimps, hoes, and guns.

Brandon Ratliff: My personal feelings aside (basically, I think he isone of the biggest babies out there, and he's quite overrated), there's no denying that Kayne had a big month in light of the whole sales battle with fellow worthless rapper 50 Cent. Kanye definitely came out on top of that whole fiasco and here's to hoping that 50 Cent actually does retire, rather than continue to plague the world with that "music" of his. Hate mail is welcomed.

Dan Marsicano: It was the ultimate battle for sales dominance. 50 Cent's Curtis vs. Kanye's Graduation. After the dust settled, and all the sales were tallied up, Kanye came out on top with close to a million sales compared to Fifty's 680,000-ish. Kanye promoted his album like an animal, even giving a performance on Ellen (no, I didn't make that up). His single, "Stronger," was a chart topper compared to Fifty's "Ayo Technology," which barely reached the Top 20. Kanye and 50 Cent had an ultimate battle and Kanye came out on top, which makes him the winner of the month, in my book.

Patrick Robinson: In an era where artists are having trouble selling more than 100,000 copies of an album Kanye manages to move almost 1 million copies in his opening week of sales. He holds the record now for highest opening week numbers of 2007.

Beastie Boys
Jesse Coy: I can't think of anyone else, so I'll go with the Beastie Boys, because they were great when I saw them in August, and as a result, I had a talk with the Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame, who agreed with my assessment that they should be inducted in 2008. I just visited that museum in May, by the way. The Sex Pistols' reaction to their induction was very funny.

Kanye West & 50 Cent
Dan Haggerty: Yes, this was built as a competition and I could do without the smack talking, but at the end of the day they both sold well. The hype helped both and proved that hip-hop still has the legs to walk the walk when the artists do the talking. There is a deep routed opinion in there where I think the genre needs to go to flourish, but I'll let you figure it out. Record sales, heavy promotion, creative debate… yeah, they may have squared off, but at the end of this one they both cashed the check at the same bank.

Phil Watts, Jr.: It's too bad that these two are some of the biggest crybabies on the planet that make excuses and throw tantrums when things don't go their way (especially Kanye, with his pitiful display during the MTV VMA‘s). If they stopped their whining for just one second and took a good look at what they just did, they would realize that they just gave hip-hop a huge shot in the arm with their 9/11 campaign. 50 may not be happy about the fact that he's lagging behind Kanye sales-wise, but he should at least be happy that the numbers Curtis did effectively ended G-Unit's two-year losing streak. Meanwhile, Kanye continues to surprise people with his showing on the Billboard charts, going platinum in two weeks. Funny how back in the day people considered him the LEAST marketable of the Rocafella roster, huh? Universal, which owns both Def Jam/Rocafella and Interscope/G-Unit (which both artists are respectively signed to) deserves some credit as well, because, for once, the record company actually did its job and promoted their artists to the hilt with a major media campaign. That's how it's supposed to be done: The artists go the extra mile promoting themselves, with the record company going the extra mile promoting their artists. And look at the results! After a few years of people being worried about record sales because of downloads, this campaign got fans scurrying to the stores to buy records again. Now if the record companies would start putting in this much effort all the time when it comes to promoting music and taking chances, you'd best believe they would solve their sales woes.

Mitch Michaels: While Kanye was the winner of the sales battle, both men reaped the rewards of this clever bit of marketing. 50 Cent pulled his career up from the ashes, just months after it seemed like the guy couldn't buy a hit. And best of all, both albums delivered. Sure, neither Graduation nor (especially) Curtis were groundbreaking, but they were solid releases froma couple of guys who know what their fans like and how to get it done in the studio. What more can you ask for?


BIGGEST LOSER OF THE MONTH


Kenny Chesney
Show'Chi Tyler: Kenny put out a hot album this month, no fronting about it. He doesn't lose because he didn't top the "urban guys" in sales (doing great numbers for himself I might add), he lost because he sounded insecure and bitter whenever the media spoke to him about his release in relation to theirs as opposed to doing his own thing. "I'm so not about beef," Kenny please, nobody was thinking about your country ass… except your fans. Enjoy your own crowd, have a coke and smile and shut the … well, you know what's up!

Britney Spears
Jes Tones: VMA's, anyone? Wasn't this supposed to be her big "comeback"? We should really just dedicate this category to the washed up, pantyless pop ex-princess. This has got to be the only place where she still has the competition beat.

Matt Reno: Maybe she's not completely the loser here. Despite her train wreck of a performance at the VMA's, her career is probably not dead (as her motherhood is) because her fans will continue buying her music. Maybe I should have listed "good music fans" as the real losers.

Brandon Ratliff: I know I don't even need to say why, but she acted like she cared about her kids, and then completely ignored the orders the judge gave her to retain custody, which were excruciatingly lax in the first place. So she lost them. And just a few hours later she was out partying again. Is anyone really surprised? Maybe she'll overdose on heroin and die, and people will begin to respect her more postmortem. Probably not though.

Dan Marsicano: God, she should have her own section in the Roundtable. I swear to god, she can't do anything right. First, it was the horrible, and I mean god flippin' awful, performance at the VMA's. She couldn't even lip-synch properly! She made Ashlee Simpson look like a credible artist. So the VMA's were terrible, but it couldn't get any worse right? Wrong, yet again. Britney would go on to lose her kids, get charged with a hit and run, and just look like the worst mother ever. It's a shame that all this negative publicity is on her, and I wish her the best, but she came out this month as a huge loser.

Mitch Michaels: The only thing left for Britney Spears after this kind of month is to bide her time and then appear on an upcoming season of "The Surreal Life". After her failed comeback (despite having a decent hit single right now with "Gimme More"), Britney's went from a hopeful recovery to a complete media punching bag. And some gay guy on YouTube isn't exactly gonna turn that around.

Chris Crocker
Jesse Coy: I guess the standard answer would be Britney Spears, but truly… I only saw about fifteen seconds of this shrub's YouTube appeal to "be nice to Britney." I really think I'm going to make my own tearful YouTube video. It'll be addressed o Webster's Dictionary, and I'll weep as I beg them to add a footnote to the official definition of loser. "Please," I'll sob, "add see Chris Crocker to the end definition of loser."

Master P
Dan Haggerty: This spot was Spears for most of the month, but as far as I'm concerned Master P blew her out of the water big time and should change his name to Master L. Standing up before congress, apologizing for your music and promising to change it is a cardinal sin in my book. You believe in something, whether right or wrong, and you develop a fan base with it – you know, the people who buy your records and support you for what you do – then when the pressure is turned up you just drop it and your fans?! Come on. If he found religion or something personal I would be cool with it. That's personal and people change. But because some idiot in Washington criticized him for it? That's called selling out and he deserves the big L.

LL Cool J
Phil Watts, Jr.: Now that the two-year G-Unit losing streak is over, there's another losing streak that needs to be addressed: LL Cool J's fourteen-year string of wackness. Even if you put his legendary mid-80's-to-early-90's contributions into account, it's still not enough to make the last fourteen years of his career any less wack. Jigga went on 50's "I Get Money" remix and threw out a vague-ass line calling himself the "GOAT", causing LL to throw a massive Kanye-fit, thinking that Jigga's trying to call him out. News Flash: Jigga doesn't do "subliminal" - if he wanted to call you out, he'd call you out ("Takeover", anyone?) I guess LL is still salty over the horrible performance of his last album, which he blames on Jigga not promoting it enough. The truth is that LL's last album received more promotion than most of the other artists currently on the Def Jam roster (promotion that Ghostface and the Roots could've used). He also complained about how he doesn't like the idea of an artist running a label, because as we all know, an artist can never get over on a label ran by another artist, right? I mean, how in the hell could a group like Outkast get anywhere in their career while being signed to a label owned by LA Reid and Babyface? Oh, that‘s right - THEY DID GET OVER! Then there's also that Kanye guy whose album sold 1.3 million copies. But that don't count 'cuz he's Jigga's boy, right? Yeah, so was Memphis Bleak. Any more excuses? The real reason that LL's Todd Smith album didn't get over is simple: IT SUCKED. Just like everything else LL has done over the past fourteen years.

Chamillionaire
Patrick Robinson: Coming in a week after the Kanye/50 Cent saga would hurt anybody's sales, but combined with poor marketing on the label's part, Chamillionaire only managed to move 79,000 in his first week of sales. A damn shame as it's certainly better than both offerings from 50 Cent and Kanye West in my opinion.


BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS OF THE MONTH


Kanye West: Egomaniac
Show'Chi Tyler: I have to raise my hand and take my part of responsibility for this event. I bought one of his CD's to help him top the number one guy in all of hip hop for the previous moment. I mean, he had ego issues before he dropped his latest effort, but now he'll never shut up until someone bests his opening week numbers, which are nothing to shake a stick at!

Hilly Kristal Dies
Jes Tones: So, technically the legendary founder of NYC's CBGB's died of cancer during the last days of August, but that's pretty close and the man deserves some respect. It's notable as well that his death follows the death of his legendary punk venue just last year after lengthy legal battles with landlords. CBGBs was a bit of a hellhole, but its history can't be denied – from being the first U.S. venue played by The Police to serving as a launch pad for the likes of the Ramones, Patti Smith and Blondie (and many more) – it was a sad destruction of music history.

Led Zeppelin Reunion
Jesse Coy: I'd say nicer things about this story, only I got SO sick of seeing one Led Zeppelin album after another making that Top 100 List. Each and every one of their albums is not revolutionary. They deserved a sole entry on a Top 100 list. As a result of them hogging up slots, we had no Rush, Alice Cooper, CCR, Blue Öyster Cult, Frank Zappa, Steve Miller Band, or Thin Lizzy entries? Really, Led Zeppelin was good, but not… earth-shattering. And speaking of earth-shattering, get ready for the ticket price of that one show they're doing (plus, you have to go to London to see it). Virgin Music Festal? Hey, go for these guys. You had The Who a year ago and The Police this year. Led Zeppelin would be perfect for next year.

Matt Reno: This is the perfect tribute to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Sure, it's only one night, and sure, we'll never get a full reunion, but no rock fan can deny that any Zeppelin reunion is huge.

Dan Marsicano: On December 4th, 1980, Led Zeppelin disbanded following the tragic death of drummer John Bonham. Over the next 27 years, the band would reform for a performance here and there. However, it was announced earlier this month that the band was reuniting again for a show at the O2 arena in London on November 26, 2007. Bonham's son, Jason Bonham, is filling in on the drums. However, the big story is the rumor that if the show goes well, a tour may be considered. If a tour actually happens, I will travel halfway around the globe to see the show. This could be the biggest reunion tour of all time. Of course, it probably won't happen, but hey, I can dream.

The Britney Spears Saga
Dan Haggerty: Madonna-Lite (New and Improved! Now featuring more calories and less credibility) was the story that wouldn't go away: The music awards, her custody battle, being dumped by management – none of which itself was more than the typical "Everyone stops to point and laugh" moment we have come to love from the pop-tart, but put it all together and this is a pretty big pile of crash and burn. Love her or hate her, she is the reason "Entertainment Tonight" continues to do well. I expect more next month, as she seems to think that any press is good press (Note: I wrote that before the latest batch of stories). Perhaps I should make a career here at 411 by doing a weekly "Spears Watch" spoof, it would probably do well.

Patrick Robinson: Who'd have thought that Kevin Federline would turn out to be the more responsible of the two?

B.I.G. Wrongful Death Suit Scandal
Brandon Ratliff: Dear god man, he's dead. Let it go. I really question that, as long as any of the family continue to live, they'll let the thing go. But who knows? Biggie and Pac are probably chilling somewhere in Maui sipping martinis laughing as all of their post "death" albums clean up the cash. Here's to you guys.

The MTV VMA's
Phil Watts, Jr.: The BIG-MEGA-SUPER-EVENT OF THE YEAR, an event that left lots of talked-about moments. Talked about for all the wrong reasons. 1) They billed this as a one-time affair (which will only be televised ONCE) only to go back on their word and air it a few more times. 2) They played more music in this award show than they have all year, which even Justin Timberlake brings up, saying that MTV should play more music and less "reruns of the Simpsons" (a reference to both Jessica and Ashley Simpson's "reality shows"). Britney Spears' ill-advised comeback attempt starts it off, and while she's nowhere near as "fat" as that idiot AP writer says she was (she looked better than she did months ago), she was rushed out there for a quick buck and was clearly unprepared. 50 Cent had so much confidence in his new material that he wound up performing "In Da Club". Dr. Dre gets propped up as the greatest producer of all time, despite the fact that nothing that he's made after forming Aftermath Records even compares to his Ruthless and Death Row Records material. You had Chris Brown performing calisthenics to his shitty music, Robin Thicke sounding monotone, Kanye West throwing another hissy-fit because he didn't win no trophies (somebody give this fool a HUG) and Pam Anderson's ex's beating the shit out of each other. Alicia Keys had one of the best performances of the night, but more people will be questioning her sexuality just because she covered a George Michael song. Whatever. If she told you that you could hit it, you'd be at her house in 5 minutes. Even with all that foolishness, at least MTV actually lived up to their name for a few nights and played some music.

Mitch Michaels: For the last few years, the MTV VMA's had lost the luster and aura that used to surround them. They'd went from "anything can happen" to "same old awards show shit". This year, the network completely revamped the show and, by luck or by design, created moments that are still being talked about a month later. It's the rebirth of a show that had been dead and buried since Marilyn Manson had his big year, and you know what, how are they gonna top fights, pudgy strippers and rap star temper tantrums next September?


MOST NOTABLE RELEASE OF THE MONTH


Kanye West - Graduation
Show'Chi Tyler: I hate to keep bringing up Kanye's numbers, but you cannot argue that 930K+ sold in the opening week is more significant than any other release this month.

Patrick Robinson: 957,000 copies of an album is the highest first week sales figures since 50 Cent's 2005 release, The Massacre. Plus it's a pretty good album as well.

Dropkick Murphys - The Meanest Of Times
Jes Tones: Although I wasn't crazy about 2005's The Warrior's Code, this is a band I will always get in line for and I'm definitely glad I did for this latest release. Forget Kanye, 50 and all that other hoopla – these guys bring it, no need for hype.

Cake - B-Sides and Rarities
Jesse Coy: Okay, apparently the release date got pushed back. It was supposed to be early September, but it's now October 2nd. My review of the album ran back at the very end of August in anticipation of the September release. So it's a September release for me. I gave it a 7.5 review, and it's since quietly growing further on me. It also marks the first release of the band on their own label, which I think is cool, and has a scratch n'sniff cover. That's notable.

Down - III: Over the Under
Matt Reno: In the four years since Down's last album, they've seen the destruction of their beloved New Orleans and the murder of former Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell. I think we all expected them to regroup and release their frustrations in the form of a new album, but the question was: would it live up to expectations? The answer can be found in the name of another Pantera offshoot: Hell yeah.

Arch Enemy - Rise if the Tyrant
Dan Haggerty: I've been hot for this one ever since seeing them on Gigantour. The Amott brothers and Angela pump out some metal that does the trick for me, and indeed it's good to see that melodic death metal is alive and well. Further look for them to headline with Machine Head at a venue near you, on a tour no one should miss.

Matalocalypse: Dethklok - The Dethalbum
Brandon Ratliff: I refuse to give the nod to either the aforementioned 50 Cent or West as I have heard both, and I do think both are crap (though, admittedly, West at least seems like he's trying, unlike the completely worthless 50 Cent), so I feel the need to mention the long awaited full album release of the stars of Adult Swim's "Metalocalypse". Oddly enough, it's much better than most actual bands out there nowadays.

Evile - Enter The Grave
Dan Marsicano: I was actually going to do something different and put Kanye West's new one on here. That was until I heard Enter The Grave. I didn't expect much at first, but before I knew it, I had listened to the entire album seven times in two days. I was hooked, and I still am. As I write this, I'm listening to the title track and banging my head (slightly). Enter The Grave has everything a thrash metal album should have. You got the fast riffs, pounding drums, and solos that fly out of nowhere. If you haven't picked this up, run your ass to your local music store and pick it up.

Median - Median's Relief/Percee P - Percerverance
Phil Watts, Jr.: These guys have waited years (in Percee P's case, decades) for these albums to come out. Now, both albums are out and they are worth the wait. Median brings more of that Justus League goodness, with contributions from the usual suspects (9th Wonder, Khrysis, and Nicolay, who gives us some decent material this time). Median makes a song about waking up in the morning ("Personified"), makes a sequel to 2Pac's "Branda's Got a Baby" ("Brenda's Baby"), and other shining moments like "How Big Is Your World", "Collage", and "Rize". Meanwhile, Percee P colabs with producer Madlib for his long awaited project. P displays his lyrical acrobatics that has made him a major influence for the past 20 years, all over Otis Jackson's collage of funk breaks. He even colabs with Diamond D for the song "Two Brothers From the Gutter", which sounds like it came off of a video game ("Contra", maybe?). Anyway, do both these guys a favor and support.

Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
Mitch Michaels: Now with six albums under the belt, Foo Fighters have proven that they can pretty much crank out hit after hit and still manage to rock the fuck out. ESP&G is a much tighter album than In Your Honor, and it manages to produce some of the Foos best slow-tempo moments in "Statues" and "But, Seriously". In a month dominated by big country and hip-hop hits, the Foos kept rock right in the mix.


MUSIC DVD OF THE MONTH


Beef IV
Show'Chi Tyler: I admit, I haven't watched the latest entry into the Beef series yet, but I guarantee that I will once my local Redbox machine gets it in stock… or 411 gets it on one of our promotional stashes for review. The Beef series has never failed to disappoint, and I expect part four to continue the trend.

American Hardcore – The History Of American Punk Rock 1980-1986
Jes Tones: I finally got the chance to check this DVD out this month after trying for months to get through Steven Blush's book "American Hardcore: A Tribal History", which provided the inspiration for this documentary, and owning the soundtrack for over a year (Bad Brains, Minor Threat, SS Decontrol, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, etc.). I had mixed feelings about the DVD overall, but it provides a good summary of the hardcore movement of that time and the old show footage and soundtrack make this a worthy viewing.

Arsenal of Megadeth
Jesse Coy: Just got done watching this one quite recently, and since I also just saw the band (excellent performance), they're fresh on my mind. I love music videos, as in song promos, so this was a lot of fun. Bleeping out the "bad words" was rather annoying, but it only happened three or four times, if I remember correctly. Interestingly enough, somehow "cunt-like tendencies" in "Anarchy In The UK" survived without a bleep. That line even got bleeped on "Headbanger's Ball". I also like these DVD's that scatter little tidbits of interviews and whatnot between videos, which is the case on this one.

Pearl Jam: Immagine In Cornice
Matt Reno: This felt like more than just a concert DVD; it felt like a big screen movie taking us along for Pearl Jam's trip through Italy. Excellent music, brilliant visuals, and cool behind the scenes interludes make this Pearl Jam's most unique DVD yet.

Mitch Michaels: Danny Clinch should really be commended for his direction on this movie, as it came across as a true documentary and not just a bunch of live clips. Fro Pearl Jam fans, there's really nothing better than an hour or two of great, recent performances, but the way this is shot and presented should be the template for all great concert DVDs.

Megadeth:That One Night - Live In Buenos Aires
Dan Haggerty: It's been a long journey for big Dave. Ups, downs, line-up changes, and a musical roller coaster ride through sellout-ville. But somewhere along the way he remembered what brought him to the dance in the first place, so that train was only passing through for a long journey back to now. This is a much welcomed DVD that reminds us why Megadeth was one of "The Big Four", and more so a clarion call to other acts that you can return to your roots with success.

Metallica: S&M
Dan Marsicano: Many bands had tried it before, mixing an orchestra with heavy metal music. However, Metallica tried to make the music mix with the orchestra, without sacrificing the power and heaviness of classic songs. For the most part, it worked pretty well. Songs like "Call of Ktulu" and "One" were perfect for the orchestra treatment. The video is pretty good, as well. It may not be Metallica's best live performance, but it is their most unique.

DJ Quik: Visualism – The Art Of Sound Into Vision
Patrick Robinson: If you're a fan of DJ Quik, you need to pick this up immediately! An interesting look behind the scenes as Quik takes you through an average day for him: Producing, meeting fans and preparing for concerts. You also get to see into Quik's personal life as well as dealing with the loss of one of his best friends.


CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE MONTH


2Pac - All Eyez on Me
Show'Chi Tyler: Paying tribute to one of the greats. He's the only cat I know who can be dead over ten years and still put out new music. This double disc though, from top to bottom, is classic through and through. If he were still alive, he'd either be held up as one of the greatest of all time, or exposed as the overrated MC that some truly believe. Personally, I thought his material was excellent. But that's just me.

Rancid …And Out Come The Wolves
Jes Tones: This album just never gets old for me. I recently drove across (and kind of around) the country – New York to Georgia to Texas to Montana – with this classic in the disc changer the whole time. With undeniable punk anthems including "Roots Radicals," "Ruby Soho," "Olympia, WA," and "The Wars End" – there's not a bad song on the disc.

Dr. John, The Night Tripper - Gris-Gris
Jesse Coy: I mentioned it in my last column, and I'll say it here, too. This is a damn awesome album. I've never heard anything like it. Apparently, this is the only album where Dr. John went all-out in this style, which is kind of like… imagine a grizzled bayou medicine man putting an album out, with full accompaniment of the pure back swamp New Orleans sound. If you've never heard this particular album, at the very least, find "Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya," which is the opening track. Great!

Down - Nola
Matt Reno: Before picking up the new Down album, I popped in their first. Pantera may be a legendary band, but Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown can be just as proud of this one. If you're into heavy metal with a laid-back, southern vibe, this is a fantastic effort filled with memorable songs like "Stone The Crow" and "Temptation's Wings."

Genesis - Trick Of The Tail
Dan Haggerty: Seeing Genesis live this weekend put me in the mood in for some classic goodness from Britain's original prog-masters. This is the first with Phil on lead, but Hackett is still with the band at this point, and the sound is pre-pop status 80's. All in all, this is a majestic piece of muse and whimsy that is a cardinal classic for anyone who likes the progressively sublime 70's.

12 Stones - 12 Stones
Brandon Ratliff: I'm not sure if you'd call an album released in 2002 a classic, but this was one of the albums that practically defined senior year in high school for me, and I've been listening to it a lot recently. Even five years later, all of the material sounds fresh and energetic.

Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon
Dan Marsicano: Yeah, I know, its an easy one. There really isn't much more that has to be said about this album. It kicks ass, it great to get high to (not that I do that), and it is one of the greatest records of all time. My personal favorite song? "Us And Them" because of the atmosphere it gives off and the saxophone solo.

AZ – Doe Or Die
Patrick Robinson: I just got this CD delivered today in the mail as it's been one of my favorite albums to come out in the mid 90's (and considering the caliber of albums during that period as well…). The only blemish on an otherwise perfect album is the inclusion of a remix to the song "Sugar Hill" which wasn't anywhere near as good as the original was.

Misfits - Walk Among Us
Mitch Michaels: With the announcement that ex-Misfits guitarist Doyle would be touring with ex-Misfits vocalist Danzig this month (plus the fact that it's the month of HALLOWEEN), this classic just seems like perfect timing. This is probably the best the Misfits ever sounded during their early years (both the line-up (Danzig, Doyle, Jerry, Googy) and the production), and the record is packed with awesome horror classics like "All Hell Breaks Loose", "I Turned Into A Martian" and the tender "Skulls", the closest thing to a love song the ‘Fits ever did.


LYRIC OF THE MONTH
Show'Chi Tyler: "No more pills, co-pays, x-rays, bed stays, just better days, to paraphrase: it's life ablaze/To infinity I go, the spotlight is on. I was down for the interim, but now I'm re-spawned." - Show'Chi Tyler. "EveryThingFeelsGoodAgain". (After battling my way out of the hospital last week, this little gem came from a spoken word piece I did. Don't hate the great, your boy has skills, and I keep it real with mine!)

Jes Tones: "Hangin' on the corner of 52nd and Broadway/Cars passin' by but none of them seem to go my way/New York City, well I wish I was on the highway/Back to Olympia" – Rancid, "Olympia, WA"

Jesse Coy: "My house smells just like a zoo, it's chock full of shit and puke…/Cockroaches on the walls, grass growing on my balls…/Oh, but I'm so clean-cut, I just wanna fuck some slut…/I love livin' in the city!" - Fear, "I Love Livin' In The City"

Matt Reno: "Never try/You either do it or don't waste your time" - Down, "Never Try"

Dan Haggerty: "All the world is a stage/We are merely players, performers and portrayers/Each another's audience outside the gilded cage." - Rush, "Limelight"

Brandon Ratliff: "I don't believe men were born to be killers/I can't believe this world can't be saved/How did you get here and when did it start/An innocent child with a thorn in his heart. - 12 Stones, "World So Cold"

Dan Marsicano: "Black and blue/And who knows which is which and who is who/
Up and down/But in the end it's only round and round" - Pink Floyd, "Us And Them"

Patrick Robinson: "I'm destined to live the dream for all my peeps who never made it/ Cause yeah, we were beginners in the hood as five percenters/ But somethin' must of got in us cause all of us turned to sinners" – Nas & AZ, "Life's A Bitch"

Mitch Michaels:"I feel the pressure, under more scrutiny/And what'd I do? Act more stupidly" - Kanye West, "Can't Tell Me Nothing"

NEXT MONTH'S NEW RELEASES


J. Holiday – Back Of My Lac'
Show'Chi Tyler: Back of my CD collection, let's hear another single!

Patrick Robinson: Does anyone else find the line in the hook for "Bed", "And love you till your eyes roll back" unsettling? It should be an alright listen. At least as he's got a pretty decent voice.


Alter Bridge – Blackbird
Show'Chi Tyler: This is going to sound weird coming from a hip-hop junkie, but I'm looking forward to this one. Anyone who can throw down on Edge's theme like that deserves a good listen.

Brandon Ratliff: This is an album I'm really looking forward to. The first album was the very first review I did here at the site over three years ago now, and I still love that CD. And based on some of the stuff I've heard, this one seems even better. "Ties That Bind" is a great, hard song.

Dan Marsicano: I know opinion on Alter Bridge is a bit divided among my fellow writers, but personally, they are one of my favorite rock bands. I loved One Day Remains and, from what I've heard of Blackbird, it's going to be another amazing record. They really are underrated as a rock band, in my opinion, and this record could be the one that helps them break that.


Jennifer Lopez - Brave
Show'Chi Tyler: I thought we convinced her to stay in the movies? I'd rather see her than hear her any day!


Vanessa Carlton - Heroes & Thieves
Show'Chi Tyler: I'm a fan of Vanessa Carlton, but one can't help to hope that she screams out "it's MURDER", just once on this release.


Angie Stone - The Art Of Love And War
Show'Chi Tyler: Classic, just like the rest of her releases. This purchase is a no-brainer.


Trey Songz - Trey Day
Show'Chi Tyler: His first CD makes for a great coaster, but I got it for free, so who am I to complain!

Patrick Robinson: I loved his first album as it was a breath of fresh air in the stagnant R&B of today. The first single "Wonder Woman" didn't grab me like "Gotta Make It" did but the follow up, "Can't Help But Wait" is great and I'm looking forward to listening to it.


Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - Follow The Lights
Jes Tones: I really might go broke trying to keep up with all of the albums this guy puts out. I couldn't really get into June's Easy Tiger, and this is only an EP to be released with a few new songs and a few songs off previously released albums – seven songs in all. But who am I kidding? Of course I'll buy the shit anyway.


Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation
Jes Tones: All Pete Doherty jokes aside, the guy's got fucking talent and I'll be there for his latest antics. 2006's Down In Albion was brilliant – and I can't wait to get my hands on the follow up, regardless of how much crack and heroin it took Doherty to get it to us.


Annie Lennox - Songs Of Mass Destruction
Dan Haggerty: I have to admit I'm curious. Lennox is an interesting character that releases a new album rarely and on her terms. Because she doesn't play ball with the label, she doesn't get the star hype but just keeps on trucking along and succeeding. I love these stories, as they prove that artistic integrity can win at the end of the day. I'm looking forward to seeing what this quiet and underappreciated diva will serve this time out.


The Cult - Born Into This
Dan Haggerty: Ian Astbury is back after calling it quits with The Doors (a.k.a. Riders On The Storm), along with original axe man Billy Duffy, and I am very curious to see what one of the first alternative-metal crossover bands have to offer up in 2007. If the prerelease single "Dirty Little Rockstar" is any indication, then Born Into This should be a welcome spin down well traveled signature Cult groves.

Brandon Ratliff: I have no interest in hearing this, but it still baffles me that this band was signed to freaking Roadrunner Records.


Overkill - Immortalis
Dan Haggerty: OK everyone, chant it along with me: O-ver-KILL… O-ver-KILL… O-ver-KILL. What's not to love about the original thrashers back with their 15th studio release? And while their sound has incorporated groove metal over the years, Blitz and D.D. have been dishing it out old school since the bar days in 1980 and I for one am glad they have kept it that way.

Dan Marsicano: I have just gotten into Overkill's old albums, so I'm excited to hear what their new music sounds like. I will be reviewing this one, and I am expected some solid thrash metal with modern influences here and there.


Helloween - Gambling With The Devil
Dan Haggerty: The Helloween institution is back. I have heard nothing of this one yet, but I am curious to see what the original power/speed metal band has on the menu for 2007. "Keeper Pt. 3" was a disappointment so I'm hoping the guys can turn it around this time. Look for a concert with Gamma Ray this year - now that should be interesting.


Matchbox Twenty - Exile On Mainstream
Brandon Ratliff: Everyone's favorite 1990's alt-rock band is back with a pseudo-hits album. It has SIX new songs. Kind of puts all of those bands that release the GH albums with nothing but old material and a cover eh? Never been much of a fan, but hopefully more bands realize how great on an idea this was.


Faith Hill - The Hits
Brandon Ratliff: Think what you want about her (and I will admit that she's definitely still very attractive for her age), but Faith is...not a nice person. Trust me. But separate the artist from the music, and if this is your cup of tea then by all means. I'm not a fan, but she does have quite a few catchy "country" singles.


Bob Dylan - Dylan
Brandon Ratliff: How is this man not dead yet? Good lord.

Mitch Michaels: This is probably going to become Dylan's definitive collection, but seeing as how all of this material can be gained by buying two or three albums in the sound savers section, it's kind of hard to get excited. The method and presentation are nice, but the fact that there's nothing new or remastered takes the air out of it. Too bad that Mark Ronson remix isn't on this set. Oh, and if you buy the 1-disc version you're a pussy.


Mick Jagger - The Very Best Of Mick Jagger
Brandon Ratliff: Actually, I take that back. How is THIS man not dead yet?

Mitch Michaels: While his career as the Stones' frontman will always overshadow his solo career, Mick has actually had some great songs here and there over the years. "God Gave Me Everything", "Dancing In The Street"…OK, maybe not "Dancing In The Street". And where's "Visions Of Paradise"???


Kid Rock - Rock ‘N' Roll Jesus
Brandon Ratliff: Kid Rock has had a few songs over the years that I've liked, but almost everything post...whatever the album that had "American Badass" on it hasn't quite sat with me. But...as dirty as I feel saying it, I think the new single is actually kind of cool. I think I need to go take another shower now. Kid Rock would be proud though, as this is probably exactly the sort of reaction he'd want out of someone like myself.

Mitch Michaels: Kid fucking Rock. It's been four years since he released his last album and I am psyched for this record. "Hott" isn't more than your basic rock single, but just knowing Kid really took time putting this set together and also knowing that he's finally admitting he's a rock star and not an MC…I have high hopes for this set.


Puddle Of Mudd – Famous
Brandon Ratliff: So, will this actually come out this time? I remember hearing the original release date of this being something like last April. Either way, it's been four years now since the last Puddle Of Mudd album, so it's due time for new material. I don't agree with them changing the name however from Livin' On Borrowed Time, and I think the delays will do nothing but hurt the band. The single "Famous" had some steam during the summer, and they could have struck big with this release then. But now that it has lost a lot of momentum, I think that will translate into much lower sales. Knowing Geffen they did that on purpose to have an excuse to drop the band in a few months, so I guess we'll see.

Dan Marsicano: Puddle of Mudd's first album, Come Clean, was a guilty pleasure for me. The songs were catchy and the band was full of energy. Sadly, their sophomore release was terrible. Hopefully, with two new members, Puddle of Mudd can come back with a vengeance. The title track is unoriginal, but it is catchy and that's all I need from a Puddle of Mudd song.


Jimmy Eat World – Chase This Light
Brandon Ratliff: Again, I've never been a HUGE fan of this band, but they've definitely had some good, catchy songs in the past, and look for that to continue here. You'd think they'd have fallen out after Bleed American, but they just keep on going, and you have to admire that.


Thrice – The Alchemy Index, Vols. I & II
Brandon Ratliff: After the great Artist And The Ambulance, I didn't think Vhessiu quite lived up. After hearing a couple of songs from this first part of a two part concept album, I'm curious to see if they can continue to not only properly convey the inherent theme running through the album, but make strong music that lives up to their earlier work.


Serj Tankian – Elect The Dead
Brandon Ratliff: You mean Tankian will be singing to mostly hard rock music WITHOUT the horrid Daron Malakian trying to take over the band with his terrible vocals and repetitive guitar riffing? Sign me up.


Rob Zombie – Zombie Live
Brandon Ratliff: I've gotta say, I don't know how well a Zombie live disc can work. The band is known for their crazy stage shows, and honestly, Rob isn't exactly the best live vocalist in the world. I don't think this one will sound too great.


Seether – Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces
Brandon Ratliff: I'm not entirely sold on the single yet, but it is catchy, and the other song they played from this album when I saw them live a couple of weeks ago sounded great. I'm pretty excited for this one thus far, but I'm not quite certain yet how it'll turn out.


Avenged Sevenfold – Avenged Sevenfold
Brandon Ratliff: Since Shadows seems to be able to scream again, it's up in the air in what direction this album could go. So far they've released two songs from it. One, I think is really good. The other...not quite as much.

Dan Marsicano: Oh, Avenged Sevenfold. The band metal fans hate to love. Personally, I've been a fan since Waking The Fallen. Their last release, City Of Evil, was a good record that had poor vocals by M. Shadows. It was like he was channeling Axl Rose, but couldn't quite get that hoarseness right. The single, "Almost Easy," sounds good as it is a fast and heavy number. Shadows' vocals are also much improved and could be some of his best of his career. I'm excited to see what direction the band continues in.


Otep – The Ascension
Brandon Ratliff: Wow, I've had my advance of this for months now, before Capitol dropped them, sending its fate into musical limbo. But it's pretty solid, if a little softer than their earlier stuff.


Another Animal – Another Animal
Brandon Ratliff: So, I can't help but to wonder if this album will be full of Godsmack throwaways like the first single. God...I hope they have better stuff on the full thing because that song is bad.


Soilwork – Sworn To A Great Divide
Brandon Ratliff: As far as the Swedish stuff goes, I like In Flames a lot better, but Soilwork can definitely and consistently crank out some good, heavy music. This should be no exception.


Bloodsimple – Red Harvest
Brandon Ratliff: Haven't heard anything from this one yet, but if the first album is any example, this one will be good. Yes Jeff, go check it out.


Coheed & Cambria – Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow
Dan Marsicano: I really like Coheed and Cambria. Their last release was definitely one of their best. The single, "Running Free," took me a few listens to get into, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm hoping they will go in the direction they went in with songs such as "The Final Cut" and "Welcome Home."


Little Brother – Getback
Phil Watts, Jr.: For those of you that have followed me the past few years, you'd know that I am a huge fan of these guys. However, this album is pretty much the ‘make or break' moment for me. Whether it's their salty attitude regarding the departure of 9th Wonder (okay, guys---he‘s got like 846,858,867 albums to produce, a couple compilation albums to make, and a college course to teach. Of course he's going to be busy. Quit your bitchin'!!), the mere presence of Lil' Wayne ("Breaking My Heart"), or the fact that they actually think that making a song that purposely shits on a huge chunk of their fan base is a good idea ("Can't Win For Losing"), it's obvious that Big Pooh & Phonte are about to be skating on some seriously thin ice. But still, they are some pretty entertaining rappers that have a good ear for beats, so I do have some faith that they can make this album work.

Patrick Robinson: Oh please, please, please let this actually be released on time. Phonte himself was getting frustrated with the constant pushing back of the release date and was all set to go for a September release when it was bumped back AGAIN to October now. Since 9th's departure from the group means only one 9th beat on the album, I want to see how the group will sound over other production (they have a song over a Mr. Porter [of D12 fame] beat).


9th Wonder – Dream Merchant, Vol. 2
Phil Watts, Jr.: You do notice how 9th has stayed silent concerning his break-up from Little Brother, right? Why? Mainly, because he's too busy getting this project off the ground. There's just way too much drama in the game, and when that drama gets more attention than the music, it becomes a problem. That's why I'm glad that he's stayed silent and put his focus on where it's supposed to be: The Music. Anyway, in the spirit of Pete Rock's Soul Survivor series and the Alchemist‘s various compilation albums, this is a compilation album where 9th gets to display his brand of soulful beats, with various guests popping up here and there. However, there's one little difference: You won't be hearing 9th Wonder try to rap!

Patrick Robinson: I love most of 9th Wonder's production work and I think this will be an awesome album having seen the guest list. I'm especially looking forward to hearing "Brooklyn On My Mind" and "The Last Time" as I'm interested to see how Royce Da 5'9" sounds over a 9th Wonder beat.


Jeru The Damaja – Still Rising
Phil Watts, Jr.: Jeru The Damaja. The first time I heard that name in a while. It's been years since he put out an album. It's been even LONGER since he put out a GOOD album. Now I'm not saying he should go back to Premier (although that would help bring his stock back up a great deal). There are plenty of producers out there that could help bring this guy back. However, it was his bright decision to handle his projects BY HIMSELF that did him in. Oh God, his last two albums were such abortions that they don't deserve to be named. Hopefully, he'll have some help this time around.


NYG'z – Welcome 2 G-Dom
Phil Watts, Jr.: "OK FOLKS! OCTOBER 9th ,2007!!!! I WILL BE GIVING BIRTH TO MY FIRST BABY !!!!! (OH I'M SORRY….NOT THAT KIND) I mean The Birth of my first street album for the world of HIP-HOP ! ME AND BIGGEST GORD and YEAR ROUND RECORDS will release the NYG'z (WELCOME 2 G-DOM) which by the way will be available on CD, DOUBLE-VINYL, and 12-inch Single. NYG'z OCTOBER 9...NYG'z OCTOBER 9…NYG'z OCTOBER 9!!!" This was taken straight from DJ Premier's MySpace page, and apparently, he's REALLY excited about this project. Hopefully, with Primo involved it'll be worth the wait.


Smif-N-Wessun – The Album
Phil Watts, Jr.: This is the duo's 4th studio album (remember, they did one album under the name THE COCOA BROVAS!) Sadly, they've been getting less and less involved with the Beatminerz the past few years. I just can't picture these guys without Evil D and Mr. Walt on production. Hopefully, Ken BB and Tommy Tee will hold their weight in their place.


Grand Daddy I.U. – Stick To The Script
Phil Watts, Jr.: "It's something new from Grand Daddy I.U.!" Sorry, I just had to say that. It's been seventeen years since he joined the Cold Chillin' family with the Biz Markie/Cool V produced Smooth Assassin album. Now he's back, and he still sounds the same as he used to, which isn't a bad thing. Large professor and Marco Polo back him up on the production end this time.


The Away Team – Training Day
Phil Watts, Jr.: Let's hope this J-League group won't be breaking up any time soon. This duo consists of MC Sean Boog (who has really stepped his game up since their last album, National Anthem) and producer Khrysis (who's also covering for 9th's absence in the next Little Brother album). Hopefully the computerized feel of their first single, "Greedy" won't serve as an indicator of what this album will be like. Let's hope they stick with the script.

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