411 Music Roundtable: April Edition

Posted by Mitch Michaels on 04.09.2008

The 411 Music Staff looks back at the month that was, which saw T.I. sentenced to prison, the return of Mariah Carey, The Raconteurs release an album with no fanfare, and Velvet Revolver split with Velvet Revolver. All the news, plus album previews for Mariah, The Roots, Nas, Bun B, Hannah Montana and others!!!

Hello global populous, it's another edition of the 411 Music Roundtable, where the much-admired and/or blitzed 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 2008


BIGGEST WINNER OF THE MONTH


Mariah Carey
Dan Yates: I caught her appearance on the Jonah Hill episode of "Saturday Night Live" a few weeks back and never once while she was performing did I think "this sounds like something people will like." Nevertheless, she has another #1 single. That has to count for something. The comeback continues, I guess.

The Raconteurs
Dan Marsicano: What The Raconteurs did this month was something that no artist has really ever done before (at least to my knowledge). The band, in less than a month's time, finished an album and released it with no airplay or promotion (I don't count telling the public a week before as promotion). The band did this so that the album wouldn't get leaked or languish around for months (even though the album did get leaked two days before because of an iTunes error). What is the most amazing is that the band actually got to #8 on the Billboard charts this past week. It helps that Consolers of the Lonely is a great album, but the fact that the band was able to get that high with no promotion is magnificent. I can only hope more bands follow in The Raconteurs' footsteps. This could be the future of releasing albums we're looking at here.

Nine Inch Nails
Dan Haggerty: $1.6 million made on downloads. That's a lot of cash for little overhead and no label to split it with! Way to beat the system, move ahead of the industry's curve, be relevant, and make a lot cash in the process guys! See – making money and keeping your principles are not opposites.

T.I.
Show'Chi Tyler: So dude comes clean, is able to be virtually free for a year to do community service and get his affairs together, then may (with a strong possibility that he won't) spend a year in jail afterwards. If that's not a win, I don't know what is.

Eminem & Royce Da 5'9"
Patrick Robinson: After years of arguing and beef between Royce and D12, Eminem and Royce have finally settled their dispute. The catalyst for this was some old comments made by Shady Records rapper Ca$his where he threatened Royce for speaking out against Eminem. It turns out the comments were months old, but after they came to light, Eminem and Royce made contact and talked things through. Whilst there isn't a collaboration on the horizon, since both are said to be working with DJ Premier on their upcoming albums, it's certainly not out of the question.


BIGGEST LOSER OF THE MONTH


50 Cent & Prodigy
Phil Watts, Jr.: A year doesn't go by without the wonderful people at G-Unit making idiots of themselves and embarrassing hip-hop as a whole in the process. For pretty much no reason at all, 50 (who's about to give us another videogame, since the first one was such a "CLASSIC") puts out one of his shitty "mixtapes" dissing Fat Joe to coincide with Joe's release of his Elephant In The Room album, then brags that more people downloaded his shitty "mixtape" about Joe than those that went out and bought Joe's album. Of course they would, Curtis - it was a FREE DOWNLOAD! Oh, and just in case you forgot, 50 has been beefing with Joe because he did a song with Ja Rule. And why did he beef with Ja Rule? Because he was a generic thug rapper making sappy love ballads. Probably the biggest example of "Pot/Kettle/Black" ever. Meanwhile, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, who has now been reduced to being a G-Unit butt-boy, has released a massive block of text IN ALL CAPS on his HNIC2 website calling out everyone he has beef with, like Fat Joe, Nas (who he used to make records with before being told to hate him by 50), Jigga, Saigon, Tru Life, and Keith Murray (who all made P look like a chump), Sheek of the LOX (Response: "It's an honor to be on such a prestigious list. You see how many legends he named next to me? That's ill. What up, P?"), and even Phonte of Little Brother (Response: "Somebody needs to teach this nigga the power of a PARAGRAPH BREAK!"). In other words, NO ONE takes anything P says seriously! Good luck with your three year stay in prison, P! Considering your track record when it comes to beef, we all know that you'll get along VERY WELL over there. Message to G-Unit: PLEASE CLOSE THE PROCESSED BEEF FACTORY. Find another way to promote your projects, because this is getting BORING. Either put out a record that makes me care or GO AWAY!

Velvet Revolver & Scott Weiland
Dan Yates: After a well-publicized war of words between Scott Weiland and drummer Matt Sorum, Velvet Revolver seem poised for a breakup or, at the very least, for Weiland's departure from the band. The loss of new music from Velvet Revolver won't be a cause for tears, but if this sets Weiland up for the Stone Temple Pilots reunion, all of us are the winners.

Dan Haggerty: From rehab to getting fired, from DUI charges (not guilty) to online feuds with soon to be ex-band mates, our man Scott Weiland has had one bad month. Topping Britney or Amy for negative news stories in a month is no small feat, so here we recognize this stupendous accomplishment.

DMX
Dan Marsicano: Ok, I know not everybody follows politics, so when DMX said in an interview recently that he wasn't following the election, it wasn't a big deal. That's not what makes DMX the Biggest Loser of the Month though. It is what DMX says throughout the interview itself. If you haven't read this thing, trust me…Mitch was right when he says it is the funniest interview of the year. Hell, I'll say it's the funniest thing I've read in about three years. DMX comes off sounding like an ignorant asshole that doesn't open a newspaper or hasn't turned on a TV in the past year.

Patrick Robinson: Ah DMX. Earlier in the month DMX was interviewed by XXL magazine and proceeded to make a complete ass out of himself claiming to have no knowledge of who was running for Presidency, let alone the fact that Barack Obama has a good chance of winning. He then began to make fun of Obama's name claiming that it couldn't possibly be real and that he doesn't really care who wins the upcoming election at all.

Remy Ma & Fat Joe
Show'Chi Tyler: Looks like Remy Ma's going to be paying tribute to the Big Boss Man and serving HARD TIME, and she's marrying a dude who looks like the Geico lizard. Damn. As far as Joey Crack goes, dude just stays losing. Dude should have named his shit Elephant in the Ground, because it's pretty much a wrap on homey's career.


BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS OF THE MONTH


Eddie Levert Loses A Second Son
Phil Watts, Jr.: Picture being a member of a legendary, influential R&B group. You bring two sons to the world, who both follow in your footsteps by forming their own trio. You see them both make it big, and you see nothing but a bright future ahead for them. Then, within a span of two years, you lose them both. Even worse, they both die young. In November of 2006, Gerald Levert passed away at the age of 40, just as his solo career was getting bigger. Just recently, Sean Levert was serving a prison term over child support, only to die after his first week in jail. He was only 39. Needless to say, it must have hit Eddie hard to get this news just as he's recovering from Gerald's death. It would take a really strong man to keep his head up through all this.

Fleetwood Mac Reunion
Dan Yates: While nothing has been confirmed and nothing will come of it this year, a few outlets have reported on the possibility a Fleetwood Mac tour. It's not the kind news that will make waves in your world, but it's the kind of tour that'll rake in the kind of cash not seen since the last time the Eagles got together. Your parents are very excited. Who wants to bet they join U2, Madonna, and Jay-Z in helping concert promoter Live Nation take over the world?

Judas Priest, Heaven and Hell & Motörhead Team Up For US Tour
Dan Marsicano: It's no big secret; Europeans get the best summer tour packages. You guys got Download Festival, Roskilde Festival, and Rock am Ring, just to name a few. What do we have here? Ozzfest, Gigantour, and Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. Yeah…its okay, but Europeans always get lucky. Not this time though…if the rumors are true, we Americans may be getting the tour of the year…if you're a metal fan that is. It's amazing that Judas Priest and Heaven and Hell are touring together, but Motörhead too?! That is absolutely insane and you can't forget about Testament, who are also rumored to play with the three legendary metal bands. If I was to put my money down on only one concert this summer, this would be it.

Live Nation Signs U2, Jay-Z
Dan Haggerty: The Empire continues to expand in the territory the other labels ignored while crying in their drinks. Jay-Z and U2 joins Madonna in high profile signings that have put Live Nation in the news and the driver seat of industry. For a better take on this – Check out the awesome 411Music Zone Podcast where we discuss Live Nation this week.

T.I. Sentenced To Jail Time
Patrick Robinson: T.I. was arrested last year for buying multiple firearms including machine guns and silencers from an undercover cop. He was looking at possibly up to 24 years in jail if convicted for all charges but he has entered a plea and achieved the best possible outcome for his situation. Starting March 27, 2009, T.I. will serve one year and a day jail time with a possible two months reduction for good behavior. Furthermore, he will have to pay a $100,000 fine and serve 1000 hours community service before his jail time, and another 500 hours after his jail time. If he is deemed to have stepped out of line, he could be put away from anywhere between 50 and 97 months.


MOST NOTABLE RELEASE OF THE MONTH


J-Dilla - Jay Love Japan
Phil Watts, Jr.: There have been many J-Dilla related projects that have been released in the wake of his untimely death. This project was to be among them, but with both Donuts and The Shining released a few months from each other, it was put on the shelf for a few years to prevent over-saturation. Finally, Operation Unknown Recordings has released Jay Love Japan. Sadly, they did it with NO PROMOTION WHATSOEVER. Seriously, I had no idea it came out until about a week after it came out. Anyway, this follows the vein of Welcome To Detroit, with a few appearances from some of his long-time collaborators (like Ta'Raach, a.k.a. Lacks, and Baatin of Slum Village), and some instrumentals that will both amaze you and piss you off, knowing that you'll never get any more heat like this again (unless they have an unlimited stash of unreleased material like Tupac).

The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
Dan Yates: Jack White continues to be among the most productive artists today by not only making new music, but by finding new and interesting ways to release and promote it. While I haven't formed a concrete opinion of the album yet, releasing Consolers of the Lonely on one week's notice is a gutsy move. Its debut in the Top10 is another feather in White's cap.

Cavalera Conspiracy - Inflikted
Dan Marsicano: It was a tough choice to pick between this and The Raconteurs' Consolers of the Lonely. However, in the end, I had to go with the album that has been cranked up in my car for the past two weeks. The reunion of the Cavalera brothers is probably the most exciting thing to happen to metal in years and their collaboration doesn't fail to impress my ears. The album is fast, heavy, and sounds like a mix of Sepultura's Arise and Chaos A.D. Having a great guitarist like Marc Rizzo in your ranks doesn't hurt either. I know it hasn't been reviewed on 411, but trust me…it's the best thing to come out of metal in a while.

Dismember - Dismember
Dan Haggerty: Oh man – this thing smokes! Brutal death metal with touches and hints of the melodic/Guttenberg sound, plus thrash and other fun genre brushes; this is catchy and pounds your face in. Turn it up loud and headbang liberally.

The "Making The Band" Releases
Show'Chi Tyler: Again with the slow music month, it's cool to see Puffy get two #1 debuts in a row with these new R&B/pop sensations. Danity Kane looks to avoid the sophomore jinx with Welcome to the Dollhouse, and Day26, the dude version of DK (I guess), are in the mix with their self titled LP.

Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin'
Patrick Robinson: Snoop released his ninth studio album in March and it's easily one of the most enjoyable albums I've listened to in a long time. There was a lot of experimentation going on with Snoop trying some different sounds and production styles and surprisingly, a lot of it came off quite nicely. It's not his best album by any means, as there was a fair degree of filler tracks but it's definitely one of the best albums he's put out in a long time.


MUSIC DVD OF THE MONTH


Flaming Lips: U.F.O.s At The Zoo
Dan Yates: Released last September, this one is a little old, but I watched it again a while back and it's still fresh in my mind. My unbridled passion for the Flaming Lips aside, the DVD (or MVI …) is the best depiction yet of the band's big stage show - complete with balloons, streamers, Santas, aliens, and one big U.F.O. For non-fans, the size and energy of the show may be of interest, but most will probably see it as an old man acting goofy for two hours.

Muse: H.A.A.R.P
Dan Marsicano: I know, it just came out like a week ago, but Muse's newest DVD is one of the first music DVD that I've watched in a while, so it only made sense to put it in this category. The video is great, as the concert was filmed in HD, and the band sounds as tight as they ever have. I only wish that they had put the full concert on there, as four songs are missing, but I'm not going to nitpick about it. The DVD is awesome and that's all you need to know.

The Blues Brothers
Dan Haggerty: Does this count as a musical? It does to me. Funny as hell classic with great Motown hits sprinkled throughout the show. Not to mention the great movie quotes:

Elwood: "What kind of music do you usually have here?"
Bartender: "Oh, we got both kinds, country AND western!"

That's comedy gold right there.

House Party
Show'Chi Tyler: I had to go back for a minute y'all. House Party, while not a musical or anything - the influence of music in this piece was so prevalent to me, especially in my teenage years…and the dance scenes were cool too.

Alicia Keys: Unplugged
Patrick Robinson: Even if you don't like MTV, one thing they do quite well is the "Unplugged" series. Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have all appeared on the show at one point and released live album versions of their performances. Alicia Keys' show featured additional performances from Mos Def, Common, Damian Marley and Adam Levine from Maroon 5. Watching (and listening) to Alicia Keys live is something truly amazing as she is a performer in every sense of the word. From start to finish, the show features such a constant energy that by the end you feel like you were actually there. It's not often I can say that about live performance DVD's so this one was a real joy to watch.


CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE MONTH


Fat Joe - Represent and Jealous Ones Envy
Phil Watts, Jr.: Message to Fat Joe: It's time for you to come back home. It's obvious from the numbers you've been doing on your past few projects that the mainstream crowd doesn't love you no more, so it makes no sense to continue to cater to them. Let 50 Cent continue to do his Thugged-out Chippendale model routine to all the 14-year-old mall chicks. Let him try to figure out why the other 9 million of his 10 million fans dumped him for High School Musical and "Hannah Montana". You need to go back to doing the harder-edged records you used to do because it's obvious that this is what you're built for. Songs like "Flow Joe", "Watch the Sound", "The Shit Is Real" (both the Beatnut & Premier versions), "Respect Mine", and "Success" - these are the kind of songs we all want more of. Leave all the "Make It Rain" and "Lean Back" shit to the Lil' Young Yung Boys out there. You're better than that. By the way, whatever it is that's happened between you and Cuban Link, squash it, will you?

Super Furry Animals - Phantom Power
Dan Yates: Calling Phantom Power a classic may be using the word a bit loosely, but I've recently fully committed myself to Super Furry Animals and, gosh, I like them a lot. Phantom Power is just as good of an introduction to a really fantastic band as any of their albums. "Golden Retriever" is the kind of song that should have been insanely popular, but wasn't - and I'm glad for it.

Pantera - Cowboys From Hell
Dan Marsicano: In my opinion, the only Pantera album that matters (other than Power Metal, but since the band never recognized that release, I won't either). Their later releases strayed too far away from the mix of groove metal and heavy metal that the band had perfected. Phil's vocals became terrible screams and growls and the band sounded tired and bored by the time The Great Southern Trendkill came around. Cowboys From Hell has one great song after another. The title track, "Domination," "Heresy," "Cemetery Gates"…the list goes on. It's a shame the band didn't stick with this sound and tried to become brutal for brutal's sake and nothing more.

Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies
Dan Haggerty: Sure, School's Out might have been the big hit most casual fans know now, but this is the greatest artistic statement from the man. And a monster in its day. From the grand, almost epic opening of "Hello, Hooray!" through "No More Mr. Nice Guy" to the finality of "I Love The Dead", this screams all that makes Alice Cooper great. Pound for pound, simply the best album to own from the man.

The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die
Show'Chi Tyler: I still wonder what the hip-hop scene today would be like had him and Pac survived their shootings. I can bump this today and still have a good time with it.

LL Cool J - Radio
Patrick Robinson: When this album came out, it was like nothing else on the market at the time. A young LL came onto the scene with a loud and vibrant style that commanded your attention for every second he was on the mic. The production was something else as very few samples were used, and it was basically stripped down to a drum and hi-hat. Rick Rubin, who produced the album, jokingly wrote on the back cover of the album "Reduced By Rick Rubin" (instead of Produced) and whilst it's a fairly short album by today's standards, it still holds up as an extremely enjoyable listen. If you haven't heard it, you're missing out on one of hip-hop's landmark albums and you need to find a copy as soon as possible!


LYRIC OF THE MONTH
Phil Watts, Jr.: "They're not looking at the color of a human brother/April 15th, they're looking at your MOTHER - PICK UP THAT MONEY, HO!/You work all week, and now your money has to go/To a pimp, and it's YOU that limps/They cut your check - you get a tenth/Don't wanna hear no lip about supporting a family/Cause on a piece of paper that's a fantasy/They don't care if you're in a bad mood/Your wife needs shoes, your kids need food/Uh-uh - PICK UP THAT MONEY, HONEY!/The pimps so serious they're funny!/They'll look you straight into your face/And tell you that your money's going to a good place/Like social security or welfare/But if you go to the Bahamas, you'll see them all there! PICK UP THAT MONEY, HO!" - Boogie Down Productions, "Who Are The Pimps?"

Dan Marsicano: "Wish I was old and a little sentimental" - Porcupine Tree, "Normal"

Dan Haggerty: "Sadder still to watch it die/Than never to have known it/For you - the blind who once could see/The bell tolls for thee..." - Rush, "Losing It"

Show'Chi Tyler: "Yes indeed, I'm back on the grind, so if it's not about green, it's not on my mind" - Show‘Chi Tyler, "Long Distance (‘She Said' Freestyle)"

Patrick Robinson: "I'm convinced now that more then truth is at stake/Where people create language that pretends to communicate/Euphemisms are misunderstood as mistakes/but it's a bi-product of the ghetto music we make" - Canibus, "Poet Laureate II"

NEXT MONTH'S NEW RELEASES


9th Wonder & Buckshot – The Formula
Phil Watts, Jr.: A few years back, Blackmoon's front-man hooked up with Little Brother's now-former producer member for an album called CHEMISTRY. While the album was pretty decent, it also seemed pretty rushed (Buckshot went on record saying that CHEMISTRY was finished in less than a week). Hopefully, they took a little more time recording this one and it shows. By the way, check out the first single, "Go All Out", which features a hilarious skit with Charlie Murphy (and yes, that was the original outfit that Buckshot wore in the "Who Got The Props" video!)


The Roots – Rising Down
Phil Watts, Jr.: The Roots promise a more "electric" sound this time out. Unfortunately, the last time they were involved in an "electric" ANYTHING, with was for their jump-the-couch moment with Common, Electric Circus. I really hope they have some surprises in this outing. They already came out with a solid album with The Tipping Point a few years back, and I'd hate for them to ruin it with a weak follow-up.

Show'Chi Tyler: Continuously overlooked genius. Real music. Not just hip-hop, but actual music… it's a beautiful thing!

Patrick Robinson: Whilst I appreciate The Roots and the music they make, their albums have never really engaged me like I thought they would have. Their last, Game Theory in 2006, impressed me but once again, didn't hold my attention. There are a number of tracks that look good with appearances from Lupe Fiasco, Styles P., Talib Kweli, Common and Saigon. I'm hoping this album is the one that manages to grab me.


Maxwell - For Lovers Only: The Best Of
Phil Watts, Jr.: Maxwell was one of the unsung heroes of mid-to-late 90's R&B, whose work harkened back to Leon Ware's work in the 70's (Marvin Gaye's I Want You album, and Leon's solo stuff). Matter of fact, Leon even helped him out with the hit "Sumthin' Sumthin'", which he co-wrote. He's made some solid albums, but he hasn't been seen lately. There were rumors of him making a gay-themed album, but thankfully, it's been left as simply that - RUMORS. Hopefully, with this Best Of comp to remind people of how good this man is, this will mean that we get a new album from him sometime before we're eligible for social security.


Positive K - Back To The Old School
Phil Watts, Jr.: The sad thing about this man is that his absolute worst song became the biggest song of his career. It sucks to hear how dope his Skills To Pay The Bills album was, only to have this irritating excuse of a song get all the play. "I Got A Man" made me want to blow my brains out. Hopefully, this compilation of unreleased material will focus on his less irritating work (Like "Nightshift", "Step Up Front", and anything else that is NOT "I Got A Man"!)


Nas - Nigger
Phil Watts, Jr.: Nas drums up controversy to promote an album. Gee, where have we heard that before? Last time, it was Hip-Hop Is Dead. You wouldn't believe the massive amount of hate mail I received from my review of this album. People actually wanted me to just give the album a free pass because of the subject matter alone. Sorry people. I don't work that way. You could talk about the most gripping subjects of our time, but if the album is filled with mediocrity, the subject means nothing. Now, Nas wants to deliver the same one-two punch, this time with an album about race relations, featuring the likes of Puff and Jermaine Dupri behind the boards. Yay. Hopefully, Salaam, No I.D., and Just Blaze will help bring in some bright moments to this otherwise iffy project. Otherwise, when the media starts pushing for this album to get banned for its racy title, I won't shed a single tear.


Theory Of A Deadman - Scars & Souvenirs
Dan Yates: I've always argued that the most interesting thing about this band was the frontman's handlebar moustache and I think he shaved that off for their second album. He must have, because I have no memory of anything his band has done beyond their very first single. If he comes out swinging again with some variety of ridiculous facial hair, that may change, but I still won't be listening to what will almost certainly be another contribution to the generic file of rock music. And, in two or three months, neither will you.


Willie Nelson - One Hell Of A Ride
Dan Yates: Do you remember a while back when state police searched Willie Nelson's bus and dug up like ten pounds of pot and mushrooms? I don't know anything about this album, but if any part of its writing or recording dates back to that period of time (which the name suggests), One Hell of Ride could tell a really far out tale and be worth at least one listen.


Ashlee Simpson - Bittersweet World
Dan Yates: While surely none of us care about this release (or will admit to it), a collection of teenagers somewhere probably does. Regardless, a new album can only mean Simpson's return to "Saturday Night Live" for both redemption and an appearance in an oh-so-obvious sketch about that time she did — or didn't — do you know what. It will almost certainly be lame.


Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus - The Best Of Both Worlds Concert
Show'Chi Tyler: That little girl is PAID - still can't stand her music though.


Mariah Carey - E=MC2
Show'Chi Tyler: I'm sure there's good stuff on here, but after her last over-saturated CD, I don't know how much I can take of Mariah. We'll see!

Patrick Robinson: Mariah is back with her eleventh studio album, three years after her last album which was the largest selling album for 2005 in the United States. With a list of producers such as DJ Toomp, Scott Storch, Stargate, Polow Da Don and will.i.am, the album is certainly going to have a great sound. Backed by Mariah's vocals, E=MC2 is sure to be another great addition to her discography.


Bun B - II Trill
Show'Chi Tyler: RIP Pimp C… I'm hoping Bun B is able to pull off something special in light of his partner's demise.

Patrick Robinson: Bun B's Trill was a little inconsistent but managed to show that he could hold an album on his own. UGK's last album was a great listen and has encouraged me to check out Bun B's newest album coming at the end of April. There is reportedly going to be a tribute song to Pimp C featuring pre-recorded vocals. Appearances from Lupe Fiasco, Chamillionaire, Lil Wayne and David Banner should make this album one to remember.


Lil Mama - VYP: Voice Of The Young People
Patrick Robinson: Remember that "Lip Gloss" song? Well Lil Mama is back with an actual album off the strength of her latest single "Get Loose". The next single "G-Slide (Tour Bus)" samples the nursery rhyme "Wheels On The Bus" so you can imagine how much I'm looking forward to this one.


AZ - Undeniable
Patrick Robinson: AZ has one of the smoothest voices and deliveries in hip-hop and yet remains relatively unknown to today's audience at large. Undeniable looks to have fantastic production from DJ Premier, Nottz, Emile and Large Professor with only a few guest appearances which usually suits AZ just fine. Hopefully, it will be as good as his previous album and will actually make an impact both critically and commercially.

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