411 Music Roundtable: November Edition

Posted by Mitch Michaels on 11.10.2008

The 411 music crew takes a last look at October, with T.I.’s chart success, the return of AC-Fing-DC, the Guns N’ Roses/Dr. Pepper hoopla, the tragic Jennifer Hudson murders, continued Amy Winehouse drama and more! Plus, we look forward to November releases from Kanye West, Ludacris, Tenacious D, T-Pain, Nickelback and plenty more!!!

Hello all you militant 411maniacs. It's time for another edition of the 411 Music Roundtable, where the stupendous and/or stupid 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!


NOVEMBER 2008


BIGGEST WINNER OF THE MONTH


T.I.
Weng: I really don't like "Live Your Life" but it's all over the airwaves and topping the singles charts. With three hit singles now under his belt, T.I has definitely made his mark on 2008.

Jacob Crogie: This guy currently has the #1 AND #2 single on the Billboard Hot 100 and his album sales are off the chart...ergo T.I. kicks ass right now. T.I. has shown his artistic ability, and is clearly not just another flash in the pan. Here's to you T.I.!

Patrick Robinson: The release of Paper Trail saw not only T.I. earn his highest first week sales total ever, but managed to break a slew of other records in the process. The label, Atlantic Records saw their highest first week sales since the Soundscan era began. "Live Your Life" currently holds the record for highest jump to #1 on the Billboard singles chart, toppling the previous record holder, T.I. himself with "Whatever You Like". He was also the first artist to replace himself at #1 since Usher did in 2004. Finally, "Live Your Life" had the biggest-ever first-week digital singles sales in history, with downloads of nearly 335,000. Phew.

AC/DC
Tom Santoro: Angus and Co. have the #1 album in 29 countries after eight years of being out of the game. They have a sold out tour of the US that began in October. Could there be a bigger musical artist of the month? No one even comes close.

Michael Adler: They hit it big with this Black Ice selling 800,000 copies and counting. That's a frickin' lot. I guess Evil Empire Walmart gets the peripheral win on this one for having exclusive rights to selling it retail.

Guns N' Roses
Matt Shoemaker: Not because I'm looking forward to Chinese Democracy in any way, shape, or form. I just want my free soda.

Eminem
Ben Czajkowski: The confirmation of a new album in Relapse is a strong showing that Eminem still has some hate left in him. I wholeheartedly respect the fact that he does not want to be as big as he was year ago. I think this will be good for rap music, and a nice change from the Lil's.


BIGGEST LOSER OF THE MONTH


Ciara
Weng: With the news that her upcoming album Fantasy Ride has been delayed yet again, it's not very surprising that hardly anyone cares about Ciara anymore. I'll be very surprised if this does as well as her previous releases.

Chris Cornell
Jacob Crogie: His singles have accomplished absolutely jack squat on the charts, and unsurprisingly, his album's release date has been pushed all the way back to January. I think we can all agree that Chris Cornell is basically no longer relevant. He attempted to sell out and failed miserably.

Janet Jackson
Tom Santoro: Janet Jackson's tour has not sold well. Her album has not sold well. She has been "ill" and has cancelled numerous shows. Her show opener LL COOL J quit the tour. A bad month for the youngest Jackson.

Amy Winehouse
Matt Shoemaker: Back in the hospital, yet again, Amy proves to the world she can't lay off the fucking drugs. How hard is it to figure out when you have multiple near death experiences every month?

Ben Czajkowski: Why isn't this woman dead yet? So many "undeserving" people die every day. Yet this crack addicted whore still wanders the planet without any kind of judicially-sanctioned help. Fuck that.

Robert Plant
Michael Adler: I really love Robert Plant, and I do truly enjoy his solo work. He's making the list for not being in on the Zeppelin reunion. It pains me to label him as a "loser" because I do truly understand his reasoning and respect his desire to distance himself from his past and concentrate on his current direction in music. But still…It's Led Zeppelin, and now it's going to be led up by some douche bag from Alter Bridge???? To quote Charlie Brown, Argh!!!

Yung Berg
Patrick Robinson: I think I've nominated Yung Berg here before, but it goes without saying again that Berg really needs to consider a career outside the rap game, before he gets a beat down of epic proportions that forces him to retire. Picture this, Berg's been drinking a bit much, walks up to Maino and starts talking trash. What do you think is going to happen?!


BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS OF THE MONTH


Jennifer Hudson's Family Murdered
Patrick Robinson: Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were found dead in their Chicago home late afternoon on October 24th. Her nephew was also missing, but the body was later found in the car of her brother-in-law, who has been arrested in regards to the deaths.

Weng: Sadly the biggest news story is one of death and tragedy.

Matt Shoemaker: This is tragic. I may not know her music or her or anything, but anytime you hear about something like this, it's always heartbreaking.

Ben Czajkowski: Nothing can be more tragic or depressing than a story like this. I think this has the potential to touch everyone's life, and it should help people to realize that, at any instant, for any seemingly random reason, the people we love can be taken from us.

Dr. Pepper Going Through With GN'R Promotion
Jacob Crogie: Hey, I respect Dr. Pepper for following through on this one. Although, having to go to the website on one day is kind of a cop out. Meh...this is one of the few times when I wish I was American, I mean, who wouldn't want a free Dr. Pepper????

Tom Santoro: Of course there is a catch, but at least they are following through on their promise. Remember you need to go to the website to get the coupon. Thanks Axl!

Chinese Democracy Gets A Release Date
Michael Adler: Looks like Chinese Democracy's finally getting released. It's about frickin' time. See this Face Off for more info.


MOST NOTABLE RELEASE OF THE MONTH


John Legend - Evolver
Weng Yu: What John Legend has achieved in his short career is impressive to say the least. Evolver isn't quite as good as his previous albums, but will still sell by the bucketload.

AC/DC - Black Ice
Jacob Crogie:This one should be close to unanimous, like really, can anybody pick against AC/DC? Even if this album is as mediocre as everyone keeps telling me, it's still AC/F'nDC. Angus could take a shit, wipe his ass, record it, and still produce better music than the Jonas Brothers.

Tom Santoro: After eight years they've still got it and the people still love them. They kept the formula the same and people still love it. They offer it at only one retail outlet in the USA, they do not have their catalogue on iTunes and they still outsold everyone else. Whether you like this album or hate it, it is very impressive that a band can still move lots of units.

Matt Shoemaker: Come on, it's AC F-kin' DC. Who cares if the album's a masterpiece or not? The fact they're still kickin' ass at… however old they are is pretty awesome.

Eagles of Death Metal - Heart On
Michael Adler: Simply put a brilliantly awesome album from Josh Homme and Jesse Hughes, aka Eagles of Death Metal. If you like music, buy this album. Now.

Haste the Day - Dreamer
Ben Czajkowski: This album is a nice addition to the Christian hardcore scene. HtD followed up the success of Pressure the Hinges with an even better showing.

Termanology - Politics As Usual
Patrick Robinson: This is getting the nod from me, for two reasons. 1) it's nice to see an actual official studio release from someone I was worried was heading the Papoose route in terms of more mixtapes than albums. And 2) it was an incredibly slow month last month. Still, that's not to say that an album featuring generous DJ Premier production and what people are calling "The Reincarnation Of Pun" is bad by any means.


MUSIC DVD OF THE MONTH


Linkin Park: Road to Revolution - Live at Milton Keynes
Wen: I know it's not due till the end of November, but I went to this concert, so I marked out when it was announced that this is coming to DVD. By all accounts, this was one of their best shows, and this was also a rare opportunity to see them perform with Jay-Z. I'm hoping they'll include some bonus material from the earlier performances that day from N.E.R.D, Pendulum, and Jay-Z.

Queen: Live at Wembley Stadium
Jacob Crogie: It's good to watch this before dealing with the latest tripe from a band that seems intent on bastardizing and destroying their legacy until nothing remains. Queen + Paul Rodgers suck so hard that words fail me here...ergo, watch old Queen and the bleeding of your ears should stop.

Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park
Tom Santoro: I'm feeling Halloweenie, so I chose the cult classic. The first time I saw this movie I laughed so hard I pissed my pants. The band has dual roles, as themselves with super powers and as evil robot versions of themselves. The more Gene on screen the better. If you like cheesy acting and flimsy writing and you like Kiss this movie is for you. Sadly the film did not receive any Emmy nominations in 1978.

In Flames: Used and Abused - In Live We Trust
Matt Shoemaker: So maybe this is a bit of a plug for my column, but this DVD, featuring two shows, is amazing, highlighting the very best of the band.

U2: Rattle and Hum
Michael Adler: A classic concert album from icons U2. It's worth it to hear Bono steal "Helter Skelter" back from Charles Manson. The B.B. King guest spot on "Love Comes to Town" is also great. The DVD's also filled with live performances of classics such as "Pride" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."


CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE MONTH


D'Angelo - Brown Sugar
Weng: I dug this out recently after a long time, and I haven't stopped listening since. Easily stands the test of time as one of the greatest soul albums ever made.

Queen - A Night at the Opera
Jacob Crogie: Another reason to not listen to Queen + Paul Rodgers...other than the fact that they suck...old Queen is still way better...so why bother?

AC/DC - Highway to Hell
Tom Santoro: What can I say? I have AC/DC power chords on the brain. The raw power and the multitude of hits from this record make it one of the best records ever made.

Metallica - Kill 'Em All
Matt Shoemaker: This is purely nostalgia for me. I love this album.

At the Drive-In - Relationship of Command
Michael Adler: I'm ready for an At the Drive-In reunion. I think we need it now more than ever. In any event, this is perhaps the only screamo type music I can stand. Sure most of the lyrics are incomprehensible both audibly and logically, but "Enfilade" is probably the best song written about kidnapping ever. This album practically breathes intensity and spells the demise of the band just as they hit their peak.

Demon Hunter – Summer of Darkness
Ben Czajkowski: I greatly await the release of the 45 Days DVD, coming at the end of the month. Anything Demon Hunter is quality, in my eyes.

Ol' Dirty Bastard - Return To The 36 Chambers
Patrick Robinson: Ah, classic ODB. You've got the off-key singing, wacky lyrics and awesome RZA production. Honestly, you can't ask for a more carefree album and I think it's truly sad that a rapper of Dirty's caliber in terms of wackiness and unpredictability, suffered from drug problems that hindered the main part of an otherwise stellar career.


LYRIC OF THE MONTH
Weng: "You're at your best when the going gets rough/You've been put to the test but it's never enough/You got the touch, you got the power, yeah!" - Stan Bush, "The Touch" (Activision get it on "Guitar Hero" please!!)

Jacob Crogie: "`Cause nobody wants to be the last one there/'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares/Someone to love with my life in their hands/There`s gotta be somebody for me like that." - Nickelback, "Gotta Be Somebody (WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU SAYING???? ENGLISH MOTHER FUCKER, DO YOU SPEAK IT?)

Tom Santoro: "She digs rock ‘n' roll/She likes rock ‘n' roll/You want rock ‘n' roll/I need rock ‘n' roll/Everyday/And all through the night" - AC/DC, "She Likes Rock ‘n' Roll"

Matt Shoemaker: When the walls decide to close in/And the floor disappears beneath you/Just hang on to our last words and...Resolve" - Haste The Day, "Resolve"

Michael Adler: "You've made me an offer that I can refuse/(course either way I get screwed)/Counter proposal: I go home & Jerk off." - Queens of the Stone Age, "I'm Designer"

Ben Czajkowski: "And I can show you how to hump without making love/The way you look at me, I can tell that you're a freak/And I'll be laying in the sun, bottle and a gun/The way you look at me, I can tell that you're a freak" - Hollywood Undead, "Bottle And A Gun"

Patrick Robinson: "Wu-Tang killer bee's on a swarm / Rain on your college ass disco dorm / For you to even touch my skill / You gotta put the one killer bee and he ain't gonna kill" - Ol' Dirty Bastard, "Shimmy Shimmy Ya"

NEXT MONTH'S NEW RELEASES


Q-Tip – The Renaissance
Weng: Q-Tip is finally back after a long hiatus. Early signs are good, with some strong promos doing the rounds recently.


Tracy Chapman – Our Bright Future
Weng: Where did this come from? This should be worth hunting down.


Seal – Soul
Weng: This will contain 11 remakes of classic soul songs. While this has been done time and time again, Seal is a great vocalist, so if he can put his own spin on the tracks it just might be worth it.

Ben Czajkowski: Seal will always hold a special place in my heart. I doubt that Soul will be much of a departure from his lyrical and vocal talents.


T-Pain – Thr33 Ringz
Weng: I imagine this will be very club and car stereo friendly. With two promo singles "Digital" and "Freeze" doing well in the clubs, expect this album to go platinum.

Patrick Robinson: I'm actually interested in this release as I've been sucked in by "Can't Believe It". Hopefully there're some songs of substance here and it's not all smoke and mirrors. Or auto-tunes as it may be.


Beyonce – I Am…Sasha Fierce
Weng: I'm totally indifferent to this release. If I was a woman, this would probably be a different story, but as a man and a music critic, I expect nothing interesting from this, despite her supposed new direction.


Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak
Weng: "Love Lockdown" is a horrible track, but strangely has performed really well on the US charts. Kanye's always been a strong beatmaker, so I hope this won't be all bad, despite the use of auto-tune.

Matt Shoemaker: I love Kanye. He's a terrific artist, and I really wish this was coming out alongside 50's new album so 50 can get blown out of the water again.

Patrick Robinson: Here's the big one for me. I'm hoping that the album isn't as bad as I expect it to be. To be honest, my hopes are low, so anything above average will be a bonus. I just can't see myself listening to the Kanye-auto-tune for more than two songs in a row.


Ludacris – Theater Of The Mind
Weng: As usual with Luda expect more party rap than thought provoking lyrics. The two tracks out so far - "What Them Girls Like" and "One More Drink" are very radio and club friendly.

Patrick Robinson: Luda's been pretty motivated as of late, and I like the concept that each song will be like a scene from a movie (how he'll approach that I still doubt though), and that any "featuring" artists are now credited as "co-starring". It's a nice touch that adds to the feel of the release. I've heard the T.I. joint, and I'm not blown away, but I'm not tempted to skip like I usually am with a lot of Luda's tracks.


Taylor Swift - Fearless
Jacob Crogie: Is it so wrong that I am hyped for more Taylor Swift? What can I say, I have fallen in love with her brand of sincere country love and anti-love songs. She is an incredibly talented artist and I look forward to delving into her latest effort.


Nickelback - Dark Horse
Jacob Crogie: Do we really have to? WHY? I do not under any circumstances want to have to deal with more Nickelback! They have become a huge joke, and this album will be their latest auditory assault. They suck, and that is all...kthnxbye!

Michael Adler: This is tricky. I don't want to see anyone get hurt. I really don't. But...Chad Kroger, please OD.

Ben Czajkowski: This is the end of their contract with Roadrunner. This album will suck, yet it will still sell a million copies.


The Killers - Day & Age
Jacob Crogie: Hyped for this one! I have been a Killers fan since the days of the Mr. Brightside EP and am anxiously awaiting this album. Love their new single, and am sure I will love their new album as well!

Tom Santoro: I got hooked on The Killers with Hot Fuss, however I did not like the over produced Sam's Town. The B-sides collection Sawdust was a solid effort and I really like the first single ("Human") off Day & Age. I have high hopes for this record.

Ben Czajkowski: Anything from them will be better than Sam's Town. What a waste of an album that was. Day & Age will show that The Killers were not a one-hit wonder with Hot Fuss.


Tenacious D - The Complete Masterworks Vol. 2 DVD
Matt Shoemaker: Jack and Kyle never disappoint. I'm definitely looking forward to getting this.

Ben Czajkowski: Was a DVD release even necessary? Why not just put out a new album?


Now That's What I Call Music! 29
Matt Shoemaker: Seriously? These are still around? Wow. These are nothing more than crappy, worn out singles that no one cares about anymore. I'm so sick of these things.


Mudvayne - The New Game
Matt Shoemaker: Mudvayne usually seems hit or miss, so hopefully this is a big hit. I love the band, but when they're off, they're really off.

Ben Czajkowski: My most anticipated release of the year has been hit or miss, thus far. The tracks I've heard were not what I was expecting, at all. I still have hope for the rest of the disc.


Nevermore - The Year of the Voyager
Matt Shoemaker: I've just recently been getting into Nevermore, so this intrigues me a bit.

Ben Czajkowski: Prog-metal gets a good boost from this album and from this band.


Enya – And Winter Came
Michael Adler: Excellent, more new age music/laxitives. My bowels are excited. Like Metamucil in music form.


Scott Weiland – Happy In Galoshes
Michael Adler: This should be highfalutin and artsy. I'll probably hate it, but on the other hand I'm mega-curious to see what Weiland's going to put out. Problems aside, he's always been an interesting musician.

Ben Czajkowski: While I have never liked Scott Weiland as a person (I think he should be dead, too), I will check out this solo effort. From what I've heard thus far, I am digging it.


Twilight: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Ben Czajkowski: Some good rock acts got behind this soundtrack, particularly Paramore. I think this will probably be the best "rock" OST this year.


Hinder – Take It To The Limit
Ben Czajkowski: I find it hard to get excited about this album. I've listened to the stream, and I am not at all impressed with this.


Smashing Pumpkins – If All Goes Wrong DVD
Ben Czajkowski: It all goes wrong, starting with this DVD. Pretty weak on content, for the average viewer.


David Cook – David Cook
Ben Czajkowski: Daughtry, eat your heart out. David Cook is one of the best "American Idol" winners in years. I think this album is bound to have tons of heart in it. Cook proved way before AI that he could swing it in the big time.


Trick Trick – The Villain
Patrick Robinson: I think Trick's got an awesome rapping voice and he could have really made an impact riding off "Welcome To Detroit" on his debut album. However, he ended up spending too much time talking about his murder trial, which ultimately drowned out anything of substance.


Ace Hood - Gutta
Patrick Robinson: Yeah…color me crazy, but yeah, looking forward to this too. I like his energy and his appearances on Khaled's latest album gave me the feeling he's eager to make an impression. Hopefully he can slowly distance himself from Khaled, and stand on his own.


D.I.T.C. – The Movement
Patrick Robinson: I still can't find out if this is new material, or old material violated with an iron rake updated to give it a 2008 feel. I hope that if Fat Joe gets involved, he motivates his carcass into something resembling his Flow Joe days.

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