As many of you have no doubt realized by now, I am absolutely one of those people who stick to genres that they know best. So what’s a rap junkie to do when nothing of quality actually debuted this week? Easy, rock out to whatever shows up in Zune Marketplace first. We’ve got new material from Avenged Sevenfold, Tom Jones, and rapper Fat Joe.
Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare’” is perhaps the only rock I’ve listened to in the last five years. Not because rock hasn’t been great or that I don’t have respect for the genre, but I happen to be one of those people who can’t help but stay in their comfort zone. When I queued the album on my ZuneHD the first thing that occurred to me was, “I hope this isn’t a repeat of that Trapt album”. Thankfully it wasn’t, and though the album doesn’t attempt to mix genres or blend the genre known for being the soundtrack to Hollywood action blockbusters, it does still manage to hit a few high notes with it’s notable take no prisoners guitar and drum work. It’s not embarrassed about who it appeals to. That’s something I can appreciate.
While I was seriously impressed by Avenged Sevenfold, I was not remotely impressed with Tom Jones’ new album “Praise & Blame”, but then again you guys didn’t expect me to be did you? Here the 70-year old icon attempts to blend blues, pop, and, gospel into one cohesive album. I respect you Tom so I’ll be up front. If it’s not “Unsual” I’m just not interested.
Coming hot off the heels of last week’s debut of Rick Ross’ “Teflon Don”, Fat Joe appears to be making an attempt at a come back. Unfortunately ”The Darkside” has yet to appear in Zune Marketplace for streaming or for purchase. The moment I’ve had a chance to get a feel for it, I’ll update you. Here’s to hoping that with collaborations from R. Kelly, and Young Jezzy, it turns out better then his last attempt. “Elephant in the Room” was quite possibly the most boring rap cd I’ve heard since I attempted to listen to a Liz Phair’s freestyle.
Here’s a list of other EPs making their way to fine music retailers everywhere,
- Stevie Ray Vaughan: Couldn’t Stand The Weather: Legacy Edition
- Judy Collins: Fifth Album, In My Life, Whales & Nightingales, True Stories & Other Dreams, Bread & Roses
- Dino Saluzzi: El Encuentro
Overall I think it’s a solid week for anything but urban music, but chances are you too you are still enjoying “Teflon Don”, just like the rest of the inner city you in my neighborhood.
Download This Week’s Featured Albums in Zune Marketplace
- Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare”
- Tom Jones’ “Praise & Blame”
A special shout out to everyone who submitted songs for me to jam to all day. I think I actually managed to break out of my shell today. Thank your Charms55, CoffeeShark, Don’t forget to leave more songs in the comments, on our facebook, or on twitter!
