It's an eclectic mix this week from the latest rap to a rising talent in Americana.
1) E-40 - My Ghetto Report Card
E-40, one of the top San Francisco Bay area rappers, enlists assistance from Lil Jon, king of dirty South crunk. This album is likely to please both camps which means big sales.
2) Various Artists - Dave Chapelle's Block Party
This is the musical document, and soundtrack to the film, of comedian Dave Chapelle's brilliant idea for a Brooklyn block party featuring some of the top r&b and hip hop artists on the planet.
3) Donald Fagen - Morph the Cat
Fagen is one half of the on-again off-again duo Steely Dan, staples on classic rock and 70's and 80's pop radio stations. As always, the music is crisp, well-produced and melodic. Don't be afraid to check it out.
4) Fall Out Boy - From Under the Cork Tree (Limited Edition)
2 remixes and 3 new songs. That's what you get with this new edition of the multi-platinum From Under the Cork Tree. This limited set has been released to coincide with the kickoff of the Black Clouds and Underdogs concert tour.
5) Pretenders - Pirate Radio
This type of loving packaging and remastering of the Pretenders classic music has been a long time coming. 4 CD's and 1 DVD is probably all of the Pretenders output that you will ever need.
6) Shedaisy - Fortuneteller's Melody
This is some of the best country-pop music around. If you liked Carrie Underwood's album Some Hearts, you should enjoy this.
7) Hard-Fi - Stars of CCTV
This is the latest band in the ongoing wave of edgy pop-rock from the UK that includes bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, and the Bravery.
8) DMC - Checks, Thugs & Rock n Roll
This first solo effort by DMC, of the legendary rap trio Run DMC, comes in the wake of the tragic shooting of group member Jam Master Jay.
9) Bobby Brown - Definitive Collection
Bobby Brown's career has suffered from a bizarre trajectory, possibly matched only by that of his wife Whitney Houston, but that still does not detract from the best of his classic r&b work. This collection ranges from work with New Edition through Brown's latest collaboration with Ja Rule. It is the document of a talent with many notable bright spots.
10) Jackie Greene - American Myth
Greene is an Americana singer-songwriter with flares of folkiness, summery pop, and moody introspection.
