Ciara – Ciara – The knock out r&b singer has always been an iffy Rihanna knock off, and the hipper hopper inclusion of two Nicki Minaj featured tracks doesn’t change that, though a track with boyfriend Future might. Still, the best songs here, and there are a handful of really smart r&b poppers staring with the last one “Overdose” are more than good enough – ALBUM OF THE WEEK – B+
Major Arcana – Speedy Ortiz – Like a lo-fi Pavement circa Crooked Rain Crooked Rain (but not earlier), if they keep on working out those tunes they’re gonna be major – B
International Takeover – Mr. 305 – Compilation from Pitbull’s record label includes a coupla good dance tracks, “Girls Gone Wild” and “Superstar” will do it. And then nothing worth your while – C
Don’t Look Down – Skylar Grey – Singer songwriter with good beats courtesy Eminem but songs that hit and miss and mostly miss – B
Forever – Donell Jones – This guy has a fine voice a sweet soul man with range and flava in your ear and his first album is independently released giving further creedence to the pop music is dead faction – B