Evanescence – Evanescence – Goth for people in a bad mood and wanna stay in their room and pout. Not bad, but not much. Grade: C+
American Capitalist – Five Finger Death Punch – L.A. based post-hardcore thrash band with a lot of bouncein the drums and prog-rock guitarist. Their way with a chorus is impressive. Grade: B
Biohilia – Bjork – The problem with Bjork is she looked at Homogenic and thought her gift lay in her quirky layered sound fucks and not in her songs and she was wrong. Ever since then, it has gotten more and more difficult to listen to her with the exception of her excellent Mount Wittenberg with the Dirty Projectors. This is a bad album, nothing clings to you, and I don't own an Ipad and anyway, music has to work alone. You didn't need to have seen "Dancing In The Dark" to love Selmasongs. Grade: C-
Wildflower – Lauren Alaina – This debut country album by the American Idol runner-up may be slight compared to Pistol Annies, but she has a strong voice and a clutch of good songwriters at her beck and call. Grade: B
The Awakening – James Morrison – Limey singer songwriter is a soulful sod if the comparisons to Stevie Winwood is a bit like overeaching. Still, he continues to write good song and this should do well…. In England. Grade: B
Eleven – Martina McBride – Sure "Teenage Daughter" is a blast, "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" is maudlin claptrap, and the album is as generic as its title. Grade: C+
B In The Mix, The Remixes, Vol 2 – Britney Spears – Britney bitch has been releasing remixes all yearlong. Here she collects some faves. The Benny Benassi is a real keeper. Grade: B
Radiohead – TKOL RMX 1234567 – Didn't like these songs the first time? You'll hate them a second time. Grade: D-
The Best Imitation Of Myself: A retrospective – Ben Folds – I'd like to throw a brick at him. Grade: D
Still Winning – Johnnty Gill – Former New Edition singer with generic r&b album. Grade: B-
How Do you Do – Mayer Hawthorned – The exemplication of what a second album is. More of the same, but not as good. Grade: B
Fastlife – Joe Jonas – Will this do till Justin Timberlake gets it together? One of JT's producer is here and not the one you want it to be. But, no, it won't do. But not unpleasant dance pop and if it doesn't break pop, it means people are officially sick of anything labeled Jonas. Grade: B-
Seeking Major Tom – William Shatner – Captain Kirk plus guest stars galore remain earthbound despite an occasional chuckle. Grade: C+