Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1 – Hardcore agitpropping by the last revolutionary rapper without an initial in his name, works the mainstream of the rap landscape to make a point. After LASER, this was here to break mainstream big time and maintain its authority by a man who called the President (yes, THIS ONE) a terrorist. It has its moments, the singles we already know are pretty good, and "How Dare You" is a potential smash. But the album is too bland and obvious, and while Lupe can sure rhyme, his voice will never have authority. Grade: B
Black Traffic – Skunk Anansie – Aren't these guys meant to be bas asses? That was 15 years plus ago of course. As loud metal goes, I guess it will do but a touch laid back for 2012. The exception: "I Will Break You", which is pretty damn hot – Grade: B-
Babel – Mumford & Sons – With everything riding on this folkies sophomore album, Mumford & Sons provide an extension and a deepening of Sigh No More. Better on nearly every level to their debut, this will shore up in the fan base and hold the casual buyers. It is a remarkable album, how can more of the same sound so much better? Not a disappointment in the lot, it is as deft and lovely an English folk album as you will hear. Beat that, Laura Marling – Grade: A
Push And Shove – No Doubt – Both "Settle Down" and the title track are welcome inclusions in the No Doubt canon. But once you've said that, what can you add about "Easy", "Gravity" and "Undercover" in the middle of the album, that sinks it beyond reviving? Put it this way, Gwen was much better solo. Like much, much – Grade: C
Kill My Blues – The Corin Tucker Band – As sustained vision goes, I will take it over most albums of the year. A gorgeous, hard rocking band with a brace of real good songs, detailing the life of the leader with honesty, clarity, God knows ability – Grade: A