Song of the Day: Rilo Kiley - "More Adventurous"

It isn't a bad thing to like (or even love) Jenny Lewis. I chose this song over her more recently released solo song "Acid Tongue" because A.) its lyrics are closer to that of a 'traditional' country song, and B.) if you are in any way an indie rock fan, chances are that you've heard "Acid Tongue" roughly eleven thousand times by now. So I take this opportunity to remind you just what the fuck is really up with Jenny Lewis.

... Or really, Rilo Kiley. A quick note - the album was titled More Adventurous, because the group decided that they needed to become just that, more adventurous with their songwriting and recording styles. And some adventurous things about the song itself include the fact that the 'steel guitar' sounds are not actually being produced via an acoustic guitar played with a steel, but rather by some clever slide guitar on an electric played by lead guitarist Blake Sennett.

The lyrics speak from the perspective of a woman who is speaking to her lover (or boyfriend), seemingly listing things that she could deal with and live without - so long as their love remains constant throughout said ordeals. Two things in this song have always stuck out to me. First, even though this song has been explained to me several times via several sources, including the band members (I've seen, read and heard interviews about it. I wasn't just chilling out with Rilo Kiley one day), I still feel that it would work best as a male-female duet.

Why? Well, if you break down the lyrics it just makes more sense as a conversation, rather than a speech - especially if you look at it all as something being observed by a third party. Picture that you're at a party, and you come to find yourself sitting on a couch adjacent to a couple sitting in a corner having a quite little argument. You don't notice them at first, but at some point begin listening intently to their conversation, even though you start doing so in the middle of a sentence:

"(...) And it's only doubts that we're counting/On fingers broken long ago/I read with every broken heart we should become more adventurous (...)"

Really, that could make sense as either a man or a woman speaking - so long as the person in question has a pretty well-developed flair for the dramatic. Let's just say that it's a guy speaking a girl for the hell of it. Either way, I'm sure you've had an argument somewhere along those lines during a relationship - whether or not it actually involved the other person.

See, whether or not you are currently in a relationship - if you've ever been in a failed one you know that there are unique traits that only the two people involved will really recognize as they come up. And within every failed relationship there comes a point where one person feels as though they are only digging themselves into a hole that leads to nowhere. Moreover, they are digging said hole with a spoon. So not only has the relationship taken on the feeling of pointlessness, but a brand of pointlessness that is only equaled by how time-consuming it has become.

That's basically the same thing that is being said in those lines - 'we have come to a lull so deep that it feels as though I only have faults to count, and only broken fingers left to use'. And instead of turning somewhere else (or even to someone else), the person is saying that while they sit there with a broken heart, all they really want is their former feelings of happiness back. So all they can think to do is try and spice up their bland situation.

"And if you banish me from your profits/And if I get banished from the kingdom up above/I'd sacrifice money and heaven all for love/Let me be loved, let me be loved."

From here, the song gets pretty plain - the girl would now be saying to the guy, "Look, I don't need your fucking money - and I don't need God telling me what to do. All I want is for you to love me, have you got that asshole?" Of course her wording is much more palatable than mine.

"And if my brain quits, well I guess then that's just it/And if my hands stop working you can call me lazy..."

Again, pretty straightforward offering from what would now be the male side of the story. If he is no longer creative, or no longer drives himself the way he used to - then she should totally call his ass out on that.

"And if I get pregnant, I guess I'll just have the baby - let it be loved, let me be loved."

... And while this line may seem a little sudden, I feel that most couples that have existed together for more than two consecutive years have discussed the possibility of children, mostly because it significantly changes their sex life. I mean, let's be honest. If they decide that they would rather not use condoms, whether it be specifically for the purpose of trying to get pregnant, or just because one or both parties don't like them - then the topic will, and probably should come up. Nothing wrong with that.

"I've been trying to nod my head, but it's like I've got a broken neck/Wanting to say 'I will', as my last testament/For me to be saved and you to be brave,
We don't have to walk down that aisle/'Cause if marriage ain't enough/Well at least we'll be loved."

The chorus marks the return of the simile to the song, illustrating the couple's various distresses via the imagery of a broken neck or a last will and testament. It also brings up the other topic that I feel is discussed by tenured couples - marriage, and the fact that perhaps neither of them is very concerned with it, as it is much more important to them to know that they are loved than it is to have a gigantic ceremony. [Note: Attribute the chorus to whichever side you'd like - especially since it comes up more than once in the song, so you'll have the chance to assign it to both parties if you are so inclined.]

"I felt the wind on my cheek coming down from the east/And thought about how we are all as numerous as leaves on trees/And maybe ours is the cause of all mankind;/Get loved, make more - try to stay alive."

I said earlier that two things in this song stuck out to me, and finally I've come to the second. The closing lines of the second verse state "(...) And maybe ours is the cause of all mankind; Get loved, make more - try to stay alive."

See, that is something I struggle with constantly. Some days, I firmly believe that as though it were a natural law - and on other days, I wonder how natural (or healthy) love really is. I suppose it varies with my level of optimism, but the fact remains that our planet doesn't care about our feelings, or even our massive population. We are but organisms, and the only thing an organism really has to do is survive long enough to produce more of itself. But ever since the first two humans tried to make a go of monogamy, the bar was set there - and nobody ever looked back at it. Perhaps we never need to, for if we are lucky enough to find someone we can even tolerate for twenty consecutive years, we have probably won at the game of life.

Snoopy D-O-Double-Gizzle.

Rating a hip-hop personality is often quite simply a matter of charting the level of success (usually in sales) they managed, and how long they were able to maintain that success. Which makes Calvin Broadus an interesting character in the grand story of hip-hop, in that depending on the level on which he is enjoyed by a particular person, the argument could be made for his either being the most over or under-rated lyricist of all-time.

From one perspective, he has had a very large hand in bringing the current state of rap to the forefront - that of the bling-coated, sex-obsessed 'hoodlums'. Then again, he has only one album that is considered to have much top-to-bottom weight (coincidentally, his solo debut Doggystyle) - despite being aligned with many of the top producers and organizations while they sat at arguably the peak of their creativity and influence (Dr. Dre/Death Row, Master P/No Limit, Pharrell Williams/the new 'free' market).

Today we examine the career of Snoop Dogg through his albums, in an attempt to ascertain how he has maintained his success thus far into his sixteen year career.

The Chronic
[Dr. Dre album - Snoop is featured on twelve of its sixteen tracks]
Sales: 3.00 x Platinum (US)

Widely considered to be perhaps the most influential album on the modern hip-hop sound and culture, Snoop Dogg's heavy involvement in The Chronic earned him the type of success and credibility that many artists have to work years to even approach. But it was not as though this was solely the doing of his being supported by Dr. Dre - Snoop's flow, particularly on the instant-classic "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang", was both respected and met with critical acclaim for its balance between complex and effortless -- perhaps not a product of, but most assuredly an inspiration to the now heavily prevalent freestyle delivery. And when paired with tracks like "Fuck wit Dre Day", it served to establish his now well-known blunted-out, "don't hafta nothin'"-type persona.

Doggystyle
[executive production - Dr. Dre]
Sales: 4.00 x Platinum (US)

Even upon its release, the sound and feel of Doggystyle was immediately compared to that of The Chronic - which can easily be attributed to both Dr. Dre's production of the album, and the atmosphere held as standard at the Death Row Records studios - as described by Bruce Williams:

"Dre’s going to be the first one in the studio and the last one to leave. He’ll start messing with a beat. As the beat starts pumping, the guys start filtering in. Everybody will get their little drink and smoke in. Soon enough the beat starts to make a presence. You’ll look around the room and every cat that was a rapper – from Kurupt to Daz to Snoop – will grab a pen. They would start writing while Dre is making a beat so by the time he’s finished with the beat, they are ready to hit the booth and start spittin'. To see those young cats – they were all hungry and wanted to make something dope. The atmosphere that was there, you couldn’t be wack (...)"

Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told [executive production - Master P]
Sales: 2.00 x Platinum (US)

Snoop's first release outside of both Death Row Records and the all West Coast/G-Funk sound that was their signature at the time. Although his next album No Limit Top Dogg would be more appreciated, Da Game would outsell it nearly two-to-one, and would deliver a firm message in the successful mixing of Nu-South production with West Coast lyricism - that collaboration was something to be sought, not shunned, an especially important message delivered just about a year and a half removed from the Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. killings. A message that not only rings true today, but dictates the genre - while hot producers serving as freelance hitmakers to whoever pays, lyricists still show pride in their geographic roots - but without the foolish beefs that cost the genre so much in talent and poor media exposure in the late 1990s.

Tha Last Meal
[released by Doggystyle as supported by No Limit & Priority Records; produced by Dr. Dre]
Sales: 1.00 x Platinum (US)

After a brief return to his G-Funk roots with No Limit Top Dogg in 1999, Snoop started off the new millennium with his first release on his own vanity label, Doggystyle. And with the new label came a new approach that lasts to this day, and is almost universally embraced within the upper echelon of hip-hop - that of the super-pimp-a-listic playa spectacular. It was almost as though Snoop had paid his dues, and could now use his name as a ticket to easy success - using beats from only the hottest producers, and being backed up by an all-star cast of guests (such as Nate Dogg on "Lay Low", Pharrell Williams on "Beautiful" and "Drop It Like It's Hot"). Much like Jay-Z, Snoop learned that he could be honest and rap about his riches and luxurious lifestyle - and that people would still buy his records, so long as the track was club-worthy.

Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle
Sales: ; Awards: 2001 Adult Video News Awards for Best Music, Adult Video News Awards for Top Selling Tape of 2001

In his first move that directly set trends, without being apart of a larger product - Snoop 'hosted' his own hardcore pornographic music video, "Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle". He was quickly followed by artists such as Mystikal, Yukmouth and Too Short - which all assisted in establishing a base of operations for Hustler's new clothing line and record label. Incidentally, while the scenes were filmed at Snoop's house - he is never involved directly with any of them - and most adult film critics have gone so far as to proclaim that the the video bears false advertising (in regard to the 'hardcore' level of the scenes). This video would later be followed up by a Snoop Dogg-endorsed Girls Gone Wild installment, but neither have seemed to assist or harm Snoop's career in any significant way.

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So what is the lesson learned by looking at Snoop Dogg's career? What is his grand secret of success? In a word - consistency. Snoop has never truly reinvented himself as one brand or another of emcee - and while his status elevated, so did the references in his rhymes. His youthful pursuit of money gave way to the braggadocio-styled lyrics of other successful capitalists such as Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. But perhaps most importantly, Snoop has always had a sense of humour towards all of his affairs. Whether through cameos in Half Baked or his plain honesty in interviews (with a follow-up to that available here), Snoop has never hid any aspect of his life from the public - and seems to have been handsomely rewarded for that.

As far as influence goes, outside of his -izzy/-izzle suffixation, it can be argued that most influence in music is done on the other side of the booth - via production, and that Snoop's major contribution in that court has been in his willingness to work with whomever will gain him the surest path to success - a model that is utilized by nearly every platinum-selling artist in any genre nowadays. But regardless of how large the mark may be, it cannot be argued that Snoop Dogg's is a brand that will remain for quite some time, perhaps even after he has hung up the pimp hat and cane for the last time.

'Decline of Country Music'

'Decline of Country Music'

More than perhaps any other genre of music, country/western is a genre where the traditions may be valued more than the various albums, artists or songs. The basic idea of country is taking 'traditional' folk music and shaping it to the unique voices that are typically found in country music.

Without diving too deeply into the histories of country music, it is safe to say that the general expectations when tuning in to an artist billed as a country musician is more along the lines of Randy Travis or George Strait. Not just a distinct type of voice, but also a distinct type of music - very heavy on natural stringed instruments and usually very metronomic drumming. The lyrics usually deal with love of some sort - whether romantic love (or the loss of that love), love of country and even love of history or memories.

There are a few embellishments here and there, most often illustrating influence from other genres of music that have either a basis or strong tradition in the southern United States. Typically the additions are simple, electric guitar or more rock-styled drumming, but the standard is set, and has been reinforced over quite some time.

Perhaps the greatest two examples of a 'traditional' country musician are Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton - both achieved tremendous amounts of crossover success relying on their own country roots, and blending that with whatever interested them at the time.

Incidentally, those two also occupy two very different positions in the realm of music. Especially towards the end of his career (during the American Recording era), Johnny Cash was very well known for being able to take a song written in nearly any style by any person, and make it sound good as a country song.

Meanwhile, Dolly Parton has written songs that have been recorded by a very diverse group of people representing many different styles of music - and have been very big hits in drastically different settings than her original.

But it is due to such particularly bright and shining examples that many people express not only displeasure with many contemporary country musicians - but allege that country music has been so far tarnished by pop and rock influence as to never be reclaimed. But, like many allegations founded in the court of public opinion - a crucial point is never mentioned:

Country music isn't going through a pop phase, nor is country music 'selling out' - country music is simply more popular right now. As with any style or genre of music, over time there will be a point where the fan base will not only grow - but those fans who have stuck by it will have matured to the point of being able to buy the albums and attend the shows by way of their own money. So while traditional fans will always be listening, it is that younger market who really pushes styles of music into the forefront - and that is really all we are seeing here, younger fans buying music from younger musicians.

Plus, it isn't as though country music has never seen cross-pollination before. And it is the exposure gained from those more popular artists, regardless of the traditional values they may bring or detract from, that drives any style of music.

Take 'emo' music, for example - which is nothing more than punk musicians recording ballad-style songs. And if many of them are more in mourning than in celebration, well then so what? Does it make Band A any worse by being counted in the same genre as Band B, who just so happens to wear eye makeup? Hardly.

So while Taylor Swift is definitely oriented toward the teen market, and her style definitely reflects that of current pop standards than traditional country values - the same could be said of Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Toby Keith and Faith Hill - but that didn't mean that Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw or Martina McBride were any worse because of it. And in reality, it didn't mean that any of the music was 'bad' - it just wasn't something people expected from country music.

And today? There's still 'country' country music - just ask Blake Shelton, Josh Turner or the Dixie Chicks. But remember, expressing anger towards your favorite genre's growing more popular will only result in less exposure, and fewer musicians caring about being 'country' at all.

And besides that - singling out an artist as insufficient, while citing only one reason why has a poor history of working out.

Year of the Album

The music industry has long since developed a reputation for being fickle. Whether it is an artist deciding that their upcoming release (or tour) is their final one, ever - only to have that claim annulled with another release (or tour - usually both). And never bothering to repeal their former statements, as though they presume their public will simply forget - having become so happy with their 'return' to care about such things.

Ever hear of karmic balancing? Well, perhaps the world cannot punish such erratic behaviour without also impacting the balance of karma - but for those who desire a reward for having selflessly pledged allegiance to those notoriously inconsistent artists who have recorded the soundtrack your life, 2008 is shaping up to be your time to claim your bounty. Here at Bafflegate, we've taken to referring to it as the Year of the Album. And we cite a few specific cases that are most responsible for such grandiose terminology:

Primus - [as yet untitled]
While so much related to this project is still unknown, should 2008 be the year that Primus makes their triumphant return to full-length releases (it would be their first studio release since Tim Alexander's rejoining the band in 2003 with five tracks on the otherwise-compilation Animals Should Not Try To Act Like People), it would certainly go a long way towards restoring some sort of balance in the musical universe.

Portishead - Third [released 28 April 2008]
Not only was Third a reward to anyone who had come across Portishead's beautiful renditions of what we can now refer to as trip-hop, a genre whose genesis owes many thanks to Geoff Barrow, Adrian Utley and Beth Gibbons - but it also served as a reward for the group, charting higher (#2 in the UK, #7 in the US) than any of their other albums. And if history is any indicator, the next Portishead release will be fresh and ready for digestion in 2011.

My Bloody Valentine - [as yet untitled]
Since Kevin Shields' announcing that the band was reunited in 2007, the only news we have been provided is that they have been sitting on already-recorded material for the past fifteen years, abandoned a 'half-finished' album and generally sat around wasting time, talent and the reported £250,000 that Island Records invested into them in 1992 - that is until 15 November 2007, when their official webspace started spewing out live dates left and right. So should they stick with their agreements this time around, then perhaps their first release of any sort since 1991 isn't too much to ask - considering it is already ¾ finished, is it?

Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy
Speaking of 1991, no list of anticipated (or delayed, or controversial...) albums would be complete without Chinese Democracy - the standard by which all delayed releases measure themselves.

Honestly, what can be said about this situation that hasn't already been said thirty-to-sixty times over? There are only two points to really be made: [A] Whatever is on the disc is almost certainly going to be upsetting to at least three million of the eight million or so people who purchased either Use Your Illusion I or II, or any other Guns N' Roses recording for the matter. Not by any fault of the music, but more because the consistent word-of-mouth and internet hype it has received for the past fourteen years would be enough to make nearly anything seem drab in comparison.

Point [B], there have been multiple times where the album has been delayed due to some issue concerning its marketing or some other detail not in any way affecting what lies on the master tapes. At this point, how hard would it be to market an album that has been described as some level of masterwork by nearly everyone who has heard it (a total quickly working its way into the teens, by the way), or an album that has received continual promotion - even as the members of the band file lawsuits against their record label and each other to try and deflect attention from themselves?

Not too long ago, Sebastian Bierk (Bach, whichever) was raving about the album in an interview with Metal Edge Magazine that Axl already has three albums recorded - but was just taking his time with their release. Well, that's reassuring. Maybe it has all just been a misunderstanding, Axl's just been trying to get all the pieces of the set in place before he releases any of them. Needless to say, any year that sees the official release of Chinese Democracy (the album, not the actual movement of China to a democratic state) will be marked as the Year of the Album anyway.

Peter Gabriel - Big Blue Ball
Not given quite the same recognition as other albums with long periods of being labeled 'in-production', perhaps due to Gabriel's penchant for sabbaticals between release - Big Blue Ball is and would be an interesting addition to any artist's catalogue, regardless of its release date or proximity to their most previous release. And taking into consideration the unique approach that has been taken by Gabriel to ensure the release of the album, one can't help but cheer his efforts and hope for his success - especially when compared to the efforts of other musicians to get out 'already finished' material.

Dr. Dre - Detox
While Detox is not quite a beast the size of Chinese Democracy, given the almost serial nature of hip-hop artists releases - it seems as though we haven't heard from Dre since 1978. The biggest problem with Detox lies in the various deadlines that have been set by, well - whoever is responsible for such a thing. The original timeframe set the album up for release sometime in 2004, but the usual conflicts were responsible for derailing it - namely, the album not being finished.

Which begs the question, why is anyone telling Dre what to do after all this time? After all his success, not to mention the continual support he gives to the hip-hop community in the form of contributions beats, rhymes and God knows what else to other people's albums - is there really any reason to doubt that whatever it is that ends up on Detox will be less than fantastic? And if these deadlines are self-imposed, then there are no questions - only one statement to be made:

Dre, anyone who is looking forward to Detox would more than likely wait ten more years for the album if you deemed it necessary. Relax.

Ani DiFranco - [as yet untitled]
Perhaps her album isn't as heavily anticipated as its company, that is unless you are a member of the ultra-fanatical Church of the Righteous Babe - but its significance lies in stark contrast to the rest of the albums listed thus far, as it would mark her eighteenth studio release in eighteen years. Granted, should one count compilations such as her retrospectives Like I Said and Canon, or her live albums (in particular Living in Clip and So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter) - she has been responsible for no fewer than twenty-three releases since 1990. If anyone can provide evidence of a more prolific musician in the modern era, please step forward.

And finally, we now present to you a list, by no means comprehensive, of the albums scheduled to be released in this blessed Year of the Album. In order to try and place some sort of statistical evidence behind the theory, we will consider anything above 80% of the albums listed being released as a confirmation of the theory as law. We also pledge to do our best to keep track of the various releases, re-schedulings, and cancellations that are bound to occur - but mistakes happen, and also we sometimes get a bit lazy, so should you notice any glaring errors, feel free to ridicule us in the comments section:

[Albums already released are shown in BOLD, with release dates in parentheses. All other dates are tentative, unless otherwise specified.]

10 Years - Division [released on 13 May 2008]
3 Doors Down - 3 Doors Down [released on 20 May 2008]
32 Leaves - (as yet untitled) [currently recording]
8Ball & MJG - We Are The South [greatest hits, released on 18 May 2008]
9th Wonder - The Formula [w/ Buckshot; released 29 April 2008], Wonder Years, Sweet Lord [w/ Murs; release not scheduled]
AC/DC - (as yet untitled) [in production, release not scheduled]
Aerosmith - (as yet untitled) [in production, release not scheduled]
AFI - (as yet untitled EP & LP) [release not scheduled for EP, LP currently being recorded]
AJ McLean - Kinky Advice or Real Men Wear Dresses (rumoured) [release not scheduled]
Aimee Mann - @#%&*! Smilers [released on 03 June 2008]
Akon - Acquitted [release anticipated 2008], Double Jeopardy [release not scheduled]
Al Green - Lay It Down [released 27 May 2008]
Alan Jackson - Good Time [released 04 March 2008]
Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement [multiple international releases scheduled, from 30 May to 10 June 2008]
the Alchemist - Chemical Warfare [release not scheduled]
Alice In Chains - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Alkaline Trio - Agony and Irony [scheduled for release 1 July 2008]
the All-American Rejects - (as yet untitled) [tenatively scheduled for release 'mid-September 2008']
André 3000 - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Ani DiFranco - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Animal Collective - Water Curses [EP, leaked onto internet 12 March 2008; release May 2008], (as yet untitled LP currently in production)
Anti-Flag - The Bright Lights of America [released 1 April 2008]
Ashlee Simpson - Bittersweet World [released 22 April 2008]
the Ataris - (as yet untitled) [tentatively scheduled for 'Spring/Summer 2008']
Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold [released 22 April 2008]
Autolux - Transit Transit [release not scheduled]
the Automatic - This Is A Fix [scheduled for release 'August 2008']
Avian - Ashes And Madness [release not scheduled]
AZ - Undeniable [released 1 April 2008]
B-52's - Funplex [released 25 March 2008]
Ben Folds - (as yet untitled) [tentatively scheduled 'September 2008']
Ben Kweller - Changing Horses [release expected 2008]
Beyoncé Knowles - (as yet untitled) [pre-production]
Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty [scheduled for release July 2008]
Big Pooh - Dirty Pretty Things [tentatively scheduled for 2008]
Bishop Lamont - The Reformation [release scheduled 2008]
the Black Angels - Directions to See a Ghost [digital release 15 April 2008, CD released 13 May 2008]
the Black Crowes - Warpaint [released 3 March 2008]
Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. [tentatively scheduled for 2008]
the Black Keys - Attack & Release [released 1 April 2008]
Black Milk - The Set Up [w/ Fat Ray, released March 2008], Demanded & Mighty Flow [release not scheduled], Random Axe [w/ Sean Price & Guilty Simpson; [release not scheduled], (as yet untitled EP w/ One Be Lo; release not scheduled)
Blood Red Shoes - Box of Secrets [released 14 April 2008]
the Bloodhound Gang - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Bob Mould - District Line [released 5 February 2008]
Bolt Thrower - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Boyz II Men - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Brian McKnight - Life Has Changed [release not scheduled]
Bubba Sparxxx - The Impolite Gentleman [scheduled for release August 2008]
Bullet for My Valentine - Scream Aim Fire [released 28 January 2008]
Bun B - II Trill [released 20 May 2008]
Busta Rhymes - I'm Blessed [formerly known as Back On My Bullshit; scheduled for release 17 June 2008]
Cage - Depart From Me [release not scheduled]
CAKE - (as yet untitled studio album) [release not scheduled], Live at the Crystal Palace [live album; release scheduled for 2008], Motorcade of Generosity [re-release; scheduled 'Autumn 2008']
Carly Simon - This Kind of Love [released 29 April 2008]
Cat Power - Jukebox [released 22 January 2008]
Cavalera Conspiracy - Inflikted [released 24 March 2008
Children of Bodom - Blooddrunk [released 09 April 2008]
CKY - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Clipse - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends [scheduled for release 12 (UK) and 17 (US) June 2008]
Courtney Love - Nobody's Daughter [release not scheduled]
Cradle of Filth - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Cryptopsy - The Unspoken King [released 23 May 2008]
the Cure - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Dabrye - Get Dirty [EP] [release not scheduled]
Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip - Angles [released 12 May 2008]
Daughtry - Chris [release not scheduled]
David Banner - The Greatest Story Ever Told [scheduled for release 15 July 2008]
Days of the New - Days of the New IV ['purple' release not scheduled]
Dead Meadow - Old Growth [released 5 February 2008]
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs [released 12 (UK)/13 (US) May 2008]
Deicide - Till Death Do Us Part [release not scheduled]
Deitrick Haddon - Revealed [release not scheduled]
Del tha Funkee Homosapien - Eleventh Hour [released 11 March 2008]
Disturbed - Indestructible [released 02 June 2008]
DJ Muggs vs. Planet Asia - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
DMX - Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later [tentatively scheduled for release 'August 2008']
Dolly Parton - Backwoods Barbie [released 26 February 2008]
Dope - No Regrets [scheduled for release 10 June 2008]
Dr. Dre - Detox [tentatively schedule for 'June 2008']
Dragonforce - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Dreamtale - (as yet untitled album) [release not scheduled]
Dredg - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
the Dresden Dolls - No, Virginia... [scheduled for release 19/20 May 2008]
Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark [released 22 January 2008]
Dub Trio - Another Sound is Dying [released 29 January 2008]
Duran Duran - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
E-40 - The Ball Street Journal [scheduled for release 'Fall 2008']
Edenbridge - MyEarthDream [release not scheduled]
Electric Apricot - Electric Apricot: The Quest for Festeroo [released 18 March 2008]
Electric Six - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Eminem - King Mathers [rumoured title; release not scheduled]
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) [released 26 February 2008], New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) [scheduled for release July 2008]
Eve - Here I Am [release not officially scheduled]
Everclear - The Vegas Years [covers album; released 15 April 2008], (as yet unnamed digital release) [release not scheduled]
Evergrey - Tom [release not scheduled]
Everlast - Love, War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford [scheduled for release 24 June 2008]
Exodus - The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit B [release not scheduled]
Fat Joe - The Elephant In The Room [released 11 March 2008]
Filter - Anthems for the Damned [released 13 May 2008]
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes [released 03 June 2008]
Flo-Rida - Mail On Sunday [released 18 March 2008]
Flogging Molly - Float [released 04 March 2008]
Foreign Exchange - Leave It All Behind [release not scheduled]
the Foxboro Hot Tubs - Stop Drop and Roll [released 22 April 2008]
Foxy Brown - Brooklyn's Don Diva [released 13 May 2008]
G-Unit - Terminate On Sight [scheduled for release 01 July 2008]
the Game - L.A.X. [scheduled for release 08 July 2008]
Gavin Rossdale - Wanderlust [released 03 June 2008]
GemStones - The Testimony of GemStones [release anticipated 2008]
Genghis Tron - Board Up The House [released 19 February 2008]
George Strait - Troubadour [released 01 April 2008]
the Giraffes - Prime Motivator [release not scheduled]
Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree [released 25 February 2008]
Good Riddance - Remain In Memory - The Final Show [live album; released 18 March 2008]
Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple [released 18 March 2008]
Green Day - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy [release not scheduled]
the Gutter Twins - Saturnalia [released 04 March 2008]
GZA/The Genius - Pro Tools [release not scheduled]
Hate Eternal - Fury and Flames [released 19 February 2008]
Heaven and Hell - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
the Heavy Circles - The Heavy Circles [released 12 February 2008]
Heltah Skeltah - Dirt [rumoured title; release not scheduled]
the Hold Steady - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Ice Cube - Raw Footage [scheduled for release 17 June 2008]
Iced Earth - Revelation Abomination [tentatively scheduled for release 'Fall 2008']
Ill Bill - The Hour of Reprisal [scheduled for release 17 June 2008]
In Flames - A Sense of Purpose [released 04 April 2008]
Insane Clown Posse - Return of the Dark Carnival [release not scheduled]
Isobel Campbell/Mark Lanegan - Sunday at Devil Dirt [released 05 May 2008]
Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static [released internationally 1-5 February 2008]
Jadakiss - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Jakob Dylan - Seeing Things [scheduled for release 10 June 2008]
Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things [released 13 May 2008]
Jennifer Hudson - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Jenny Lewis - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Jessica Harp - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
the Jesus and Mary Chain - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Jim Jones & Styles P - The Ghost & The Capo [release not scheduled], Back 2 Back [release not scheduled]
Jin - Birthdays, Funerals, And Things In Between [release not scheduled]
John Mellencamp - Life, Death, Love and Freedom [release not scheduled]
John Williams - (Academy Award-nominated score for a film to be determined)
John Zorn - The Crucible [release not scheduled]
Jon Oliva's Pain - Global Warning [released 21 March 2008]
Judas Priest - Nostradamus [scheduled for international release 13-25 June 2008]
Juelz Santana - Born To Lose, Built To Win [tentatively scheduled for release 'Summer 2008']
Juno Reactor - Gods and Monsters [released 22 April 2008]
Kenny G - Rhythm & Romance [release not scheduled]
Keithian - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Kid In The Hall - The In Crowd [release not scheduled]
Killer Mike - I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II [scheduled for release 08 July 2008]
the Kills - Midnight Boom [released 10 March 2008]
King's X - XV [release 16 May 2008]
Kool G. Rap - Full Extended Clip [rumoured; release not scheduled]
Ladytron - Velocifero [released 02 June 2008]
Less Than Jake - GNV FLA [scheduled for release 24 June 2008]
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III [scheduled for release 10 June 2008]
Lil' Jon - Crunk Rock [release not scheduled]
Lil' Keke - Loved By Few, Hated By Many [scheduled for release 'Summer 2008']
Limp Bizkit - Rock Im Park 2001 [live album; released 13 March 2008], The Unquestionable Truth (part 2) [release not scheduled]
Linkin Park - Live from SoHo [EP; released 04 March 2008]
LL Cool J - Exit 13 [release scheduled for 08 July 2008]
Ludacris - Theater of the Mind [scheduled for release 'September 2008']
Lupe Fiasco - LupEND, (as yet untitled album with GemStones & Shayla G) [release not scheduled]
Lykke Li - Youth Novels [released 30 January 2008]
Madonna - Hard Candy [released 25 April 2008]
Malcolm Middleton - Sleight of Heart [released on 03 March 2008]
Margo & the Nuclear So & So's - Animal [release not scheduled]
Mariah Carey - E=MC² [released 15 April 2008]
the Mars Volta - the Bedlam In Goliath [released 29 January 2008]
Martha Wainwright - I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too [released 10 May 2008]
Martina McBride - Live in Concert [live album; released 29 April 2008]
Massive Attack - Weather Underground [rumoured title; release not scheduled]
Mastodon - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
Matisyahu - (as yet untitled) [release not scheduled]
the Melvins - Nude With Boots [released 08 July 2008]
Memphis Bleek - The Process [scheduled for release 'Late 2008']
Metallica - (as yet untitled; release not scheduled)
Meth 'n' Red - Blackout 2 [release not scheduled]
Michael Jackson - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Michelle Branch - Everything Comes and Goes [release not scheduled]
Mike Jones - The Voice Of The Streets [released 08 July 2008]
Mike Patton - A Perfect Place [soundtrack composition, released 11 March 2008]; Mondo Cane [scheduled for release 'Summer 2008']
Miley Cyrus - Best of Both Worlds Concert [live album, released 11 March 2008]; Hannah Montana 2: Non-Stop Dance Party [released 29 January 2008]
Millencolin - Machine 15 [released 22 March 2008]
Ministry - Cover Up [cover album; released 01 April 2008]
Missy Elliott - Block Party [release scheduled for 17 June 2008]
Mistah F.A.B. - Da Yellow Bus Rydah [release anticipated 2008]
Moby - Last Night [released 31 March 2008]
Money Mark - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Morcheeba - Dive Deep [released 04 February 2008]
Mos Def - The Ecstatic [scheduled for release 'Summer 2008']
Motörhead- [as yet untitled; recording]
Murs - Murs for President [release not scheduled] (see also 9th Wonder)
Muse - H.A.A.R.P [live CD/DVD; released 14 March 2008]
Mute Math - [as yet untitled; release scheduled for 'September 2008']
My Bloody Valentine - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges [released 10 June 2008]
N.E.R.D - Seeing Sounds [released 10 June 2008]
Napalm Death - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Nas - N***** [scheduled for release 1 July 2008]
Nelly - Brass Knuckles [scheduled for release 24 June 2008]
Nick Lachey - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Nicolay & Kay - TIME:LINE [released 01/12 February 2008]
Nicole Scherzinger - Her Name Is Nicole [scheduled for release 30 June 2008]
the Nightwatchman - [as yet untitled; tentatively scheduled for release 'Late 2008']
Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV [released 02 March 2008]
No Doubt - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
No Use for a Name - The Feel Good Record of the Year [released 01 April 2008]
Oasis - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Obie Trice - Bottom's Up [release not scheduled]
the Offspring - Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace [scheduled for release 11-17 June 2008]
Opeth - Watershed [scheduled for release 03 June 2008]
Our Lady Peace - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd. [released 21-29 March 2008]
Papoose - The Nacirema Dream [release not scheduled]
Pastor Troy - The Rapture [release not scheduled]
Pennywise - Reason to Believe [released 24-29 March 2008]-
Pearl Jam - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Pete Rock - NY's Finest [released 26 February 2008]
Peter Frampton - [as yet untitled; currently recording]
Peter Gabriel (f. Various Artists) - Big Blue Ball [scheduled for release 28 May 2008]
the Plain White T's - [as yet untitled; scheduled for release 'September-October 2008']
Portishead - Third [released 28 April 2008]
Praxis - Profanation (Preparation for a Coming Darkness) [released 01 January 2008]
the Presidents of the United States of America - These Are the Good Times People [released 11 March 2008]
Primus - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Prodigy - H.N.I.C. Part 2 [released 22 April 2008]
the Prodigy - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Protest the Hero - Fortress [released 29 January 2008]
Punch Brothers - Punch [released 28 February 2008]
the Pussycat Dolls - Double the Trouble [rumoured title; release not scheduled]
Pyramaze - Immortal [released 30 May 2008]
Q-Tip - The Renaissance [release anticipated 2008]
R. Kelly - 12 Play: Fourth Quarter [scheduled for release July 2008]
Ra (Norwegian version) - Opus Iridium [compilation; release not scheduled]
Ra (US Version) - Black Sun [scheduled for release 09 September 2008]
Rachel Yamagata - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
the Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely [released 25 March 2008]
Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II [release not scheduled]
Raheem DeVaughn - Love Behind the Melody [released 15 January 2008]
Rakim - The Seventh Seal [release not scheduled]
Rancid - [as yet untitled; release anticipated 2008]
Remy Ma - PunisHer [release not scheduled]
Rhymefest - El Che [scheduled for release 'Summer 2008']
Richard D. James - [as yet untitled (multiples)]
Rick Ross - Trilla [released 11 March 2008]
Ringo Starr - Liverpool 8 [released 14 January 2008]
Rise Against - [scheduled for release 'Summer/Fall 2008']
Rob Zombie - [as yet untitled, in production]
the Roots - Rising Down [released 29 April 2008]
Russian Circles - Station [released 06 May 2008]
Rustee Juxx - Indestructible [release not scheduled]
RZA (as Bobby Digital) - Digi Snax [scheduled for release 24 June 2008]
Sabaton - The Art of War [released 30 May 2008]
Saigon - The Greatest Story Never Told [scheduled for release 'July 2008']
Santogold - Santogold [released 29 April/12 May 2008]
Scar Symmetry - Holographic Universe [scheduled for release 20 June 2008]
Scarlett Johansson - Anywhere I Lay My Head [released 20 May 2008]
Science Faxtion - Science Faxtion [scheduled for release 27 August 2008]
Scissor Sisters - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs - We Invented the Remix Vol. 2 [release not scheduled]
Sean Paul - The Next Thing [release not scheduled]
Sean Price - Mic Tyson [release not scheduled]
Sepultura - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Seth Lakeman - Poor Man's Heaven [scheduled for release 30 June 2008]
Seven Mary Three - day&nightdriving [released 19 February 2008]
Sevendust - Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow [released 01 April 2008]
Shawty Lo - Units In the City [released 26 February 2008]
She & Him - Volume One [released 18 March 2008]
Sheryl Crow - Detours [released 05 February 2008]
the Shortwave Set - Replica Sun Machine [released 05 May 2008]
Slayer - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Slim Thug - Boss Of All Bosses [release not scheduled]
Slipknot - [as yet untitled; scheduled for release 11/12 August 2008]
Smashing Pumpkins - American Gothic [EP; multiple releases since 01 January 2008]
Sneaker Pimps - SP4 (and/or) SP5 [release not scheduled]
Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin' [released 07, 11, 31 March 2008]
Social Distortion - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Sons and Daughters - This Gift [released 28 January 2008]
Soulfly - Conquer [scheduled for release 29 July 2008]
StainD - The Illusion of Progress [release not scheduled]
the Standard - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Stat Quo - Statlanta [release not scheduled]
Static-X - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Subtle - ExitingARM [scheduled for release 13 May 2008]
the Subways - All Or Nothing [released 30 June, 01 July 2008]
Sun Kil Moon - April [released 01 April 2008]
T.I. - Paper Trail [scheduled for release 12 August 2008]
Tantric - The End Begins [released 22 April 2008]
Tegan and Sara - Live Session EP [release not scheduled]
the Teenagers - Reality Check [released 17, 18 March 2008]
Termanology - Politics As Usual [rumoured; release not scheduled]
Testament - The Formation of Damnation [released 29 April 2008]
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band - 13 Blues for Thirteen Moons [released 10 March 2008]
Three 6 Mafia - Last 2 Walk [scheduled for release 24 June 2008]
Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV [released 15 April 2008]
the Ting Tings - We Started Nothing [released 19 May 2008]
Timbaland - Timbaland Presents Shock Value II [release not scheduled]
Trina - Still The Baddest [released 01 April 2008]
Tupac Shakur - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Twiztid - Toxic Terror Tour [EP; released during Toxic Terror Tour], Unstable Rituals [release not scheduled]
Týr - Land [scheduled for release 30 May 2008]
UB40 - Dub Sessions [online album]; Twentyfourseven [release not scheduled]
the Used - Shallow Believer [B-Sides compilation; released 19 February 2008], [as yet untitled LP; release not scheduled]]
Usher - Here I Stand [released 27/28 May 2008]
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend [released 29 January 2008]
the Verve - [as yet untitled; release not scheduled]
Webbie - Savage Life 2 [multiple releases since 26 February 2008]
Weezer - Weezer (the 'Red Album') [scheduled for release 11/24/30 June 2008]
the Whigs - Mission Control [released 22 January 2008]
Whitney Houston - [as yet untitled; scheduled for release '03 November 2008']
the Who - [announced; release (obviously) not scheduled]
Willie Nelson - Moment of Forever [released 29 January 2008]
Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer [scheduled for release 17 June 2008]
Young Jeezy - Brothers in Arms [w/ Akon; release not scheduled]
the Zutons - You Can Do Anything [released 12 June 2008]