Ready for round two? This week is another ok installment from the music industry, because not only will audiences hear the first Limp Bizkit album in six years, but Taking Back Sunday is also coming out with a new record. Things could be worse. In the grand scheme of things, a week in which Thievery Corporation, Beyonce, and even Queensryche all offer buyers something new cannot be overlooked. Sure, there might not be as many Bizkit fans as there were when “Nookie” was famous, but is there still enough now for their King Cobra to sell? Perhaps, more importantly, do you know who Thievery Corporation is? Well, you’ll know soon enough. Let’s jump into this.


5) Beyonce's 4

Beyonce Knowles is a beautiful women. Not only does she have a gorgeous singing voice, but Beyonce also has curves to die for and a face that would put a meaning behind Odysseus’s extreme journey to reunite with his wife Penelope. She’s that gorgeous. It’s been nearly 3 years since her last record was released. That album was called I Am... Sasha Fierce. With mixed reviews and not as many notable singles, I hope her comeback is as good as everyone's hoping it will be. Yet, it makes sense her previous record wasn’t a critical hit. The movie star was too busy working on Cadillac Records and Obsessed to be a pop singer.

The ex-Destiny's Child is back from her minor hiatus from singing and is trying to bring back her popularity with her latest record, 4. Early reviews from critics have been just as lackluster as her previous effort but until I listen to it, I won’t judge. Beauty doesn't always make for good music. I think we understand that after a decade with Christina Aguilera.


4) Limp Bizkit Gold Cobra

Oh yea, in case you haven’t heard: whether audiences want it or not, Limp Bizkit is back. Not to tour either, they’ve released a full blown album called Gold Cobra. Damn, words can’t describe how appropriate an album name that is for them. Fred Durst is back and the same as ever. Bizkit is releasing their new album today. In a recent interview with Durst, the lead singer described the record as such: “ (it) is (just) what we do. The evolution has brought us full-circle. We're Limp Bizkit. And if you didn't like it before, you're not going to like it now. If you don't want to hear a band that plays super-heavy grooves with an MC rapping over it, then you shouldn't listen to Limp Bizkit.”

The reason why Bizkit was on hiatus for some time was that band leader Durst and guitarist Wes Borland had a falling out. The split was devastating for those who actually listened to the band, but now that they are friends again, and the media is openly speculating on how long before the pair's relationship sours.

Like I mentioned in my previous article about the band, Limp Bizkit is ok. They aren’t a band that makes bad music, nor are they notable enough to give a Grammy too, though they have been nominated plenty of times. For the fans of their rap-rock, this new album is great news. Yet, it remains to be seen whether Bizkit still has enough fans to make a serious sales splash.


3) Thievery Corporation Culture Of Fear

Keeping up with the trend of three year's between albums... Just a few nights ago I was talking with my editor about the band Girl Talk. He told me that when he went to college nobody knew who the DJ was. He explained that when any of Gregg Michael Gillis (Girl Talk) songs played at the party’s he had, people would say “who is this?” Now its 4 years later and Girl Talk is bigger than ever. Everyone knows who the mashing artist of rap, rock, jazz, pop, and other genre’s, is. Thievery Corporation is in the same boat as he was. Literally nobody knew who this band was, yet after appearances at some major festivals and their newer releases Versions and Radio Retaliation, the Thieves are finally getting some national attention. With their new album Culture of Fear expecting to bring them front and center, it’s about time.

The Trip Hop/ electronic group has even gained some notable electronic artist appearances on their latest record as well. Mr. Lif, Lou Lou, and Ras Puma make their rounds on the Corporation's latest effort. To keep things smooth, they have also added some down tempo stylings as well. Like Girl Talk, don’t wait until this band is no longer buzz, but a full blown movement. You did it with Girl Talk, don’t do it with Thievery Corporation.


2) Taking Back Sunday Taking Back Sunday

Taking Back Sunday has finally come back with their original line-up from their debut album Tell All Your Friends, and the group is releasing its first eponymously titled album… Taking Back Sunday. It makes a hell of a lot of sense that they would do this. Not only have their later efforts, between Friends and this new record been subpar, this new endevor gives them another chance to wow audiences like they did the first time. If you’re into punk emo rock, then this is your bag. Not only, from what sources say, will this album see the group go back to their original sound, but it’s safe to assume they’ll be leading the pack in tours, festivals, and media coverage like they did almost nine years ago.

For those who are into this kind of music, it’s fitting. John Nolan and Shaun Copper recorded this new album with the consistent band members Mark O'Connell and Eddie Reyes. The returning band mates have also brought their guitar and bass techniques in the studio with them. Even though this might not be you’re type of music, nothing is more promising than an original line-up coming back together.


1) Queensryche Dedicated To Chaos

Wow, Queensryche have been around for 30 years. For a lot of bands that is quite an achievement. Rush has done it, but The Beatles couldn’t. Duran Duran has done it, but very few of their contemporaries from that era could. After releasing twelve albums, the band is finally releasing to the world their thirteenth record on the 30th anniversary, Dedicated To Chaos. The new LP is garnering some critical acclaim in its early reviews. Like many metal bands, the guys in this group don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Progressive Metal is a hard genre to define, especially when you’re Queensryche. Sure, Porcupine Tree makes its case with its sprawling psychedelics and Opeth has the metal crowd happy and pleases the prog fans to some degree, but Queensryche's new album Chaos never really falls into either of the two genres. Sure, their songs are long winded enough to be considered progressive, but the shredding Parker Lundgren brings to the table on this new album puts to question what the band has made all along. It only took them 3 years to make another album, but it’s exciting to see an aged Progressive metal band change it up.

Overall it’s a mediocre week in music. I could be more satisfied if there were bands that released consistent work and not just an album every 3 years. I mean really, what do they do during that time? Artistic ability doesn’t grow while just sitting on your ass. I understand that Fred Durst was an asshole, that’s why Limp Bizkit wasn’t around, but Taking Back Sunday? Beyonce? Your reviews have been mediocre at best for the new albums you made, so maybe this tells you: stop taking breaks and work on your craft. Queensryche...Continue doing whatever it is you do. Till next week, everyone.

Also Coming Out This Week: Big Sean Finally Famous, Burn Halo Up From The Ashes,Dolly Parton Better Day, Graham Wright Shirts Vs. Skins, Gillian Welch The Harrow & The harvest, Selena Gomez And The Scene When the sun Goes Down

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