Quarters for the Jukebox

In the jukebox for this week (what’s new: alphabetically listed by artist):

• Aimee Mann —@#%&*! Smilers: Melodic wordplay rock: classic Mann.
• Ashanti — The Declaration: Ashanti is back, bronzed and Beyonce-er than ever (at least on the album cover).
• be your own PET — Get Damaged: The deleted tracks from this Nashville punk rock foursome’s “Get Awkward” album are released as an EP. It’s brash and fun all at once. The track “Becky” is a delightfully violent take on breaking up with a friend.
• Brendan James — The Day is Brave: American indie poetic-piano-pop, with a Damien Rice-esque voice … too bad the songs don’t match the Rice comparisons.
• Gavin Rossdale — Wanderlust: Former Bush front man and current Gwen Stefani main man releases his debut solo effort, and it’s much softer than you might expect.
• I Was a Cub Scout — I Want You to Know There is Always Hope: Indie rock/pop audibly from the UK.
• Ladytron — Velocifero: Trippy club/glam rock.
• Lil’ Wayne — You Ain’t Got Nuthin …: Much hyped hip-hop album … not sure I’m ready to join in the heaping of praise and adoration.
• Radiohead — The Best Of: For those who love Radiohead and compilations.
• Weezer — Red Album: I love the single, “Pork and Beans,” and will have a review for the rest of the album.
• Young Jeezy (feat. Kanye West) — Put On: Anthem-ic hip-hop … as the kids say, “This song is hard.” It’s the first single from Young Jeezy’s upcoming “The Recession” album. Kanye’s verse sets it apart.