It's about that time (it seems to happen about every two years - Madonna reinvents herself and releases a CD to promote it). "American Life," which makes the count over 10 studio albums, follows the 2000 release of "Music."
Newer chart-topper 50 Cent is already catching on the trend of the quick release with his second major release of 2003, "50 Cent: The New Breed." The CD and DVD package looks to compete with his other releases' record-breaking numbers of 872,000 units moved in five days.
The Flaming Lips release of "Fight Test" is the group's second-ever EP release since beginning its career in 1985. The EP follows up on the band's successful 2002 release of "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots," which reached No. 50 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Ozzy Osbourne guru and in-and-out guitarist Zakk Wylde carries on with his successful (basically solo) project the Black Label Society. "The Blessed Hellride" is Wylde's third release under the society name.
The blue weirdoes in Blue Man Group release "The Complex." The group, which has been together since 1987, features an impressive guest line-up on its second album with spots by Tracy Bonham, Dave Matthews and Esthero.
The Dizzy Gillespie camp releases two albums today with "1951-1952" and "Dizzy Gillespie Story." Gillespie, whose impressive discography started in the 1940s, carries one of the best jazz trumpet sounds of all time. The discs take a look back at both Gillespie and his timeless music.
Mobb Deep, who has made a name for himself not only through his impressive solo work but also as a member of Havoc and Prodigy, releases "Murda Mix Tape" on Sub Pop Records. "Murda Mix Tape" marks his sixth solo release.
Legendary country artist Roger Miller is commemorated with a collection of "All Time Greatest Hits" released today on Universal Records. Miller, who is better known for his classic honky-tonk sound, recorded such smashes as "Dang Me," "Chug-A-Lug" and "King of the Road."
Newer country artist Travis Tritt bares the "Essentials" along with other artists with "Masters Collection" greatest hits releases include Public Enemy, Steppenwolf and Santana.
Also reliving the days past of music also, or at least trying to, The Yardbirds release "Birdland" - the first studio recording released under that name in 35 years. Yes, this is real. It's not the same classic powerhouse group though and continues forward with a number of guest rockers and the absence of great classic members such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. The closest thing this recording compares to is a buffed-up tribute album.
Continuing the theme of the old, Emerson, Lake & Palmer release an interesting "Live in Poland" and a Sid Vicious compilation "Viva le Rock" lines shelves.
Also with releases today are Avril Lavigne with "Maximum," Siouxsie & the Banshees' "Join Hands," Death by Stereo's "Into the Valley of the Death," the Supersuckers with "Motherf---ers Be Trippin'" and Leadfoot's "We Drink for Free."
Elysia Smith
