October 18 Releases, 2011

By: Kevin Rutherford

If you've followed this blog for more than a few weeks, you know that when it comes to new music, there are good weeks and there are not-so-good weeks.

This week could probably be considered one of the latter; though, it's not due to the quality of the music presented, per se. The main issue is the selection.

Some weeks are crazy in terms of releases. Intense. Much to choose from. Like when three or four blockbuster films release on the same weekend. You just don't know where to begin.

This week, the path to take is quite clear. Start with M83.

The electronic dream pop act from France returns with their first record since 2008's acclaimed Saturdays = Youth. In fact, off that record, the song "Kim & Jessie" was ranked at No. 256 on Pitchfork's 500 Best Songs of the 2000s. High expectations? You bet. Did it live up to them? Check back with ACRN.com later in the week to find out.

The next stop is with Jane's Addiction. Yeah, right, that Jane's Addiction. Who on earth knows how it happened, but the '90s icons are back with a new record, The Great Escape Artist. For those keeping score at home, it's their first record since 2003 and only their second since 1990.

Let's just say that the reception to the new album hasn't been too positive. Check out Staff Writer Sam Boyer's review of the album for further details. And she's a '90s freak, so you know you have an expert on the genre talking here.

Everlast, formerly of '90s rap act House of Pain, continues to try to reclaim the success of "What It's Like" with Songs of the Ungrateful Living. When Everlast is the third largest artist I mention this week, you know things aren't going well.

Family Force 5 keeps trying to make crunk rock happen with III. If the first single, "Wobble," is any indication, you'll be listening to this record purely to have something to laugh at for your next party. Any song that takes a term commonly used in American dubstep and applies it to music that is decidedly not dubstep is just asking for it. Granted, the term "wobble" has other connotations, but let's think in terms of the modern day here.

Plus, these lyrics:
"Scenie babies/ Throwback 'cedes/ Bleach-blonde hair and your neon shadies/ Skinny jeans/ Know what I mean/ Roll the red carpet out the limousine."

What the actual fuck?

No, you know what, that's it. I'm done. Humanity is over. I just can't deal with music anymore.

I'm sorry, Kentucky Headhunters, Casting Crowns, Bond, Kimya Dawson, My Brightest Diamond and Patrick Stump. I just... I can't do this anymore. I quit.