Greetings Buzz Banders, my name is Jeff Weiss. You might know me from my blog, The Passion of the Weiss. If that’s the

party. Please don’t tell Kevin. And yes, punch and pie will be served.

Recommended

The Klaxons, "Myths

of the Near Future," (Polydor): Don’t believe the hype. But don’t believe the

backlash either. NME darlings The Klaxons have created a deafening buzz on the other

side of the Atlantic, with their debut LP hitting No. 2 on the charts upon its January

UK release. Domestically, the record dropped this week with mostly critical 

derision, unsurprising considering the albatross "Nu-Rave" tag The Klaxons

have been unfairly saddled with. While it’s certainly true that this band is an unlikely

candidate for a movement, the album serves its purpose, providing catchy siren-filled

jams packed with big hooks and drug-addled chants. Somewhere in England right now, a

15-year year old is putting on his first glowstick and rocking out to this record. For

better or worse.

Stream Tracks at The Klaxons’

Myspace

Also Recommended

Prodigy, "Return

of the Mac," (Koch): Returning with a vengeance after last year’s much-maligned

"Bloody Money," Prodigy of Mobb Deep has delivered his most consistent record

in years. Produced entirely by the Alchemist, "Return of the Mac" clocks in at

a meager 39 minutes, nearly unheard-of in modern hip-hop. The brevity is much

appreciated as the self-proclaimed H.N.I.C. blasts through 14 cuts, swagger intact,

spirit of ‘95 intact. It might not hit the heights of "The Infamous," but

consider it a late-career comeback for an MC many left for dead.

Stream Tracks at Prodigy’s

Myspace

Redman, "Red Gone

Wild" (Def Jam): After a six-year hiatus, the man formerly known as Reggie Noble

has returned with his finest record in a decade. Sounding reinvigorated, the album is

chockful of what Red does best: witty party rhymes delivered in his charismatic growl.

The album might run a bit long at nearly an hour and 15 minutes, but it’s almost always

entertaining.

Stream Tracks at Redman’s Myspace

Young Buck, "Buck the

World," (G-Unit): Oft-described as the best MC in G-Unit, Young Buck’s much-delayed

debut features production from Eminem, Dr. Dre and Hi-Tek, with guest appearances from

Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent and T.I., and despite its limited ambitions, it delivers some guilty

pleasures. Buck remains a cliche-riddled lyricist, yet the rich booming production

surrounding him sounds ideal for the onset of summer.

Stream Tracks at Young Buck’s

Myspace

◊ ◊ ◊

Touts For Thursday, March 29:

It’s a slow night in Club land tonight, but Oakdale-based folkie troubadour Brett Dennen will be holding it down at The El

Rey, supported by acoustic pop singer/songwriter Amber Rubarth. About two miles west or so of Dennen,

Warped Tour staples Yellowcard

begin the first of a two-night sold-out residency at the Troubadour. Local New Wave

revivalists Monsters Are Waiting play

Safari Sam’s, while over at The Echo, the Portland, Oregon-based seven-piece Vagabond Opera are set to regale the eastside

with their weird brand of 1920s European Cabaret, Balkan wedding music and Neo-Classical

opera. Whatever that means. Last but certainly not least, Jill Cunniff, former lead singer of ’90s

girl-rockers Luscious Jackson, headlines a set at The Hotel Cafe.