By CHUCK CAMPBELL, Scripps Howard News Service
Tuned In: Jet nosedives into gimmickry
"SHAKA ROCK," Jet (Real Horrorshow Records)
Jet tumbles in its own turbulence on its new "Shaka Rock" and nearly comes crashing down.
Tuned in: Cobra Starship's 'Hot Mess' a big mess
"HOT MESS," Cobra Starship (Decaydence/Fueled By Ramen)
Cobra Starship takes much of what has been over the top about rock, dance, pop and urban music in the past decade or so and bashes it into one over-stimulated, but catchy, package.
Tuned In: Tantric ... Black Water Rising ... Songs for kids
"MIND CONTROL," Tantric (Silent Majority Group)
Tantric could be the goodwill ambassador of hard rock.
Tuned In: The Most Serene Republic goes erratic
"... AND THE EVER EXPANDING UNIVERSE," The Most Serene Republic (Arts & Crafts)
Everyone from the Dalai Lama to RuPaul has taken a turn at the adage about loving yourself so you can love others. But there's a footnote: If you love yourself too much, others may find it hard to love you.
Tuned In: Daughtry's new album is banal
"LEAVE THIS TOWN," Daughtry (RCA)
The bar is set low for expectations of "American Idol" contestants in the real world, but it's elevated a bit for those few who have managed to poke into the upper echelon of success. That's how to explain that Daughtry's new "Leave This Town" is both a sore disappointment and still better than many releases by "Idol" singers.
Tuned In: Australian producer invades Chicago house
"HOUSE MUSIC," Kikumoto Allstars (International Deejay Gigolo)
Chicago acid-house music isn't as aggressive as other sub-genres of electronica, but it's subversively compelling.
Tuned In: Vanessa Williams chooses cool sophistication over heat
"THE REAL THING," Vanessa Williams (Concord)
Vanessa Williams' new "The Real Thing" is so meticulously crafted that it sometimes feels disingenuous. Like the singer/actress herself, the release is almost unnaturally beautiful, creating an antiseptic effect that might leave the audience feeling glossed over.
Tuned In: Eminem release stale around the edges
"RELAPSE," Eminem (Aftermath/Interscope)
When he gleefully announced his return to the scene with the infectious 2002 single "Without Me," rapper Eminem turned his vitriol on electronica's Moby, condemning him as "too old" at 36, making a vulgar suggestion and ending the attack with a smug, "Nobody listens to techno!"
Tuned In: Green Day treads familiar turf on '21st Century Breakdown'
"21ST CENTURY BREAKDOWN," Green Day (Reprise)
Green Day needs a bailout.

