In this crazy world of newfangled technology and terabyte hard drives brimming with music we couldn't get all the way through with ten sets of ears, it's easy to lose your way and miss out on some incredible tunes. It doesn't look like this wacky internet fad is going to die out anytime soon, so we've embraced it and compiled a list of new album releases for the week, with a particular focus on a few to keep an eye out for - or avoid like the plague.

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August 26th, 2008

The Game - L.A.X.



The king of mediocre rhymes enlists a star-studded cast of artists (Nas, Kanye, Ludacris, Lil' Wayne, Ne-Yo, etc) and producers to flesh out an album that he couldn't possibly carry on his own. There are some good moments on here, for sure, but the main problem here is that Mr. Taylor can't hold a candle to any of his guests.

Dragonforce - Ultra Beatdown



Technically astonishing shredders with no sense of originality. Eighties metal speed-freak riffs matched with lyrical abominations make for a uniquely disposable band that 300 pound hair-metal gamers froth at the mouth over, declaring the band's dominance with all-caps message board posts. They're a joke, but a power-metal party for sure.

Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone



These guys still exist? Evidently so, and they're out to make sure everybody knows it. All Hope Is Gone is "going to rip your face off,” Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor told Billboard.com. “I don’t think the world will be ready for this album." I'm not sure about all that, but this is by far their most brutal album to date, and easily their most metal. They’re doing their best to distance themselves from the rest of the dying nu-metal breed. Is it working? We'll see.

Delta Spirit - Ode To Sunshine



This San Diego quintet kicks out the jams on their debut by mixing the best elements of the Cold War Kids, The Violent Femmes and The Kinks for an album of bar room pop that gets your feet moving. It's a modern mix of styles and genres, making a damn fine first impression.

Earshot - The Silver Lining
BB King - One Kind Favor
Backyard Tire Fire – Places We Lived
Blues Traveler North - Hollywood Shootout
Cordero De - Donde Eres
David Nail - I’m About To Come Alive
DecembeRadio - Satisfied
Golden Animals _ free Your Mind Win A Pony
JJ Grey & Mofro Orange Blossoms
Jimmy Wayne - Do You Believe Me Now
Little Feat - Join The Band
Lil’ Ed/Blues Imperials – Full Tilt
Matthew Sweet - Sunshine Lies
Motorhead – Motorizer
Solange Knowles - Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams
Valencia - We All Need A Reason To Believe
The Veronicas – Hook