Afroman, "Afroholic: The Even Better Times" (Hungry Hustler): He might have put this two-disc album out sooner, but he didn't because he got high . . .

Bill Bruford's Earthworks, "Random Acts of Happiness" (Earthworks): The ninth outing by the jazz group led by former Yes, King Crimson and UK drummer Bruford.

Drowning Pool, "Desensitized" (Wind-Up): The Dallas headbangers' sophomore outing features new singer Jason "Gong" Jones and "Step Up," from the soundtrack for "The Punisher."

Echobrain, "Glean" (Surfdog): The California group expands to a quartet and tries to show that it can make it without former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted in its ranks.

Jerry Garcia, "All Good Things: Jerry Garcia Studio Sessions" (Rhino): This six-CD com pendium of the late guitarist's solo work shows an acute awareness that Deadheads indeed can afford Cadillacs these days.

Fear Factory, "Archetype" (Liquid 8): It took the Los Angeles metalites three years to crank out album No. 5, their first since bassist Christian Olde Wolbers switched to lead guitar.

Patty Griffin, "Impossible Dream" (ATO): Griffin hunkered down at home in Austin, Texas, to make her latest set with guests including Emmylou Harris, Buddy and Julie Miller and former Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan.

Hanson, "Underneath" (3CG): The brotherly trio is "Mmmbop"ing to a different drummer now - their own label.

Jay-Z, "Madison Square Garden" (Def Jam): A document of the rapper's all-star New York City bash last November, with guest appearances by girlfriend Beyonce, R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott and others.

John Michael Montgomery, "Letters From Home" (Warner Bros.): The Nashville, Tenn., singer follows his holiday album, "Mr. Snowman," with this Byron Gallimore set whose title track is already a hit.

Prince, "Musicology" (NPG/ Columbia): The Grammys. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And he has something new to sell? What a shock . . .

Smokey Robinson, "Food for the Spirit" (Liquid 8): The Motown great might not be able to find an audience for his new music these days, but he has found God on this first-ever set of origi nal spiritual songs.

The Spooky Kids, "Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows" (Empire MusicWerks/Universal): Early, unavailable recordings from the band that became Marilyn Manson, straight from the vaults of guitarist Scott Putesky (aka Daisy Berkowitz).

Jay-Z and Hanson are the only ones with a chance at beating Prince in first week sales, and I've heard nothing of Jay-Z's thing before this.

I think his toughest competitor is not released in the same week. Usher. It'd be very hard to beat.

DaIllest said:

Oh, definitely. I'd be surprised if Prince could beat Usher's sales, but at least he'll be in the top 2 of highest first week sales sales for the week of 4/19.

usher's CD is going to be hard to beat. i love that CD. Jiggerman might give Prince a run for his money.

Can U say, "Best sales for a debut"? That is headline worthy. And fuck Ur-Sher!

There are also releases by Mario Winans and also Ghostface Killah.
I work in retail and so far the Biggest Buzz is on Jay z and Mario, but I think Prince will be the steadier seller once its out.

Afroman has a new album out next week? Man, PRINCE IS SCREWED.

lol Ya know, that first AfroMan CD was really, really good for something really, really low-budget. That's all I'm gonna say

You have little faith, guys...I see Musicology debuting at #1!!

rainbowchild said:

in afganastan maybe.

Christopher said:

Let's see who will have the last laugh!!

rainbowchild said:

'

ok....i owe you a drink and a copy of 1999 NEW MASTER if that happens then