How in the world do I begin to announce the CD releases for this week? Maybe it’s the back-to-school rush that has record companies pumping out babies like a celebrity-I’m not sure. Either way, I’ll begin with the most exciting release…which is, undeniably and indisputably, Missy Elliott’s “Block Party“. This one doesn’t actually drop until November 11th (though the date has moved around a few times), but I’m so excited, I coudn’t wait to include it.

In her single, “Best Best”, she shocks listeners with…singing! I think I might have known at some point in my life that Missy Elliott could sing, but I certainly had forgotten until hearing this song. It’s a catchy song, ornamented with her infamous (and yet sexy) lyrics. I’ve always liked Missy Elliott and…I still do.

On the opposite end of the music spectrum, Iowa’s Slipknot released their “All Hope Is Gone” today. The drums on their single, “All Hope Is Gone”, are actually ridiculous. I’m not even impressed with the incessant, machine-like drumming. It destroys the music. Then again, I’ve never expected much “music” from these nine mask-wearing Midwesterners. Not to imply that I’ve never liked any of the songs they have released, I have just simply never expected them to make anything I like.

The single isn’t bad, per se, but it’s still the same nine dudes dancing the same dance they have always danced–masquerade style.

Lastly, we got a chance to hear The Verve’s first new album in 10 years, “Forth,” which was sent to us for a preview listen on the uber-slick Motorola Rokr E8 phone, which has 2 gigs of memory built in for all your portable MP3-listening pleasure. (It honestly works great, and sounds surprisingly good, especially for a phone.)

A return to their meandering psychedelic sound, “Forth” delivers on everything you’d hope for from a decade of waiting. The atmospheric, soul-searching guitars combine with superior vocals and a drug-riddled vibe to give you one of the best late night, after-the-after-party albums released this year. Oh yeah, and the phone is freakin’ sweet too.

Other albums released today:

Motorhead-”Motorizer“
Blues Traveler-”North Hollywood Shootout“
Dragonforce-”Ultra Beatdown“
BB King-”One Kind Favor“
Eva Cassidy-”Somewhere“
Matthew Sweet-”Sunshine Lies“