This Will Cause Some Controversy..

Now knowing this is a blog about sports and music, I'm sure many of you guessed by the post title that I'm referring to the Mitchell report. The Mitchell report for anybody who hasn't opened a newspaper, watched TV, or got out of bed for the past 3 days is the report released Senator George Mitchell which compiles the history of steroid use in the MLB. The report names 89 MLB baseball players who allegedly used steroids (all MLB teams were represented in the report).

Out of everybody listed on the report, Roger Clemens was the one who caused the biggest reaction among fans. The future hall of famer (well maybe not anymore) apparently used HGH (human growth hormone) during the 1998, 2000, and 2001 MLB seasons. Just like the whole Bonds thing, it was pretty evident that he was on something. No baseball player can start on a downward spiral and then all of a sudden get to the age of 35 and become dominant. It just isn't physically possible no matter how hard you train unless you use steroids.

The race card has been thrown around this whole thing because of the scrutiny being endured by Bonds and then the lack of hatred being shown towards Clemens. First, I hate how the race card gets thrown around all too often. Certain circumstances it does apply to, but not this. People should not cry racism when it doesn't exist. The reason for the intense pressure on Bonds was because he was chasing the BIGGEST record in baseball. The whole controversy existed over whether or not it was fair that such a record with this kind of caliber should be broken by a guy who would have never broken it without steroids. The record he was chasing was that of Hank Aaron's, another black male. Clemens isn't under as intense scrutiny because while he is a future hall of famer, he isn't breaking any huge records.

The positive thing with this report is that he provides some light on the whole Pete Rose situation. If Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, or whoever else on that report makes the hall of fame then the Pete Rose situation needs to be looked into further. First off, he gambled when he was a Manager not a Player which is what he would be inducted into the hall of fame for. What he did, did not help him become a better player by an unfair measure. What Bonds and Clemens are doing is basically cheating and is the only reason why they have the numbers they do. Yes they probably would be hall of famers anyway, but there is no way they would have posted the kind of numbers they did without steroids.

I think its ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS how some sports writers are saying that nobody from the steroids era should be inducted into the hall of fame. Players like Glavine, Griffey Jr. (who would have been the best player of all time if it wasn't for his injuries), Maddux, and Frank Thomas should not be punished for the cheating ways of other players. Now I can't rule out that any of these guys didn't do steroids because even though they weren't in the report, it is possible that they took something. That's the thing. There is no way of knowing every player that did take steroids and every player that didn't. An investigation should be done, and if a player knowingly took steroids and is proven to have done so they should be BANNED from the game and from the hall. Plain and simple. Do you think it is fair for players like Glavine and Maddux to have to pitch to these steroid-ridden junkies? Their numbers could have arguably been a lot better hadn't been for the players who juiced.


The whole putting an asterik on these players is just stupid. This whole investigation has already tainted everything and an asterik wouldn't have an impact. Either you put them in all the way or not at all. Obviously I'm for not putting them in at all.

I'm not saying putting in some mediocre players who have proven not to have taken any steroids. There are plenty of good players (like I listed above) who have shown they can play the game well and not juice.

I'm also annoyed by the people who say "well there was no rule on taking steroids at one point in baseball so the players who took it before this time should be left alone". Ok there was no rule, but it was ILLEGAL. If a player stabs another player are you going to say that there was no rule against it so he should be kept in the league? Come on.

Again, with this thing it is so hard to prove anything. Nolan Ryan was referred to as the king of steroids, but that will never be investigated into. It is literally impossible to find the truth on every player so its so hard to weed out the cheaters from the true players of the game. My stance though was stated clearly and I'll say it again. Players who were proven to have taken steroids need to be banned from the league and the hall. Send a message to the other players that this game needs to be FAIR. The Pete Rose situation also needs to be looked into as well. I think he should definitely be in the hall of fame and if Bonds, Clemens, and all of them are still being considered for the hall then he needs to be also.


What will happen? Nothing. Seriously. Bonds might get punished for perjury, but there are too many players on the report to punish all of them. What they will do is possibly fine all players proven to have taken steroids, have more random drug tests, and then let the whole thing die off. It'll disappear in a few months and that is what they will wait for. Pete Rose won't be considered. Nothing will change. Bud Selig will turn a blind eye. That is what I think and I'm sure most people will disagree.

Leave the Giants alone!

The Giants might be the most ridiculed team in the NFL this year. Even more so than the 0-13 Dolphins. People have gone as far as saying they are the worst 9-4 team in football history. It's absolutely absurd and I'll explain why.


Yes I'm a Giants fan by the way.

First, the reason that the Giants get a lot of crap is solely due to the inconsistency of QB Eli Manning. He can lead the team to some great games, but in others he looks like he has never held a football in his life. People have been only focusing on his subpar performances and never the fact that he manages to have great 4th quarters to produce a come from behind win. This is exactly what happened against the Jets, Eagles, Bears, and Redskins. I'm not saying he's a top 5 QB and he probably isn't a top 10 one either, but people are talking about him like he's on the same level as Alex Smith or even John Beck. I understand he looks like Peyton's retarded brother (see pic above) and that Cooper could probably beat him in a fight(Click Here to find out who he is), but that doesn't make him a bad QB. When you look at his numbers he's easily ranked between the 10-15 spot for QBs.


So that means the Giants should be the 10th-15th best team in the NFL right? Wrong. The QB plays a vital role on a team, but it isn't the whole package. Brady is great, but there is no way the Pats would be 13-0 without Randy Moss. Brandon Jacobs (even though he's been injured for almost half of the season) has been exceeding expectations in filling the shoes of Tiki Barber. He's put up some great numbers and when he's out, Derrick Ward has been great as well. These guys are overlooked because none of them have played in every game this season so their total yards aren't sky high.


Then you have the most vital part of the team. The defense. Look at the defense now compared to the first two games of the season. This to me is the reason why they are 9-4. Osi and Strahan have been exceptional and the Giants defense is able to contain decent offenses of the Lions and the Eagles (twice) to under 20 points.


Then lastly there is Tynes. He started out the season horribly, but now has been the most clutch player on the team. Field goals seem to be the deciding factor in a lot of games this year (not just for the Giants) and Tynes has been hitting all of them. Combine his kicking with the defense, Eli's great 4th quarter performances, and the RB situation, and you have an average 9-4 team. Not the worst one in history and not even below average.


How come the Bears didn't get this much crap last season? They were 13-3 with Rex Grossman as their QB! Yes their defense was better than the Giants, but Rex was arguably a substantially worse QB then Eli. Yet nobody questioned it.


As for the whole "look at their schedule" thing. I understand that they beat some easy teams in their scheudle, but they DOMINATED the Falcons, 49ers, and the Jets. If they were such a bad team you would expect some close match ups (you can argue the Dolphins game, but look at the weather conditions and they had to travel to London). Their 4 losses came to better teams. The Cowboys beat them twice who are easily the second best team in the NFL. The Packers beat them once who are the second best team in the NFC and then you have the Vikings who are the hottest team in football right now trampeling over the Giants, Lions, and 49ers in their past 3 games. Speaking of the Lions, the Giants were responsible for the Lions first home loss. Just thought I'd throw that in there.


Playoff wise, I'm not expecting them to make the Super Bowl, but to call them an automatic first out is ridiculous. They can beat the Buccs (who they will probably face). They'll probably get knocked out by the Packers, but so would the majority of the teams in the NFL.


So the Giants face the Redskins, Bills, and Pats to close out the season. My prediction? A 24-10 win at home against the Redskins, a 16-13 win on the road against the Bills, and a 31-17 loss to the Pats at home which equals an 11-5 record. Then they'll be known as the worst 11-5 team of all time.

NFL Power Rankings-Week 15

Don't ever guarantee a victory over an undefeated team..that's all I'm going to say.


1. New England Patriots
Move from Week 14: 0
Why?: Do you think they wanted to prove something Sunday? Brady passed for a whopping 399 yards while the Pats completely destroyed the Steelers.


2. Dallas Cowboys
Move from Week 14: 0
Why?: If you haven't read Jimmie Johnson's article on Fox Sports, don't. It is the worst sports article I've ever read (content wise and grammar wise). He thinks the Cowboys are better than the Pats in a nutshell, but his explanations are ridiculous. That being said, this team is still the easy number 2 team in the NFL.


3. Indianapolis Colts
Move from Week 14: 0
Why?: They showed no mercy against the Ravens and now are pretty much a clinch for the number 2 seed.


4. Green Bay Packers
Move from Week 14: 0
Why?: This team is just geting better and better. Who needs Favre? This team is just fine without him.


5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Move from Week 14: 0
Why?: The best wildcard team in the NFL. This team would probably be first in any other division except for the AFC East and NFC East.


6. Seattle Seahawks
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: Just like the Packers, this team is getting better as the year progresses. Hasselback is quietly having a career season and the Seahawks are rolling over everyone in their path.


7. New York Giants
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: The Giants have yet again to thank their defense for another win. I don't care how inconsistent Eli is, they manage to pull off the big wins that they need which is clutch.


8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Move from Week 14: -2
Why?: Probably the biggest move down from losing to the Pats, but if you talk a lot of crap either put up or shut up. This team is in a lot of trouble come playoff time.


9. Cleveland Browns
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: A big win over the Jets to have a one game lead for the 6th seed. The Browns have a game coming up against the Bills which might be a playoff decider. Did we ever think that those two teams would be fighting for the playoffs this year??


10. San Diego Chargers
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: It came down to OT, but the Chargers won on an LT touchdown. It shows how much better this team has gotten. The Titans, although slumping, are playing as hard as ever with the playoffs on the line, but the Chargers are just a better football team right now.


11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Move from Week 14: -2
Why?; The weakest of the division winners, which was definitely shown with a loss to the cellar dwelling Texans. In any other division this team would be struggeling to make the playoffs.


12. Minnesota Vikings
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: Besides the Pats, this appears to be the best team in football right now. They are literally unstoppable their past 3 games. After looking like a longshot for the playoffs a few weeks ago they are now at the point where not making the playoffs would be an upset. Look at their schedule, they could easily go 10-6 to end the season.


13. Buffalo Bills
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: 99% of other power rankings have them at 14, but the Bills are dominant under the leadership of Edwards. He is 6-1 with a one point loss to the Cowboys. He also threw 3 TD passes in the first half which hasn't been done by a rookie since 1971. The Browns will be in trouble when these two teams face off.


14. Tennessee Titans
Move from Week 14: -2
Why?: They didn't win a game they needed and will now have to fight really hard for a playoff spot.


15. New Orleans Saints
Move from Week 14: +2
Why?; This team is still breathing after a dominant performance over the Falcons. They took 2 out of the 3 division games they played consecutively, but that one loss to the Buccs could cost them the playoffs.


16. Detroit Lions
Move from Week 14: -1
Why?: Dallas led for about a minute the entire game, but the final score is the only thing that matters. After a 6-2 start this team will probably not finish above or at .500.


17. Washington Redskins
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: Another team hanging on to their playoff hopes while at the same time shattering another one's.


18. Arizona Cardinals
Move from Week 14: -2
Why?: If they beat the Seahawks they would have been the current 6th seed, but the loss pretty much knocked them out of the picture with the surging Vikings. The Seahawks game pretty much proved that while they are an improved team they are not ready for the playoffs yet.


19. Denver Broncos
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: They absolutely destroyed the Chiefs, but unfortunately they haven't been playing like that at all this season. I'm expecting better things from Cutler next year.


20. Houston Texans
Move from Week 14: +3
Why?: Their 6-7 record is a lot better than it looks. They are 0-6 in their conference which means they are 6-1 against the rest of the NFL.


21. Philadelphia Eagles
Move from Week 14: -2
Why?: Ackers almost made an impreesive 57 yard field goal attempt, but the thing is that the Eagles should have found a way to secure the lead with the struggeling Manning.


22. Chicago Bears
Move from Week 14: -1
Why?: Remember when this team went 13-3? They are now almost a clinch for last place in their division. Ugly.


23. Baltimore Ravens
Move from Week 14: -1
Why?: After an extremely close game against the Pats they get absolutely destroyed against the Colts. They have lost 7 in a row and will now have to beat up on the Dolphins in order for any confidence booster.


24. Cincinnati Bengals
Move from Week 14: +3
Why?: Cincinnati is making their case for the best of the bottom feeders. Unfortunately all that gets you is a worse spot in the draft.


25. Kansas City Chiefs
Move from Week 14: -1
Why?: I'm sorry I projected you to go 9-7 this season. I don't know what I was thinking.


26. Oakland Raiders
Move from Week 14: -1
Why?: Nothing surprising about the game against the Packers. This team will be battling for 3rd place in the AFC West.


27. Carolina Panthers
Move from Week 14: -1
Why?: I saw David Carr as an option for a Pro Bowl pick so I voted for him as a joke. I also told about 30 people to do the same and to spread the word. It could be the funniest thing I've ever seen if somehow he gets in (although it'll never happen haha).


28. New York Jets
Move from Week 14: +1
Why?: Yeah I'll move you up. You lost, but so did all the other teams below you and you kept it close against the Browns. Do you think Mangini will have a job come next year though?


29. St. Louis Rams
Move from Week 14: -1
Why?: They will be competing with the 49ers for that 3rd spot in the NFC West. I'm sure the Pats will be rooting for them all the way.


30. Atlanta Falcons
Move from Week 14: 0
Why?: 23 months in prison for Vick and a 3-10 record for the Falcons.


31. San Fransisco 49ers
Move from Week 14: 0
Why?: Dilfer and Smith are out which means that 3rd string Shaun Hill will be taking over. If he puts up some good numbers, the 49ers can have some glimmer of hope going into next yaer.


32. Miami Dolphins
Move from Week 14: 0
Why?: 0-16 is becoming more and more realistic with each passing week. The Ravens is their absolute last shot for any chance of a win. What do you think the line will be against the Pats? Right now if you bet $2500 for the Pats to beat the Jets you will win $100 and if you bet $100 for the Jets to win, you'll get $1700 according to my bookie. I might gamble on the Dolphins just so I can bye that island I always wanted.

New Album Releases

You know the dealio...

Scale:
A- to A+: Universally Acclaimed

B- to B+: Overall positive reviews

C- to C+: Mixed reviews

D- to D+: Overall negative reveiws

F- to F+: Horrible




1. Ghostface Killah-The Big Doe Rehab
Average Critic Score: A-
Average Fan Score: A-

Scores:
All Music Guide: C+
Rolling Stone: A-
Pitchfork: A-
PopMatters: A-
The Onion: A+


2. Daft Punk-Alive 2007
Average Critic Score: B+
Average Fan Score: A+

Scores:
All Music Guide: A-
Rolling Stone: B
Pitchfork: A
PopMatters: A
Billboard: A-


3. The Wombats-A Guide to Love, Loss, and Desperation
Average Critic Score: B-
Average Fan Score: B-

Scores:
New Musical Express: B
The Guardian: C+
Dot Music: B
Q Magazine: C+
Hot Press: C+


4. Wyclef Jean-Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant
Average Critic Score: B
Average Fan Score: B

Scores:
All Music Guide: A-
Rolling Stone: B
Billboard: B
The Onion: C+
Blender: C+


5. Blake Lewis-Audio Day Dream
Average Critic Score: B-
Average Fan Score: B-

Scores:
All Music Guide: C
Billboard: A-
Entertainment Weekly: C
Amazon.com: A-
Los Angeles Times: B+


6. Freeway-Free at Last
Average Critic Score: B
Average Fan Score: A-

Scores:
All Music Guide: A-
Rolling Stone: B
Pitchfork: B+
Billboard: A-
Entertainment Weekly: B-


7. Rufus Wainwright-Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall
Average Critic Score: B-
Average Fan Score: B+

Scores:
Rolling Stone: B
Billboard: D+
Blender: B
Entertainment Weekly: B-
Slant Magazine: A-

4 More Days!

4 more days...that is what any Led Zeppelin fan in the UK (and probably further) are chanting. Unless you've been under a rock for a long time, Led Zeppelin is getting back together for a one-show gig on Monday in London. What's great is that the original lineup, minus the late drummer John Bonham, will be playing the show. I don't think you can possibly beat seeing the combo of Robert Plant and Jimmy Page live..unless of course Pink Floyd decides to play another show.


Why suddenly do they get back together? Well the break up first off wasn't over hostile issues, it was mostly due to John Bonham's death. It's not like Pink Floyd (yes I'm using them again) where Roger Waters and David Gilmour wanted to kill each other. This show though is to pay tribue to the late music producer, Ahmet Ertegun who signed the band back in 1968.

I'm curious about two things. First the set list. Will they play mostly old stuff (come on..everybody would rather hear the old stuff!) or do a mix of both. I'll make my prediction of "Black Dog" being the opener, "Kashmir" being the closer, and "Stairway to Heaven" being the final song for the encore.

I'm also curious to see how they are going to play. These gents average an age of 61 years. That's not young. Page is also playing with a broken finger which I hope doesn't hinder his performance because he is one of my favorite guitarists of all time. Hopefully Robert Plant has some energy to wail out some screams too.

Are they getting back together? Probably not, although the band didn't rule it out. Page is quoted as saying "Let's just do the O2 (on Monday) and we'll see what happens from there. I haven't got a crystal ball here and nor have you." Let's hope I'm wrong and we see a farewell tour in the future (I'd like them to come to the US!).

NFL Power Rankings-Week 14

The Patriots hang on to their undefeated season. Here are the power rankings heading into Week 14.


1. New England Patriots
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: The Patriots should have lost that game, but if you give these guys the ball too many times at the end of the game you are bound to lose.


2. Dallas Cowboys
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: A win over the Packers almost clinches the number one seed in the NFC and is a predictor of who will make the Super Bowl.


3. Indianapolis Colts
Move from Week 13: +2
Why?: A big win over the Jaguars to have a cushy lead on the AFC South. Whatever struggles the Colts faced in the past few weeks are a thing of the past.


4. Green Bay Packers
Move from Week 13: -1
Why?: Favre leaving the game with an injury actually helped this team to keep it close, but the Cowboys are just a better football team. A number 2 seed is still pretty impressive from a team not expected to even win the division this year.


5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Move from Week 13: -1
Why?: They kept it close, but couldn't defeat their division rivals. Garrard threw his first pick of the season. That being said, this team will be almost a definite 5th seed for the playoffs.


6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: A big win over the Bengals to shut up the critics who say the Steelers are overrated. I'm not a Steelers fan at all, but I think they have more than proven themselves this year. The way the Patriots have been playing the last two weeks, this team has a shot of winning next week against them.


7. Seattle Seahwaks
Move from Week 13: +1
Why?: Their game against the Eagles sparked my curiousity. The Seahwaks had boasted a 7-4 record coming into the game but 4 of those wins were against the Rams and 49ers. The Eagles were 5-7, but recently had a great game against the Pats. It was close, as I expected, but the Seahawks pulled off the win, securing a nice lead in the NFC West.


8. New York Giants
Move from Week 13: +1
Why?: It looked like another woeful loss for this team, but Eli played great in the 4th quarter and carried this team to a late win against the Bears. Now sitting on top of the wildcard race by two games at 8-4, this team faces off against the Skins, Eagles, Bills, and Pats. If they win one of these games, expect to see a definite playoff clinch.


9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Move from Week 13: +1
Why?: Big divison win over the Saints. With that win, the Buccs have pretty much clinched the division with a 3 game lead with 4 games to go.


10. Cleveland Browns
Move from Week 13: -3
Why?: I'm not a Browns fan, but I've been rooting for them all year because I find their situation exciting (projected to be the 2nd worst team in the NFL over the Falcons). Unfortunately their loss has put them into a tie for the last playoff spot with the Titans. They should win an easy game against the Jets next week.


11. San Diego Chargers
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: Another big win to secure an almost definite divison title. The Chargers rolled over the Chiefs and now have won 6 out of their last 8.


12. Tennesse Titans
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: After looking like a lost cause, this team bounces back with a huge win over the Texans. With the Browns loss, they are now tied for the 6th seed.


13. Minnesota Vikings
Move from Week 13: +7
Why?: Yes you read right. Every year there is a team who starts off struggeling and then makes a huge surge at the end. This is the team. They dominated both the Giants and the Lions in the last two weeks and are looking like the logical 6th seed choice with a tough Lions schedule.


14. Buffalo Bills
Move from Week 13: +3
Why?: A last minute win against the Skins puts this team back at .500. Nobody is really including them in the playoff hunt, but they are now one game back behind the Titans and Browns by themselves with a game against the Dolphins coming up.


15. Detroit Lions
Move from Week 13: -2
Why?: Remember how great this team looked in their first 8 games? The Lions have lost 4 in a row and are in a lot of trouble. They are facing Dallas, San Diego and Green Bay which means they might not finish above .500.


16. Arizona Cardinals
Move from Week 13: +3
Why?: A big win over the Browns keeps this team well into the playoff race. Lets see if they can defeat their division rivals, the Seahawaks (they already did once this season).


17. New Orleans Saints
Move from Week 13: -2
Why?: Drew Brees said a couple of weeks ago "if we're going to turn things around, now is the time to do it". Well they beat the Panthers last week, but failed to beat the Buccs on Sunday. Not out of it yet, but you probably won't see them come January.


18. Washington Redskins
Move from Week 13: -3
Why?: Washington has a knack all season of outplaying teams and still finding a way to lose the game. Unfortunately for them, wins are the only thing that really matters when it comes to making the playoffs. Them and the Eagles are fighting for that 3rd spot in the NFC East.


19. Philadelphia Eagles
Move from Week 13: -3
Why?: A close game against the Seahawks, but AJ Feely didn't come close to his performance against New England throwing 4 picks and completing less than half of his passes.


20. Denver Broncos
Move from Week 13: -2
Why?: A loss to the Raiders is pretty pathetic any way you put it, but it's especially pathetic when your playoff hopes are on the line.


21. Chicago Bears
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: Rex looked great for the first half of the game, but then looked like himself the second half. The Bears failed to hold Eli in check in the fourth quarter giving up two TDs, including the game winner.


22. Baltimore Ravens
Move from Week 13: +1
Why?: The Ravens should have won against the Pats, but they blew it on so many levels. A time out call (bad coaching) on 4th and 1 that canceled the game winning play and then when they held the Pats again, the Pats got an offsides call giving them a 6th down. Lets not forget the 30 yard penalty for the stupid unsportsmanlike conduct display.


23. Houston Texans
Move from Week 13: -1
Why?: I'm really surprised this team isn't winning games with the return of Andre Johnson. Well I guess when Rosenfels is your quarterback anything is possible.


24. Kansas City Chiefs
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: Another loss and now they are tied with the Raiders for last place. Thats the only thing they'll be fighting for anymore.


25. Oakland Raiders
Move from Week 13: +3
Why?: Oakland on a winning streak?!? Hard to believe, but yes it is true. They can possibly end the season at 6-10!


26. Carolina Panthers
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: They finally won a game at home. That being said it was against the 49ers which is anything, but impressive.


27. Cincinnati Bengals
Move from Week 13: -2
Why?: Remember when everyone was saying how Palmer was a top 3, maybe a top 2 quarterback? He looked horrible against the Steelers. Thats not the worst of their problems with the defense being anything, but good.


28. St. Louis Rams
Move from Week 13: +2
Why?: The Rams have a chance of going 4-9 after beating the Falcons and a game coming up against the Bengals. This is a lot better than what was projected after they lost 7 in a row to start the season.


29. New York Jets
Move from Week 13: +2
Why?: After what many people (including me) believed to be the first Dolphins win coming up, the Jets destroyed the Dolphins. I guess they wanted to prove that they might be bad, but they aren't Dolphins bad.


30. Atlanta Falcons
Move from Week 13: -3
Why?: Losers of 3 in a row, the Falcons take on the Saints next week which means probably 4 in a row. Good luck in the draft.


31. San Francisco 49ers
Move from Week 13: -2
Why?: Welcome back to the 31st spot! We missed you for that one week after your fluke win. This team is in trouble next year too with giving their first round pick to the Pats.


32. Miami Dolphins
Move from Week 13: 0
Why?: And here is where they will remain until the end of the season. Pathetic display against the Jets. I would say maybe a chance of a win against the Ravens or even the Bills, but I highly doubt it.

New Album Releases

Here are the new releases from last week

Scale:
A- to A+: Universally Acclaimed

B- to B+: Overall positive reviews

C- to C+: Mixed reviews

D- to D+: Overall negative reveiws

F- to F+: Horrible


1. Amiina-Kurr
Average Critic Score: B+
Average Fan Score: A-

Scores:
Pitchfork: C+
New Musical Express: B
The Guardian: A-
Drowned in Sound: A-
BBC Collective: A-


2. Kylie Minogue-X
Average Critic Score: B-
Average Fan Score: B+

Scores:
Pitchfork: B-
Billboard: A-
NOW Magazine: C+
Uncut: C+
Mojo: D+


3. Boyz II Men-Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA
Average Critic Score: C+
Average Fan Score: A-

Scores:
All Music Guide: C+
Billboard: B
Entertainment Weekly: C-
Village Voice: D+
Vibe: B


4. Gorillaz-D-Sides
Average Critic Score: B-
Average Fan Score: B-

Scores:
All Music Guide: A-
Pitchfork: C+
PopMatters: A-
Billboard: A-
The Onion: B-


5. Jana Hunter-There's No Home
Average Critic Score: B+
Average Fan Score: B-

Scores:
All Music Guide: B
Pitchfork: A-
cokemachineglow: B
Dusted Magazine: B
Prefix Magazine: A


6. Shaggy-Intoxication
Average Critic Score: B+
Average Fan Score: A-

Scores:
All Music Guide: A-
Billboard: A-
NOW Magazine: D+
Entertainment Weekly: B+
Village Voice: A-


7. Burial-Untrue
Average Critic Score: A+
Average Fan Score: A

Scores:
Pitchfork: A-
The Guardian: A+
Dusted Magazine: A-
musicOMH.com: A+
Tiny Mix Tapes: A+


8. Pitbull-The Boatlift
Average Critic Score: B-
Average Fan Score: B+

Scores:
All Music Guide: C+
Rolling Stone: C+
Billboard: A-
Slant Magazine: C+
RapReviews.com: B+


9. Gob-Meurtos Vitos
Average Critic Score: B+
Average Fan Score: B-

Scores:
CD Universe: C+
Rate Your Music: A-
MP3.com: A+
Amazon.com: B
Sputnik Music: B-


10. The Dillinger Escape Plan-Ire Works
Average Critic Score: A-
Average Fan Score: A-

Scores:
All Music Guide: A
Billboard: A-
PopMatters: A
The Onion: A+
Spin: B