Guns N' Roses "Better" Interscope
"Better" is the second single off Chinese Democracy, the upcoming, decade-in-the-making album by Guns N' Roses. Stylistically, "Better" is much different than the band's previous efforts, largely trading '80s glam for modern industrial metal. Through the combined lead guitar work of Robin Finck, Bumblefoot, and Buckethead, the song is not lacking blazing solos. Axl Rose may be bringing the band in a new direction, but if "Better" is any indication, change is not necessarily a bad thing. A- - Greg Kita
Genesis Genesis 1970 - 1975 Rhino Records
Few bands contributed more to the progressive rock scene of the 1970s than Genesis. With a potential reunion tour with founder Peter Gabriel looming, the band has released a seven-CD/six-DVD box set, documenting Gabriel's tenure with the now-iconic band. Genesis 1970-1975 is full of classic hits, containing five newly remixed albums from the Gabriel era, and enough DVD extras to keep any prog rock fan busy for months on end. Any serious fan shouldn't pass this one up. A - G.K.
Megapuss Surfing Vapor Records
Devendra Banhart is known for screwing around and he's attracted somewhat of a cult following. Banhart's new side project, Megapuss, pushes playfulness to the edge. There's not much here other than Banhart fooling around with Greg Rogove of Priestbird. The melodies and lyrics are strange - at one point Banhart decides to sing, "F- Abe Lincoln!" Banhart's previous efforts received praise because of their unique simplicity, but Surfing just tries way too hard. C - Ethan Stevenson
Animal Collective "Brothersport" Domino
Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective's new album, is due in January, but the first evidence of recording came on Tuesday. "Brothersport" was passed on from blog to blog, but the track first appeared on a French podcast. Ridiculous. People are clearly anticipating this record and have even attended different listening parties around the globe to hear the newest from AC. "Brothersport" is nothing revolutionary, but it features the group's signature drumming, incredible amounts of delay, and plenty of melodic yelping. A- - E.S.
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