Idolator

Many people find it hard to tell the great from the godawful when it comes to 21st-century mainstream rock. To help figure out which is which, here's "Corporate Rock Still Sells," where Al "GovernmentNames" Shipley examines what's good, bad, and ugly in the world of rock and roll. This time around, he takes a look at a couple of old reliables who have re-entered the rock charts. More »

Most people figured that Coldplay would have the top-selling album on next week's charts, but would Viva La Vida reach Lil Wayne's cool million in first-week sales? Looks like the answer is no, but the 700,000-sale tally that HITS is projecting brings back brief memories of when albums had impressive sales, and a week where 200,000 copies were sold wouldn't necessarily result in a spot in the top ten. Weezy looks to add another 300,000 to his total, while the Jonas Brothers-accented Camp Rock soundtrack is set to begin its stay on the charts at No. 3, likely selling around 200,000 in its first week. After the top three, it's back to reality: NOW 28 is on pace to just break the six-figure mark; Usher and Piles will likely sell in the 60,000-copy range; The Offspring continue to befuddle me with their continued popularity by selling a projected 55,000 albums; Judas Priest and Katy Perry fight over Nos. 8 and 9 spots, with each on track to move about 50,000 copies; and the Rihanna screw-the-consumer reissue and Disturbed fight it out for tenth place. Only 50,000 album sales for Katy Perry, after all we had to suffer through? I'm simultaneously disappointed and pleased. [HITS Daily Double]

Every week, we round up the all-important, all-summarizing last sentences of the biggest new-music reviews. This time around, we look at the writeups for Judas Priest's double album Nostradamus, which hits stores today. More »

The six and a half minute long title track of Judas Priest's upcoming double disc. "Nostradamus! Nostradamus! He has seized the day! He is here to stay! Nostradamus! Dedication! Nostradamus!" You are not ready. [Blabbermouth] More »

Are you ready for some concept metal?! Judas Priest will unleash Nostradamus, a double-frikkin-CD concept piece concerning the life of the 16th-century prophet in June. The project has been in the cards for ages, with Halford on record as hoping it would be released in January 2007. "His life is well-documented, so for us it was all about taking the significant episodes he went through, and then with the right emotion, create music and lyrics that would convey them." I worry that Iron Maiden is going to sue them for steez infringement, but I think it's great that they're finding a way to make their new album seem like an event without using words like "cross-promotion." Could be another Music From "The Elder"! More »