See, this is what I don’t get. Last week, we had major new releases from the likes of Lupe Fiasco, R.E.M. and Avril Lavigne. Next week, we have major new releases from Chris Brown, The Strokes and Jennifer Hudson. No one saw fit to move one or two of those releases into this release cycle? How does that make sense? Do you get the feeling that the people who decide these things might be a little clueless (or hellbent on driving their business into the ground)?

At any rate, my point is that this Tuesday is frighteningly light on name-value new releases. Chances are, the biggest debut this week will come courtesy of B-level teen star Miranda Cosgrove. The 17 year old starlet is competing for those Disney dollars with Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez, and her new EP/DVD High Maintenance somewhat scarily has a featured credit from Rivers Cuomo, who now appears hell-bent on appearing on every single album he gets invited to guest on. Way to age gracefully, Rivers.

You might also want to watch out for the new album by punk band Rise Against. Their last two albums have debuted in the Top Ten, and depending on how much Adele and Lupe Fiasco’s sales erode in the next week, I’d say that their new album, Endgame, has an excellent chance to debut at the #1 position on the charts.

Also on the docket this week; a new album from glam-rock pioneers The New York Dolls, hardcore band Funeral for a Friend, a solo effort from J. Mascis (of Dinosaur Jr. fame) and a new one from Cornershop (remember “Brimful of Asha”?)

As usual, make sure you check out Pause and Play to check out this week’s and every other week’s new releases, and also join me in wishing the site’s owner, Gerry, a very Happy Birthday!!