It's a strange week for album releases, in that with a couple of notable exceptions--namely Usher and Lil' Kim--the week's most interesting music comes from artists who've been around the block a few times.

And then a few more times after that!

Part of the oath I've sworn as The Guy Who Writes This involves staying true to the music of today--never looking backward and implying that at one time the music scene was in any way better or more fulfilling than it is currently. That would be unpleasant to read! Plus, as we all know, it's important to be hip! And I want to fit in!

But, sadly, as I diligently scan the tiny print on this week's new releases, there is nary a trace of the names Timbaland, Kanye West, and my personal favorite will.i.am!

So I guess we're all on our own!

Usher: Here I Stand (LaFace) Well, we all know that Usher is this week's biggest release! Where's he been all this time? What's he been doing? If Chris Brown is the new Usher, does that make Usher the old Chris Brown? These kind of questions keep me awake at night! And I'm sure Usher's awake all night too, but probably not because he's asking himself dopey questions! He's probably hanging around with all the guest stars on his brand new album: Ludacris, Lil Wayne, Nelly and good ol' Young Jeezy! I think this album is as great as all other Usher albums, and I especially like its title--next to All Eyes On Me and The Saga Continues, it's the best one you can use at this stage of your career, don't you think?

Lil' Kim: Ms. G.O.A.T.: Greatest Of All Time (Money Maker) Perhaps I spoke too soon!  I've always been fond of Lil' Kim--I would have loved to meet her when she was Lil' Lil' Kim, but some things aren't meant to be!--and she's back "lookin' tuff" as always on her new album cover! Among the highlights on this superb return to form are the hook-filled "Need A B*tch," the bold proclamation "It's Kim B*tches (Get That Money)," and the deeply moving (but no less radio-friendly) "F*ck You." The unprecedented warmth I feel upon listening to this album once again makes Ms. Kim the No. 1 candidate for Gal I'd Most Like To Bring Home To Meet Mom! You too?

Various Artists: Sex And The City [original soundtrack] (New Line) Right around now would be a great time to mention the long-awaited release of the soundtrack to the long-awaited movie from the TV show whose cancellation was long-awaited as well! Jam-packed with female faves like Fergie, Joss Stone, Jennifer Hudson, and Jem--I guess "chicks like J's" would be the sexist way to put it!--it's all the music I would normally be playing in my garage while other people were watching dopey TV shows, if you get my drift! And knowing me, I wouldn't be paying attention, either! Frankly, the absence of Gary Numan's "Cars" is off-putting!

Steve Miller Band: Live From Chicago (DVD Box set) (Koch Entertainment) I'll be the first to admit that I have always loved the Steve Miller Band, and this great live DVD--shot last year in Chicago--is just one more reason why: He never fails to entertain! With a billion great songs in his back pocket, superlative guitar-playing ability, and one of the cheeriest personas in all o' rock, he gets better with every year. Like the bluesmen he conspicuously admires, he'll be out doing this stuff until every one of us drops! And drop we will!

Al Green: Lay It Down (Blue Note) A legendary singer with one of the deepest catalogs in R&B, Green is heard here with noticeable 21st Century trimmings--the Root's ?uestlove is co-producer, and guests include John Legend, Anthony Hamilton and Corinne Bailey Rae. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of his best work--and very little does--it's a welcome reminder that the man's talent and impact have reached an entire new generation. One that's old enough to talk!

Steinski: What Does It All Mean? 1983-2006 Retrospective (Illegal Art) This fascinating collection will make a limited number of people extremely happy, as Steve Stein--better known as Steinski--has been a pioneer in the world of sampling, mash-ups, and the sort of thing people do that can get them in trouble if the Copyright Police come knocking on their door with evil intentions and lawsuits in hand! With a trio of classics he made with his compellingly monikered partner Double Dee--including "The Payoff Mix," "Lesson 2 (James Brown Mix)" and "Lesson 3 (History Of Hip Hop)"--this 2-CD set is guaranteed to send you directly to Hell upon your first listen! The new rules are strict, but--ultimately--fair!

Larry Norman: Rebel Poet, Jukebox Pioneer: The Anthology (Suma) Speaking of Hell, how about this fascinating collection by an early Christian rocker? The late Larry Norman was once in a pop group called People and had a hit covering the Zombies "I Love You," and then left to follow a morally correct path while we all just had fun! Several solo albums would ensue, including the memorably titled Only Visiting This Planet, and his hair kept growing in a fascinating manner! Among Norman's biggest fans is former Pixie Frank Black, whose presence is felt here via notes and more, and whose band the Catholics (!) once covered one of his songs! When this stuff gets reissued you know the end of the world is coming!

Spiritualized: Songs In A&E (Spaceman/Universal) Back after a serious illness with his sixth Spiritualized album, Jason Pierce--who in the tradition of Larry Norman is, proudly, only visiting this planet--took two years to make this album, and I haven't even spent the hour or so I'd need to hear all 18 of its shiny new tracks! That's because I don't have it! Unfortunately, being an English dude, the poor guy doesn't realize that most Americans will think this is the soundtrack to some dopey cable documentary! Songs For Your Noggin was clearly a better choice!

The Youngbloods: Elephant Mountain (Sundazed) If all you know about the Youngbloods is that they had a hit record years ago with "Get Together"--I mean, like, dude, smile on your brother!--then you'd be well-advised to pick up this fabulous reissue of their all-time classic set, their third album. Featuring the original "Darkness, Darkness"--a megahit for Mott The Hoople on Pluto!--their fabulous track "Sunlight" and their jazzy riffing on "Ride The Wind," this is what hippies used to listen to when someone was rolling joints with their copy of Tim Hardin 3 Live In Concert! Thank God those days are over!

Various Artists: Verve Remixed 4 (Verve) No dummies over there at Verve Records: They hand over classic recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Astrud Gilberto and even (non-Verve artist) James Brown to a bunch of trendy remix types who proceed to make them "palatable" to 21st Century ears! And this record is palatable! I like it! Now I'll never need to hear the originals again! I shall wear the bottom of my trousers rolled!