IN MY HEAD

I'm not sure where to begin with updates, so I'll pick the most obviously starting point. Tonight I'm going to see Queens of the Stone Age at the Quest, which I'm actually looking forward to. I wasn't expecting much from their latest album, Lullabies to Paralyze. But there's not much to ever expect from the very consistent Queens, besides tight guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and a blance of heaviness, drug-use, and great pop song-craft.

The album is a solid, fun listen, featuring some great tracks to add to what is becoming a great iTunes best-of playlist. "In My Head" has been in my head for the past two weeks or so. "Little Sister", the first single, features woodblock. WOODBLOCK, people. Forget cowbell, this is where it's at.

The Village Voice called the band the next Fleetwood Mac, and I have to say I kind of agree.

Even with the departure of founding member Nick "The Scary One" Oliveri, the band is just as strong. It really shows that the band was essentially Josh Homme's work. Pitchfork digs the record. So does Stylus. And, bizarrely, All Music Guide REALLY likes the album.

The NY Times liked their live show, with special guest Mark Lanegan. Homme was on the last cover of Fader. You can also get the Deluxe CD with a bonus DVD and a really weird picture book.