On The Shelf: Tomorrow’s New Releases Revealed Today

It’s another slow week for new music, with holiday releases (from the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Twisted Sister) elbowing past the 8,294th Aerosmith cash-in compilation for prime rack space at the shops. We’ve already told you about Diddy’s Press Play; after the jump, you can find out more about new releases from JoJo, Ruben Studdard, Shiny Toy Guns, and Xzibit.

JoJo, The High Road The artist: Sixteen-year-old pop tartlet who got her start on Kids Say The Darndest Things. The sound: Beats by Scott Storch and Timbaland, vocals by Autotune. The first in line: Little girls with big dreams … of starring in a Robin Williams vehicle.

Ruben Studdard, The Return The artist: The second American Idol who’s still sorry for (not having a record out since) 2004. The sound: In theory, seductive R & B–but he starts off by calling himself the “velvet teddy bear,” and the mood gets even weirder from there. The first in line: Ladies with deep-seated issues about what makes a man “sexy.”

Shiny Toy Guns, We Are Pilots The artist: LA neo-wavers who made headlines when their female singer was rumored to be the “voice” of Paris Hilton. The sound: A John Hughes soundtrack–after it’s been put into a blender for 45 minutes. The first in line: Devotees of VH1 Classic’s The Alternative who thought She Wants Revenge was too edgy.

Xzibit, Full Circle The artist: West Coast rapper who’s back in the spotlight thanks to his Pimp My Ride gig. The sound: Distorted vocals, filthy lyrics and cramped beats, with guest spots by Too $hort and Kurupt. The first in line: Hardcore West Coast rap fans, people who are really into rims.

On the CD Front [Pause and Play]