WEEK IN PREVIEW:
CHILI COOK-OFF!!!

Holy tube socks, Batman! The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back like that extra spicy hog burrito you had for lunch. Indeed, By The Way (Warner Bros.) appears to be seriously in the hunt for #1 on this week’s Top 50 Albums chart, giving Nelly’s potent Nellyville a run for its money. With the numbers still being tallied, it’s too close to call as of yet, but keep an eye on that chart as the reports come in through tomorrow.

Also chartin’ this week are Geffen’s Counting Crows and Ruff Ryders/Interscope’s Styles, both of which have moved on the order of 150k units, which will land them in the chart’s upper reaches. And remember, the past seven days were the week of Best Buy living dangerously and slashing their price on both the RHCP and Counting Crows to $9.99 for Tuesday only ($11.99 thereafter), so retail analysts (including our unlicensed brain surgeons) are watching to see the big boxer’s dramatic move shakes out.

Hitting the street tomorrow are the Dave Matthews Band’s Busted Stuff (RCA), The Vines’ Highly Evolved (Capitol) and the Austin Powers in Goldmember soundtrack.

Radio-wise, expect Beenie Man f/Janet’s "Feel It Boy" (Virgin) to be most added at both Crossover (again, and this week it’s "official") and Top 40. The Goo Goo Dolls’ "Big Machine" (Warner Bros.) will also see a big add week at Top 40, while the new Def Leppard, "Now" (Island) rolls out and cleanup continues on Michelle Branch (Maverick), Elvis Presley (RCA) and P. Diddy (Bad Boy/Arista). How’s that for a triple bill?

In the land of PoMo, look for Finch on Drive-Thru/MCA to score with "Letters to You," while the Doves (Capitol) continue fly after getting a flock of majors and Marc Copley (RCA) rolls out.

For news, weather and sports, be sure to check your local listings. And if you go out, please remember to wear your sock. Thank you.