Somewhat quietly, Dallas Austin, via the Dallas Austin Experience, has recorded his debut album 8 Dazeaweakend. Though the release date has yet to be announced, the single, "Exasperated," is being promoted by his record label. Known for being the genre-crossing innovator behind of some of the most successful songs of the last decade for the likes of Madonna, TLC and Bjork, this album is being touted as an extension of his creativity as a producer. The album will also exist as a short film that tells the story of a character named Daisy. If the video for "Exasperated" is any indicator of how the short film/album will play out, it will likely cause seizures and general discomfort and confusion. There are a lot of flashing lights and quick cuts between news footage and a hazmat suit clad Austin on stage, surrounded by flat-screens projecting the sentiments of this anti-everything, techno-infused song. His exasperation with the state of the world is warranted, but the message isn't so much incendiary as it is tedious. And the video isn't so much innovative as it is bizarre. [MW]