Barbara Streisand’s top is REALLY low cut on the album cover. Did anyone else notice that?
Greenday’s Billie Joe Armstrong teams up with Norah Jones for a duet album of tender tunes.
Mike Birbiglia returns back from Sleepwalk With Me to the stage.
Saw Hunger Games: Catching Fire this weekend. It’s the second installment in the Hunger Games film franchise, which pretty much picks up right where the last one left off. Katniss and Peeta have won the hunger games, they live back at their district where things aren’t the same. The citizens of the district aren’t so happy, so stuff gets real.
The good; I really like this world that we’re in, and not the depressing dystopian stuff, but the way the world works and how it’s consistent, even though we’ve got a new director (Francis Lawrence) on this one.
The characters are still there and they’re still good and compelling. They managed to make Katniss more innocent, if that’s possible. Her life as she knew it is gone, she’s now this public figure, and what ever she does, no matter how small, ripples through out her world.
There’s a nice twist to a seemingly tertiary character, which I love. It’s Effie, her little bit of… say “team work” was very well done.
They managed to make the new games interesting. It wasn’t just the first movie over again, they threw in some stuff that changed it up and still kept my interest at all times. When the movie was over, there was no point that I thought, “so that was two plus hours gone by…”
That is something good films accomplish.
The bad; I still need wider shots on the action. Granted we didn’t have that over-used shakey-cam stuff here, but still… I want to see the action. Things weren’t as brutal as the first film, but there was still a sense of disorientation and claustrophobia. We’re not watching helmet cam footage, so be a movie and move me… what?!
*POSSIBLE SPOILER* This movie doesn’t end, it’s not a standalone movie. I know that there are more movies/books to this series, but make a movie, don’t make part of a movie. *END POSSIBLE SPOILER*
Overall I had a lot of fun going back to visit Katniss, “Hey girl, what’s up? How’s life after being the winner… oh not soo great?” Oh and I like how an older white-bearded male is the bad guy, who would’ve seen that comin’?? There more story to tell and I’m ok with there being more movies. I look forward to the next films.
This is a fantastic swing/pop album by one of UK’s finest. Collaborations include Rufus Wainwright, Michael Buble, Lilly Allen, Olly Murs, and Kelly Clarkson. Robbie Williams still has a great voice and does some great renditions of classics.
You can’t actually buy this in digital format. You’ll have to order the CD or stop by your local brick and mortar retailer
Famous for her role as Peg Bundy on Married With Children and Gemma Teller Morrow on Sons of Anarchy, Katie Sagal flexes her vocal chords and shares her other talent and passion for music.
Lady Gaga returns and challenges fans with a new sound that more provocative writing. Collaborations include R. Kelly, Twista, Too Short, T.I..
Noteworthy tracks: Dope, G.U.Y., Gypsy
Doctor Who is the longest running sci fi show in history. It first went on the air in November 23, 1963, a year before Star Trek hit the airwaves.
This year celebrates its 50th anniversary, and below are some videos of how that celebration will be… well, celebrated.
Not only will the special be broadcasted on television, but it’ll be in theatres and then released on DVD two weeks after.
We get to see the current Doctor, Smith, join forces with the fan favorite 10th Doctor, Tennant. Fun will certainly be had by all.
I have a couple thoughts as to what this special will be about, but they might be spoilers.
Saw Ender’s Game, it’s about a future world where Earth has been ravaged by an alien invasion, Earth barely repels the attacking forces and since then they’ve been working against another attack. The International Fleet prepares for this upcoming attack by recruiting and training children, Andrew Ender Wiggin is one of those children.
The good; the world is set up very well. We’re given the history of why these kids are trained for combat so early on. Then we’re in the world and it’s great getting to know the school and the pecking order.
Asa Butterfield as Ender is very good, he conveys the inner turmoil and frustrations amazingly. Hope to see more from this kid.
I really just like this story, much like Starship Troopers, children are asked/demanded to give up their childhood for the greater good. There’s something about the loss of innocence in a story that resonates with me.
I would’ve liked to have spent more time in this world, getting to know its ins and outs. Exploring it and all that. This book should’ve been two movies.
The bad; there’s too much crammed in to this movie. Having not read the book(s), I could already tell that there were things that the movie had to gloss over. Unlike The Hobbit films, Ender’s Game is an example where I want more than one movie per book. There’s just so much going on here, especially in the training scenes, that I want more MORE!
I don’t feel like Harrison Ford is acting anymore, in his old age he just plays himself, this old bitter, crusted man. It’s as if we’re just waiting for him to get angry and yell at someone in the movie.
*SPOILER* The transition of Ender’s team from underdog to topdog is something that I could’ve had more of. I want to see more of the Dragons rising in the ranking to beat the Salamanders. *END SPOILERS*
Overall, I enjoyed the movie. I realize there’s a lot missing from what’s in the book, but what we were given in the film is entertaining and great. The ending is very final, but yet open, hopefully the box office results will give us another movie.
Unlike most of the book adaptations that Fox does, Ender’s Game actually makes me interested in reading the source material.
Has being married to Chad Kroeger dulled any of Avril Lavigne’s edge?
If you care about the Nebraska AIDS project, you’ll get this album and support them.
Having a residency in Las Vegas hasn’t slowed down Celine Dion’s career. Hear her latest effort
Eminem hooked up with Rick Rubin and here’s what they came up with. There are some really interesting samples in this album:
Rhyme or Reason : Zombies – Time of the Season
Love Game : Mindbenders – Game of Love
So Far : Joe Walsh – Life’s Been Good
This is just an EP
If Arcade Fire sounds a little different, fans can thank James Murphy (LCD Soundsystems) for producing much of the album.
I don’t count demo releases as a rehash. I actually really enjoy hearing a stripped version of a song whether it’s “unplugged” or a demo.
Hello Goodbye’s third studio album. Is it a charm?
This is Linkin Park’s 2nd remix album. Among the familiar tracks is an opener “A Light That Never Comes”.
At first glance, the album cover and tracklisting look like an SNL spoof. Nope. This is a real release.
Some holiday favorites get a modern spin with acapella harmony in Straight No Chaser’s 2nd release for 2013. Featured artists include Colbie Caillat, Otis Redding, CeeLo Green, and Paul McCartney
Prism is chalk full of tracks produced by Dr. Luke and even one by Greg Kurstin (Bird and the Bee). Check out Trent Wolbe’s comprehensive review on Prism. This is the only review expert analysis you need to read.
Los Angeles band Best Coast brings us a small release to hold fans over until next year. Nothing surprising here: if you like their previous work, you’ll enjoy this one.
Sara Bareilles follows up the Blessed Unrest with this live release that includes some unique covers: Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding), Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Elton John). She’s a talent live musician (I saw her tape at Jimmy Kimmel Live) and this release is particularly special since it does not include her band. The sound is raw in a good way. Her piano and voice are clear and the loud energy of the audience. Any doubters of hers will be converted to believers.
The Avett Brothers hook up with Rick Rubin once again.
Make a Move marks Gavin Degraws second album since moving to RCA.
Noteworthy tracks: Finest Hour, I’m Gonna Try
Seattle’s Head and the Heart releases their second album on Sub Pop. They continue their folk sound and thoughtful writing. Check out their tour dates (http://www.theheadandtheheart.com/events) while these guys are still playing smaller venues. I’m guessing that won’t always be the case.
Lucy Wainright follows her debut album, “Lucy”
Paul continues to make music.
Eddie Vedder returns to Pearl Jam after showing a softer side in his recent solo effort, “Ukulele Songs”
He’s not too high to make music still. Willie collaborates with numerous artists in this duet album.
Check out Bob Odenkirk on Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me as he does Not My Job.
Before portraying Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad, Bob Odenkirk got into show business writing for Saturday Night Live and collaborating with David Cross on Mr. Show.
Odenkirk also recently worked with David Cross on a book: Hollywood Said No!
Source: NPR
In an effort to keep things fresh here, I’ll be listing new releases to buy or enjoy on the music service of your choice (Rdio, Spotify, etc).
Albert Hammond Jr. continues to showcase his own talent as an individual musician/writer. This is just an EP but fans should be pleased to hear this production doesn’t deviate too much from Yours to Keep and Como Te Llama.
I only recently learned about Dale Earnheardt Jr. Jr. but recommend this album for those trying to relax or drive to the tune their dreamy sound.
The Fratellis have been gone for awhile but haven’t lost their way. I wasn’t able to find a track that reminded me of
Remember when we saw Hannah dancing to “I Love It”? It’s truly fascinating that 2Pac’s “Girlfriend” was given an Icona Pop rendition.
Miley brought twerking to the mainstream and now her new album is out. Be sure to turn your system way up for these bass thumping tracks (or your headphones down before indulging in a personal consumption experience). Most of the tracks are produced by Mike Will Made-It (We Can’t Stop), so if you enjoyed that track, you’ll probably enjoy the album.
She recently showed off her comic chops on Saturday Night Live. Do check that episode out if you haven’t.
Panic at the Disco releases their second album since the departure of Jon Walker and Ryan Ross. Check out the Las Vegas band’s effort as they expand their arsenal of synthetic sounds. The general sound of the album is eclectic: some of the tracks like Girls/Girls/Boys and Nicotine have the sound of past decades, while others like Far Too Young to Die have the stamp of an electronic future.
The End Of All Things finishes the album. While it initially plays like a ballad, one can’t help but wonder if the Imogen Heap “Head and Seek” autotune was necessary.
Clipse’s Pusha T hooks up with Kanye West production for a valiant debut album. His hungry lyrics combined with Kanye’s conceptual artistic style is a noteworthy effort for fans of this genre.
Check out Let Me Love You. Doesn’t Pusha T sound just like Mase?
Curious how loud your headphones/speakers can go? Check this album out. This release probably should have came out at the start of summer, but really, each track could probably work well in your workout mix every day of the year.
Noteworthy tracks: You Don’t Get Me Twice, To Hell with You, 24