“Pop” in the news
Welcome! This weekly blog is to keep you in the ‘now’ of what’s going on in the pop culture world. I’ll fill you in on upcoming concerts, what DVDs are being released and what’s going on around town.
Be sure to check the weekly updates so you don’t miss out on what everyone else is talking about.
Here are some dates and events you will want to pencil into your calendar. If you hear about any cool events, be sure to let me know. Either reply to this post or email at mswartz@monroenews.com.
If you feel like chatting, call me at 240-5784.
Here’s your first dose of news:
Small screen debuts
With the cold, overcast days upon us, you might want to stay inside this weekend. If so, try to rent Casino Royale – just released earlier this week. Since that one will be snatched up fast, the Prestige is a worthy rental. You won’t be disappointed.
A nice, safe romantic comedy (aka: chic flick) is the Holiday with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black. It just came out this past Tuesday. But if Jude or Cameron aren’t your type, what about Patrick Swayze or Demi Moore? Buy the special collector’s edition DVD of “Ghost,” it’s on the shelves right now. And yes, it really has been 17 years since it debuted on the big screen – yikes!
Listen up
A lot of potentially good albums will be released on Tuesday. The one I am most looking forward to is “We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank” by Modest Mouse. One of the singles, “Dashboard,” is already getting decent airtime.
I know their previous album, “Good News For People Who Love Bad News” was their breakout in the mainstream, but my personal favorite album is “Lonesome Crowded West.” Let me know what you think.
Also in stores Tuesday is the debut of Stephen Marley, the son of Reggae legend Bob Marley. His album, “Mind Control” is worth a listen. He’s been in the music business a long time so I’m curious to hear what he has to offer. It will be hard not to compare him to his dad, though.
Yet another American Idol contestant is looking to break through. Elliott Yamin, who fell short last season, is releasing a self-titled debut album on Tuesday. If you don’t remember him, he’s the one nicknamed “snaggletooth” for his unfortunate crossbite. But now he’s all smiles – he had $50,000 worth of porcelain veneers put in along with other dental work.
He got your votes, now get his tickets
Do you need your American Idol fix? If so, tickets are now on sale for a Taylor Hicks concert. He’s performing April 22 at Royal Oak Music Theatre. Get your tickets by calling 800-919-6272.
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last year, Taylor won last season’s “American Idol” over Katherine McPhee.
Scratch your funny bone
If sitcom shows are letting you down, check out some really funny comedians performing in the area. Grafton Inn in Carleton holds a Comedy Night every Wednesday and Ambassador Hall in Monroe offers a dinner comedy show on the second Friday of each month. The performers are no amateurs, either. They are comedians you’ve seen on Comedy Central or HBO. Check it out!
Sports
If you are a basketball fan, I think you know what time it is. March Madness is running wild. Hours and hours of college basketball can be seen all weekend long.
If you prefer professional basketball, then don’t miss the Detroit Pistons take on the Dallas Mavericks at home on Sunday. It starts at 3:30 p.m. This is a true test for the Pistons because the Mavericks boast the best record in the league.
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:07 am
i saw ‘the holiday’ and thought it was great, although it classifies as a ‘chick flick’. husband and i have yet to make it through ‘casino royale’ before falling asleep.
17 years since ‘ghost’???? man, i feel old.
i liked elliot yamin during idol, hope those veneers didn’t change his singing voice.
have you listened to stephen marley yet? i’m looking for tunes to take camping with me in july…let me know if it’s worthy.
April 3rd, 2007 at 9:20 am
I haven’t listened to Stephen Marley’s “Mind Control” yet, but its getting great reviews, especially by Rolling Stone. They said he’s the real deal, which is pretty good since he has his dad’s shoes to fill. That can’t be easy! In the Rolling Stone review, they said he has similar vocal tones as his dad and the same songwriting skills.
With all the great reviews, it sounds like it’s worth it.