Music and more

  • We Were Soldiers

    Cast: Mel Gibson Studio: Paramount Rating: 7.5/10 Based on the true story of Lt. Col. Hal Moore (Mel Gibson), who led 400 American soldiers into the first bloody battle of the Vietnam War. The film is based on a book entitled We Were Soldiers Once… And Young by Hal Moore. Mel Gibson plays Moore a…

  • 40 Days

    Cast: Josh Hartnett Studio: Miramax Rating: 4.5/10 Matt Sullivan’s (Josh Hartnett) last big relationship ended in disaster and ever since, his heart’s been aching and his commitment’s been lacking. Then came Lent, that time of year when everybody gives something up. That’s when Matt, a guy who’s never been able to finish anything, decides to…

  • Injected – Burn It Black

    Artist: Injected Title: Burn It Black Label: Island Rating: 6.5/10 Injected has one good thing going for them, they brought in the songsmith Butch Walker of the Marvelous 3 to produce. However aside from the heavier riffs of “Faithless” you can tell it’s from the school of M3. “Burn It Black” is back to basic…

  • Course of Nature – Superkala

    Artist: Course of Nature Title: Superkala Label: Atlantic Rating: 4/10 Course of Nature comes to us from Alabama, home of southern fried rock ‘n’ roll. The question is whether Superkala can rattle the bones from their rock ancestors and stir up some good vibrations themselves or just waste our time. Tracks like “Wall Of Shame”…

  • 34 Satellite – Stop

    Artist: 34 Satellite Title: Stop Label: Hideway Records Rating: 7/10 “Elijah St. Marie” is blustering rock that asks simply “can you hear me?” and the answer is easily, yes! “Caroline” is another diamond. There are a few tracks that can keep your interest even when those in between fail to satisfy. I’m glad I stuck…

  • Plus One – Obvious

    Artist: Plus One Title: Obvious Label: Atlantic Rating: 6/10 Plus One had limited success with the track “The Promise” on their first record. Now they are back with Obvious. What is obvious? You tell me. Not too shabby: “Use Me”- So NSYNC which seems to be good for a pop group. “Calling Down An Angel”…

  • Phantom Planet – The Guest

    Artist: Phantom Planet Title: The Guest Label: Epic Rating: 7/10 Phantom Planet is back and has risen from the ashes with a new record and a sound. The sound is as fresh as anything you’ll hear today. The first single “California” is a toe tapper for sure. It’s certainly inspired by Weezer and the foot…

  • Nappy Roots – Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz

    Artist: Nappy Roots Title: Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz Label: Atlantic Rating: 6.5/10 “We just some country boys” announce Kentucky bred Nappy Roots on their sophomore release Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz. Their style is silky smooth hip-hop that never makes its way to the ground. The country slammer doesn’t stop there as they kick of the…

  • Starsailor – Love Is Here

    Artist: Starsailor Title: Love Is Here Label: EMI Rating: 7/10 Starsailor is another British band peddling sounds that are similar to their predecessors Radiohead and Travis. Now hear this: “Good Souls” – is a power punch to the belly. “Lullaby” – slowly this song creeps into every inch of you. “Talk Her Down” – the…

  • Lisa Loeb – Cake and Pie

    Artist: Lisa Loeb Title: Cake and Pie Label: A&M Rating: 7/10 Lisa Loeb has had little success since her absolute monster hit “Stay” was released in 1995. Firecracker, her sophomore release boasted “I Do” which did okay however its now been five years since we last heard from Loeb. Can you have your Cake And…

Got any book recommendations?