BETWEEN THE EARS: MUSIC REVIEWS & TV TIDBITS
I have returned, like Superman. Without the tights and glory.
TV
For those of you who need a fix during the hiatus, I highly recommend that you visit the following website, which lists the Top 50 Lost Loose Ends:
http://tv.ign.com/articles/745/745595p1.html.
ABC has prematurely yanked both Six Degrees and The Nine out of their primetime lineup, even though several finished episodes have yet to air. It is not clear whether either show has been canceled, but both are currently available to watch free of charge on ABC.com. Rumor has it that Six Degrees is being retooled to focus more on Campbell Scott and Bridget Moynahan, which I hope is not the case; I am far more interested in the direction that Erika Christensen and Jay Hernandez are headed.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip received a much-appreciate reprieve, being picked up for another season. I am still baffled by the widespread criticism of this show. It satisfies many of the attributes I look for in quality television programming: a smart script, a fast pace, a terrific cast and an addictive nature (i.e. Mondays are easier knowing that this show awaits my eyes and ears that night).
Heroes continues to rock. If you love it as much as I do, you should read the Producer’s blog (http://gregbeeman.blogspot.com/) and listen to The 10th Wonder Podcast on iTunes (http://www.thetenthwonder.com/).
MUSIC
Angels & Airwaves – “The Adventure”
This is the only song I own and love from this band, which is an offshoot of Blink-182. I’m addicted to this track, which reminds me of my favorite Blink song, “I Miss You.”
Gwen Stefani – “Wind it Up”
Have you seen this video? Anyone who can seamlessly intertwine The Sound of Music with contemporary pop earns huge points in my book.
iTunes Originals
I love that iTunes offers acoustic versions of songs from some of my favorite artists, like Death Cab for Cutie, Aimee Mann and Liz Phair. Look for ‘iTunes Originals’ in the iTunes Music Store, in a box on the left side.
Imogen Heap
Her dreamy, ethereal music is unique and I really like it, but it is not for everyone. Her song “Hide and Seek” (on both The Last Kiss and The OC soundtracks) has been oversaturated in the TV and film promo departments, but when you hear it you will understand why. Heap also put out an album under the name Frou Frou, which produced a mild hit with “Let Go,” which some of you may recognize from the excellent
John Legend – “Save Room”
Close your eyes and imagine a young Stevie Wonder with contemporary R&B flavor. John Legend is your man.
Nellie McKay & k.d. lang – “We Had it Right”
A quirky little ditty. Sounds like what Fiona Apple might if she smiled.
Nelly Furtado – “Maneater”
So not Hall & Oates. Another track you just can’t get out of your head.
Oakenfold featuring Brittany Murphy – “Faster Kill Pussycat”
Yes, the actress. And no, it doesn’t suck. As a matter of fact, it’s a perfect treadmill song.
Pete Yorn
Turn off John Mayer and tune in to this guy. I promise it will be a vast improvement.
I discovered this French pop band on the Six Feet Under soundtrack. Though they are known more for being The Band with the Lead Singer Who Dates Sophia Coppola, I really like their sound. Check out “Consolation Prizes.”
Pink – I’m Not Dead
Current guilty pleasure. This CD is pure pop; catchy and well produced, not to mention quite autobiographical (in true Pink style).
Scissor Sisters – “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin”
Elton John has been singing their praises for some time, and they finally have my attention. This song is so much fun – it even includes spaceship laser sound effects shooting through the chorus. Awesome. They are my new ABBA.
Shiny Toy Guns – “Stripped”
Depeche Mode ruled my world as a teenager, and I just saw them live for the first time this year, so they’ve been on heavy rotation in my iPod lately. There have been many attempts to cover their songs, but this particular one is my favorite of the bunch.
Timbaland
The man is golden right now. As producer, co-writer and contributing vocalist, he plays a major role in two of my favorite hits from 2006: “Promiscuous Girl” (Nelly Furtado) and “SexyBack” (Justin Timberlake). I am a huge fan of his collaborations with Missy Elliott as well. I’m not so sure I’d buy any of his solo efforts, but the name alone persuades me to buy a song on iTunes more often than not.