New Weezer Album in the Works

By now, everyone knows about Weezer. You either love them or hate them, but regardless of your feelings, they just won't quit. Weezer made two of my favorite records of all time (The "Blue" album and "Pinkerton") and then slowly faded into mediocrity. Their last two albums (as far as I'm concerned) were complete flops and an easy cash in on a beloved band. Hopefully, Weezer is going to get back to their roots on the newly anounced "Red" album. Weezer has this habit of releasing an album with only a background color (such as blue, green, and now red) and then an album with an actual name (Pinkerton, Maladroit). It is good to see them continuing this tradition with the newly announced "Red" album, but I personally have very mixed feelings. Weezer has a lot of ground to cover to woo old fans back into their music, and let's hope they've done their homework. However, the new album artwork has me a bit worried...Let's hope they can finally redeem themselves when the album is released. Good luck Weezer, you desperately need it.

Hulk Smash!

True believers rejoice, yet another superhero movie has been slated for the glorious summer of 2008. This time it is the Incredible Hulk's turn to get a feature film. Some people may be a bit confused as to why another movie starring the not-so-jolly green giant is in production since a Hulk film was released only a few years ago. Well the short answer is that nobody liked the first Hulk film, but everyone loves the Hulk; so here comes the movie that does the gamma ray infused behemoth justice (while he dishes out a bit of his own). Edward Norton stars as mild mannered scientist Bruce Banner who, after an accident in his lab, became The Incredible Hulk and proceeded to smash everything in sight. Norton both stars in and produces the film; apparently he is just as big a fan of comics as everyone else. Hopefully, this time around will be the Hulk's big moment, and everyone can forget about the last film. The trailer looks amazing, and you can watch it and find out more information at the official website.

The Forbidden Kingdom

A truly notable martial arts movie will be released this weekend. Though it may just look like another summer action flick, "The Forbidden Kingdom" is finally doing what martial arts fans have been begging for: the pairing of martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Remarkably, these two famous martial arts actors have never been in a film together, even though they are this generation's answer to Bruce Lee and Sonny Chiba. The film apparently follows the story of two teachers that have to take the young "chosen one" on a long journey and teach him the basics of their two very different fighting styles in order to save the world. I admit, it does sound a little cheesy and perhaps does have a bit of a cookie cutter story, but it still combines two martial arts legends. There should be plenty of action and great stunts to "wow" audiences everywhere. Still, there is room for doubt; his could be a quick cash in on the two stars involved. Let's hope it isn't. Make up your own mind and watch the trailer.

Bob Dylan Receives Award

Everybody knows Bob Dylan is amazing. He is one of the greatest (if not the greatest) American musicians of all time. It's about time they give Dylan a Pulitzer. Yes, i said a Pulitzer. Thanks to the music of Bob Dylan, rock and roll is now a category for the prestigious award. Dylan was awarded the special music Pulitzer Prize for 2008, and he is in good company. John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, and a select few others have been given this honor, and let's face it, Dylan was a natural choice. However, Dylan as usual is a pioneer. Though others have been awarded this prize before, Dylan is the first to be awarded the prize for rock and roll music; the judges usually pick classical or jazz artists instead of rock musicians. So congratulations and way to go Bob; you deserve it. For more info check out CNN's full coverage of the story.

Rites of Spring

Vanderbilt University is planning for its annual Rites of Spring Music Festival on April 18-19. The small but loveable festival is a grea event for Vanderbilt students and Nashville residents to break away from the daily routine and enjoy some music. Every year it seems like the artists that play are bigger and bigger; this year being no exception. The Festival has already booked artists like Spoon, Feist, Lil John, and many others. It's going to be a great time, and those who can't get away from their busy schedules to attend bigger festivals like Bonnaroo should definitely consider going. It should be a great time, and if you go both days you get a discount! Check out the website for more info. Thanks Vanderbilt!

I Am Iron Man!

Summer and super hero movies always come at the same time. Who knows why, they just seem to go together like Batman and Robin. This summer is no exception. Tons of super hero movies are planned for a 2008 summer release, and the "Invincible Iron Man" has the honor of going first.

First, a little back story. Iron Man is actually Tony Stark, of Stark Enterprises. He is a wealthy man and anthropologist who, after being injured and forced by evil doers to build a devastating weapon, built a suit with amazing technology to defend mankind. This suit allows Tony to fly, shoot various kinds of projectile weapons, and enables him with super strength. Iron Man first appeared in Marvel's "Tales of Suspense" and has quickly become a comic book staple. Ok, enough back story.

The Iron Man movie, starring Robert Downy Jr., will be released May 2, and is bound to please comic book and movie fans alike. The preview looks amazing, and the story seems to remain true to the source material. The technology used in making the film works extremely well; it actually looks like Iron Man is flying next to fighter jets and crushing through walls. This movie could not have been made a few years ago due to technological limitations, so now fans are drooling over the movie they've been dying for someone to create. For more information check out the official website. It's here this May, don't miss it!

Record Store Day!

Every year independent record stores around the country pull out all the stops for one day. Every April 19 Record Store Day comes around; it is a day when people can celebrate music with their favorite local record store and let the store employees know how much we all appreciate them. For Nashville, Grimey's Music and Record Store is the place to be. This usually includes massive sales, great door prizes, and live music. Grimey's pulls out all of their overstocked albums, puts them in their parking lot, and lets customers graze through the overwhelming amount of music. Usually, these records only cost about a dollar, which is an unbelieveable deal. Furhtermore, all the items in the store are on sale. I have spent literally entire days in Grimey's parking lot in the past; there is that much material to sift through and that many good bands to hear. If you want to purchase a lot of music Record Store Day is deffinitely the day to do it. For more information check out .

Girl Talk Preps New Album

Girl Talk (a.k.a. Gregg Gillis) is an interesting musician. He takes clips of popular songs throughout the past few decades and stirs them all into one big musical stew. For example, he will put the words of a song that is popular today over the music of a song that was popular about twenty years ago, creates a new catchy tune, and then leaves the new beat just as quickly as he created it to go on to a new combination. The music flows really well; when listening to the music it is oftentimes hard to distinguish when a new "song" has begun and when the last "song" ended. This is a process known as "mash-up", and although it sounds confusing it's actually a bold new way to make music. It's fun and fast and the listener always picks up little bits from his or her favorite songs. What's better than all your favorite songs from the past twenty years rolled up into one huge album?

Girl Talk has spent much of his time since the release of his most popular album "Night Ripper" on tour, and he is finally settling down to make some new music. The new album was supposedly "leaked" on the internet, but Gillis quickly dispelled those rumors. In an interview with pitchforkmedia.com Gillis said, "Yesterday, someone posted a fake 'leak' of my upcoming album. I was not involved in this at all. The music posted had nothing to do with me. Please spread the word that the leak was fake." The new album is tentatively called "Wild Peace IV: Feed the Animals, Raise the Dead" and does not currently have a release date. But hey, at least he's working on new music! it should be a great time for all whenever it is actually released.

No Big Deal, Just Another Music Legend.

Nashville is being blessed again by yet another amazing musical artist. Lou Reed is going to be playing at the Rhyman Auditorium this May. Lou Reed is another artist that simply does not get the respect he deserves. He has influenced music for generations and is actually going to come to Nashville!

This is a big deal too. Reed usually only performs in Europe, and the handful of selected concerts is a real treat for music lovers. Reed was the creator of the band "The Velvet Underground," a band which many say helped start rock and roll. They were truly a unique band and were pioneers for their time. Now Reed is back and will be playing all the old hits, as well as some new material. This is another one to watch; tickets aren't on sale yet, but you buy tickets as soon as possible. This will be one to tell the grandkids.

Smashed

The new "Super Smash Bros." came out this sunday to a long line of excited fans. People had started to line up hours before to play the trial copies of the long awaited game, as they waited just a bit longer to recieve their own copies. This game has recieved numerous delays throughout the past two years, and it seems strange to finally have it released to the public.

"Super Smash Bros. Brawl" pits all of Nintendo's famous characters such as Mario, Donkey Kong, and Link in a free for all battle royal. I know it sounds a bit childish, but get a room full of people to start playing this game and hilarity is bound to ensue. Believe me, this is the ultimate game to play with friends. The game improves on old installments in a number of ways, but most significantly is the online capabilities. Now friends can "smash" with each other all over the world.

I think this game is a lot of fun to play with friends and if you have a Nintendo Wii, then you should certainly check it out. If you want more information check out the official website for more details.

S-s-sonic Youth? Here?!

I know i have been posting about a lot of bands lately who are "music legends" or underappreciated rising stars, so I apologize in advance for one more of these posts. However, this is cause for celebration. The legendary Sonic Youth has scheduled a tiny tour (encompasing a total of 4 cities), and Nashville is lucky enough to be on that tour!

This is big news. Usually, Sonic Youth sticks to only playing huge events like music festivals or televised concerts. For some reason though, they are going to play a show in Nashville's own city hall. They are renowed for their musical ability, being pegged as "art rock" or some other such title, but those titles really doesn't mean anything. Just know that Sonic Youth was one of the most influential bands of the 90s and the lead singer and guitarist Thurston Moore is regarded as one of the best guitarists of all time. Hey, they even appeared on "The Simpsons!"

Sonic Youth can be a little hard to get into, some of their music is not very accessable. With a lot of experimental noises and songs, many people scratch their heads when they here this daring band. However, it is entirely worth your time to check them out if you are unfamiliar with them, if only for music history's sake. Check out the band's website and see what you think. Then immediately go purchase tickets to the Nashville concert.

The Last Man Scheduled for Big Debut

Yorick Brown is the last man alive. Don't be confused though; he isn't the last person, only the last man. That is the premise for the exciting Vertigo comic "Y: The Last Man." Yorick and a few of his friends have to race all over the world to discover why all the men except for one died instantly. Well, Yorick does have one male companion, his pet monkey Ampersand. Together they have to avoid extremist groups who want Yorick dead, greedy merchants who plan to sell him to the highest bidder, and the armies of the world all going to war for the fabled last man.

If none of this sounds familiar to you, don't worry. You won't have to read over fifty issues of this Eisner Award winning graphic novel to get the story, because it is soon comming to a theater near you! That's right, this is going to be (hopefully) one of the best comic to film adaptations ever. The source material is rich, and the comedy is witty. Trust me, this is going to make a great movie. According to /film.com, New Line Cinema has picked up the rights to the film, and the original writer of the comic, Brian K. Vaughn, has already written the screenplay. Rumors that actor Shia Labeouf might play Yorick have popped up on internet fan sites, but all the other actors remain a mystery. Don't start camping out for tickets yet though, the film is a long way off. It is tentatively set for sometime in 2009, and it will supposedly be released in three installments as well to tell the entire story.

Great Concert From a Music Legend

The Modern Lovers may not be the most recognizeable name in music. They have not gained the recognition they deserve, but this New York band was way ahead of its time. Their music was called "new wave" or "post punk," but it was actually just fun music that anybody could listen to and smile. The Modern Lovers sang songs about the awkwardness of dating, healthy food choices and Pablo Picasso in their music. Yeah, they did not take themselves too seriously. The band existed from 1970-1974 and played mostly in New York or the surrounding area. Still, word got out, and the band has left its impression on the music industry.

Last night the lead singer of The Modern Lovers, Jonathan Richman, played a show at a small club in east Nashville. Richman played a great show. He has been creating music for some time now, with twenty-one albums to date (and a new one right around the corner), so the play list was pretty comprehensive of his career. He played classic Modern Lovers songs as well as music from his solo career. Richman deffinitely has stage presence too. He constantly came down into the crowd in order to start dancing or clapping and then would step back on stage and tell a joke or two between songs. Everybody was smiling; everybody was having a great time. Richman has not lost his touch and is still a great performer. Check out his record label's website to keep up with his latest music and news. And if you are not sure who The Modern Lovers are, then do yourself a favor and find out!

A Rose by Any Other Name...

This Wednesday, Feb. 27, a Nashville local is getting her big break. Caitlin Rose, a native Nashville singer and songwriter, is finally releasing her first album. It is a big deal too. Caitlin, formerly under the name "Save Macaulay the Band," sings like Patsy Cline and plays like Gram Parsons, and she is only twenty. Yeah, she makes a person feel really accomplished. Never the less, Caitlin's album, "Dead Flowers," will be released this Wednesday at the Mercy Lounge, and it is going to be worth the self scrutiny.

Caitlin will play a show in support of "Dead Flowers" that night, as well as a few other bands that want to show her their support. The album will be released by Nashville based Theory 8 Records, and is promising to deliver what fans crave. This album is actually just a seven song EP (extended play), with the full album to be released next months. But don't let that deter you, this is some of the best country music to be released in years.

Caitlin has already recieved a great deal of positive press including "The Nashville Rage." The show is not going to be expensive either. At a mere $8, there really is nor reason why you should not check out Nashville's newest muse. Still don't believe me? Have a listen for yourself at Caitlin's website.

British Sea Power Comes to Our Shores

Do not be fooled by the title of this blog entry; British Sea Power is a band, not an invading navy. British Sea Power has been making great music for several years, but they have never gotten the respect they truly deserve (in my humble opinion). This band has toured with the likes of David Bowie, Lou Reed (of The Velvet Underground) and The Flaming Lips, and yet they never seem to be able to get their big break.

I have enjoyed their past two albums for a long time, but their new album, "Do You Like Rock Music?," is a huge step forward musically. This third album was just released earlier this month and has already been praised by several music magazines for it's excellent quality, lyrical prowess, and overall catchy music. This is definitely in the running for my album of the year.

But wait, there's more! This great band is docking at Nashville this March! The band is going to play at Nashvile's own Mercy Lounge, and you should care because the band has been known to deliver an amazing live performace as well as great studio recordings. According to the British Sea Power official site the band recieved Time Out magazine's "Live Band of the Year Award." This is going to be a lot of fun. You should go ahead and buy tickets now if you have any interest in seeing this great band from Britain while they are staying on our side of the Atlantic; because this new album has given them the boost they need, and the show just might sell out.

Dr. Jones Comes Out of Retirement

He's back! The original action hero, Indiana Jones, makes his triumphant return to the big screen this Spring. There was lots of speculation about this film for a pretty long time; many people were unsure that it would actually see the light of day, and let's face it, a new "Indiana Jones" film does kind of seem like a quick cash-in on beloved characters. However, my doubt was silenced as I witnessed the first trailer to the new film, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

Nobody could play Indiana Jones like Harrison Ford, and it is for that reason that nobody will. Ford, age sixty-six, thankfully will still play Indy. I know it seems a bit farfetched that Ford can make a convincing Jones at his age, but believe me, he still has it in him. In an interviw with theraider.net (Official Indiana Jones Fan Site) Ford says that filming the movie was really not that difficult and did not give him any physical trouble, thanks to advances in stunt technology and safety. The trailer for the film shows Ford swinging from cliffs, crashing into cars, and escaping traps like he did all those years ago.

Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have teamed up again to bring the fans what they want. The film style looks like classic "Indy" and looks like the logical prgression in Jones' adventures. As of now, I really don't have any idea what the story is about, but I am confident it will be a blast when it is released this May.

Midnight Classics

Nashville has a few great little secrets that only locals may be aware of. One of these secrets is the independent movie theater The Belcourt. This theater has shown independent films that may not be quite popular enough for most crowds, but still deserve a place on the silver screen. The Belcourt has been a home away from home for many avid moviegoers, and this cherished theater is now adding a fun new feature tho its schedule.

Every Friday and Saturday night at midnight a "cult classic" film is shown for audiences who are brave enough to stay up into the wee hours of the morning. These midnight showings are tons of fun, with mostly serious fans coming to see their favorite movies on the big screen. The films include the likes of "The Goonies", "Fast Times at Ridgemont High", "Airplane", "Ghostbusters" and many others. The movie experience is a unique one to be sure. Most of the audience can quote the films by heart and do so during the movie. This may sound annoying to some, but saying beloved lines of revered movies together with die hard fans has its own unique charm. If it is not too late past bedtime, the midnight showing at The Belcourt is an event that should not be missed. The schedule of movies can be viewed at The Belcourt's Official Website, so go on over and see if a favorite movie is making a triumphant return to the big screen!

Bonnaroo Is...Back?

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is renowned for its hot days, good music, and huge crowds. A literal city is put up in two days to accomodate all the visitors from around the world. The festival is usually one of the best opportunities to see a plethora of famous bands all in the same area, all in one weekend. However, this year's line-up seems to be a little bit lacklustre.

Huge names are usually at this festival. Last year The Police reunited for a headlining concert at Bonnaroo; before that the likes of Radiohead and Beck rocked the fields of Manchester, Tenn. This year, however, there are no names worth the steep $200 to $300 ticket. Supposedly, 2008 was going to be a huge year for Bonnaroo. Their were even whispers of the ultimate rock band, Led Zeppelin, making a triumphant return at the music and arts festival this year, but Bonnaroo ticket holders had no such luck. With rumors of this being the biggest Bonnaroo ever slowly being dispelled, where does that leave the good Manchester festival?

In all fairness, there are some talented and enjoyable bands playing this year. According to Bonnaroo's official website, Pearl Jam, Kanye West, Robert Plant and Alison Kraus (Robert Plant, but no Led Zeppelin. That is not fair!), Ladytron, Lcd Soundsystem and others will all be playing crowd pleasing shows. Yet as great as those bands are, there simply is not one name that is dropping jaws and making tickets sell like they usually do. Bonnaroo will still probably be a great time for all that go, let's just hope this does not become a pattern at one of the biggest music festivals in the world.

Lost Is Found

The hit ABC show "Lost" is returning to television tonight, with a promising two-hour premier. The wait has been unbearable, and tonight is like having a second Christmas for hardcore fans (which is really the only kind of "Lost" fan there is). The third season left too many unanswered questions, and if ABC does not want a riot, then they had better give some answers in season four.

If there is anyone out there who has managed to somehow not catch this highly addictive show, then here is some advice. One should not start watching this television program without literally weeks to waste, because this is not a show where one episode is enough. It will leave the viewer begging for just one more bit of juicy "Lost" secrets. Wow, that is actually somewhat frightening. But it is the truth, scary or not.

Unfortunately, however, this season of "Lost" has the unfortunate short but sweet lifespan of 16 episodes instead of the normal 32. This does not seem to keep fans from scouring message boards, reading "Lost" magazine (yes, this show has its own magazine), or from gossiping with friends about what is happening on "the island" each week. In an interview with newsok.com "Lost" star Terry O'Quinn says that the show is taking "a completely new turn" this season. That does not exactly reveal anything too amazing, but most "Lost" fans have faith like O'Quinn's character, John Locke. It is going to be intense for sure. This is the first time when some of the inhabitants escape "the island", while others choose to stay behind. Who is lost and who will be found? Each episode just takes the viewer farther down the rabbit-hole, and it all starts tonight; the night fans everywhere have been waiting for. Now if "Lost" fanatics could just figure out what to do with themselves on days other than Thursdays...

Matrix Brothers Take On an Old Classic

Go! Speed Racer Go! Those were words many children grew up on. Though it may seem dated by today's standards, Speed Racer was once a staple in Saturday morning cartoon line-ups. Speed entered races with his Swiss Army Knife of a car, the "Mach Five", all around the world. He traveled to exotic locations, battled the forces of evil, and all the while managed to somehow pull out the lead position at the end of the race. Okay, Okay, so it may seem a bit cheesy, but no matter what you think about cartoons, Speed Racer has undeniably reached "cult classic" status. Unfortunately, in an age of computer generated animation the classic cartoons many people grew up on are quickly forgotten.

It is for this reason that Speed Racer fans everywhere rejoiced when the Wachowski Brothers, creators of The Matrix trilogy, announced that they would be directing a live action adaptation of the Speed Racer animated series. Now a lot of people are probably groaning at the thought of another cash in on old franchises, but rest assured this is going to be a wild movie experience for "Speed" fans and newcomers alike.

The film stars John Goodman as Pops Racer, Susan Sarandon as Mom Racer, Emile Hirsch as Speed Racer, Christina Ricci as Trixie, and a plethora of other big names as well. It looks like it is going to be an all star cast. Not only is the cast top notch, but the roles were cast perfectly; all the actors actually look like their cartoon counterparts. No fan will be disappointed with the actors chosen.

The Wachowski Brothers also are apparently using some type of new film style that will be unlike anything before it. In an interview by collider.com , Susan Sarandon reveals more information about the new filming technique. It is supposedly all in high definition, with layering that mixes 2-D and 3-D effects to create a cartoon-like experience using real actors. Yes, it does sound confusing, but it is seemingly working quite well. The recently released trailer simply confirms that the film is on the right track (no pun intended), and that the new camera style will be a complete blast to watch in action. And if that were not enough, the film is shooting for a G rating. So there is nothing that can keep fans of all ages from yelling "Go Speed Racer!" together this summer.

Coachella 2008

There is something special about music festivals. Thousands of people come out to battle possible harsh weather, cleanliness, sunburn, and late nights all for the sake of music. Every April 25-27, the Coachella Music Festival coaxes the music community into knocking the frost off its boots and braving the great outdoors of the beatuiful Coachella Valley in southern Cal. to enjoy good times and great music.

Coachella is one of the most renowned, (and most well organized) music festivals to date, and the line up of musicians is never short of extraordinary. The roster for the 2008 is no exception. According to Coachella's official website, there are well over fifty artists confirmed with more to come as the festival draws closer. The big names include the likes of Kraftwork, Roger Waters (playing "Dark Side of the Moon" in its entirety!), The Breeders, Jack Johnson, Justice, M.I.A., Hot Chip, and My Morning Jacket, just to name a few.

Unfortunately, those attending cannot have their cake and eat it too. There are so many artists playing that many of them must play at the same time, so it is important to weigh options and plan out a tentative itinery to get the most out of the days. Ticket holders must choose, but choose wisely which bands they want to see most. It's shaping up to be a memorable festival this year,so tickets should be purchased as soon as possible. Tickets go on sale Jan. 25, so have the credit card ready and the sunblock close. It's going to be a crazy three days.

A Great Loss to the Filming Community

Academy award nominee Heath Ledger, age twenty-eight, passed away today at 1:40 p.m. in his New York apartment. According to The Associated Press, his body was found at approximately 3:30 p.m. Police have confirmed that his death was due to drug overdose involving sleeping pills. Ledger had finished filming his role as the joker in the upcoming Batman film, and was supposedly suffering from pneumonia when he died. Ledger's family has taken an adamant stance against his death being a suicide, but the authorities are not as easily convinced. Furthermore, foul play has also been considered as a possibility. He had a lot of promise as his roles were steadily becoming more mature in tone, with his last three roles arguably being his best. He had a great deal of potential; the acting world will miss him.