Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/11545
Artist: Trina Album: Amazin Genre: Hip Hop/Rap Release Date: 5/4/10 Lucky for Trina (aka The Baddest B*tch) her latest offering Amazin is amazingly good instead of amazingly bad. A little style change for Trina is evident on this album and it's actually refreshing. Not that old raunchy Trina wasn't hot, it's just that mature lyrics and dance ready beats make Amazin full of songs you'll have on repeat. As usual, Trina brings out some big shots to collaborate with-- like Monica, Lil Wayne, Diddy and Rick Ross. "Million Dollar Chick" is by far my favorite but "Let Them Hoes Fight" deserves a shout out to Trina for never forgetting she's the baddest… and always Amazin. Artist: The Black Keys Album: Brothers Genre: Alternative Release Date: 5/18/10 If you aren't familiar with The Black Keys here is your big chance. Re- leasing their sixth album, this duo is calling their latest Brothers and the first single "Tighten Up" (produced by Danger Mouse) is already burning up the airwaves. But don't mistake Brothers for a one hit wonder type of CD because it's full of future hits. "Never Gonna Give You Up," "I'm Not the One," and "Howlin' For You" are great, but I'm not saying all the songs are enjoyable. It's just that the good outweighs the bad so it's possible that Brothers could take you long into the summer. Artist: Keane Album: Night Train Genre: Rock Release Date: 5/11/10 Keane gained popularity with their song "Somewhere Only We Know", and the music on their album Night Train, re- leased in May, mirrors the same style. "Stop For a Min- ute" has the same melodic sound, but with some rapping parts. Other songs have female guest singers, as well. The quiet, melodic music that is traditional Keane really complements the fun new songs and guest parts. Keane will always be a band that can combine calming music with an upbeat song. Artist: The Smashing Pumpkins Album: Teardrops by Kaleidyscope Genre: Rock Release Date: 5/25/10 The Smashing Pumpkins have cho- sen to follow in the direction of many bands by post- ing their newest album online for free on their website, www.smashingpumpkins.com . So far, it consists of four songs that have their traditional sound but with a slightly newer spin. This, in part, can be attributed to their new bassist, Nicole Fiorentino. The new addition is quite exciting because of the longevity and fame of the band. It is always nice to see a new female member. "Astral Planes" has a futuristic sound to it that is altogether addicting. Artist: Nas and Damian Marley Album: Distant Relatives Genre: Rap Release Date: 5/18/10 The reggae and jazz feel of this album is sure to capture atten- tion and relax listeners. Nas and Damien Marley have paired up for Distant Relatives, an album full of political songs and songs for the future. The overall sound is very reminiscent of Sublime's song "Pawn Shop". The mixture with the rapping will definitely set the tone on this al- bum. "My Generation", featuring Lil Wayne, stands out among the songs. It sounds as though there are young children singing in it as well. Other songs feature artists such as K'Naan. Artist: Framing Hanley Album: A Promise to Burn Genre: Alternative Release Date: 5/25/10 Framing Hanley's second album, A Promise to Burn, is just as fun and addicting as the first one. Although, a relatively unknown band, this band has the makings to be a very popular pop-punk band, along- side Boys Like Girls and Mayday Parade. The music can add bounce to anyone's step and plaster smiles across a crowd of faces. The music is not too similar to other bands--Framing Hanley has the habit of standing out and holding their own. Artist: Jewel Album: Sweet and Wild Genre: Country Release Date: 6/8/10 Jewel's amazing voice could nev- er fade. Her new album, Sweet and Wild, has the melodic folksy upbeat sound that is typical Jewel. This sound is not something that could ever lose its touch on listeners. It is impossible to listen to any of her songs without feeling the emotions she feels. Sweet and Wild seems to sum up not only Jewel herself, but also the topics of the songs on this album. "I Love You Forever", written for friends and those that she loves, particularly stands out, along with "Fade Away". DVD: Leap Year Genre: Romantic comedy Release date: 5/4/10 This mild-mannered flick follows a predictable screenplay pattern, with Irish spins on the love triangle. Organized Anna (Amy Adams) is frustrated that her long-time boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) has yet to propose marriage. So, she unearths an old Irish loophole when women pop the question: during a leap year on February 29th. When she follows Jeremy to Ireland, inclem- ent weather forces her to trek across the country to make it in time to propose. She hires the reluctant Declan (Mathew Goode) to get her to Dublin, which rearranges her priorities. Deleted scenes feature more of Anna's father, played by John Lithgow. DVD: Tooth Fairy Genre: Comedy Release Date: 5/4/10 If you're over the age of ten and decide to watch Tooth Fairy, try to not pre-judge. The premise is Derek Thompson (Dwayne Johnson) is a hockey player nicknamed "Tooth Fairy" because he's knocked quite a few teeth out of player's mouths. Get ready for the plot--after telling his girlfriend's daughter there is no Tooth Fairy, he (of course) turns into the Tooth Fairy. You had to know that was coming if you're an adult but for the kids, it's a funny and magical movie. The moral of the movie Tooth Fairy is the same as with the real Tooth Fairy—leave this for the children. Authors: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child Title: Fever Dream Genre: Mistory Release Date: 5/11/10 In the wilds of Africa, A.X.L. Pendergast and his wife Helen are enjoying a hunting trip when they are called upon to take down the "red lion" that killed a Ger- man tourist at a photo camp. While hunting this beast, Aloysius is mauled and Helen is viciously ripped apart. Twelve years later, now FBI Special Agent Pendergast returns to the decrepit family manse in Louisiana, only to discover that his wife's tragic death was, in fact, a murder. Recruiting the help of his friend, Lieutenant Vin- cent D'Agosta, they return to the scene of the crime. But sometimes things buried in the past are better left there… as he discovers some very unsettling secrets about his beloved wife. Movie: Tidal Wave Release Date: 5/13/10 Genre: Action Tidal Wave, a.k.a. Haeundae, is a 2009 South Korean film directed by Yoon Je-Gyun. Billed as South Korea's first disaster film, Tidal Wave became one of the top ten most popular movies in the country's film history. The movie is about how characters and their relationships are affected and developed by the gigantic Tsunami attack on Haeundae Beach. Some may say the movie is more a melodrama than a disaster film, but those who liked "Perfect Storm" and "The Day after Tomorrow" should be enjoying it. The CGI looks outstanding and the cinematography is excellent. The 1080p vision is sharp and both the Korean and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio tracks sound deep and dynamic. WRITERS>>Tova Morrison, Tyler andrews, daniel alberT, ali lerMan, CynThia ryan, eriC Park MUSIC & MEDIA REVIEW CD'S DVD'S CD'S BOOKS BLU-RAY DVD'S LIVEMAGS.NET JUNE>>10 29