Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/13059
Artist: Drake Album: Thank Me Later Genre: Hip-Hop/ Rap Release Date: 6/15/10 While taking a listen to Canadian born Drake's debut album Thank Me Later, only one word come to mind, overrated. With Drake being new to the game, it's strange he would take the approach of being lyri- cally arrogant. Even stranger is that "Thank Me Later" showcases beats that are nothing to brag about. Matter of fact, his high-profile collaborations with Jay-Z ("Light Up") and Lil Wayne ("Miss Me") steal the spotlight. (He should remember to thank them later.) If you are looking for that summer "heater", Thank Me Later would be a must not have. Don't worry, you'll thank me later. Artist: Various Album: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack Genre: Soundtrack Release Date: 6/8/10 Even if you aren't a fan of the Twilight movie franchise (Is that possible??) there is a lot to be said about the Twilight soundtrack music series, and it's all good. The latest movie release brings "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack" and fea- tures a wide range of amazing talent like Vampire Week- end, The Black Keys, Cee-Lo Green, and Muse. From rock and romance, to dark and haunting, this 15 track CD shows the music from these films is becoming just as popular. There is definitely something for everyone on the Eclipse Soundtrack even if you aren't into Twilight on the big screen. Artist: Kevin Rudolf Album: To the Sky Genre: Electro Pop Release Date: 6/15/10 Kevin Rudolf's second CD To the Sky is more than just the hit song "I Made It"(Cash Money Heros), although, that track is quite full of party music. "You Make the Rain Fall" is a cute ballad-style hip- hop track that can get any girl to swoon. The nice thing about this album is that it's full of diverse songs and sounds that manage to somehow meld together. The diverse music can create an awe- some dance party mix - without even changing the artist. Artist: The Gaslight Anthem Album: American Slang Genre: Rock Release Date: 6/15/10 This band first began creating albums only three years ago, but Gaslight Anthem's music and vocals sound as if they've been around forever. The band's ma- jor influence is Springsteen, which can be heard in the unique voice of the lead singer, Brian Fallon. Although Gaslight Anthem is mostly compared to Springsteen, a hint of their music can be referenced to sounding like the Killers. "American Slang", the track that shares the name of the album, is relaxing and may someday rival Jour- ney's "Don't Stop Believin," as an anthem to the world. Artist: Eminem Album: Recovery Genre: Pop Rap Release Date: 6/18/10 It is being said that Eminem's new album, Recovery, is one of his best. In part, this is because his sober apology "Love the Way You Lie", where he teams with Rihannna, can be found as updates on many current Facebook pages —a measure of the popularity of the song. Other tracks include artists like Lil Wayne and Pink, and Kobe is even featured on one of his songs, "Talkin 2 Myself". Emi- nem has always been known for his immature songs, but these sober, more mature songs seem to be from a newly serious artist. Artist: Christina Aguilera Album: Bionic Genre: Pop Release Date: 6/8/10 In the media lately, there's been a lot of debate over who is influenc- ing who - Lady Gaga or Christina Aguilera. It seems like both draw inspiration from the other's fame and choices, and perhaps they are just very similar in their styles with- out even knowing it. Xtina's newest album, Bionic, fea- tures "Not Myself Tonight" as it's hit new song. However this album has many singles in its future. Xtina has never lost her popularity, even through her "Dirty" phase, be- cause of her vocal range. "Monday Morning" sounds like it was inspired by Madonna's sound. The album, like all of her others, involves some ballads showing off her incredible range. Title: 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It Genre: Comedy Release Date: 6/8/10 I pretty much knew that "41-Year- Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It" was going to suck but alas, I am a sucker for spoof movies. Starring Bryan Callen, this DVD parodies the great comedies that the title mentions (duh) so you'd think it would at least be equally as funny. Nope. The best part was the Slumdog Millionaire style dance, "She's a Ho." I guess it does have its funny parts but if you want to get a good laugh, stick to the original movies that 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It tries to top. Title: Youth in Revolt Genre: Comedy Release Date: 6/15/10 Filled with sardonic surprises and stop motion animation, this film is based on the C.D. Payne novel, and is on its way to becoming a cult favorite. Michael Cera, as Nick Twisp and alter ego François, delivers a funny performance as a 16-year-old pining after trailer park princess Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday). Wreaking havoc upon Berkeley, Ukiah and Santa Cruz, Nick ad- vertently slips into sociopath mode to prove he is worthy of Sheeni's love. Supporting players, including Steve Buscemi, Zach Galifianakis and Mary Kay Place, inun- date this movie with humor. The deleted scene depart- ment is nothing less than pure gold. Title: My Name is Memory Author: Ann Brashares Genre: Fantasy Release Date: 6/1/10 This is the very vivid tale of Daniel Grey… a soul who has been reincar- nated over and over again for more than a thousand years. Starting from 552 in Asia Minor, his first life as a soldier brings him to "Sophia." Tragically, he burns her house down and destroys her and her family. As he lives and dies, he has "the memory" so he can recognize the souls of those he has loved and lost. He is always in search of Sophia and finally, time and circumstances brings him and Sophia – in the shape of a teenager named Lucy Broward – together. Lucy struggles to un- derstand her strange attraction to Daniel, and eventually finds the truth through a psychic and hypnotherapy. Title: Messages: Signs, Visits, and Premonitions from Loved Ones Lost on 9/11 Author: Bonnie McEneaney Genre: Paranormal Spirituality Release Date: 6/8/10 These before and after September 11th ghost stories are authentic and intriguing. McEneaney began receiving supernatural messages from her husband, after he died in the World Trade Center attacks. Still grieving, she met other families of fallen victims that had mystical meetings with their own deceased loved ones. This book tenderly compiles McEneaney's own revelations from beyond, and the stories of souls who were killed and who gave their lives to save others on that fateful day. There are fascinating narratives of victims that had voiced psychic awareness of the disaster to come. Photos of the depart- ed accompany the chapters. Title: Life [Blu-ray] Genre: Nature & Wildlife Release Date: 6/1/10 Since Planet Earth, one of the most acclaimed nature documentaries, BBC has released many outstanding series including; Gala- pagos, Ganges, Yellowstone, and Wild Pacific. After four years of dedicated efforts, BBC recently released an- other masterpiece "Life" in a 4 blu-ray set. There are two distinct versions of the series available: the BBC edition, narrated by naturalist and broadcaster David Attenbor- ough, and the US-produced Discovery Channel edition, narrated by Oprah Winfrey. Of the two, the BBC edition is recommended because the narration is more involv- ing and the technical aspects are superior. The picture is stunning and gorgeous with 1080p/VC-1 transfer and shows remarkable clarity and detail. The sound is also excellent with DTS-HD HR 5.1 audio track. Together with Planet Earth, this new documentary in blu-ray is a must have in anyone's collection. WRITERS>>Tova Morrison, Tyler andrews, daniel alberT, ali lerMan, CynThia ryan, eriC Park MUSIC & MEDIA REVIEW CD'S DVD'S BOOKS BLU-RAY 50 LIVEMAGS.NET JULY>>10