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48 LIVEMAGS.NET JANUARY>>10 Artist: Alicia Keys Album: Element of Freedom Release Date: 12/15/09 Genre: Pop/R&B Alicia Keys has always been a strong entertainer and her songs have always preached strength to her listeners. This album does not stray too far from her message of strength, but it includes also a message of hope. This album offers a more vulnerable side of Keys, as found in her voice range, in the lyrics, and in the music itself. There is a heavy use of drums in this album but it matches the mood that Keys sets – the feeling that both singer and listener are freed from troubles. As always, Keys is a superwoman. Artist: Eminem Album: Relapse: The Refill Release Date: 12/22/09 Genre: Hip Hop/Rap Relapse: The Refill is an interesting concept regarding album releases. Eminem has taken his CD Relapse that was released in May and added seven bonus songs. Originally, Eminem's plan was to release Relapse 2 before 2009 ended, but was unable to finish it and is giving listeners a few extra songs this holiday season. Like always, Eminem's songs are full of witty punch lines and interesting beats. The Refill includes enough variety in the song to keep listeners entertained. Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars Album: This is War Release Date: 12/08/09 Genre: Rock This is War. Simply put, it's the title of 30 Seconds to Mars's newest CD. No other name would suit it as every song motivates the listener to "go to war." On most tracks, the music begins quietly but builds to a crescendo. Jared Leto's voice and lyrics rise and fall in a similar fashion. Well thought out and put together, this CD has a different sound from the first two albums-- it is much more sophisticated and intellectually stimulating. Artist: Robin Thicke Album: Sex Therapy Release Date: 12/15/09 Genre: R&B Falsetto crooner Robin Thicke pooled all of his resources on his latest CD, Sex Therapy and features not only beautiful songs but also beautiful partnerships. What's new this time around is the addition of more "club-like" tracks. While Robin gets a "gold star" for trying new things, the same can't be said about the song "Shakin It For Daddy." Best thing of all is it's "auto-tune" free and that's the kind of Sex Therapy we all needed! Artist: Timbaland Album: Shock Value II Release Date: 12/8/09 Genre: Hip-Hop/Pop Super producer Timbaland is back with his latest solo offering, Shock Value II. Saying Timbaland is an amazing beat maker is an understatement…usually. The excess use of the audio-tune and "shocking" collaborations also are more of the same. What I find most "shocking" about this CD is that it seems geared to a MUCH younger crowd. Old fans of Timbaland not only will wonder where Missy Elliot is--they'll feel left out and might just want to leave Shock Value II in the stores. It's only a suggestion. Title: Stones into School: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan Author: Greg Mortenson Release date: 12/01/09 Genre: Asian History/ Memoir Continuing Mortenson's bestselling Three Cups of Tea, this book examines the struggle of Afghanistan and Pakistan to stabilize. It's incredibly relevant with the U.S. sending 30,000 troops there. Using funds from his non-profit, Central Asia Institute, he traverses rural villages on a mission to build more schools for impoverished children, especially for girls, who have been marginalized by the Taliban. Including photos, this chronicles the humble efforts of people who desperately want their countries to move forward and away from war. It details military strategy and the rewarding stories of the girls who have graduated from the very schools Mortenson built. Title: Divine Misdemeanors Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Release Date: 12/8/09 Genre: Fantasy Being a pregnant Sidhe princess exiled from the fairie realm to L.A.-- is not easy on Meredith Nic Essus, a.k.a. Merry Gentry. Add in the horrendous and supposedly impossible murders of several lesser fey and a ticked-off Gilda, the Fairy Godmother, and Merry has her hands full as her emotions and hormones run wild! As part of the Grey Detective agency, the police often consult her on cases involving the fey. As her bodyguards (and the fathers of her twins) the Killing Frost and Doyle, the ex Queen's Darkness strive to keep Merry safe, so does she strive to solve the riddle of why the lesser fey are losing their magic and their immortality. Title: The Cove Release date: 12/08/09 Genre: Documentary To call The Cove a documentary is an understatement because it is more like a superbly written and directed feature film. The purpose of The Cove is to blow the lid off the way theme park aquariums and, in essence, the world, is treating our favorite friend from the ocean, dolphins. While at times The Cove is extremely graphic, it's also beautifully scenic. However you feel about dolphins the main message of The Cove screams loud and clear--knowledge is power. Title: Inglorious Basterds Release date: 12/15/09 Genre: Action If only this were a true account of a band of soldiers, who are American Jewish Nazi assassins led by Aldo, the Tennessee-twanging Apache, played amusingly by Brad Pitt, and not the gloriously brutal and intricate brain-child of Quentin Tarantino. But, alas, it is just that. The majority of the drama revolves around a French cinema venue, its owner, and the Bastards' schemes against the Nazi SS. B Title: La Boheme (Blu-ray) Release date: 12/15/09 Genre: Drama La Boheme, filmed in 2008 by Academy Award nominated director Robert Dornhelm, has now been released on blu-ray by Kultur Video. While the Puccini's immortal opera was beautifully brought to the screen featuring opera's "Golden Couple" Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon, the technical aspects of this blu-ray are big disappointments, however. First of all, the audio track is only in dolby digital (which is lossy), the picture looks rather soft and is not in highest resolution, and only English subtitles are available. You can still enjoy this blu- ray – it's La Boheme, anyway! - but be ready to be disappointed. MuSIC&MEdIAREVIEW W R I T E R S > >Tova Morrison, TyLer anDrews, DanieL aLBerT, aLi LerMan, CynThia ryan, eriC Park MUSIC BOOKS DVDS This Valentine's Day, couples that tan together stay together, so we also have a $100 his/her tanning kit for you to win from Fake Bake. (www.fakebake.com) Win a Blu-ray copy of CoUPLES rEtrEat, on DVD February 9!