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LIVEMAGS.NET FEBRUARY>>10 29 Artist: Never Shout Never Album: What is Love? Release Date: 1/22/10 Genre: Easy Listening Never Shout Never's much anticipated album has finally been released. The music is much more upbeat than originally expected, although with a name like What is Love?-- it seems to make sense. Christopher Drew's voice can be said to be whiny in some parts of various songs, especially in Sacrilgious. I Love You 5 can easily become 2010's love anthem for pre-teen girls, much like the Jonas' Brothers' song Love Bug was for 2008. The redeeming factor of this album is the music, leaning more toward an acoustic sound than an electric sound. Artist: Ke$ha Album: Animal Release Date: 1/5/10 Genre: Pop The newest pop star of 2010 is definitely going to be Ke$ha although, she is not the typical princess you're used to. With a bit of a "bad girl" vibe, her debut album Animal is filled with fun, upbeat tracks with some extremely catchy hooks. Animal's first single "Tik Tok" is topping the charts and songs "Blah Blah Blah," and "Your Love Is My Drug" will no doubt join "Tik Tok" at the top. If singing talent is what you are looking for you might want to pass Ke$ha up. But if you're ready to party on the dance floor, Animal will keep you going all night long. Artist: Ok Go Album: Of the Blue Colour of the Sky Release Date: 1/12/10 Genre: Rock The eclectic music of Ok Go dominates their newest CD release, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. Lead singer Damien Kulash's voice can be heard distinctly over the music, though his voice is soft, leaving the sound to be calming and flowing. At the same time, the music can make listeners get up and dance the night away. The lyrics to the songs have many repetitive spots, however it just adds to the eclectic mix and allure of this CD. Often the electrical sound can be more of a bother than entertaining, however it works for this album. Artist: Omarion Album: Ollusion Release Date: 1/12/09 Genre: R&B There is really no polite way to say this, so why sugar coat it? Omarion's third album Ollusion does NOT fit into the category of "third time is the charm." Churning out songs like "Speeding," "Wet," and "I think My Girl is Bi?" Are you serious Omarion? I can't believe it could take you more than five minutes to pump out this trash. Even the duet with his brother R&B crooner Marques is bad. Seriously O, you must have had an "Ollusion" thinking this is the way to start off 2010. If you couldn't tell, pass Ollusion up. I will question our friendship if you don't. Title: Noah's Compass Author: Anne Tyler Release date: 01/05/10 Genre: Fiction This narrative begins tediously slow while protagonist Liam is introduced. He's a self-effacing 60-year-old who moves into an apartment after losing his teaching job. Fiction is best when unusual things happen to characters that have curious thought patterns, conversations and idiosyncrasies, as well as backgrounds people can relate to. While Liam and his three daughters and ex-wife have similar family dynamics to many, unfortunately, the sole pivotal event is Liam's concussion and his obsession with it. Though likable, when Liam starts to get into action, the book is halfway finished. This 18th novel of Tyler's is one to pass on. Title: The Swan Thieves Author: Elizabeth Kostova Release Date: 1/3/10 Genre: Mystery A richly woven tale draws you into one man's obsession with a ghost. When semi-famous painter Robert Oliver attacks the Leda painting (a controversial rendering of a woman being besieged by a swan) at the National Gallery of Art, his arrest leads to his commitment at Goldengrove on suspicion of mental illness. Dr. Marlow is assigned his case and finds himself almost as obsessed after reading Robert's prized possession—century-old love letters between a young French painter and the uncle of her husband. His quest leads to Robert's past real-life loves and they paint a mental picture of a man who seems desperate to resurrect the dead woman through his endless portraits of her. Title: Trucker Release date: 01/12/10 Genre: Drama "Not everyone's cut out like everyone else," Diane (Michelle Monaghan) explains of her trucker lifestyle to her son Peter (Jimmy Bennett). Tomboy tough, and reluctant to be a mother, Diane does not want to be vulnerable and stifled. This film festival official selection is co-produced by and stars Monaghan as a freewheeling driver who unexpectedly has to host the 11-year-old son she abandoned as a baby. The gritty world of cross-country big-rigging serves as a backdrop to this beautifully crafted story that is exceptionally performed. It's all about reconciling one's past choices with an unknown future. Bennett's depiction is both adorable and heartbreaking. Movie: Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening Release Date: 1/19/10 Genre: Comedy If you are not familiar with Aziz Ansari, it's time to get familiar. Aziz covers random topics from family and Craigslist, to the most awesome concert he's ever been to: R. Kelly. Aziz's delivery is so lively and passionate, it will keep you hanging on every word. Honestly, this DVD is hysterical from beginning to end. For your comedy collection, Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening is a must have! Movie: This is It (Blu-ray) Release Date: 1/26/10 Genre: Music Documentary A wise man said, "Life is short, art is long." Michael Jackson has been physically gone but with its highest quality, this blu-ray contains the very last breath of his musical passion and spirit that will last forever with us. Even though there are many moving moments especially when he sings "I'll be there" in his own original version, the entire documentary, which mainly features the final rehearsals for the European tours, is tremendously fun and entertaining. With all the best crews, musicians and dancers, Michael truly shines as the King of Pop. This is absolutely a must own! Artist: Charlotte Gainsbourg Album: IRM Release Date: 1/19/10 Genre: Wave/Pop The quiet, crescendo music of Charlotte Gainsbourg is almost instantly calming. Her newest album, IRM, is nothing less. Coupled with an occasional song in French, the music, her voice, and the lyrics (that are in English) create a relaxing effect that can inspire deep thinking and creativity. Although not something that could be considered popular in the United States, the music may make a breakthrough and appears to be much anticipated, or at least heavily advertised on websites. MUSIC&MEDIAREVIEW Writers>>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!