Nothing But Net (And Sweet Melodies)

Thank goodness I finally came across this photo because I was beginning to think I had been imagining things.

I was panting away on the elliptical machine at the gym this past Sunday when the following image flashed across one of the TV screens.

Oberst (second from left) and Maguire (centre) watch the big boys dribble and dunk

That is, of course, actor Tobey Maguire in the white T-shirt seated courtside at the January 28 Lakers/Spurs basketball game. Maguire is well known as a Lakers fanatic and is often spotted among other celebrities (like Jack Nicholson) at the LA team's home games.



What had me befuddled was Tobey's companion at this particular game. Just to his right in the tan blazer and cowboy boots is Conor Oberst, the man-child behind emo-pop outfit Bright Eyes.



I can certainly understand how the two would come to be friends - they're probably about the same age and I can see Tobey being a fan of Conor's and vice versa. I just can't picture dear Conor as a big sports guy - again, the outfit screams "I've never been to a professional sports event in my life" - but I could be completely wrong.



Anyway, I'm just happy to have photographic evidence to put my doubting mind at ease.

Police To Raid The Grammys

Despite Sting's (centre) expression in this photo, I'm sure he's thrilled to be reunited with his Police bandmates Summers (left) and Copeland (right)

You've probably heard by now that the original members of The Police will kick off their 2007 reunion with and opening slot performance at the February 11 Grammy Awards ceremony.

Though I certainly had my doubts that Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers would be able to put aside their differences long enough to come together as a band again, I must say I'm glad to see that it's happened.

Anything to keep Sting away from his f**cking lute.

All Hail The Return Of The Fan Phone

The first appearance of the fan phone back in season 4, episode 5

Last night's episode of 24 wasn't as high octane as they normally are but it did include the return of a show favourite - the fan phone.

For the uninitiated, the 24/CTU fan phone started out as an accident (?) back on season 4 of the show. The story goes that, as preparations were being made to shoot a scene, a crew member's mobile phone was substituted for the regular prop phone at the last minute. When the episode aired and phone rang during that scene, the number 310-597-3781 appeared on the call display and hordes of 24 fan(atic)s with stealth TV pause controls and quick fingers began dialing the number. Those lucky enough to get through were treated to the live voices of initially surprised, then rather bemused, cast and crew members on the other end of the line.



Since then, the fan phone has become a 24 staple. It's popped up in a number of different episodes before last night, either on another phone display or just randomly in the background of a scene. The number is continually operational and is always answered "CTU" by whomever happens to be carrying it (if it goes to voice mail, the message identifies itself as the mailbox belonging to 24).



I've never tried it myself (that would be one crazy long-distance charge) but I'm very tempted and may just cave before this season is done.

A Late Night PB & J

Still from the Young Folks music video

In the most recent late night TV preview, I failed to note that Peter Bjorn and John were going to be appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien last night (January 29). Not because I didn't see the band listed but because I had no idea who they were and couldn't be bothered to find out before completing the post. Bad blogger!

Anyway, I caught their performance on Conan and it turns out, actually, they're quite good. They did a song called Young Folks (featuring vocals by Victoria Bergsman of The Concretes) which was really rather lovely.

I can't find any footage of the live performance so instead I'm providing a link to the very sweet animated video.

I'll try to be a little more diligent in the future.

Charlotte Strikes A Pose For Balenciaga And Vogue

Gainsbourg backstage at the Balenciaga Fall 2006 show

The website for chic fashion house Balenciaga has a treat for those of us obsessed with music and fashion.



There are two videos featuring singer-actress Charlotte Gainsbourg that are currently available to view. In the first video,the Gainsbourg - the daughter of late, French icon Serge Gainsbourg and British singer-actress Jane Birkin (who also inspired the fashion must-have, Birkin bag) - is filmed taking part in a photo shoot with French Vogue.



For part of the shoot, wears items from the the Balenciaga Fall/ Winter 2006 collection. The rest of the time, she's dressed casually and is joined by (former Pulp frontman) Jarvis Cocker, Jean- Benoit and Nicolas from the pop group Air and famed producer Nigel Goderich, all of whom were collaborators on Gainsbourg's most recent album 5:55.



The second video is the official clip for the track The songs that we sing from the album 5:55.

Kylie On Dispaly

The V&A Museum lets you get up close and personal...to the hot-pants

In just about 10 days, London's Victoria and Albert Museum will launch an exhibition which looks at the ever-changing style of diminutive Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue.



Kylie - The Exhibition presents about 50 costume pieces used in TV shows, music videos and concert performances spanning the more 20-year career of, arguably, the UK's most beloved and celebrated adopted daughter.



Just in case you're wondering, the barely-there, gold lamé hot-pants from the Spinning Around video are included in the exhibition.



Kylie - The Exhibition runs from February 8 - June 10, 2007.

Bollywood Star Takes Top Reality Show Prize

Shilpa reacts upon learning she's won Celebrity Big Brother

Amid explosive charges of racism that managed to garner enough attention to reach British House of Commons (and attract a worldwide audience) the winner of UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother was crowned last Friday.

Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty came out on top taking 67% of the final vote. It was Shetty who was at the centre of the racism controversy, allegedly having been harassed by some other members of the CBB house including former S Club 7 member Jo O'Meara.

Former S Club-ber O'Meara was allegedly one Shilpa's tormentors

Coming in second on the show was Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael and father of Jermajesty.

Late Night TV Preview: January 29 - February 3, 2007

The Modfather aka Paul Weller

Here are some of the musical performers scheduled to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates an encore episode.



MONDAY

• Spank Rock - Jimmy Kimmel Live* (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
• Billy Bragg - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS,CH)

TUESDAY

• Soweto Gospel Choir - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)

WEDNESDAY

• Robin Thicke and Pharrell - Kimmel*
• Paul Weller - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• RZA - Craig Ferguson
• Emily Haines - Last Call with Carson Daly (1:35am - NBC)

THURSDAY

• Christina Aguilera - Leno
• Stephen and Damian Marley - Kimmel*
• Ludacris - Carson

FRIDAY

• Nas - Kimmel*

SATURDAY

• Lily Allen - Saturday Night Live (11:35pm - NBC, GlobalTV)
• Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Henry Rollins Show (9pm and 2:30am - IFC Canada)

Celebrate The Season

Sloan

WinterCity 2007 is well underway in Toronto.


Among the many events available over the next 14 days is the concert series taking place at Nathan Phillips Square. Things kicked off last night with The Philosopher Kings and the remainder of this weekend and next will see the likes of Jon-Rae and the River, Spiral Beach, The New Pornographers and Sloan (who I'll be checking later tonight) taking the stage.

So bundle up, get out there and enjoy some of the great music that this city (and country) has to offer.

So You Think You're An Idol?

Bernardo in full pout

There's something fishy going on with this Ian Bernardo fellow.

For those of you blissfully unaware, Bernardo is the singularly untalented but highly opinionated recent American Idol reject who's become a pseudo-celebrity a la William "She Bangs" Hung.

I, myself, am not an Idol viewer but spotted Bernardo on a preview for this week's episode and recognized him from his previous appearance on So You Think You Can Dance? (interestingly, another FOX show) that I happened to catch.

In both shows, Bernardo's performance is laden with attitude but lacking any discernible skill. He favours a cheesy 80s song for each audition: Never Gonna Give You Up (Rick Astley) for Dance and Gloria (Laura Branigan) for Idol. When, inevitably, he is called out by the shows' judges for being so bewilderingly bad, he lashes out at them with insults and profanity.

He seems to always be dragging around a mangy -looking mink: it was a full-on coat for during Dance but a small scarf for Idol. His lips got bigger though which, according to his appearance yesterday on Extra, is due to recent collagen injections.

The Extra report also revealed that Bernardo hopes to be a talk-show host one day. Which brings me back to my aforementioned skepticism.

I know a lot of people who appear on these reality shows have serious delusions of grandeur but I don't believe for a second that even someone as seemingly clueless as Bernardo is completely serious about progressing in these competitions.

It's clearly just a means to an end for him. First comes the exposure, then the notoriety, then the Hollywood career. Even Hung got a record deal and he's probably the polar opposite of a true opportunist.

I guess if Bernardo shows up on Nanny 911 ready to dole out childcare advice, I'll know the fix is in.

J'Adore Dior (And Chanel, And LaCroix, And Gaultier...)

Lacroix: le sigh

The haute couture shows for Spring 2007 are just wrapping up in Paris today and, I must admit, I've been experiencing bouts of light-headedness from the the sheer gorgeousness of the clothes I've seen coming down the catwalks.

From left to right: Dita Von Teese represents the Gaultier version of the Holy Madonna; Galliano does "Kabuki Chic" at Dior; and Lagerfeld continues to impress at Chanel

I've included links to slide shows for Dior, Lacroix and Chanel courtesy of New York Magazine.


You can also access Hilary Alexander (London Telegraph) articles on the Gaultier, Dior and Chanel shows. Each article includes video interviews with the designer behind each label (Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld respectively) as well as additional footage on designers Giorgio Armani, Christian Lacroix and Elie Saab.

Madge Gives It Another Go

In other fashion news, the Drowned Madonna website has come up with an exclusive photo for the new M by Madonna/H&M campaign.

You know, even just based on this one photo, I think the new clothing line looks fairly promising. I'd even go so far as to say it's quite chic. Certainly an improvement over that mess of a sportswear line she did for H&M last year. I was just at the Eaton Centre location last week and I swear I saw a bunch of those track pants on the clearance rack.

Musings Of Posh

Recently unveiled wax statues of David and Victoria Beckham at Madame Tussauds in New York

Holy media overload! Victoria Beckham went and got herself her very own blog!

I have no explanation as to why I wasn't aware of this online tome sooner. Thank goodness I can always count on Trent (and his peeps) for the 411.

I will definitely be checking out Vicky's blog on a regular basis and will add it to my list of favourites in the sidebar.

La Belle Musique

Bob Sinclar

France's NRJ Awards were handed out this past weekend. Yeah, I’d never heard of them before either which is why I’ve only gotten around to posting the news today.

International artists such Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado and Rihanna scored awards and Aguilera even saw fit to show up.


The only French winner I recognized was DJ/producer Bob Sinclar who had a single a few years back called The Beat Goes On that I quite liked. He had a couple of huge hits, World Hold On and Rock This Party, in 2006, His category, DJ of the Year, was new to the awards this year.

Toronto Rocks Host Dies

Majhor back in the day

John Majhor, host of CityTV's pioneering music video program Toronto Rocks (as well as several other ChumCity radio and TV shows) succumbed to cancer today at the age of 53. Click here for a complete obit.

I have such clear memories of rushing home from primary school every weekday to catch Toronto Rocks and I have no doubt that Majhor and the show played a huge role in my love (read: borderline obsession) for popular music.

Miss you lots John. Midweek Metal Mania forever!

Oscar Dream

Hudson (left) is in, Beyonce (centre) is out and that girl on the end is still just trying to get noticed.

Academy Award nominations were handed down today and movie-musical Dreamgirls walked away as the frontrunner, nabbing 8 nods. Oddly, none was for Best Picture but a whopping three were in the Best Original Song category. The other two songs in the running are I Need To Wake Up (Melissa Etheridge) from An Inconvenient Truth and Our Town (Randy Newman) from Cars.

As well, though both Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson were received noms (for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively) for their work in DG, neither Jamie Foxx nor Beyonce made the cut in the Leading Actor/Actress categories (and you know B is all kinds of pissed about that).

Canadian actor Ryan Gosling scored a Lead Actor nod for his performance in Half Nelson. I believe this makes him the first Mouseketeer ever to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Gosling in his Oscar nominated role in Half Nelson...

... and as a cute-as-a-button Mouseketeer (seated left) with Britney Spears (just to the right), Christina Aguilera (above Spears) and Justin Timberlake (top right).

While we're on the subject of Canucks, I'll mention that Water, by director Deepa Mehta, was nominated in the Best Foreign Language category, Paul Haggis received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay for Letters from Iwo Jima and Torrill Kove got the nod for Best Animated Short for The Danish Poet.

The Oscars will be handed out on February 25, 2007.

Last Night, On 24

His Awesomeness, Jack Bauer...

...awkwardly reunited with his dodgy brother Graem...

...who is married to this very Nina Myers-looking woman named Marilyn...

...that, incidentally, shares some sort of "past" with Jack.

Bad Brother Bauer and Not Nina have a son named Josh...

...who bears an uncanny resemblance to Jack's daughter, Kim Bauer.

Oh yeah, there's also chaos in Northern California due to a nuclear explosion set off by terrorists.

Coachella Family Reunion

Here's what you get when you hit up the Coachella music festival website...





... just this poster, nothing more.

If the information on the poster is to be believed (or there's no reason it shouldn't be) than it looks like there will be a few musical reunions to look forward to.

The big news here is that Rage Against The Machine are set to headline the final night of the festival. The band broke up back in 2000, with most of the members going on to form the relatively successful Audioslave with former Soundgarden lead singer, Chris Cornell. From what I've heard/read, RATM's leader Zach de la Rocha has been recording music since the band's demise but has never officially released an album.

The reunion of 80's "wall of sound" band Jesus & Mary Chain actually does involve family members. The pugilistic Reid brothers, Jim and William (think of them as the 80's version of Oasis' Noel and Liam Gallagher) will attempt to mend the familial fences that they thoroughly trashed by the time of their band's demise back in 1999.

Happy Mondays did involve another pair of siblings, Shaun and Paul Ryder, but the latter has had none of his brother since the bands 2nd (3rd?) split back in 2000. I think the Mondays might now be on their fourth reunion but at least this latest one, initiated back in 2004, seems to be holding strong. There's even word of a full album having been recorded and ready for release, though when that might be is anyone's guess as the band are not currently signed to a label. Oh yeah, Bez is back, too.

There will also be dozens of other artists descending on Coachella 2007. They include: CSS, Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Jarvis Cocker, Air, Bjork, Interpol and Willie Nelson.

The festival takes place April 27 - 29, tickets go on sale Saturday January 27.

Hobbits Like Apples

This video for Energy, by the Apples In Stereo, was directed by actor Elijah Wood.
OK, he's no Spike Jonze but it's pretty good as performance videos go and it's nice to see Wood put his love of music to practical use.
The Apples' latest album New Magnetic Wonder is the first release to be distributed through Wood's label Simian Records with the help of Yep Roc Records and Redeye Distribution.

Late Night TV Preview: January 22 - 27, 2007

LL Cool J

Matt Costa

Here are some of the artists scheduled to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates encore episode. Also, once again, the Late Show with David Letterman website is late in posting this week's guests. I'll add them here once that site is updated. UPDATED: 22/01/07



MONDAY

• Nas - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
• Alica Keys (panel), Nellie Mackay w/Brooklyn Philharmonic (performer) - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)

TUESDAY

• Cheap Trick - Late Night with Conan O'Brien* (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• The Shins - Letterman

WEDNESDAY

• Branford Marsalis - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Mandy Moore (panel), Roseanne Cash (performer) - Letterman
• Matt Costa - Last Call with Carson Daly (1:35am - NBC)

THURSDAY

• New York Dolls - Conan*
• Gwen Stefani - Letterman

FRIDAY

• LL Cool J (panel guest) - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, CH)

SATURDAY

• Ludacris (host and musical guest) - Saturday Night Live* (11:35pm - NBC, GlobalTV)
• Ozzy Osbourne (panel), Ben Folds (musical performer) - Henry Rollins Show (9pm & 2am - IFC Canada)
  

Saturday Night At The Movies

Big screen interpretations of (l - r) Ian Curtis of Joy Division, Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays and the incomparable Tony Wilson

I'm Elwy Yost.

No, no - just kidding. You young ones out there should go and ask your elders why that's (almost) funny.

Moving on.

I know I'm springing this on you at the last minute but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Tonight at 10 pm, IFC Canada will be airing 24 Hour Party People, a great film about the rise (and eventual fall) of the Manchester music scene from about the late 70s to the mid 90s. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, the film stars Steve Coogan as Tony Wilson, a presenter on Britain's Grenada TV whose love of music, blind determination and considerable ego steer him into becoming one of the most influential people in British music.

Through Wilson's eyes we see his part in the creation, nurturing and destruction of three seminal British bands: Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays. We're also given the story behind Wilson's involvement in two other legendary forces in the "Madchester" scene: Factory Records and The Hacienda nightclub.

Rather than being a typically staid biopic, 24 HPP thoroughly engages the audience, with the hilarious Coogan as Wilson often breaking the "fourth wall" to provide the viewer with some back-story for a particular scene, to point out important information or simply to give his own opinion on the action that's taking place around him.

As well, there are clever cameos from some of people portrayed in the film including members of Happy Mondays and The Fall and even the real Tony Wilson himself, playing a television producer who becomes frustrated with the big screen "Tony".

If you're a fan of British music from and you haven't yet seen this movie...well, I can't actually imagine that being the case. Let's say you've heard of these bands but you're not entirely familiar with their work or their place in music history, 24 HPP is the perfect primer. Even if you don't give a toss about any of that, Coogan is brilliant as usual and the main reason that the film works so well.

Use this as an excuse to avoid the bitter January cold or, if you must venture out, try to be back in time for the rebroadcast at 2:40am.

EYG On The Move To The EL MO

You've only got three more Saturdays to experience the weekly Brit/indie music throw down known as Eat Your Greens at Neu+ral (394A College). As of February 10 2007 it makes the move, ever so slightly east, to the legendary El Mocambo tavern (464 Spadina Ave).

The inaugural EL MO piss-up coincides with EYG's 100th party. To commemorate the auspicious occasion, EYG will release a CD compilation featuring some of the local bands (tba) that have, from time to time, provided live music prior to resident DJs Trevor and Duncan (an old uni chum of mine) taking to the decks.

Though I'm excited about EYG's new digs I will miss Neu+ral. It's a good little club at which I've spent many a lovely Saturday night, providing me with a host of good memories and at least one that was slightly embarrassing (though, admittedly, rather amusing).

Here's the official EYG announcement.


As of February 10th 2007, The Eat Your Greens residency, currently held at Kensington Markets Neu+ral club, will be relocating the popular weekly Indie-Brit pop- Rock N Roll night to the El Mocambo on Spadina Ave. Our final party at Neu+ral is February 3rd 2007; we still hold our Saturday residency until this date.

The choice to move is a decision made in order to keep things moving forward and avoid early retirement in the overly saturated clubbing calendar by becoming too static. The regulars spoke and we accommodated the suggestions and feedback.

The El Mo feels like a logical progression, still within the neighbourhood, a familiar place to many over the years and with one of the city’s best PA systems. We will continue to book and support local bands weekly as we have done since EYG came to fruition in spring 2005.

The Launch Party at the EL MO on February 10th 2007 will coincide with the one hundredth party thrown under the Eat Your Greens Banner. To celebrate, we will be releasing a compilation showcasing twelve Toronto bands that have filled our floors all of whom have submitted a track for the purpose of helping expose the current sound of Toronto. The compilation is strictly non profit, for promotional purposes only, and incorporates contact information for direct communication/booking and licensing of the bands. A small thank you in a nut shell to the bands who have promoted themselves via the EYG night over the last twenty one Months.


EYG will continue as a weekly staple of Toronto’s social calendar. Clued up resident DJ’s and guest DJ’s. A none “up its own arse” atmosphere and structured solely for the purpose of a good night out. I hope to see the continuation of your support and sincerely thank you for helping make EYG the success it has become.

Thanks and keep the suggestions and even critical comments coming. For booking information, drop a line to jake@northernmonkeyevents.com

Jake at EYG

Bust A Groove

Bust, the magazine "For Women With Something To Get Off Their Chests", has just launched a great new service called the Media Taster.






"The BUST Media Taster lets you actually hear some of the great music you read about in BUST, conveniently and on your own time, and for FREE! Simply download the Media Taster and you'll automatically receive a digital mixtape of music every other month, legal and free of charge. If you discover artists you like, the player allows you to purchase their music directly, track their new content and even send an email to recommend them to your friends!" [Source]





The debut mixer includes selections from Robyn Hitchcock, The Pipettes and The Gossip. For more information on the Bust Media Taster, click here. The Bust Love Issue, featuring Gwen Stefani on the cover, hits newsstands this month.

Reincarnated On The Big Screen

There have been some interesting casting notes that have surfaced over the last several months so I thought I'd review a few of the more noteworthy ones.

McGregor (in Velvet Goldmine) and Cobain

This first one is still in the "wild speculation" phase but intriguing nonetheless. Word is, Ewan McGregor has been tapped to play Kurt Cobain in a biopic based on the life of the late Nirvana lead singer. The rumour-mill cranked up to full throttle when Cobain's widow, Courtney Love, announced last week that she had acquired the rights to the Charles Cross penned bio Heavier Than Heaven and that she was in the "embryonic stage" of getting the film off the ground.

McGregor (who played the Iggy Pop-ish rocker in the film Velvet Goldmine) is considered a frontrunner for the role even though, at 35, he's almost 10 years older than Cobain when he died (he was 27).

Myers and Moon

Next up is the recent announcement that Mike Myers has been confirmed to play late Who drummer Keith Moon, having been hand-picked for the role by lead singer Roger Daltry. Though Myers is best known for his comedy in films like Wayne's World and Austin Powers, he was highly praised for his serious turn as 70's nightclub impresario Steve Rubell in the period piece 54.

The film See Me, Feel Me: Keith Moon Naked For Your Pleasure is scheduled for release in 2009.

Deschanel and Joplin

Finally, Zooey Deschanel is currently filming the Janis Joplin biopic, The Gospel According To Janis, after having beaten out a considerable list of young singers and actresses (Scarlett Johansson, Britney Spears, Joss Stone, Pink and Renee Zellweger among them) whose names were bandied about in connection with the title role. Apparently, Pink was the first choice of director Penelope Spheeris but dropped out because she felt the film's producers had turned the casting process into "some circus pop contest - who's the 'it' girl who wants to play Janis".

Oddly enough, just prior to arriving on the Joplin production, Deschanel had been filming the Halston biopic where she played another famous singer, Liza Minelli.

Make Sure Those Green Cards Are Up To Date, Boys

After all the time I spent going on about the abundance of Canadian actors on 24, the second half of the season premier saw two good ones (well, one good one and one nasty one, character-wise) go down for the count.

Cross and Majumder: done and done

CTU's Curtis Manning (Roger Cross) and terrorist bomb expert Hasan Numair (Shaun Majumder) were both killed off during hour 4. Curtis had to be taken out, by Jack Bauer no less, when he threatened the life of former terrorist/current CTU ally Assad - Curtis was attempting to exact revenge for an attack committed by Assad's organization against Curtis' military unit during the first Gulf War. Numair laid waste to himself, several random terrorists, a CTU field team and pretty much all of Valencia, California when he detonated a nuclear bomb.

Ah well boys. If you have trouble finding more work down in La La Land, you can always count on returning to the warm, welcoming bosom of the CBC.

In an odd coincidence, Majumder appeared in the film Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle which starred Kal Penn (as Kumar), whose 24 character, young terrorist recruit Ahmed, was also killed off in the same episode.

The Technical Difficulties We Were Experiencing...

Wooo, lordy!

I don't know the heck was going on with yesterday's post but it wasn't pretty. However, I toiled away overnight and got most of it sorted. There are still a few spacing issues but at least it's readable.

Sorry to do your heads in like that.

Brit Pop

Oasis

Nominations for the Brit Awards 2007 were announced today and those who got the nod made for a decidedly mixed bag of artists.

There were, of course, the expected nominations going to a number of upstart lads and lasses who made quite a bit of noise in Britain and the international music scene this year. They include Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen, Corinne Bailey Rae and Snow Patrol.

Some familiar faces were also honoured including Thom Yorke, Jarvis Cocker, Robbie Williams (whose former band Take That, also scored a nomination) and George Michael.

The international award nominations provided a few surprises. Though popular US artists like Justin Timberlake, Gnarls Barkley and Scissor Sisters (who actually more successful in the UK) dominated several categories, the relatively unknown chanteuse Cat Power (Hell, yeah!) still managed to grab a slot under Best International Female. As well, Bob Dylan will represent the old school in two of the international categories.

Also, as previously announced, Oasis will be honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award. See the full list of nominees below.

The Brit Awards 2007 will air live on February 14 2007 in the UK. I'll post the Canadian airdate as soon as I have it.

British Male Solo Artist

James Morrison
Jarvis Cocker
Lemar
Paolo Nutini
Thom Yorke

Corinne Bailey Rae

British Female Solo Artist

Amy Winehouse

Corinne Bailey Rae
Jamelia
Lily Allen

Nerina Pallot

British Group

Arctic Monkeys
Kasabian
Muse
Razorlight
Snow Patrol

Arctic Monkeys

MasterCard British Album

Amy Winehouse Back to Black

Arctic Monkeys Whatever people say I am, that’s what I’m not

Lily Allen Alright Still
Muse Black Holes & Revelations
Snow Patrol Eyes Open

British Single

Corinne Bailey Rae Put your records on

The Feeling Fill my little world

James Morrison You give me something

Kooks She moves in her own way

Leona Lewis A moment like this

Lily Allen Smile
Razorlight America
Sandi Thom I wish I was a punk rocker
Snow Patrol Chasing cars
Take That Patience
Will Young All time love

British Breakthrough Act

Corinne Bailey Rae
Fratellis

James Morrison
Kooks

Lily Allen

British Live Act

George Michael

Guillemots

Kasabian
Muse

Robbie Williams

International Male Solo Artist

Beck
Bob Dylan
Damien Rice

Jack Johnson
Justin Timberlake

Cat Power

International Female Solo Artist

Beyonce

Cat Power

Christina Aguilera
Nelly Furtado
P!nk

Scissor Sisters

International Group

Flaming Lips
Gnarls Barkley
Killers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Scissor Sisters

International Album

Bob Dylan Modern Times
Gnarls Barkley St Elsewhere
Justin Timberlake FutureSex/LoveSounds

Killers Sam’s Town

Scissor Sisters Ta Dah

International BreakthroughAct

Gnarls Barkley

Orson
Raconteurs
Ray Lamontagne
Wolfmother

Outstanding Contribution to Music

Oasis

I Guess The Chinese Didn't Feed Him

Did y'all catch the part 1 of the 24 premier last night? Well, I almost didn't because my VCR has decided to go on strike. (Yeah, I know, I need to upgrade my vintage technology. All in good time.) If it wasn't for the fact that my cable package provides me with broadcast feeds from all times zones, I'd be a very unhappy girl today.

Anyway, I loved the episode - it was classic 24 - and I can't wait for tonight's conclusion. The one part that really stuck in my mind was where Jack Bauer takes out one of terrorist Fayed's men by biting into his neck. I don't know about anyone else but that image totally had me flashing back to Kiefer Sutherland as a vampire in the 1987 film The Lost Boys.

Sutherland "vamps out" as David in The Lost Boys (left) and, as Jack Bauer (right), takes a chunk out of a terrorist on last night's 24 premier

You know what they say: You can take the boy out of the teenage vampire motorcycle gang but...wait.

24 Canuck Watch

From 24's first season: Kim (Elisha Cuthbert), Jack (Kiefer Sutherland) and the doomed Teri Bauer (Leslie Hope)

Yesterday's Toronto Star had a really good article on the seemingly coincidental fact that the hit show 24 boasts a relatively large, rotating Canadian cast.

Starting back in Season 1 when, aside from Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, both Bauer's wife Teri and his daughter Kim were played by Canadian actors (Leslie Hope and Elisha Cuthbert respectively).

Since then, 24 has been chock-a-block with Canucks including Mia Kirshner (Mandy the assassin), Alberta Watson (CTU Los Angeles Director Erin Driscoll) and, one that's not mentioned in the Star article, Lothaire Bluteau (bio-terrorist Marcus Alvers). I always got a kick out of watching Bluteau play a baddie on the show because I remembered him best as the title character in the 1989 Denys Arcand film Jesus of Montreal.



Canucks continuing on 24 this season include Roger Cross (current CTU Chief of Staff and Director of Field Operations Curtis Manning) and Carlo Rota (Morris O'Brian, communications expert and Chloe's ex-husband). Canadian viewers will probably also know Rota as the host of Great Canadian Food Show and, more recently, as part of the cast of Little Mosque on the Prairie.



One new Canadian face joining the cast this season is comedian Shaun Majumder, whose turn as an Arab terrorist might be a hard sell for those of us used to seeing his stand-up or as member of the mock news team on This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Although, according to reports, nobody will be laughing after Majumder makes his 24 debut.



As if you didn't know, 24 premiers it's 6th season with two, 2-hour episodes tonight (January 14) and tomorrow (January 15) both scheduled to air at 8pm (FOX, GlobalTV).

Late Night TV Preview: January 15 - 20, 2007

Sparta

Here are some of the musical performers scheduled to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates encore episode.

MONDAY

• Tyrese feat. Lil Jon - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• America with Ryan Adams and Ben Kweller - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
  

TUESDAY

• Sparta - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• Diana Ross - Letterman
  

WEDNESDAY

• Common (panel guest) - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, CH)

THURSDAY

• Robin Thicke and Pharrell - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)

FRIDAY

• Rocco Deluca & the Burden - Leno


• Fantasia - Craig Ferguson


• Gov't Mule - Last Call with Carson Daly (1:35am - NBC)

SATURDAY

• Frank Black - Henry Rollins Show (9pm and 2:30am - IFC)

If you've a little time during the day this week, you can catch LL Cool J as a panel guest Tuesday on The View (11am - ABC, CTV).

Please note: The Late Show with David Letterman website has not yet been updated with the schedule for this week's guests. I'll keep checking back and, if anyone of note is scheduled to appear, I'll update this post. 15/01/07: Now updated.

You Go Jakey -poo!

SNL regulars (l - r) Maya Rudolf, Amy Poehler and Kristen Wiig play back-up singers as guest host Gyllenhaal (far right) lets loose his inner diva

Check out this YouTube footage of the opening monologue from last night's episode of Saturday Night Live featuring guest host Jake Gyllenhaal.

Gyllenhaal performed (in a 60's wig and sequined gown, the song And I Am Telling You, the show-stopping Effie number from the musical Dreamgirls. It was a clever way to side-step a Brokeback Mountain gag (which everyone was was expecting) and play up a more topical pop-culture reference.

I have to give props to Gyllenhaal for an amazing performance. What he lacks in actual singing ability he more than makes up for with pure chutzpah.

Bellissimo!

Congratulations to Daniel Craig on his BAFTA nomination announced earlier this week. He got the nod for lead actor in film, one of nine honours for Casino Royale which was second only to the ten bestowed upon The Queen.

That is, of course, Craig smouldering on the cover of the latest issue of Vanity Fair (Italy). Since I don't speak Italian, I can't definitively tell you what the cover story entails though I'm betting that the Italian words for "hot", "sexy" and "intense" pop up in there somewhere.

Instead, I'm providing a link to a London Times article that was first published in 2005, shortly after the announcement of Craig as James Bond was made. It's a pretty interesting read, providing some info of which I was certainly unaware, such as the supposed reason he beat out other Bond contenders for the role, the revelation that he used to date Kate Moss and that he has a teenage daughter from a previous marriage.

Below, is a photo of Craig and his current paramour (whose existence I've been unsuccessfully trying to deny), the lovely Satsuki Mitchell. From what I understand, Mitchell is a film executive/producer who met Craig when they were both involved in the film The Jacket.

It's a pretty cool shot of the two of them especially considering they're (I think) at the airport (I've never look that good wandering around Pearson). He's got a sort of rugged Steve McQueen vibe going on. She's this close to looking chic but that electric pink bra showing through her white top kind of ruins it. Eh, I'm sure she doesn't give a toss because, you know, she's dating Daniel Craig.

Besson Hears Voices

Arthur and the Invisibles promotional poster

Besson with actress (and his then wife) Milla Jovovich at the 1997 Cannes premiere of their film The Fifth Element

I'd been pretty much ignoring the publicity for the film Arthur and the Invisibles until I discovered it was directed by Luc Besson. Besson is responsible for some of my favourite films including La Femme Nikita, The Professional and The Fifth Element. Invisibles represents quite a departure for the French director mainly because it's an (almost entirely) animated children's film.





Still, Besson's solid reputation in the industry helped him secure a level of on-screen and voice talent that would be welcome on any standard film project, let alone one aimed at the junior set. Aside from Mia Farrow and Freddy Highmore (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland) in the live action sequences, the animated scenes are voiced by a rather impressive and varied list of talent. They include: David Bowie, Robert DeNiro, Jimmy Fallon, Chazz Palminteri, Harvey Keitel, Snoop Dogg, Jason Bateman, Anthony Anderson, Rob Corddry, Nathan Corddry, Emilio Estevez and (lord help us) Madonna.




Arthur and the Invisibles makes it's debut in theatres this weekend.

Celebrity Couples News Wrap-Up

These two are getting a divorce...

Marilyn Manson and Dita Von Teese

...reportedly because these two hooked up...

Manson and Evan Rachel Wood

...but also reportedly because he was doing too much of this...

...allegedly with her...

Lindsay Lohan

...and now the soon-to-be exes are in a custody battle over these.
(artistic rendering only)

Also,

...these two make it official...

Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake

...and these two are three times unlucky.

Fabrizio Moretti and Drew Barrymore

Becks To Invade North America

Yeah, I think Becks is going to fit right in to the scene in La La Land

Dang! You don't get to your computer for a few hours and you end up being the last on the block reporting the biggest news story of the day.


So, y'all have probably heard by now that British soccer star David Beckham today finally confirmed rumours that he will not renew his contract with Premier League Football Club Real Madrid and has instead accepted an offer to play for US Major League Soccer club, the LA Galaxy.

The deal is thought to be worth US$250 million dollars over 5 years, which would make Becks the highest paid professional athlete in the US (the world? history?). Though that figure is probably correct, reports are that most of that income will not come directly from the Galaxy (I doubt any US soccer clubs have that kind of coin) and will instead be generated by Beckham's already existing commercial endeavours (ie Adidas, Pepsi, Motorola).

The defection to North American can also be seen as a success from a public profile standpoint. David Beckham is a superstar in every "futbol"-mad nation with really the only exception being the US, where soccer is still considered a niche sport. Becks would be seen as a huge fish in a tiny pond which would serve the double purpose of allowing him more time on the pitch (he was allowed only 9 starts out of Real Madrid's 15 matches so far this season) and would, in general raise the profile of the game in North America.

I just heard an anchor on BBC World mention that signing with the LA club was the most ideal situation because, as Central and South America are soccer loving regions and LA has a huge Latino population (being so close to Mexico), Beckham would start out with a relatively large built-in local fan-base.

As well, Becks and his wife, Victoria "Posh" Beckham, will benefit hugely from being right in the midst of the Hollywood entertainment industry, potentially allowing him to create more sponsorship opportunities and her to renew some of the career success she experienced with The Spice Girls. I'm certainly OK with all that but I'm feeling a little uneasy about the couple being in such close proximity to their new BFFs, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. No, I don't care for that one bit.


The LA Galaxy season begins in April of this year and Beckham will join them once his Real Madrid contract expires on June 30. Click here, here and here for more information on and reaction to the Beckham announcement.

Supreme Simians

See if you can pick out Matt "Fashion Plate" Helders from amongst his Arctic Monkeys mates

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. John Galliano for Dior. Matt Helders for...


Wait a minute.


One of these things is not like the others - but that's about to change.

Helders, currently best known as the Arctic Monkeys enigmatic drummer, has recently designed a line of clothing for the Supremebeing label.

In truth, the line will more likely be competition for Pete Doherty than for Lagerfeld et al. According to the NME, the collection will consist of " a jacket, a zip hood and three T-shirts". So, probably not too far off from the Fred Perry-ish gear Helders and his band mates are known to wear.

The NME article goes on to say that the Supremebeing Arctic Monkeys Collection will be available in-store and online beginning in May.

Mozzer To Save Eurovision

Mozzer declares "I'm coming for you Eurotrash beeyotches!"

Morrissey (aka Mozzer or Big Poncey One) has apparently been tapped by the British contingent of the (hugely popular though largely ridiculed) Eurovision song contest to help bolster Britain's chances for a win in this year's competition.

Reuters is reporting that after last year's 19th out 24th place UK finish (par for the course for British entries over the last few years), BPO had "expressed an interest" in participating in the Eurovision process. If he is brought in, it's more likely it would be in a song-writing capacity as opposed to actually performing at the event which takes place in Helsinki in May of this year.

Should Mozzer lead Britain to victory this year, he would join the ranks of past winners such as ABBA and Celine Dion.

Ron Sexsmith: Rock Star!

Well, not quite.

Sexsmith is certainly a talented singer-songwriter but "rock star" is probably not the most accurate label for him.

In fact, though Sexsmith is still pretty much under the radar even among music lovers in Canada, according to last night's episode of Extra he's a "bonafide rock star" around these parts.

Oh well, it was a nice gesture and should help to raise his profile on either side of the Canada/U.S. border as his latest album, Time Being, gets a stateside release via actor (and fellow Canuck) Kiefer Sutherland's Iron Works record label.

Ron Sexsmith performs tonight on Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)

Kindred Spirits

Future BFFs Waters and Federline

John Waters hearts Kevin Federline.



Yeah, that sounds about right.



In a Canadian Press article that appears in today's Toronto Star, the controversial director practically sings K-Fed's praises, saying "You don't see him out there getting out of limousines and flashing his shaved crotch. He's been the gentleman since [he and Britney Spears] split up. I hope he gets the kids – he deserves them more than she does."



Riiiiight.



Waters wouldn't reveal whether he would consider including Federline in any future film projects but I suppose it wouldn't be any stranger than watching Divine eat dog feces in Pink Flamingos.



Actually, it would probably be much more strange.

Sometimes It Pays To Be A Pack-Rat

Mortensen and Cervenka get cozy on the pages of Interview

While at was at my Mom's over Christmas, I found a 1992 issue of Interview magazine in my old bedroom.



It was the "Bruce Weber" edition, with the famed photographer focusing his lens on many up-and-coming individuals in the entertainment industry. Among those featured were (cover boy) Mark Wahlberg, Lisa Marie (at the time, girlfriend and muse to director Tim Burton), Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval and actors Dermot Mulroney and Balthazar Getty.



Also included were X lead singer Exene Cervenka and her husband, the then little known actor, Viggo Mortensen. The couple have since divorced and share custody of their son, Henry.


Though Cervenka and X are active to this day (they toured with Henry Rollins last summer) it's Mortensen who has become the superstar. His rise to fame was due in no small part to his role as Aragorn in director Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films.



What a difference 15 years and a blockbuster trilogy can make.

Okereke Comes Out...Maybe

Okereke (foreground) with the rest of his Bloc Party band mates.

I've been through this article from yesterday's Guardian (UK) a couple of times and, though I'm not entirely sure, I think it features Bloc Party lead singer, Kele Okereke coming out as gay.



Despite that possible admission, the interview is noteworthy for Okereke's views on growing up in the UK as the son of Nigerian immigrants, the state of racism/homophobia in Britain today and what it's like to be a 'black guy in [an] indie band'.



Plus, there's much talk of the eagerly awaited sophomore album from BP, entitled A Weekend In The City (due out February 6). Of particular interest is the lyrical content of some of the songs (I Still Remember, Kreuzberg), which is what initiated the whole sexuality discussion in the first place.

Late Night TV Preview

Spank Rock

Here are some of the musical performers scheduled to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates an encore episode.


MONDAY

• Jennifer Hudson - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI2)
  
• Twilight Singers - Jimmy Kimmel Live* (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)

TUESDAY

• Jewel - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Ben E. King - Letterman
• Ron Sexsmith - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• Alexi Murdoch - Last Call with Carson Daly (1:35am - NBC)

WEDNESDAY

• LL Cool J (panel guest) - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, CH)

THURSDAY

• The Black Keys - Conan

FRIDAY

• Common - Leno
• Spank Rock - Kimmel

SATURDAY

• The Shins - Saturday Night Live (11:35pm - NBC, GlobalTV)

One other note: for some reason, Last Call with Carson Daly hasn't yet updated their schedule of guests for this week's shows. I'll keep checking back throughout the week and, if anyone of note is slated to appear, I'll adjust this post accordingly.

UPDATES: For Carson and Conan - check it out.

Don't Ask Questions, Just Enjoy

The above video is all kinds of bizarre but the basic gist of it is we’re getting the track listing for the eagerly awaited Arcade Fire sophomore album entitled Neon Bible (tentatively due out March 6, 2007).

In case it’s not entirely clear, the tracks are as follows:

01. Black Mirror
02. Keep The Car Running
03. Neon Bible
04. Intervention
05. Black Wave Bad Vibrations
06. Ocean of Noise
07. The Well & The Lighthouse
08. Antichrist Television Blues
09. Windowsill
10. No Cars Go
11. My Body is a Cage


Apparently, the 1-800 number that appears at the end of this pseudo-infomercial is fully operational (I haven’t yet tried it myself) and, depending on which option you select, allows you to hear song snippets and speak with AC members.

No Cover Charge

Tonight marks the Canadian debut of The Henry Rollins Show (9pm - IFC, repeating at 2:30am and 5:30am on January 7).

The series sees the godfather of punk taking on the talk show format, promising a mix of political discussion and live music for our viewing pleasure. In the premiere episode, Rollins goes one-on-one with controversial filmmaker Oliver Stone and (the recently disbanded) Sleater-Kinney rocks the house. Future panel guests include Chuck D., Werner Herzog and P.T. Anderson while musical artists Death Cab For Cutie, Jurassic 5 and Frank Black will perform live in studio.

At 9:30pm, IFC continues the music theme with Rocked With Gina Gershon. In this six-part series, the actress extends her role from the film Prey For Rock and Roll into an attempt at a music career of sorts, touring across the U.S. with Girls Against Boys as her back-up band.

Finally, at 10pm, you can catch the 2000 documentary The Filth And The Fury, which chronicles the relatively short lived, though nonetheless fascinating, career of UK punk band The Sex Pistols.

La La Love You (Once More)

The Pixies prepare to board the tourbus again

If you haven't quite gotten your fill of music on IFC, channel-surf on over to the Documentary Channel for the encore.

This weekend, DC airs loudQUIETloud: A Film About The Pixies which is indeed just that. The film follows the 80s/90s "alternative music" pioneers as they embark on their 2004 reunion tour. The viewer is given an unprecedented look at preparations for the tour, the individual band members and the (past and present) relationships between them as well their interaction and effect on their legions of loyal fans. Plus, we get the best seat in the house to witness the band performing live on stage.

Also this month on DC, you can catch End Of The Century: The Story Of The Ramones.

Speaking Of Reunions

(l - r) Andy Summers, Sting and Stewart Copeland

The interweb is all abuzz with the rumour that The Police will reform in 2007.


Stoking the flames of speculation is word that there are plans (by Interscope Geffen A&M Records) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the band's first single Roxanne though, according to a quote from former Police lead singer Sting's own website, "the depth of the band's involvement still remains undetermined".

I'd certainly be interested in seeing The Police reformed - really, I'm in favour of anything that might keep Sting away from that f**cking lute he's so fond of as of late.

In the meantime, I'd recommend that fans of the band check out Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out, a documentary directed by former Police drummer Stewart Copeland. The film is compiled entirely of Super 8 footage,originally shot by Copeland himself, and documents the early days of the band, their subsequent ascent to international fame in the late 70s and early 80s and pretty much concludes with the band's demise in 1986. All the while, we get an insider's view on how the band dealt with their considerable fame and more than a few clues that the end was inevitable.

I was fortunate enough to catch a screening of the film last June when it was included in the film portion of the North By Northeast Music Festival. While I definitely found it fascinating as a glimpse at rock&roll history, I think it's the candid asides that give the film it's charm. Two of my favourite moments are: Stewart tumbling down a snow embankment during the filming of one of their videos and guitarist Andy Summers (displaying his previously hidden comic genius) as he attempts to "shoplift" from a highway rest-stop.

One added note: Copeland was in attendance at the that screening and though I don't remember any direct reference to a reunion being brought up during the Q&A (people were, understandably, more interested in the band's fascination with shiny, athletic-style short-shorts as a wardrobe staple), I do recall that he seemed rather less than optimistic that he might ever work with Sting again. But, hey, that was over six months ago - plenty of time for a man to have a change of heart.

TV On The Radio On The Tourbus

Those lovely Brooklyn boys from TV On The Radio will continue to promote their latest release, Return To Cookie Mountain, with a 30+date North American spring tour that begins March 1 in Providence and ends April 21 in Poughkeepsie.

Three Canadian stops are included on the tour: March 3 in Montreal, March 4 in Toronto and March 24 in Vancouver.Tickets for the Toronto show are available now at Rotate This and other outlets.

sO Cancelled

Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) sitting pretty between his two true loves Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson) and Death Cab For Cutie

I don't think the following piece of news will come as a real shock (or disappointment) to anyone but, after months of speculation, the FOX teen drama The OC was officially cancelled earlier this week.

Actually, I have to admit that even though I ceased my regular viewing of the show sort of mid-season 3 (I was thoroughly fed up with Mischa Barton's "acting"), I've caught a few snippets of the new season and things were looking pretty interesting, especially with the promotion of the character Taylor Townsend (Autumn Reeser) to full-time cast member status.

Ah well, at the very least, we can always look back fondly on the show for giving us prime time's first fully-established emo-kid, Seth Cohen (Adam Brody), who was pretty much responsible for making Death Cab For Cutie a household name.

The series finale of The OC airs February 22, 2007 on FOX.

More Music Previews

Arcade Fire prepare to reignite the music industry in 2007

Last week, everyone was busy summarizing the year that was in music. This week, it's all about what we've got to look forward to in 2007.

The current issue (January 4 -10) of NOW magazine devotes space to previewing some of the most anticipated releases for the first third of the year. Upcoming albums by Bloc Party, M.I.A., Arcade Fire, Norah Jones and Apostle of Hustle are featured while a separate, expanded list of release dates is also included.

In the What's On section of today's Toronto Star, columnist Vit Wagner takes a look at some of the local (New Pornographers, Emily Haines, Sloan) and international (Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Scissor Sisters) artists who are planning to make tour stops in the GTA over the next 3 months.

Whether it's coming at you through your iPod headphones or the speaker system of a concert hall, there will be plenty of good music to enjoy in the new year.

JT and Cam Call It Quits (?)

Is it the end for JT and Cam?

I've been avoiding commenting on the buzz surrounding the possible breakup of Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz because the sources and "proof" were dodgy at best. However, I too am about to throw my hat into the ring of speculation (though, truth be told, my theory is no less dodgy).

I'm pretty sure that JT and Cam have called it quits on their approximately 3 year relationship.

My admittedly fragile insight comes from watching Mr. Timberlake's interview on last night's Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Jay and Justin have spoken a number of times and have a good rapport. The interviews tend to be very lighthearted, with Jay getting in some good-natured teasing, often on the subject of JT's relationship with Cam.

This time, there was no mention of Cameron at all - not even an acknowledgment of her existence. True, the couple are normally pretty closed-mouthed about their relationship but, like I said, Leno usually manages to draw out some sort of information. Not so this go round.

I, for one, am still holding out hope that the cute couple are still just that - but it doesn't look too promising. Ah well, as long as Justin didn't dump Cam to hook up with old flame Britney Spears (an alarming bit of gossip that's been circulating as well) I suppose I can deal with this sad news.

W Mag Fuels My Fantasies

Craig and Kidman grace the cover of W

In case y'all thought my Daniel Craig obsession would wane with the new year, allow me to set you straight.

If anything, I become more enraptured with him every day. It's not like a girl can actually be expected to resist his charms, especially with publications like W magazine making him look so absolutely delectable on their glossy pages.

Yes, that is the Divine Daniel gracing the cover of W's February 2007 issue with the very lovely and talented Nicole Kidman. The two are the subjects of the mag's feature story as well as a super-sexy photo spread. Trust me, the combination of his raw sexuality and her sang froid makes quite the steamy coupling.

Click here to check out the pics for yourself and get a sneak preview of the article.

Soundtrack To My Ridiculous Life

Sugababes' (Ver 2.0) Mutya, Heidi and Keisha are ready to kick some ass and take some names on my personal soundtrack.

This fun little exercise comes to us from Jason P. via MySpace.

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?

Here's how it works:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool... DON'T CHEAT!*

My iPod Nano movie...

Opening Credits: Arctic Monkeys Riot Van

Waking up: T. Rex Bang A Gong

Falling in Love: Stereolab French Disko

Fight Song: Spiritualized Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space

Breaking Up: CSS F**koff Is Not The Only Thing You Have To Show

Formal/Prom: Serge Gainsbourg Ford Mustang

Life: The Bellrays Have A Little Faith In Me

Mental Breakdown: David Bowie Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)

Driving: Kings Of Leon Wasted Time

Flash Back: The Duke Spirit Lion Rip

Getting Back Together: Fiona Apple I Know

Wedding: Playgroup Make It Happen

Birth of a Child: Feist Mushaboom

Final Battle: Sugababes Hole In The Head

End Credits: Magneta Lane Their Party Days


Pretty interesting. Should anyone else out there indulge in this activity and is inclined to share the results, feel free to email pleasedocomecloser@gmail.com and I'll feature the submissions in a future post.


* I totally cheated. Not because I was trying to look cool or hide anything embarrassing but because I didn't want to have any single artist appear more than once. In case you're really dying to know, categories 11, 12 & 13 should actually look like this:

CSS Off The Hook

David Bowie DJ

CSS Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above

Kings Put In Some Studio Time

KOL's lovely Followill boys: (l- r) Caleb, Jared, Nathan and Matthew

We now have photographic evidence that those sweet Southern boys from Kings of Leon are hard at work on their new album. Although they could just be posing pretty with their instruments but I'm prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt.

The pics come courtesy of the band's MySpace page and can be accessed by clicking on the links below (the photos featured in this post are from their 2005 GQ spread).

The new KOL album, Because of the Times, is scheduled to be released sometime in the spring of 2007.

KOL1
KOL2
KOL3
KOL4
KOL5
KOL6
KOL7
KOL8
KOL9

More Studio Rats

NME has devoted practically their entire current issue to musicians who are presently or have recently been in studio working on upcoming album releases.

The mag has pics and interviews with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Babyshambles, Oasis and Arcade Fire (though, oddly, no Kings of Leon).

The Jan 6/07 of the NME is on UK newsstands now - it should hit North American shores in the next week or so.

TV Tunes Preview (Abbreviated - Again)

Twilight Singers

Happy New Year Y'all!

I hope that everyone greatly enjoyed their various end of year celebrations and that 2007 so far finds you well.

Once again, the holiday seems to have thrown my internal calendar all askew so, once again, the selective schedule of performers appearing on late-night TV this week is coming to you sort of mid-week-ish. I'll try to pull my act together for the rest of the year but I make no guarantees.



As always, *indicates an encore episode.





TUESDAY

• LL Cool J (panel guest), Gov't Mule (musical guest) - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)


• Regina Spektor - Last Call with Carson Daly* (1:35am - NBC)

WEDNESDAY

• Justin Timberlake (panel guest - perhaps he'll address all these Cameron Diaz/break-up rumours that have been swirling around as of late), Matisyahu (musical guest) - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)


• Twilight Singers - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)


• Placido Domingo - Conan


• Wolfmother - Carson*

THURSDAY

• Akon - Leno


• Matisyahu - Kimmel


• Xzibit - Carson*

FRIDAY

• HelloGoodbye - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, CH)

SATURDAY

• Christina Aguilera - Saturday Night Live* (11:35pm - NBC, GlobalTV)

If you have a little time during the day on Thursday, see if you can hunt down a station that's airing The Megan Mullally Show - OK Go will be performing.