Scarlett Brings The Honey

Bjork

The 2007 Coachella Festival wrapped up last night and, by all accounts, it was a full out success. Many reports have the first night (April 27) as being with strongest with standout out performances by he likes of Arctic Monkeys and Bjork. The Icelandic pixie apparently shut the place down with a mind-bending, multi-media 16-song set. I really can't wait to see her at Virgin Fest this September - I hope her set doesn't get cut short the Flaming Lips last year.

Jim Reid (Jesus & Mary Chain) and Scarlett Johansson

Another performance of note on Friday was that of the recently reformed Jesus & Mary Chain. Not only were the Reid brothers back in fine wall-of-noise form but they also produced special "surprise" guest, actress Scarlett Johansson. She performed back-up vocals on the JAMC song Just Like Honey - the track was the closer for Johansson's 2003 film Lost in Translation. Click here for a brief, fuzzy clip of the performance - if I can find anything better I'll post it later on.

You can also see exclusive footage of Coachella artists performing initmate sets in the AT&T Blue Room.

Late Night TV Preview: April 30 - May 5, 2007

Tom Waits

Noisettes

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


MONDAY

• Kaiser Chiefs - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Dinosaur Jr - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
• Silversun Pickups - Jimmy Kimmel Live* (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
  
• Arctic Monkeys - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• Noisettes - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, CH)
• Silversun Pickups - Last Call with Carson Daly* (1:35am - NBC)
  

TUESDAY

• Patti Smith - Leno
• Modest Mouse - Letterman
• Kaiser Chiefs - Kimmel
• The Format - Carson

WEDNESDAY

• Ben Kweller - Letterman
• Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Kimmel
• Alice Cooper (panel guest), Teddybears (musical performers) - Carson

THURSDAY

• Tori Amos - Letterman
• Macy Gray - Kimmel
  
• Alice Cooper (panel guest) - Ferguson

FRIDAY

• Tom Waits - Conan
• Ozomatli - Ferguson

SATURDAY

• Slayer - Henry Rollins Show (9pm & 3:15am - IFC Canada)
  

Armchair Wrap-up

Sutherland and Leno on The Tonight Show April 26, 2007

I'm a little strapped for time today so I'm just checking in with a quickie post that reviews two of my favourite late-night TV moments from the past week.

The first involves Kiefer Sutherland on the Tonight Show this past Thursday. Most of it was pretty standard fare with Jay Leno going over the regular shtick where he tries to trick Kiefer into revealing plot secrets from 24.

However, perhaps inspired by the earlier animal segment, the two veered into a rather disgustingly hilarious story involving Kiefer, Robert Downey Jr and an amourous orangutan. There was also a sneak preview of an May 20 episode of The Simpsons which features the voices of Sutherland and Mary Lynn Rajskub (Chloe O'Brien) in a 24 spoof. Click here for the full interview.


The other involves the Arctic Monkeys who appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, also this past Thursday. They did two songs: the current single Brianstorm and Old Yellow Bricks (which played during the shows closing credits). Though the performances were good it was actually Kimmel's intro of the first song that was most memorable insomuch as he pronounced it incorrectly - BrAInstorm as opposed to BrIAnstorm.

I'm not sure why that snafu amused me so. Perhaps because it so obviously pissed off the band who, already miffed at having to appear on a cheesy American chat show, are made painfully aware that the show's host is so indifferent to their presence that he couldn't even be bothered to learn the proper name of their song. Or maybe it was the thought of every AM fan letting out a simultaneous groan at hearing the song's title mangled.

Ah well lads, I'm sure Conan O'Brien will make it all better on Monday.

Coachella Takes Off Without Bez

Bez and Mondays lead singer Shaun Ryder

The North American music festival season kicks off this weekend with California's Coachella. A whole whack of amazing artists will hit the stage including Arcade Fire, Bjork, Interpol, Jesus & Mary Chain, Arctic Monkeys and Peaches.

As well, the much heralded reunion of Manchester's Happy Mondays is scheduled to make their first US appearance in 15 years on Sunday (April 29) but, unfortunately, it will be without band muse Bez. US customs refused to issue the "Freaky Dancer" entry to American soil due to "tightening immigration and working visa legislation".

Maybe they can arrange a live satellite hook-up in time for the set. I can see that working quite nicely.

Reunited And It Feels...Meh

So the big news on this weeks 24 is that Jack rescued Audrey from the Chinese but, obviously, not without sacrifice. Just not the sacrifice that was expected.

Jack's plan was to offer the thingy (technical term) from the Russian nuclear device as bait to the Chinese and then, once Audrey was out of harm's way, blow up the device along with himself and anyone else in the immediate vicinity. However, CTU (under orders from acting President Daniels) stepped in to stop the mission and - drum role please - ended up allowing the head Chinese dude to escape with said thingy.

Also, even though Audrey was saved she seems to be suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and is having trouble recognizing her current surroundings and loved ones, specifically Jack.





Karen Hayes learns that her husband, CTU director Bill Buchanan, will have to take the fall for signing off on Fayed's release from federal custody a few years prior even though, at the time, there was no concrete evidence that he posed a legitimate and immediate terrorist threat. Even worse, Karen is the one who has to tell Bill he's fired.

"Honey, do you remember how we talked about taking time off from work to go on vacation? Well, how would you feel about going on your own?"
"Oh, I don't like the sound of this at all."

In other couples news...

Chloe and Morris continue to grate on each others news as he feels that she is constantly questioning his competency and she feels he's overly sensitive.

Milo experiences feelings of jealousy for what he sees as Nadia being a little too impressed with Doyle's tactical abilities. Things become even more awkward when Nadia is named acting CTU director in Bill's absence.

Acting president Daniels and his personal assistant...Actually, the mere thought of that coupling is making me nauseous. I think seeing it in print might cause me to poke my own eyes out. Suffice to say, I hope she meets an unfortunate accident on her way home to grab "a change of clothes". <shudder>

For Real This Time

Um, I don't think these outfits are suitable for the weather in Iqaluit.

Citizens of Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Charlottetown and all other Canadian cities that aren't Toronto rejoice. After a bit of confusion last month, the White Stripes have finally announced the proper dates for their 2007 North American tour and it includes many a region to which most Canucks (myself including) have not ventured.

"Having never done a full tour of Canada, Meg and I thought it was high time to go whole hog. We want to take this tour to the far reaches of the Canadian landscape. From the ocean to the permafrost. The best way for us to do that is ensure that we perform in every province and territory in the country, from the Yukon to Prince Edward Island. Another special moment on this tour is the show which will occur in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia on July 14th, The White Stripes 10th anniversary." - Jack White [source]

Well, I certainly wish Meg and Jack the best of luck with all that. Personally, I'm plenty impressed they even had the gumption (that's right, I said gumption) to crack open an atlas and locate so many of these oft-overlooked places.

Now that I think about it, my mom is planning a trip out east this summer and I think she's supposed to be in Nova Scotia around the time the Stripes touch down. Maybe I should get her tickets for the anniversary gig as a Mother's Day gift..

Here are the North American gigs that are have been announced so far, though more US dates are still to be confirmed:

• June 24 Burnaby, British Columbia - Deer Lake Park


• June 25 Whitehorse, Yukon - Yukon Arts Centre


• June 26 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - Shorty Brown Multiplex Arena


• June 27 Iqaluit, Nunavut - Arctic Winter Games Arena


• June 29 Calgary, Alberta - Pengrowth Saddledome


• June 30 Edmonton, Alberta - Shaw Convention Center


• June 1 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - TCU Place07-02 Winnipeg, Manitoba - MTS Centre


• July 3 Thunder Bay, Ontario - Community Auditorium


• July 5 Toronto, Ontario - Molson Amphitheatre


• July 6 Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre


• July 7 London, Ontario - John Labatt Centre


• July 8 Ottawa, Ontario - LeBreton Flats Park (Ottawa Bluesfest)


• July 10 Moncton, New Brunswick - Moncton Coliseum Arena


• July 11 Charlottetown, Price Edward Island - Charlottetown Civic Centre


• July 13 Halifax, Nova Scotia - Cunard Centre


• July 14 Glace Bay, Nova Scotia - Savoy Theatre


• July 16 St. John's, Newfoundland - Mile One Center


• July 22 Portland, ME - Cumberland Civic Center


• July 23 Boston, MA - Agganis Arena


• July 24 New York, NY - Madison Square Garden


• July 25 Wallingford, CT - Chevrolet Theater


• July 27 Wilmington, DE - Grand Opera House


• July 28 Fairfax, VA - Patriot Center


• July 29 North Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues


• July 30 Birmingham, AL - Sloss Furnaces


• July 31 Southaven, MS - Snowden Grove Park Amphitheater

Spice World Expands

Here are a couple of photos of Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown with her brand new baby daughter Angel Iris Murphy Brown.

[source]

[source]



You are, of course, probably aware that Brown names former beau Eddie Murphy as the child's father - a claim he has very publicly refuted. Bring on the DNA tests!

I like how the OK! cover manages to squeeze Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell and her daughter Bluebell Madonna into the bottom right inset. You know Geri had to be pissed about she and her offspring being overshadowed like that. Mel B probably arranged that dis to get back at Geri for not inviting her to the Halliwell christening (all the other former Spice Girls were in attendance).

Since we're talking Spice Babies, let's do a rundown of who's got what on the scorecard:

• Victoria "Posh" Beckham - 3 boys - Brooklyn, Romeo & Cruz (Baby Daddy: David Beckham)
• Melanie "Scary" Brown - 2 girls - Phoenix Chi (Baby Daddy: Jimmy Gulzar)& Angel Iris (Baby Daddy: Eddie Murphy?)
• Geri "Ginger" Halliwell - 1 girl - Bluebell Madonna (Baby Daddy: Sasha Gervasi)
• Emma "Baby" Bunton - about to pop (Baby Daddy: Jade Jones)
• Melanie "Sporty" Chisolm - nothing to report

You Know JB Put Her Up To It

Borrell and Dunst at the recent Spiderman 3 premiere after-party in London

American music is crap.

So says Kirsten Dunst in an interview posted today at Contact Music. The actress, who is currently flogging her latest project Spiderman 3, held forth as follows:

[Dunst] reminisces about the music she listened to as a child, from the likes of Guns 'N Roses to the soundtrack of musical Les Miserables, but admits she isn't a fan of the artists which dominate today's charts. She says, "It's harder to find great music these days. We have Amy Winehouse now, I guess and Bono (of U2). But still our biggest bands back home are crap. "We don't have a Bob Dylan; where are all the great writers? We don't have enough new great talent. We just don't have the inspirational songs that pop out."

Wait, I'm confused. Is Kiki saying that Bono and Winehouse are the pinnacle of American music? Cuz there's a few things wrong with that statement, the most obvious being that (last time I checked) he's Irish and she's English.

I wonder how Dunst rates current beau, Razorlight's Johnny Borrell, on the Dylan to Bono musical genius scale.

Planet Bjork Lands On Earth

I totally love Bjork so I was very happy that I managed to catch her appearance on the most recent episode of Saturday Night Live. She sang a pair of tracks from her soon to be released album Volta: Earth Intruders (my favourite so far) and Wanderlust.

The performance were, of course, brilliant but aside from Bjork's singing I think my favourite part was her backing band - well, the women at least. Don't get me wrong, the two male musicians did just fine but they weren't quite as colourful (literally) as their female counterparts.

I love the fact that, not only did our favourite Icelandic pixie manage to find an all female brass band/choir, but she also somehow convinced them to dress in rainbow-coloured parachute one-sies and do weird things with their hair.

Now, I'm more excited than ever to see her at Virgin Fest this fall.

Late Night TV Preview: April 22 - 28, 2007

The Fratellis

Corinne Bailey Rae

Amy Winehouse

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

MONDAY

• Joss Stone - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• The Black Keys - Late Night with Conan O'Brien* (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• The Thermals - Last Call with Carson Daly* (1:35am - NBC)

TUESDAY

• Amy Winehouse - Leno
• Corinne Bailey Rae - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
• Iggy & the Stooges (Iggy Pop will also be a panel guest) - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)

WEDNESDAY

• The Fratellis - Letterman
• Simply Red - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, CH)

THURSDAY

• Macy Gray feat. Natalie Cole - Leno
  
• Tony Trischka w/ Steve Martin & Bela Fleck - Letterman
• Arctic Monkeys - Kimmel

FRIDAY

• Kings of Leon - Leno
• Jarvis Cocker - Letterman

SATURDAY

• New York Dolls - Henry Rollins Show (9pm & 2:20am - IFC Canada)
  

The Glorious C.H.O.

Here is yet another example of why Margaret Cho has and will always rule my mother-effin' world. Sing it, sister!



4/17/07
OUR HUMANITY

Whenever anything really bad happens around Korean people, that is when I would like to hide, go to Hawaii and eat spam sushi until it blows over. I don’t want to comment on it because I don't want to escalate the situation and I don't want to implicate myself in it. I don't want to 'come out' as Asian because therein lies a tremendous responsibility that I never volunteered for, that I don't have any real control over, and that is as mysterious to me as it is to someone who isn't Asian.

So here is the whole terrible mess of the shootings at Virginia Tech. I look at the shooter's expressionless face on the news and he looks so familiar, like he could be in my family. Just another one of us. But how can he be us when what he has done is so terrible? Here is where I can really envy white people because when white people do something that is inexplicably awful, so brutally and horribly wrong, nobody says – “do you think it is because he is white?” There are no headlines calling him the “White shooter." There is no mention of race because there is no thought in anyone's mind that his race had anything to do with his crime.

So much attention is focused on the Asian-ness of the shooter, how the Korean community is reacting to it, South Korea's careful condolences and cautiously expressed fear that it will somehow impact the South Korean population at large.

What is lost here is the grief. What is lost is the great, looming sadness that we should all feel over this. We lose our humanity to racism, time and time again.

I extend my deepest sympathies to all those who lost their loved ones, their children, their friends and family, in this unimaginable tragedy. I send them all the love I have in me, and I encourage everyone to do the same. [Source]

Happy 4/20 Y'All!

Deja Vu All Over Again

"Stay alive Audrey, no matter what happens! I will find you!"

"Whatever you say, Hawkeye, just hurry up and save my ass."

So, here we are about three quarters of the way through the "day" and we seem to treading a lot of familiar ground from earlier episodes (and seasons). President Wayne is, once again, down for the count and VP Daniels is ready to step in to implement his own hard-ass agenda. Also, we get Jack (with his trusty sidekick Chloe) working outside the parameters of CTU, the White House, the law in general and whatever other institutions of authority stand in the way of his personal agenda.

Still, a pretty enjoyable episode. I got an odd sense of glee from watching Jack get cold-cocked - maybe because it happens so infrequently. I also liked the fact that Tom Lennox and Karen Hayes appear to forming quite a strong alliance despite the earlier, adversarial nature of their relationship - it's been playing out quite nicely so far and should prove even more of an key component of the show as the season draws to a close.

I think this might be the tardiest I've been with a 24 round-up so, as a form of penance, I give you this recent appearance by Mary Lynn Rajskub on The Tonight Show. I'm not entirely sure what MLR is going on about - and, by the looks of it, neither do host Jay Leno and first guest Bill Cosby - but it's damn funny. Enjoy!

New Yorkers Are Crizazy For Da Fire

These two suits learn that Wall Street's Bulls & Bears have nothing on rabid indie-rock fans.

Check out this lovely short by Untucked Films which centres around an assorted group of Big Apple residents trying to get tickets for one of the Arcade Fire's five sold out concerts back in February. Funny because it's (probably) true.



Good thing I got tickets for the May gigs here in Toronto - I'm sure I wouldn't do whatever that girl in the film did.

Dolls On Parade

ADP in the house y'all! (l to r) Santa, Clyde, Isabel, Tori & Pip

U.S. singer Tori Amos recently released a video for the song Big Wheel, the first single from her new album (due May 1) American Doll Posse. The clip, which features stop motion photography of all the personae in the Posse, seems to be implementing a popular device that often finds many a chanteuse playing all the female roles.

Now, I can't say for sure that all these ladies are big fans of Mariah Carey's various versions of Heartbreaker but it certainly would provide some form of explanation. In the case of Mimi, and now Tori as well as Christina Aguilera's Candyman, I do wonder if the all multitasking can be attributed to severe cases of combined thrift and vanity. ie Why pay a bunch of video skanks to do what I (The Artiste) can do so much more poignantly?

Perhaps that's a discussion best saved for another time (Mimi might require several posts all unto herself) so let's just content ourselves with quick reviews of Amos' and Aguilera's most recent output.

Tori definitely comes out on top for concept. Every member of the Posse has a name and specific characteristics. Unfortunately, the video itself falls flat. The rapid-fire photography quickly become tiresome - it's a bit hard on the eyes and doesn't really do much to express the individuality of each Posse member. Plus, there should have been at least some interaction between all the characters.

Though Xtina's 1940's fixation has become something of a shtick, she puts it to good use for the Candyman video. None of characters have names or specific personae, as such, but the tributes to The Andrew Sisters and Rosie the Riveter are plainly obvious. Also, at the end of the clip, there is an indication that the girl hoisted in the air by the servicemen is named Candy. Of course, there's plenty of (inter)action in the form of split-screen technology and some pretty sweet dance routines.

I give this round to Aguilera. Even so, I have little doubt that as we see and hear more from the Posse we'll be treated to a grand helping of that trademark Tori Amos sophistication and imagination.

Jessica Hearts John 4 Now

The real John & Jessica

I skipped SNL this past weekend so it's only today that I've gotten around to watching the Digital Short.

It features current celebrity couple John Mayer and Jessica Simpson (played by Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig respectively) and shines a light on the nature of their lovey-dovey relationship.

Damn funny even though there's only about a handful of dialogue spoken between the two characters.

I've Got A Lot On My Mind Today

I've really only got time to post this photo of Daniel Craig sporting his recently-shorn locks. As reported by JustJared, the new 'do is for his title role in the film I, Lucifer.

OK, this was really just for me but I invite all others to enjoy The Hotness as they so desire.

Late Night TV Preview: April 16 - 21, 2007

Tokyo Police Club

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

MONDAY

• Lily Allen - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• The Black Keys - Late Night with Conan O'Brien* (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)

TUESDAY

• Silversun Pickups - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
• Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals ft Charlie Musselwhite - Last Call with Carson Daly* (1:35am - NBC)

WEDNESDAY

• Sparta - Conan*
• G. Love - Carson*

THURSDAY

• OK Go - Leno
• Tokyo Police Club - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
• Annuals - Conan*

FRIDAY

• OK Go - Leno
• Regina Spektor - Letterman
  
• Morrissey (aka Big Poncey One) - Kimmel
  

SATURDAY

• Bjork - Saturday Night Live (11:35pm - NBC, GlobalTV)
• Thom Yorke - Henry Rollins Show (9pm & 2:50am - IFC Canada)
  

Wills And Kate Call It Quits

It's the good times we'll remember.

Note: Yes, I realize there are many other things I could and should be blogging about today but I'm not going to pretend I don't care about this news.

After much speculation that they would be the subjects of the next British Royal Wedding, Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton have ended their nearly 5 year relationship.

Though I disagreed with Royal watchers who were convinced a proposal was imminent and the "I do's" would be done by year's end (what with 2007 being the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death and Prince Harry about to ship off for military duty the Middle East , a celebration of nuptials would seem ill-timed), I'm still a bit surprised by the break-up. I'm sure I saw pictures of these two all lovey-dovey within the past few weeks . Ah well, perhaps all the marriage talk was just too much for them.

Or, maybe it was this.

Kylie And H&M Head To The Beach (By Way Of Shanghai)

Kylie at the Shanghai store opening

A still from the H&M Loves Kylie promotional campaign

Yesterday (April 12), retail giant H&M opened it's first shop in China, a 4-storey flagship store in the Lu Wan district of Shanghai.



H&M also used the opportunity to launch it's limited edition H&M Loves Kylie line of beach/swimwear inspired by singer Kylie Minogue. Though Minogue did not have a hand designing the pieces, they were created with her in mind. 10% of the money generated from sale of these items will go to WaterAid, an organization "dedicated to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest people".

What Became Of The Likely Lads

"Are you upset with me Carl?"

"Bloody hell Pete, I told you I was wearing this outfit tonight! This is the reason The Libertines broke up."

Also last night, the second in a series of An Evening With Pete Doherty London gigs turned into an "impromptu" Libertines reunion when Carl Barat joined Doherty on stage. The pair performed a 13-song set that included many Libertines classics as well as a version of Dream A Little Dream Of Me. The full set list is as follows:





What A Waster


Death On The Stairs


The Good Old Days


What Katie Did


Dilly Boys


Seven Deadly Sins


France


Tell The King


Don't Look Back Into The Sun


Dream A Little Dream Of Me


Time For Heroes


Albion


The Delaney






After the gig, fans made their way behind the venue and convinced Barat and Doherty to come to their dressing room window where the pair launched into Can't Stand Me Now.

Lolla Lineup

The full lineup for the 2007 Lollapalooza Festival was announced today and it's a fairly mixed bag of the old and new.

Lolla vets Pearl Jam are among the headliners for the 3-day fest along with electro-enigmas Daft Punk and soul-rockers Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals.

Also representing the old-school rock are Patti Smith and Iggy & the Stooges while the new kids include the likes of CSS, Kings of Leon, Peter Bjorn & John and TV on the Radio. Somewhere in the middle we get The Roots, G. Love & Special Sauce, Pete Yorn and Yo La Tengo. Plus, several dozen more acts of every genre, age-bracket, nationality and level of notoriety imaginable.

As far as the Canuck presence goes, it's not quite as large as last year when the Broken Social Scene crew showed up with pretty much every person they've ever been associated with but it does include the Sam Roberts Band and Tokyo Police Club.

I've been down to Chicago for Lolla the past two years but don't think I'll be making the trek this year. Not that I don't think the line-up looks good but I've seen quite a lot of these acts already, some of them several times (Crap, that makes me seem old!) and several others I plan to see in Toronto over the next few months.

Still, I could change my mind by the time August rolls around.

Happy People Pass My Way

I've got a soft spot for singer-actress Mandy Moore.

Sure, her singing career has been less than spectacular (although I thought some of the songs on her last album, Coverage, were quite well done) but she's been developing into quite a good actress (I though she was spot-on in Saved).

I'm also constantly impressed with her humility and candor in regards to her own career and persona. She's freely admitted that her first album was "sh*t" (as opposed to "da sh*t") and, despite some well-received film roles, she's fully aware that she's not quite reached the A-list in the acting world.

In a recent interview with California's C magazine, Moore was asked why she hasn't adopted the moniker "Amanda" in an effort, employed by many of contemporaries, to seem more mature. Moore replied:

“Amanda’s a chainsmoking cabaret singer in her late 60s singing in the Catskills. Maybe when I’m that old, I’ll become Amanda.”

Love it!

Fake-Out Fandango

A slow but satisfying episode of 24 this past Monday night which included the revelation of no less than three complex bluffs.

Do not f**k with the Black man, people!

First, we learn that President Wayne was pulling a fast one on Ambassador Random-Middle-Eastern-Country (as well as Karen and Lennox) by launching an unarmed warhead in order to extract critical information he felt the Ambassador was hiding. The ruse works and Wayne comes off looking like a president who make tough, highly strategic decisions while remaining true to his touchy-feely roots. Unfortunately, his health continues to fail and it's becoming more difficult for him to keep it under wraps.

Let me get this straight, Jack. We're only supposed to pretend to let Fayed escape?

Dammit Doyle, keep your voice down! He's right behind us.

CTU, led by Jack and Doyle, orchestrates a huge operation that allows Fayed to be liberated by a dummy terrorist cell. The idea is for the "cell" to gain Fayed's trust enough that he will lead them to the location of the remaining two nukes. It only works to a point, as Fayed is tipped off and takes out most of the CTU field agents before escaping for real. Jack manages to trail Fayed (by hitching a ride underneath the garbage truck that Fayed uses as his getaway vehicle) to the hideout and, in true violently graphic Jack Bauer fashion, lays waste to the bad guys and saves the day.

Greetings from China!

Of course, it's not possible for everything to be wrapped up quite so neatly. China may have willingly let Jack go but the Consulate is still pissed off enough with him to keep an ace up their sleeves. Turns out they're holding captive the very much alive Audrey Raines and, as the clock wound down on the hour, they had just contacted Jack to (presumably) state their diabolical terms of exchange.

Council Life

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has announced his intention to run as a Labour candidate for the district of Marylebone in the in the May council by-elections.

Rowntree told The Independent:

"I'm a Westminster resident and in my experience of living here, it all looks lovely - there are hanging baskets everywhere - but you only need to scratch the surface and see that there's a lot of deprivation and a lot of inequality around. I think someone needs to do something about it."

Independent writer Henry Deedes points out that Rowntree's chances of success are slim as Marylebone is traditionally a Conservative stronghold.

Still, I suppose this development puts the final nail in the coffin of that Blur reunion.

R.I.P. EYG

Looks like all the Toronto/GTA-based Brit pop and indie music fans will soon have one less place to dance it out while downing some pints.

Eat Your Greens, which began it's residency at Neutral back in April 2005 and recently moved around the corner to the El Mocambo, will cease to be sometime in May.

Click here for the (sort of) explanation behind EYG's demise.

All I can say is: Boooooo!

Sure, Why Not

Rancid and Skye Sweetnam: inevitable, really.

I suppose if it's possible for Ashlee Simpson to hook up with The Cure then it's not too far-fetched for Skye Sweetnam to partner with Rancid.

The Bolton, ON warbler hit the stage with the punk mainstays at their recent Echo Park gig to perform Who Would've Thought.

Aside from being friends, as singer Lars Frederikesen states, I'm not sure what else might have prompted the collaboration. I don't see anything on either artists' website that states they're working together on future projects but I guess it's not completely outside the realm of possibility (refer again to the Simpson/Cure blasphemy).

Perhaps I'm just hopped up on Easter chocolate but I think the Rancid Skye performance went over quite well. I could make a snarky comment about Skye Sweetnam being the new Brody Dalle but I won't. Except I just kinda did.

Kings Of The UK Charts

Kings of Leon - they're #1!

Because of the Times, the third album from US rock band Kings of Leon, has debuted in the number 1 position on the UK music charts (for the week of April 8).

The Kings have always enjoyed more commercial success across the pond than at home but Times even bests their previous releases - both Youth & Young Manhood (2003) and Aha Shake Heartbreak (2005) peaked at #3.

Late Night TV Preview: April 9 - 14, 2007

Scanners

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


MONDAY

• Ciara - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
• Paul Wall - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, CH)

TUESDAY

• Andrew Bird - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
• Pink - Kimmel
• Cold War Kids - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• Ice Cube (panel guest) Scanners (musical performers) - Last Call with Carson Daly (1:35am - NBC)

WEDNESDAY

• Rickie Lee Jones - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35 - NBC, A-Channel)
• LCD Soundsystem - Letterman

THURSDAY

• Of Montreal - Conan
• K-Os - Ferguson

FRIDAY

• The Shins - Leno
• Joseph Arthur - Conan
• Cold War Kids - Ferguson

SATURDAY

• Peaches (panel guest) - Henry Rollins Show (9pm & 2:50am - IFC Canada)
  

Bust-ing Into Spring

Shara Worden aka My Brightest Diamond

The Bust magazine Media Taster has been updated for April/May and includes loopy audio tracks from the likes of Jill Cunniff (late of Luscious Jackson), Coco Rosie and My Brightest Diamond. Plus, you get a peek at the trailer for Grbavica, the film that was awarded the Golden Bear at the 2006 Berlin Film Festival.

You can always download the Media Taster and content for free here.

Happy Easter!

I myself have always been slightly confused as to how Easter was transformed from a religious holiday marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ to one which is symbolised by an anthropomorphic rabbit who hides multi-coloured chocolate eggs for children. Thank goodness The Daily Show's Jon Stewart has uncovered the obvious connection:

"Here's the deal with Easter: Jesus comes down to earth, takes the sins of the world upon His shoulders, dies on the cross for us, 3 days later He's resurrected. If you believe in Him, you get to go to heaven . . .

So how did we go from that, to hide-the-eggs? Where the f**k did hide-the-eggs come from?

Did Jesus have some kinda problem with eggs? Look, when I come back, if I see any f**king eggs--no I mean it, I am allergic. Just paint 'em and hide 'em, get 'em outta My sight.

But I've been thinking about it - how many disciples did Jesus have? And how many eggs come in a carton? Coincidence? I don't think so. Open the carton, one egg is always cracked: THE. JUDAS. EGG."


Sounds about right to me.

A Little Colour On This Grey Day

Just for fun, here's one of the recently released images associated with Bjork's upcoming album Volta (due out May 7).










Love it!

M.I.A., Metric & Monkeys Sweeten Virgin Fest Pot

M.I.A. and Metric practice looking dead hard for the rowdy crowds at Toronto's Virgin Festival

The line-up for the Toronto stop of the Virgin Festival (September 8 and 9) is starting to get mighty crowded.



Aside from previously announced heavyweight headliners Bjork and Smashing Pumpkins, a crop of relative newbies have recently been added to the bill. Canadian faves Metric bring a bit of oomph to day 2 along with current indie faves Tokyo Police Club and Peter Bjorn & John. On Day 1, Arctic Monkeys pop in along with electro-dance firestorm M.I.A., who's back on the scene with her new single Bird Flu. Check out the video here.



Single tickets sales begin this Saturday (April 7).

Little Pop Sister

Linda Reid of Sister Vanilla

While Jesus & Mary Chain fans place wagers on how long the latest reunion by the warring Brothers Reid holds out, younger sibling Linda steps forward with her own musical project.



Sister Vanilla actually employs both Jim and William on the debut release Little Pop Rock which, based on first single Can't Stop The Rock, sounds a lot like JAMC with a poppy female lead singer. Nothing wrong with that.



Little Pop Rock was released this past Monday (April 2) in the UK by noted record label Chemikal Underground.

I'm Feeling Much Better Today

I'm much less bunged-up and I just got this sweet purse.

Dang, it's just so crazy cute!

Tempting Fruit

Lou Doillon in a design by Jovovich-Hawk for Mango

We're not talking about the apple this time but rather Mango, the Spanish retail giant.

Fashionistas have been a-twitter for months about speculation that the boutique clothing label Jovovich-Hawk (designed by the multi-tasking Milla Jovovich and her pal Carmen Hawk) would be designing a limited edition line of clothing for Mango and, earlier this year, the rumours were confirmed.

The ten 70's-inspired dresses are scheduled to hit the racks on April 15, though best to confirm that info with your local Mango retailer.

In the meantime, click here to see the photo campaign for the line starring Lou Doillon, half-sister to Charlotte Gainsbourg (their mother is Jane Birkin).

Adrenaline Junkie

Favourite scene from last night's episode of 24 (pictured above): the now single-armed Gredenko (long story), escapes from Fayed only to stumble out to the pier and (presumably) die from his wounds.

Runner up: the scene previous to the above, where Gredenko sells out Fayed to a bar full of on-edge yokels who proceed to beat him within an inch of his life before Jack Bauer can intervene.

Major annoyance: Chloe only had two lines this episode and neither were particularly memorable. I blame this travesty on all the people who complained that her relationship with Morris was getting too much screen time. Now we get get bupkiss. Happy? That's what I thought.

Didn't see it coming: Wayne Palmer - decidedly tense from being almost-dead and hopped up on extreme B12 shots from Dr. Feelgood - responds to the half-assed support from the Cabinet, the underhand dealing of the VP and the reprieve on behalf of Tom Lennox by going all "I'm the decider!" on everybody's ass and launching a nuclear strike on Random Middle Eastern Country.

I Have No Words

Somebody, anybody, tell me this is a belated April Fool's Day joke.

The Cure team up with Ashlee Simpson

Nelly's Night

Tiga won a Juno. That makes me happy.

Last night's Juno Awards ceremony saw Nelly Furtado come away the big win-



OK, you know what?! I'm still a little shaken from today's other post and, combined with my current state of bunged-uppedness, I really don't think I can get it together to blog properly today.



Just click here for the rest of the Juno story.

Late Night TV Preview: April 1 - 7, 2007

Noisettes

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




SUNDAY

• Hanson - Deal or No Deal (9pm NBC, CH) - For real. Seriously.

MONDAY

• Noisettes - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, CH)
• Regina Spektor - Last Call with Carson Daly* (1:35am - NBC)

TUESDAY

• Nas - Late Show with David Letterman* (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)

WEDNESDAY

• Joss Stone - Letterman*
• Ice Cube (panel guest), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (musical performer) - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)

THURSDAY

• Kaiser Chiefs - Conan
• Ice Cube (panel guest) - Ferguson
• Redman - Carson

FRIDAY

• John Legend - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Aqualung - Letterman*
  
• Albert Hammond Jr - Conan
• Redman - Ferguson

SATURDAY

• Daniel Johnston - Henry Rollins Show (9pm & 2:45am - IFC Canada)