Across the Sound

Trio's New Album, Addicting

2010-02-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Chicago, I have an appreciation for Chicago punk rock. I can say with some certainty that it's my favorite variation of the genre. Having said this, I can also tell you that for over 10 years now, I've been an avid fan of Alkaline Trio. So when they announced last May that they were leaving Epic Records to start their own label, I was excited. I've held the belief for years, that Trio needed to start their own vanity label and they were finally going there.

The guys told fans that the new album would be a, step back to their roots:

Dare I say it’s a punk rock record. We’ve made a progression, but we’ve also gone back to our roots. There’s definitely some old-sounding Alkaline Trio vibe to this record. A lot of the songs were written really quick. We added a few bells and whistles here and there, but it’s pretty stripped-down, straight-up rock ‘n’ roll.
— Matt Skiba describing the musical style of This Addiction

Call me a cynic, but I never believe bands when they fans that they're "going back to their roots." For the most part, that means two completely different things to the band and to the fans. So I waited with baited breath for months to hear a few clips of the new album. And when it dropped last week, I was stunned.

To say that Alkaline Trio's 7th studio album, This Addiction, is a step back to their punk rock roots would be about a half truth. The thrashing guitars and generally slimmed down production are certainly a step away from the overly-produced Agony and Irony. But to say that after 10 years, the band's 7th album is a carbon copy of From Here to Infirmary is completely off base. The fact of the matter is, Alkaline Trio has grown up. They will always be the Chicago punkers that brought us "Nose Over Tail" and "My Friend Peter" but we're also seeing an interesting experimentation with the genre.

The guys take advantage of their freedom from Epic with some interesting sound experimentation. The horn solo in "Lead Poisoning" and synth in "Drcaulina" and "Eating me Alive" might throw you for a loop at first, but upon a second listening you can appreciate the departure from the norm. This isn't to say that the guys have completely abandoned their punk rock riffs and catchy, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Dan's writing is in its prime and Matt's vocals and hooks are catchier than ever.

Overall, the album is excellent. Songs like, "This Addiction" bring me back to their first song, "Cringe" and I am instantly thrown back into my head thrashing teen days. On the other end, "Lead Poisoning" keeps me looking towards the future and excited for what they'll throw at me next. I've never been disappointed with a Trio album. Some have taken longer than others to grow on me, Crimson, but in the end they always put together a solid album.

My only suggestion is to not compare This Addiction to former Alkaline albums. As fans, we're always nostalgic for a band's initial sound. The grittiness that defines a group is often watered down as more albums come out. But that doesn't mean that a band is any less who they started out to be. This Addiction is an excellent album by the Chicago band. It tempts the genre lines and powers through classic verses with a vengeance. If you're going to buy the album, buy the deluxe version because the acoustic tracks are more than worth the extra few dollars.

Alkaline Trio
This Addiction
4.5 out of 5 stars
Buy/download [from iTunes]

What's Your Record Collection Missing?

2009-10-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am always on the hunt for the next amazing album from a band. When people suggest music to me, which is an every day occurrence, I take it seriously. When bands that I like, don't like, mediocrely enjoy, or harbor a secret love for come out with a new album I get it. That said, I've been playing a lot of things on repeat lately and have sadly shoved other albums to the back of playlists. Here's a little bit of both, from me to you, call it advice, call it unsolicited warnings...just read it.

Imogen Heap, Ellipse: In my eyes, this woman can do no wrong. The first time I saw her in 2005, I stood with my mouth agape as she pounded on her three synths and wailed the most hauntingly beautiful music I've ever heard. I've honestly never been so moved at a show, especially by an artist I never intended to stay for. However, I have noticed that when I put artists up on a pedestal, they can rarely come through for me time and time again. I had this fear absolutely with Imogen Heap. When I had heard Regina Spektor's new album, an artist I also hold/held on a pedestal, and was really underwhelmed...I feared for the worst.

Let me just take a second to set everyone straight though, Imogen Heap's new album, is by far her best work. The woman doesn't have it in her not to bring her A game to the table. Ellipse is absolutely stunning, and I say that as a harsh critic of bands that I love. I have the deluxe version of her album that features a second disc with the whole album repeated sans vocals. I can honestly say that I sit through her first disc and then do it all again without question on disc 2. From "First Train Home" to "Half-Life" I am wrapped up in it. If there is one album that you get, one new artist that you try this year, it needs to be her.

Paramore, Brand New Eyes: I don't know why I was expecting something more from Haley and crew this time around. Maybe I expected more because that girl can sing. Give her qualms about all else, she's got a set of pipes on her. So when I listened to Paramore's newest album and expected to be mildly impressed, as was the case with their last two, I was surprised when I wasn't. Brand New Eyes is generic at best. To say that there is nothing that stands out, no song, lyric, or chord that begs me to remember it would be an understatement. For a third album, I expected more. You can download it illegally if you want. I wouldn't pay for it unless you're a devoted fan. Even in that case, there are so many other, better bands that I could suggest. They are in the same vein as Paramore, trust me, I'm better at this than you think.

The Sounds, Crossing the Rubicon: Aside from ethereal blondes, most people don't think Sweden has much going for it. People tend to forget that the UK and Ireland aren't the only countries in Europe with rocking music scenes. Sweden for example, boasts much more than just the most beautiful people in the world [go ahead, argue with me...Google Swedish person and find ONE unattractive one. Go ahead..]. The Nordic country is home to one of my favorite bands of all time, The Sounds. These guys approached American ears when they were features on the Snakes on a Plane OST. The first time I heard their debut album, Living in America, I fell in love. After Dying to Say This to You, I was absolutely on edge waiting for a new album. And Crossing the Rubicon is definitely worth the wait. When I got it, it took me about a month to listen to it. As you can see there is a pattern for listening to new albums from bands I love. I get so nervous that it's going to be a let down. Crossing the Rubicon is certainly not. Their instrumental piece, "Goodnight Freddy" reminds me of a subdued version of Polyphonic Spree's "Light and Day". It's absolutely the perfect way to end a stellar album. The crowing jewel in their collection and on the album. The Sounds are a must for anyone who likes a little dance with their rock.

Mayday Parade, Anywhere But Here: Call them my guilty pleasure, call them a shameful indulgence...I don't care. I've been pleasantly surprised with every Mayday Parade EP and LP. The singers' voices always compliment one another, and their I remain steadfast that their last album, A Lesson in Romantics, is one of the best pop-punk bitter break-up albums in the last decade. These guys bring it, and their new album is no exception. Are the guys from Mayday Parade breaking any records, shaking up the genre, or blazing a new trail? Hell no. If you get this CD, you're going to get your general pop punk, cliche, catchy lyrics, and the same 4 power chords. The main difference between Mayday Parade and others in their genre? These guys own what they do, and they're damned good at it. Their new album doesn't disappoint nor does it make you gag from sickly sweetness. Play on repeat and sing along, that's an order.

Billy Talent, Billy Talent III: I've seen reviewers argue that Billy Talent is the same in and out through every album. And while there comes a time when bands need to shift focus, mature, etc. I don't think it's Billy Talent's time for that. Green Day out the same record for almost a decade and no one complained. So, I think it's time for people to give Billy Talent a rest. I have no doubt that there's more to that skinny little bitch, he's no one trick pony. But hell, they do what they do, and they do it well. Billy Talent III is another solid Talent album. "Rusted from the Rain", their first single, doesn't disappoint. Chris' voice never does. The guys are experimenting a little bit more with their mellow sides. The patented shriek is still ever present, but it's multi-dimensional. That's more than you could say for Green Day's first 10 years.

Elizabeth & the Catapult, Taller Children: iTunes gave me a copy of her song "Taller Children" on a summer mix. Admittedly, I didn't actually listen to that mix until about a week and a half ago. The mix as a whole was decent, but when I got to Elizabeth & The Catapult I stopped what I was doing to listen in awe to this woman's fantastic songwriting. As soon as the song ended, I got a copy of their CD and played the hell out of it. Honestly enough, I am still playing it on my way to work almost everyday. Taller Children is absolutely flawless. There are few artists who can create albums that I can listen to all the way through. I am a picker and I am a chooser of my music. But I can sit and hum along to every song on her debut album. Absolutely a must. Go, now, get the album.

Everybody is Nothing New & That's Okay

2009-09-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Was anyone else aware that Ingrid Michaelson came out with a new album? The marketing for her newest release, Everybody, really leaves something to be desired. Had I not looked at her website a few months ago for some updated tour dates, I would have never known. Either way, once I found out that one of my favorite folk pop singers was in the studio, I couldn't wait to get her new album.

Ingrid Michaelson has never disappointed me before and she isn't about to start now. There is something about the sadness in her voice and the flawless, almost simple, way in which she describes even the most complex emotion that draws me in. In Everybody, Michaelson writes what she calls "completely autobiographical snapshots of my life." the autobiographical snapshots all carry the same theme: loving others and being loved in return.

The album isn't anything new or groundbreaking for Michaelson; maybe that's why no one even knows she has a new album out. However, for as predictable as Everybody is, there is something in Ingrid's simplicity that I love. The fact that I know her albums won't surprise me doesn't deter me from picking them up. I peruse through the tracks and as I listen, I feel like I've heard that before. For some reason though, the nostalgia doesn't bother me.

Everybody features a studio recorded version of "The Chain", a song that was on Be Ok as a live version. And while I prefer the live version on Be Ok, Ingrid manages to add a completely new and haunting atmosphere to her studio version. Probably my two favorite songs, "Men of Snow" and "Locked Up" are both simply perfect in their distinct ways.

While, this isn't a ground-breaking album for Ingrid, it's absolutely a fantastic addition to her already stunning repertoire. If you're a fan of Michaelson, you won't be disappointed. If you're not a fan, you can just as easily fall in love with her listening to this album as you could any of her others.

Ingrid Michaelson
Everybody
4 out of 5 stars
Buy/download [from iTunes] album

Tracklist for New Moon Soundtrack Released

2009-09-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

If you ask me to say something complimentary about the Twilight series, I normally have to bite my lip until it bleeds in order to stop myself from laughing. From there, I would probably say something snarky along the lines of, "I sparkle in the sun! Don't look at me, this is the face of a killer." There is a rather great hand motion and vocal fade that traditionally accompanies that line.

But, with the unveiling of the tracklist for New Moon's soundtrack, I might just have to unclench my jaw for a second.

If you haven't seen the official tracklist for the newest addition to the soul suck that is Twilight, it is absolutely amazing. Music supervisor Alex Patsavas, man behind sounch soundtracks as The O.C., Grey's Anatomy, and Gossip Girl, has decided to take New Moon to a more indie-minded place. And whether or not you watch any of the shows Patsavas has worked on, their soundtracks are as influential as Apple ads.

New Moon's soundtrack, which boasts such acts as Death Cab for Cutie, Thom Yorke, Muse, and Grizzly Bear runs the indie and rock gamut. Death Cab managed to score the lead track with, "Meet Me on the Equinox" and Ben Gibbard more then brings it with the song. I am also more than excited to see Grizzly Bear on a soundtrack. The New York band released their newest album, Veckatimest, in May and it blew me away. Their single, "While You Wait for the Others" with the legendary Michael McDonald was an awe-inspiring track that layered McDonald's haunting baritone with Daniel Rossen's patented offbeat flavor.

If there is one good thing that I ever say about Twilight, it's that their second album beats out the first hands down. While the screaming tweens that will end up inevitably coming to indie shows will annoy me to no end. Fantastic and under appreciated music must be shared.

Official tracklist for the "New Moon" soundtrack:

Death Cab for Cutie, "Meet Me on the Equinox"
Band of Skulls, "Friends"
Thom Yorke, "Hearing Damage"
Lykke Li, "Possibility"
The Killers, "A White Demon Love Song"
Anya Marina, "Satellite Heart"
Muse, "I Belong to You (New Moon)"
Bon Iver & St. Vincent, "Roslyn"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, "Done All Wrong"
Hurricane Bells, "Monsters"
Sea Wolf, "The Violet Hour"
OK Go, "Shooting the Moon"
Grizzly Bear, "Slow Life"
Editors, "No Sound but the Wind"
Alexandre Desplat, "New Moon (The Meadow)"

Un-related, I had to post this video of Ben Gibbard covering the Iron & Wine cover of his song, "Such Great Heights." It's how the song was meant to be played, and is my favorite.

Back, for Good with Boys Like Girls

2009-09-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

I know that it's been more than awhile, and I've been seriously lacking in the blog department. So, I've dedicated more time and more effort to make sure that my biting sarcasm gets transferred to blogs more often.

I wanted to write a blog about bands that really needed to get back into the studio and make another album. There is only so long that an artist can ride the wave of success of their previous album. At the top of that list I had the reigning pop punk champions of "Not Gettin' Crap Done," Boys Like Girls. With over two years between their first album and any glimpse of a second one I was getting antsy. Then, in September of this year, I picked up my copy of Love Drunk; their sophomore attempt.

So, instead of tackling my list [which will get done relatively soon] of bands who need to get back into the studio, or stop over-producing their next albums so I can actually buy them; I am going to take a few entries to review some of my highly anticipated albums.

Let's start with those "Not Gettin' Crap Done" kids, Boys Like Girls. If you've never experienced what the music industry likes to dub a 'sophomore slump,' head over to your local record store and pick up Boys Like Girls' second album, Love Drunk. The record starts with the electro-pop infused "Heart Heart Heartbreak" and from the title alone, you can clearly tell what you're getting yourself into. Now, I'm not above a good pop punk break-up album. I loved Mayday Parade's A Lesson in Romantics but Boys Like Girls' sugary and too-cliche-for-me lyrics [prime example: "I used to be love drunk, now I'm hungover."] did nothing more than turn me off of a potentially decent band.

What disappoints me most about Love Drunk is that Boys Like Girls' first album really catered towards lead singer's, Martin Johnson's, outstanding vocals. The album itself was far from original, but to be honest in the realm of pop punk, there are very few bands producing quality and innovative music. However, Love Drunk takes a sharp and unbelievably boring turn down. There is nothing new and interesting in anything that the east coast guys have done. In fact, the best song on the album is ironically the one sung with Taylor Swift, "Two is Better than One." Aside from that, the songs are forced and over produced. Both symptoms of a sophomore slump, in their case, I think it's more like a sophomore spiral into crap.

Don't bother buying Love Drunk, scour Mediafire/Megaupload or grab a friend's copy before you spend a dime.

1.5 out of 5 stars
Download/burn from a friend at best

Taylor Momson's Pretty Reckless is Pretty Damned Good

2009-05-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

There seems to be this notion among the Hollywood elite that if you can act you must be able to sing as well and visa versa. Before you start pointing out the rare few, like Zooey Deschanel [She & Him] and Juliette Lewis who are able to straddle that line, I will say one thing, Glitter. For every Jenny Lewis [Juliette & the Licks], there are dozens of Keanu Reeves [Dogstar] and Joaquin Phoenixes [Absolute Trainwreck] out there polluting the airwaves with their "talent."

Imagine then the surprise had on May 5th at the Annex by tweens [and venue owners] everywhere when Taylor Momsen [from the CW's mega-hit Gossip Girl] hit the stage with her band Pretty Reckless and actually rocked the set.

For her first live performance, Momsen seemed more comfortable onstage than she does on screen. Strutting the stage belting her set with a voice is reminiscent of an early Deborah Harry with a hint of a young Brody Dalle 15-year-old Momsen is coming out kicking and screaming.

Momsen has an uphill battle ahead of her though if she wants to make a lasting impression in the punk rock demographic. Musicians and fans everywhere will have to reconcile Momsen's catchy lyrics, raspy vocals, and unabashed fuck you star quality with her CW alter-ego. But, if Momsen makes the right mistakes and finds the right people to market her as a musician and not a teen star, we might see an evolving female punk presence come out of New York in about 2-3 years.

Regardless of her staying power or tween infused fan base, Momsen blew people away at the Annex this week. She has talent that hopefully will grow into a lucrative career in a few years. Pretty Reckless is opening up for The Veronicas on their summer tour starting this month. For tickets, look anywhere but Ticketmaster or LiveNation.

For a few clips from her set, check out the videos below.

Major Label, Short Lived for Alkaline Trio

2009-05-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

On May 3rd, while on tour with Saves the Day, Alkaline Trio announced that they were no longer on Epic Records. After only one year and one record with Epic, the band has fallen off of their roster. Trio announced on May 3rd that they would be starting their own record label and recording a new album this summer.

The band also played a new untitled song that you can watch below.

Alkaline Trio would not be the first band to go the route of starting their own label. In the 1980's, Bad Religion started Epitaph Records as a PO box and a logo to sell their records. Now, Epitaph Records stands as one of the most respected independent labels in the business.

Epic Records has failed to comment, but has taken Alkaline Trio off of their official online roster.

Concert Etiquette: How to Survive a Concert in the Pit or Otherwise

2009-04-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

As an avid concert-goer for the majority of my life, I believe that I can now call myself a guru of sorts. I've been going to shows for over 11 years and have managed to master the art of concert etiquette.

You might ask yourself, what kind of etiquette must someone have while in the middle of a sweating pit of kicking legs? I have to be honest, as young as I might be, these bones have felt many a kick, these eyes have witnessed some pretty harrowing events, and this back has been the support for some rather skin crawling activities. I can tell you now that even in the midst of a mosh pit, there are some rules that should be followed.

1. If You Feel the Need to Kick Someone, Don't
When the headliner walks onstage, plays that first riff on their Gibson, smiles at you, and starts their song...the crowd goes wild. It is inevitable; people are excited to see a band that they love start what is bound to be a great set. If you're in the thick of a pit, you might feel the urge to dance along violently. This dancing might entail kicking. I urge you strongly to reconsider this course of action. As a victim of kicks during shows, I will tell you that after awhile you will be labeled the black sheep of the area you're in. This label will cause you to quickly become the brunt of all frustration and anger. No one enjoys a concert from the hospital.

2. If You're Drinking, Don't Hold Your Drink Over Patron's Heads
I went to a show last night for my favorite band [Alkaline Trio] and I was standing near the bar. Beginning with the opening act, I had a brood of men behind me who were clearly quite drunk. While I don't understand drinking so many $6.00 Miller Lights at a $40.00 a ticket show you get drunk, they did. Once Trio had taken the stage, my dear friends behind me were well past dangerously inebriated. The one directly behind me felt it necessary to cheer a few times throughout the night with his full beer in hand thereby spilling it onto me. After slurred apologies he went back to drinking and coincidentally, spilling. The second time was well past enough for me and I turned around, took his drink, and placed it on the bar stating that I really had no desire to have beer running down my back anymore tonight so if he could please just not spill it on me, we would be all right. I think he was so stunned that someone had actually turned around, taken his beer, and verbally slapped him, he stopped. I sat on the L that night reeking of Miller, but my point had been made.

3. Don't Throw Things Onstage...Especially if you Don't Think You Can Make It
Newsflash people: Performers don't appreciate shoes and unmentionables being thrown at them onstage. I have actually seen, several times, a performer stop playing and tell people to stop [insert more expletives]. Another one for the books, the people in front of you don't appreciate you throwing things at the stage. Unless you're a MLB pitcher, if you're 20 feet away, your shoe isn't making it to the stage. Instead you're out a shoe and you've hit someone in the face with your germ ridden shoe.

4. Don't Mention That You're Only at a Show Because Your Friend Made You Come
Sometimes it's hip not to like things. Sometimes not jumping on the bandwagon is more than all right. However, when you're at a concert, you should not pull that card with the band in question. When people talk about how their attendance at this show was forced, no one cares. When they proceed to continue and tell everyone how they don't even really like this band, people start to get irritated. You're not doing the world a justice by appearing at concerts. The band will have no idea that you're there just for your friend. You will not be crowned and we will not throw roses at your feet. If anything, hipsters all over the room will find you and intellectually mock you mercilessly. If you don't want to be there, don't go. If you do go, don't tell anyone about it.

5. No One Cares What You're Talking About
As a general rule of thumb, the people standing directly around you who do not know you, don't care at all what you're talking about. This more than counts in a concert before the show starts. Personal space is lacking since people are packing in so you don't have to talk louder about whatever it is you think I will be interested in, in order to impress me. Again, please utilize this rule for all future ventures and try to not speak louder specifically for other people to hear you.

And there you have it, basic concert etiquette. There are of course more rules than this and if you're interested e-mail me for them. I am thinking about publishing a pamphlet to hand out after shows.

Dinner Rolls Beware

2009-04-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

While this has nothing to do with pop culture, although I am sure you can accrue some symbolism in it, I rather enjoy this.

I present: The Story of the Corn Bread Muffin. Brought to you today with limited commercial interruptions by Crisco Shortening.

Bacon: The Final Frontier

2009-04-10T11:01:00.001-07:00

Recently I stumbled on a blog that repulsed, fascinated, and offended me all at once. Anyone who knows me, can tell you that those three qualities are worthwhile in anything if they are meant to appease me. The site, Bacon Salt Blog, is on the "never ending quest to make everything taste like bacon."

Now, as an avid lover of bacon, I am in support of culinary creativity with the salty pork. Baconaise aside. I mean, bacon on burgers...delish, bacon with breakfast...even more delish, but bacon as a lip balm...not so much. On a chilly winter evening, I don't think I want to pull out my lip balm, spread it on, smack my lips together, and taste salty pork. I couldn't help but have a Homer Simpson moment there with a sweet shudder and the words "Mmmm bacon..." entering my mind.

The newest product, Bacon Lube, that started off as an April Fool's joke has taken readers by storm. Apparently people are loving the idea of having a personal lubricant that tastes like bacon. As a part of the April Fool's gag, Bacon Salt stated that it was requesting beta testers for the new product. The post accrued an unbelievable amount of responses, 600, of people wanting to test out this new product. People e-mailed the blog with comments like:

"I have all the equipment necessary (myself, partner, condom)."

"Has 'squeal like a pig' ever seemed more appropriate?"

"My friends and I have always loved bacon and bacon products. We have been known to wrestle in Bacon Fat as we find it a preferable alternative to KY jelly."

And my personal favorite, a sentiment I could more than get on board with, "if you could add some cheese to this somehow..."

I have to be completely honest and say that there are some things in this life that should NOT taste like bacon. Anything having to do with sex is certainly one of those things. I mean, who really wants to be in the middle of sex and suddenly have a craving for a Denny's Grand Slam? I am all for the furthering of bacon research, but this is a little much even for me. However, for all of those out there on the never ending pursuit of all things bacon related, enjoy this new milestone in pork research.

Looks Like She's Going to Meet Robert Pattinson, and You're Not

2009-03-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

To every tween out there obsessed with Twilight, which by my count is every single one of you on the planet, take a breath and try not to break the eardrums of unsuspecting passerbys when I tell you this. Dakota Fanning is a now confirmed member of the New Moon cast. I realize this tragic news means that the girl who seemingly skipped out on her awkward years will become the most hated female in a few short moments. Hell, she gets to share a glorious few months basking in all that guy's, what's his name...oh yes...Robert Pattinson's...unearthly beauty.

But tweens, let's take a moment to pause our hate Twitters against Dakota to see the bright side of this. For all of you creepy, waif-like looking girls, you now have your best shot at jumping on Robert Pattinson and tearing his face off while sobbing 'I love you!!'

Practice in front of the mirror what it takes to open your eyes to an obnoxious degree while maintaining a certain air of utter childlike creepiness and you will easily get on set.

Anyway, People reported,

"The 15-year-old actress is set to star in New Moon as Jane – a sinister vampire with an angelic exterior who works for the Volturi, a rep for Summit Entertainment confirms to PEOPLE. “We did just get a script. We’re shooting the rest of the films back to back,” says Nikki Reed, who plays Rosalie Hale in the film. “(Director) Chris Weitz is amazing and I think it’s going to be wonderful.”

This new development shouldn't really come as a surprise since Fanning has been linked to New Moon/Twilight 2/The Saga that Will Never End for months now.

As it turns out, this part has the potential to make or break Fanning. Twilight fans are known throughout the world as the most terrifying band of individuals ever. Their screams were heard across state lines when Pattinson cut his hair and their pure hatred for Kristen Stewart is what results when an irresistible force meets an immovable object.

My suggestion for Fanning, to avoid this pure hatred, are two things:

First, become as much like Robert Pattinson as you can (If you can actually become him, you've hit the mecca). In order to achieve this level of godliness, I suggest you start by growing your hair out obnoxiously long, and then don't wash it. Ever. I mean it, if you hair can stand up on end it is so dirty, you have reached the first step. Following this, develop exceptionally low self-esteem and never, I mean never, look at someone when you speak to them. This is almost as essential as not washing your hair.

And second, stand completely still...all the time...to avoid any Twilight fan interaction. If you don't breath, they won't catch you. Trust me when I tell you, they are like sharks and you are like chum in the water. Don't chum the water.

While this news hasn't rocked Hollywood by any means, it just means that tween stars like Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers will have to up their street cred to stay in the headlines.

Caution: If You Were Not a 90's Baby, don't Worry. We're Repeating the Decade for Your Convenience

2009-03-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

90's television is coming back with a drama-filled vengeance. The CW, the CBS-Warner Bros. abomination of a television station, is recalling the neighborhood for an all New Melrose Place series.

The series has Ashlee Simpson-Wentz inked in for at least a season, wouldn't your son Mowgli be proud, and Heather Locklear and Mischa Barton rumored.

As some of you might know, the CW brought back Beverley Hills 90210 this season as well. The show, for all intents and purposes, was a laughingstock of an idea. Everyone thought it would sink and take the CW down with it. However, once fall programming rolled around, teens all over the United States crawled out of their Fall Out Boy and Miley Cyrus postered holes to tune in. 90210 is currently one of the highest rated shows on the station and Melrose Place is about to join it.

I really have to take a second to ask myself, why is the 90's coming back with a vengeance? Was it our awesome dialogue that hooked you? Maybe the great filters that made every show look soap quality?

It's almost like I can't turn on the TV lately without seeing something that that reminds me of my pre-pubescent hay-day. I watch a late show and see New Kids on the Block, turn on primetime and see 90210 and Melrose Place...what's next? Are we going to resurrect Scott Wolf's career with Party of Five? Maybe a crossover with Ghost Whisperer so he can visit Jennifer Love-Hewitt? Or you know what, Scott and the rest of the crew can fly over to LOST and see what the hell is up with that show. Maybe some good old teenage angst will do that convoluted script some good.

I really just don't know what it is about the 90's that we miss so much. Are we just so tired of the state of the economy that we want nothing more than to go back to a time when Clinton was in office and television was an Aaron Spelling good time? Whatever it is, we're in 90's fever. So pull out your parachute pants and Backstreet Boys albums because the 90's are back!

The Times, They are a Changing

2009-03-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

I sat in front of my computer today, reading the newspapers, sipping tea with honey, and listening to Bob Dylan's album Biograph. As I quietly hummed and read the New York Times from "World" to "Travel" tab, scanned my Digg account, and perused the front and local pages of the Chicago Tribune I couldn't help but note the irony.

It wasn't that long ago when people would spend a nice weekend morning with a cup of coffee and their favorite local paper. It would be delivered via paper-person (aren't we all striving toward that Mecca of political correctness?), you would pick it up and carry it to a comfortable spot and open it up. As you opened your news you were welcomed by the sweet smell of ink on paper and you slowly, but assuredly licked your finger, pressed it to the paper, and turned the page.

Sitting here today, clicking away instead of flipping pages, I laughed.

The economic recession bombarded the pages of my beloved newspapers. Questions and anger resonated in the editorials and a general sense of unease filled every article. As I approached a piece entitled, "When the Economy Bottoms Out, How Will We Know?" the song changed to "The Times, They are a Changing."

Now, let it be known that I am not that keen on superstition and prophetic omens. However, I couldn't help but notice Dylan's young, throaty voice determinedly singing one of my favorite songs. Reading about the unemployment hitting 8.1 on February 25th, the housing crisis, and everything else I felt like I just needed to get away. So, I clicked on another link and another until I just landed back on the NYT US politics page. Having digested all of the economic crisis that I could muster for one morning, I just looked up to see one word: Optimism.

My mind raced back to the song, "The Times, They are a Changing" which was long over, and I just smiled. Bob Dylan once wrote, "There is no right or left, just up an down." There is truth in what Dylan wrote. The times are changing, and right now the difference between right and left seems to matter less and less. However, despite the economic distress, partisan power wars, and fear....there is at least one man who urges optimism from us. A man who we placed into office who sees us as we are and still pushes the country upward.