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	Grade: A- | Genre: Pop / Alt-Country Summary: Rouse's Nashville just edges out his prior greatest achievement Under Cold Blue Stars. He has become a highly skilled songwriter very at ease in his own skin and quite deft in utilizing his excess talents. It is time for him to spill out into the mainstream because this is just too good for him to be kept under wraps any longer.

Josh Rouse initially nudged my attention through the inclusion of his track "Directions" on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack. Cameron Crowe is notorious for his impeccable taste in music so taking a chance on this unknown was virtually risk free. Since that time, Rouse has continued to hone his infectious pop flavored melodies and build a strong yet contained following. Nashville continues his evolution as an artist as Rouse adds just a touch of twang to his usual pop to give us glances at alt-country and layers of classic folk (think Bob Dylan sitting down to lunch with Neil Young).

1. Diary of a Mad Black Woman - $22,700,000
2. Hitch - $21,000,000
3. Constantine - $11,820,000
4. Cursed - $9,564,000
5. Man of the House - $9,000,000
6. Million Dollar Baby - $7,221,000
7. Because of Winn-Dixie - $6,750,000
8. Are We There Yet? - $4,000,000
9. The Aviator - $3,885,000
10. Son of the Mask - $3,775,000

Check Movie Times.

Everybody knows that Halle Berry took a misguided step when she accepted the title role of "Catwoman." It hasn't done anything positive for her career and has you feeling a bit sorry for the Oscar winner ("Monster's Ball"). However, what some of you didn't know is that she had the class and humility to accept her Razzie for "Worst Actress" ...in person! It takes a lot to be a good winner, but it says more about yourself when you're an even better loser. Some feel that you're only as good as your last movie. Halle Berry's character and ability to laugh at herself should regain some of the respect that "Catwoman" took away.

Read the full This is London article now.

Update! Check out an NBC Affiliate's video clip of Berry's acceptance.

Were you expecting Chris Rock to turn the Oscars from a conservative black tie event into the MTV Awards? Instead, the show was very tame and not too in your face as we know Chris Rock can be. The opening monologue was funny but restricted. I had hoped that the rest of the show would have had a sharper edge especially after Rock's visit to the Magic Johnson Theatres where none of those interviewed saw any of the Oscar nominated films but agreed that "White Chicks" was the best movie ever! Dare I say, "bring back Billy Crystal and his song and dance?"

Read the full SignOnSanDiego.com article.

One of Britian's hottest rock acts Kasabian is set to take America by storm with the stateside release of their eponymous debut next week and a slew of tour dates. Kasabian, who lifted their name from the Manson's family's getaway driver, feed into a more classic sound reminiscent of the Rolling Stones or perhaps the Stone Roses.

Read more on Kasabian at Rolling Stone and find out when they will be in a city near you.

	Grade: B+ | Genre: Drama Summary: The contrasting moods of the movie, from serene to tragic, are effective and leave an unshakable feeling of shock and guilt (possibly of the kid you teased or the people you ignored) long after the credits have rolled.

Starring: John Robinson, Alex Frost, Elias McConnell, Eric Deulen, Nathan Tyson
Director: Gus Van Sant

So much was done to explain the horrific events of the Columbine shootings. From news coverage to personal interviews, you do get a feel for what really happened...on the surface. For anyone who's ever been a high school student, you're left to re-evaluate for yourself the relationships you had, the routines you followed, and your fellow students whom you knew nothing about.

"Elephant" isn't specifically about Columbine, though the similarities are undeniable. It's not a film about why or how everything happened. In it's basic form, the film is meant to open your eyes to the things you may never have stopped to notice.

	Grade: C+ | Genre: Romantic Comedy Summary: Wimbledon proves a mixed bag. Tennis fans will no doubt rejoice that they finally have a film to embrace as their own but for those of you looking for a film to inject you with that warm and fuzzy feeling along the lines of Notting Hill, I'd stick with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.

Starring: Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany
Director: Richard Loncraine

It is refreshing to finally see Hollywood making a feature film based on tennis. It is an exciting sport that usually gets overlooked for the flashier, more popular baseball, football and basketball. Sadly it appears that the studio felt that instead of focusing on the human drama inherent within, such as Friday Night Lights, they needed to plug this into a Hollywood formula to stem the nagging from the marketing department. Enter your token romantic comedy where love triumphs over all, queue the Peter Cetera song.

Apple Computer has cut prices and introduced new models to its iPod Mini and iPod Photo families in a bid to expand its range of digital media devices.

Read the full Article here.

Sonny Bono became a Congressman, Schwartzenegger a governor and Regan a president so why couldn't Bono head up the World Bank? That is exactly what Friday's lead editorial in the Los Angeles Times proposed. "Don't be fooled by the wraparound sunglasses and the excess hipness," the Los Angeles Times said. "Bono is deeply versed in the issues afflicting the least-developed nations of the world."

Read more at CNN Money.

Eastwood is still producing a brilliant body of work at 74 having completed his 25th film as director (Million Dollar Baby) that is one of the leading contenders to win best picture at tomorrow night's Oscar ceremonies. He is one of the best directors working in Hollywood having produced arguably the best Western of all time (Unforgiven) as well as the best picture released last year (Mystic River). He sits down with Time magazine's Richard Schickel for an honest discussion about the controversy surrounding his new film, his road to stardom and the lack of direction to his directing.

Read the full article at Time.

From one womanizer to another, Julian McMahon, who plays Christian Troy on the daring FX series, "Nip/Tuck," may be trading in his surgical tools and groupies for high-tech spy gadgets and Bond Girls. I never would have thought of Dr. Troy as succeeding Pierce Brosnan in the James Bond Franchise but do see some potential there.

Check out the full article on Mirror.co.uk.

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to see the BBC comedy series "Coupling" (think "Friends" mixed with "Seinfeld" while more obsessed with sex) knows that Jeff, played by Richard Coyle, was the heart and soul of the show's comedic talents. Incredibly dense and clueless, he always had the best lines and executed them like a master craftsman. I recently caught season 4 on DVD and Jeff had mysteriously vanished without explanation to be replaced by some wanker nowhere near as funny as Coyle. It was such a jarring shift that the show wasn't even worth watching anymore. So whatever happened to Jeff? It turns out that he left the show to pursue his love of the stage. The Independent caught up with Coyle recently to see how things are going.

Read the full article and look for Coyle's new film, The Libertine, with Johnny Depp set to be released later this year.

	Grade: D- | Genre: Comedy Summary: Just because a film is labeled as an independent certainly doesn't make it a good film. Use whatever creative licenses you like but don't bury your audience in utter senselessness. Unless you are a complete sadist, stay away from this film. Far, far away.

Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law, Naomi Watts, Dustin Hoffman and Mark Wahlberg
Director: David Russell

I Heart Huckabees or otherwise known as Existentialism: the Movie is one of the strangest movies I have ever seen. Who in their right mind would have ever sat down and thought, "Yeah, we should make a movie based around the revolving theme of existentialism." The one thought that was echoing through my head as I was watching this was Sartre is probably rolling over in his grave right about now. This movie is such a discombobulated mess. Plot you say. There was a plot?

The coolest director in Hollywood isn't too cool to lend his talents to the small screen. We've already seen Quentin Tarantino's contributions on "ER" and "Alias." Now, he will direct the 5th season clincher of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." This might be a good chance to "bring out the gimp."

Read the E!Online's full article.

	Grade: A | Genre: Vocal Jazz Summary: Peyroux is shockingly good in her flawless execution of these classic numbers. She displays an unyielding talent softly searching the corners of its potential. The prospect that we haven't yet seen the full journey she's taking us on is a fascinating thought.

The line of distinguished modern female jazz vocalists is comprised with the talents of Norah Jones, Diana Krall and Cassandra Wilson. Room needs to be made for one Madeline Peyroux. Eight years have passed since Peyroux released Dreamland that fell into the adoring arms of critics and racheted up sales of 200,000 copies with zero hits and a scarcity of radio play. Then she vanished like a mirage to leave us wondering what was that fascinating flash in the dark. Careless Love has materialized in its full beauty to convince us that Peyroux wasn't simply a trick of our overzealous imaginations.

	Grade: A | Genre: Brit Rock Summary: "Some Cities" powerfully swooping tracks serve as a great score to your life.

Finally, 3 years removed from their last release, 2002's "The Last Broadcast," the Doves return to stake their claim as Britain's Band of Consistentcy with "Some Cities." Jimi Goodwin and the Williams twins, Jez and Andy, are back to show us how good...no, how GREAT music is done.

Dave Chappelle tried out for 11 different sitcoms before he happened on something that worked for him: his own skewed sense of humor. After years of kicking around in TV failures (the short-lived "Buddies" was the only one to make it on the air) and being seen in small roles in films, from "The Nutty Professor" to "You've Got Mail," "Chappelle's Show" did more than become one of Comedy Central's biggest hits when it had its premiere in 2003.

Read the full article at CTNOW.

Scant weeks since Louris had regrouped with his old band mate Mark Olson to play select dates throughout America, Louris now says the Jayhawks are no more. Louris stated that the environment of being in a full time band was constricting him from learning and exploring new experiences.

Read the full article at Billboard.

This isn't just another top 10 list that caters to the mainstream. Forget the Tom Cruises and Brad Pitts. It's not about the biggest box office draw or mass appeal. It's one that actually took some thought as it boldly shines the light on lesser names like Don Cheadle and John C. Reilly. Finally, faces you've known, but could never name get some much deserved recognition.

Check out the GQ Feature and slideshow.

One of the standout performances this year came from unknown actress Catalina Sandino Moreno in Maria Full of Grace. The 23-year-old actress, with this sole film to fill out her credits, has been thrust into the limelight with her best actress nomination for her depiction of a drug smuggling mule in Columbia. CNN caught up with her to find out what it was like to feel the rush of being nominated, how she was discovered and what is next for this fresh talent.

Read the full interview at CNN.

CMJ Retail Charts
1. GREEN DAY American Idiot
2. THE GAME The Documentary
3. BRIGHT EYES I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
4. RAY CHARLES Genius Loves Company
5. KILLERS Hot Fuss
6. BRIGHT EYES Digital Ash In A Digital Urn
7. JOHN LEGEND Get Lifted
8. 3 DOORS DOWN Seventeen Days
9. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM LCD Soundsystem
10. GARDEN STATE Soundtrack

Neilson Weekly Ratings - Zap2it
1. CSI
2. AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY
2. AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY
4. DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
5. WITHOUT A TRACE

	Grade: C | Genre: Action Summary: A fresh take on the King Arthur story that doesn't hold its weight when plugged into this formulaic Hollywood film yielding a rather generic movie. Keira Knightley shines regardless.

Starring: Clive Owen, Keira Knightley, and Stellan Skarsgard
Director: Antoine Fuqua

Yes I'm well aware of what you are surely thinking, "Exactly how many times can we hear this same old tale of King Arthur and his dutiful knights." At least one more time more evidently. To its credit the film takes an interesting spin on the age-old tale by announcing at the movie's onset that new archeological information has surfaced that signaled Arthur may have been based on a real person who lived around the 5th century. This movie is supposed to chronicle that life. The accuracy of these claims I'll leave to the scholars.

Ever since Paris' address book leaked out over the Internet this past weekend, my phone has been ringing off the hook. Yeah we hooked up once people. Get over it already. I told her to use a password more secure than the name of her chihuahua for her phone but there is just no talking to that girl. So onto the more interesting starlets gracing the red carpet at this Sunday's 77th running of the Oscars. Do you want to know who should be preparing their acceptance speech, who should pull a Tonya Harding and who should crash this party? Well you've come to the right place for all the information that's relevant and completely irrelevant regarding the batch of films that was 2004. So sharpen those #2 pencils and get your Oscar pool form primed because I've got the winners for you right here.

Chris Rock wants to clarify what he meant when he said straight men don't watch the Oscars.

"I did not say that. I said only gay people watch the Tonys," he joked Monday during an appearance on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."

Read the full CNN article

Do you have those pictures that if you ever became famous would have to be burned? Well I've run across this one of everyone's favorite host of the Daily Show during his days as a futballer at William & Mary in 1980. Sorry Jon it had to be done.

If it weren't for Jamie Foxx's astounding performance in Ray, the Oscar for best actor should be going to Don Cheadle for his role in Hotel Rwanda. Always a solid actor, Cheadle takes his craft to another level portraying Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager in Rwanda that saved 1000 people from certain death in the mass genocide that overtook the country. Cheadle discusses his work in Hotel Rwanda with CNN.

Read the full interview at CNN.

	Grade: D | Genre: Mystery/Action Summary: This film is barely worth your time, and you're better off watching something like Hitch, which the wife and I did afterwards.

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Djimon Hounsou
Director: Francis Lawrence

Wow, it seems we've mentioned Keanu Reeves a lot this week, haven't we? Don't get us wrong, it's not because we admire him or praise the work he's done. At the moment, he's just an easy target. His consistently poor performances beg the question, "How do he and Ben Affleck continue to get work?"

Anyway, I just saw Constantine, and I must say...what the heck was going on?

	Grade: B+ | Genre: Light Electronica/Coffee House Summary: An impressive outing by Hed Kandi that will give you an introduction to some artists that need to be making time with your CD player.

Hed Kandi is a record label plying it's trade in the UK that is most readily recognized for their dance/disco compilations. A lesser-known segment is the Winter Chill series, which for those of us who gravitate to the more mellow numbers is more palatable. This is their latest release of this series which comprises a two disk set capturing some well established acts like Frou Frou, Natalie Imbruglia, Mazzy Star and Goldfrapp along with some up and coming talents such as Alpinestars, Eventide and I am Koot. All come together in a beautiful fusion of smooth, featherweight audio designs.

	Grade: B | Genre: Romantic Comedy Summary: Will Smith can do it all and does it in Hitch. The movie is nothing new or profound...just a safe bet date movie worth admission.

Staring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, and Kevin James
Director: Andy Tennant

Will Smith can do no wrong. He's got unbelievable cross-over appeal and is able to play any role convincingly. His streak of number one opening weekends continues with Hitch where we see him, not saving us from aliens or robots, but saving us from ourselves when it comes to love and women (I feel like I'm going to throw up).

	Grade: A- | Genre: Drama Summary: This is a film that sticks with you. It's a stunning portrayal of innocense lost and of life altering decisions.

Staring: Rory Culkin, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan, Josh Peck, Carly Schroeder
Director: Jacob Aaron Estes

If you could snap your fingers and have your worst enemy drop dead, would you do it? Mean Creek is about Sam, a young school kid who is beaten up regularly by a bigger, stronger and older bully, George. So he and his brother, Rocky, decide to pull a prank by inviting George out a boating trip.

To the relief of "Nip/Tuck" devotees everywhere, writer/creator Ryan Murphy has signed on for another two seasons with the critically acclaimed program. There had been a lot of speculation swirling about concerning Murphy's return given ample interest for him to work on feature films instead. He is currently set to write and direct an adaptation of the book Running with Scissors. He said that following the massive response to the Carver finale last season he decided there were more stories he needed to tell.

Read the full article at E! International.

1. Hitch - $31,800,000
2. Constantine - $30,525,000
3. Because of Winn-Dixie - $10,850,000
4. Son of the Mask - $7,675,000
5. Million Dollar Baby - $7,190,000
6. Are We There Yet? - $6,500,000
7. Boogeyman - $5,500,000
8. Pooh's Heffalump Movie - $4,409,000
9. The Aviator - $4,174,000
10. Sideways - $3,900,000

Check Movie Times.

Keanu Reeves may have found a role that could possibly loosen up his usual stiff on-screen presence. "A Scanner Darkly" is basically an animated movie as a result of tracing over a real one. Maybe the studios can add extra expressions to Reeve's poker face.

Set in a future world where America has lost the war on drugs, an undercover cop, Fred (Reeves), is one of many agents hooked on the popular drug, Substance D, which causes its users to develop split personalities. Fred, for instance, is also Bob, a notorious drug dealer. Along with his superior officers, Fred sets up an elaborate scheme to catch Bob and tear down his operation. (Yahoo)

Check out the trailer on Yahoo.

Alt-country pioneers the Jayhawks are back together again in their original form as Mark Olson and Gary Louris set aside some long standing rifts to play a handful of dates. It is not a reunion tour since bassist Marc Perlman and drummer Tim O'Reagan are not involved but the duo have discussed writing some new material together that could form a record. Mark Olson originally parted ways with the band in 1995 as they sat on the verge of breaking into the mainstream. Olsen said he had grown tired of the music business and touring. The two didn't speak for six years following the split as Louris continued the Jayhawks without Olson yet they joined up a couple years ago to contribute a couple songs to the Dennis Quaid film the Rookie.

Read the full article at Billboard and look on Pollstar for Olsen and Louris touring in a city near you.

2004 was an exciting year for music. I left too many great albums on the cutting room floor when assembling this impressive group of albums and I'd go a step further to include the top 3 among my all time top 25. This list proves that music has not signaled its death rattle as many have feared but is still as vibrant and innovative as ever. It's simply become harder by the day to seek out since modern radio has become so saturated with bands following a sheet of instructions on how to make it big. They've stopped promoting artists and the neglect is sickening. This is your music. Stop letting corporate America define your music taste and take back your listening space.

With two guys writing around here, the testosterone can get a little thick at times. So I thought I'd defer to the two cool and funny chicks of Television without Pity for commentary on the actor everyone loves to ridicule, pretty boy Keanu Reeves. He is the anchor in every movie where he actually has to act yet the studios keep inviting him back to the set (The Matrix doesn't count. All he did the entire film was stand there and look cool). Mind-boggling I say. Anyway, the quote of the day comes from Sarah Bunting "I think he only got the Scott Favor role in 'My Own Private Idaho' because an actual log turned it down. "

Read the full exchange on MSNBC.

"Sideways" has stirred new business for restaurants and wineries in what is typically a slow time of the year. The Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau published 10,000 "Sideways" map for tourists wanting to retrace the adventures of the movie's two buddies, Miles and Jack. Within a month of the film's release the maps were gone and 30,000 more were printed.

Click here to read the full CNN Article.

80's pop icon and serious artist following that hangover, George Michael has finally thrown in the proverbial towel saying there is nothing left for him in pop music per a recent documentary. He says life as a celebrity has never suited him and that pop music has died. "Nobody want to hear about politics, or any kind of strong ideas in pop any more." He has been no stranger to controversy over the years with his strong stand against the war in Iraq and being tossed out of the closet after getting caught in the infamous lewd act in a Beverly Hills toilet. He released the brilliant Patience last summer after 8 years had elapsed since his previous release of original material. As for what he would do next, he replied: "Perhaps it will mean writing for other people. I have an ambition to write a truly contemporary musical, not necessarily even for the stage, but for the screen ... I have got to find ways to make music and enjoy it the way I used to."

Read the full article at CNN.

CMJ Retail Charts
1. THE GAME The Documentary
2. GREEN DAY American Idiot
3. BRIGHT EYES I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
4. 3 DOORS DOWN Seventeen Days
5. JOHN LEGEND Get Lifted
6. BRIGHT EYES Digital Ash In A Digital Urn
7. KILLERS Hot Fuss
8. SAGE FRANCIS A Healthy Distrust
9. GARDEN STATE Soundtrack
10. ANI DIFRANCO Knuckle Down

Mark Jen's first day as a Google employee, January 17, also marked the debut of his "Ninetyninezeros" blog, which he intended to maintain as a personal journal of his experiences as a Google employee. Little did he know that his tenure at Google would be quite brief.

Read the full PC World Article.

Check out these trailers for some of the most highly anticipated films this year courtesy of Apple's Movie Trailers (Quicktime required).

> Batman Begins
> Be Cool
> Cinderella Man
> The Ballad of Jack and Rose
> War of the Worlds

	Grade: B+ | Genre: R&B Summary: Genuine tracks that don't focus on his vocal skills, but his ability to get us involved in his lyrics...nothing complicated, just honest.

Introducing John Legend.

Eight years ago, Madeleine Peyroux's debut album, Dreamland, was showered with praise. Critics swooned over her Billie Holiday-like voice, her choice of material (though pigeonholed as a jazz vocalist, her songs included Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" and a pair of blues numbers) and her interpretive abilities. The album, despite no hits and little airplay, sold 200,000 copies, an amazing number for an unknown singer. And then she disappeared.

Read the full article at CNN and be sure to check back in next week for a review of Peyroux's latest album Careless Love.

My latest addiction song is drawn from the opening track of the Grammy nominated Tamborine by Tift Merritt. "Stray Paper" is a powerful alt-country tune with plenty of flavor and double helpings of talent. Merritt is one of a host of smart, up and coming country musicians redefining this ailing genre. For the sexy side of Tift, check out this month's FHM.

	Grade: B+ | Genre: Documentary Summary: Every scar, flaw and stroke of brilliance in the complex genius of Louis Kahn shines through in this compelling documentary.

	Grade: B- | Genre: Progressive Rock Summary: If you are patient, there is certainly an ample supple of gems burrowed in here but it's frustrating to see Tori not fully tapping into that potential we know lies smoldering beneath.

On my list of 10 tens albums for 2004, The Killers are a modern alternative to the alternative with 80's sensibilities. This Las Vegas quartet rocks the Brit Pop/Retro New Wave sound, and it's exactly what the industry's needed. Hot Fuss, is a fierce debut from a band that will bring back memories of Duran Duran and Pet Shop Boys while creating an edgier identity all their own.

Check out CNN's feature on The Killers.

Buy it now!

1. "American Idol" (Tue), Fox, 28.8 million viewers
2. "CSI," CBS, 27.9 million viewers
3. "American Idol" (Wed), Fox, 26.1 million viewers
4. "Desperate Housewives," ABC, 22.3 million viewers
5. "Without a Trace," CBS, 19.6 million viewers

The funniest smart guy (or the smartest funny guy) is in high demand and calling shots. Comedy Central is banking on fans wanting more than a daily dose of Jon Stewart. TV's anti-Walter Cronkite has obtained financing from his home base cable network to resurrect his long-dormant Busboy Production shingle. In exchange, Stewart will give Comedy Central first crack at picking up all the projects it develops, network president Doug Herzog announced Tuesday. Should be good for America!

Read E!Online's full article.

In case you missed it, you've got to see Stewart's infamous appearance on CNN's Crossfire, which probably made the decision to cancel the show very easy.

From the moment she was launched onto the scene with her Oscar winning performance in Girl Interrupted, Angelia has been a bit of an enigma. A brilliant actress who devotes herself to her causes (Beyond Borders), taps into her inner sex goddess (Original Sin) and isn't afraid to do the occasional paycheck film (Taking Lives). Her personal life is constant tabloid fodder from the endless speculations on her romances, bizarre tales of her marriage to Billy Bob and the estrangement from her father, Jon Voight. Regardless she is a strong, independent spirited woman, unaffected by it all, who follows her own path. She settles in with Premiere to discuss her recent films, the activism and the human side of Angelina.

Read the full interview at Premiere now.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A promising young boxer who got the break of a lifetime when he was selected by NBC's upcoming reality TV program, The Contender, committed suicide.

Read the whole Sports Illustrated article.

Johnny Depp's main reason for doing "Secret Window" was because he always wanted to play a character named "Mort." He even turned down the role of Rev. Graham Hess in "Signs," which eventually went to Mel Gibson, because "it wasn't worth it." Known for his eclectic movie choices, his reasons for choosing or not choosing a role (no matter how absurd), shouldn't be too surprising.

There appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel concerning the "Scrubs" DVD release for season 1. It has been confirmed that Buena Vista will be releasing the 4-disk set (including all 24 episodes) on May 17th which according to the press release will include "a host of great bonus features including some never-before-seen dream sequences and a fascinating retrospective documentary." More time rummaging around in JD's head. Sweetness!

Pre-order your copy of season 1 at Barnes and Noble now.

1. Hitch - $43,142,214
2. Boogeyman - $10,235,785
3. Are We There Yet? - $8,236,727
4. Million Dollar Baby - $7,447,212
5. Pooh's Heffalump Movie - $5,805,559
6. The Wedding Date - $5,513,065
7. Hide and Seek - $5,408,477
8. The Aviator - $4,671,646
9. Sideways - $4,472,135
10. Meet the Fockers - $3,456,245

For those who don't know, Chris Rock will be hosting the Oscars, but what's more interesting are the comments he made belittling the event of which he will be the star. Much has been made about him calling the show "idiotic" and a "fashion show" and that "ONLY GAYS WATCH OSCARS." My personal favorite is, "What straight black man sits there and watches the Oscars? Show me one!" Good times! Now, the academy is having second thoughts. What else did they expect? This should turn out to be the edgiest Oscar Night yet...assuming Rock still has the job. Check out Matt Drudge's article.

They're identical twin sisters, they're lesbians, they choose to live on opposite sides of Canada so they're able to work together without driving each other crazy, and their record label requested that they please write songs about "something other than love." Yeah, right. Considering the way these two adore writing love songs, it's easy to picture Tegan and Sara politely giving the finger to that request.

Read the full article at MSNBC now.

	Grade: A- | Genre: Folk Summary: This is an exquisite taste of a great artist in the making.

Not too sure what the details of this video are, but it's all you need to realize that life doesn't suck as much as you thought. This is no laughing matter and may not be suitable for sensitive ones.

A popular choice with PM, the Garden State Soundtrack took home the Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack. The collection is sure to spread the word on indie favs that have yet to hit the big time. Checkout new tracks from the Shins ("Caring is Creepy" and "New Slang") as well as familiar tunes by Simon & Garfunkel and Coldplay.

Rent or buy this movie?

HBO's "Six Feet Under" and Showtime's "Queer as Folk" will both be closing the door to their lives following their upcoming season. Starting its fifth season early this summer, "Queer as Folk" has rightfully run its course. Starting as a cutting edge unflinching look at gay life in Pittsburgh, it has drifted from its defining storylines and raw look at life as a gay male and become somewhat stagnant and neutered in the past couple of seasons. Though it has been lacking something of late, it has remained the best show for fostering tolerance and educating heterosexual America on gay lifestyle that doesn't pander to traditional stereotypes, as is often the case in network television. The Emmy winning "Six Feet Under" is still firing on all cylinders approaching its fifth season. The funeral home based family business of Fisher and Sons has never failed to serve up innovative, quirky storylines and to emotionally dig its fingers into its viewers. It is still the finest drama on television today and will leave a considerable void that won't be easily filled. It will start its final 12-episode arc this June.

Anybody who has seen High Fidelity knows the value of a great top 5 list. They can be sliced, diced and debated endlessly. So after seeing more films than any one person should be allowed to see in 2004, I've doubled the fun and listed the 10 that had the most original voices and left their imprint on me.

When everyone seems to be talking about a band, I usually feel a bit wary. Even yesterday as I was driving home, my local public alt-music station KEXP claimed that The Arcade Fire's debut CD was "one of the best albums of the year." Well, like I said, I usually feel wary. But in the case of The Arcade Fire, I can only say that I totally agree.

Read the full article at MSNBC.

There's a good reason why Kanye West is getting so much attention. Not only has he produced hits for the likes of Jay-Z and Twista, but he saved some of his best beats for his debut, "College Dropout" If you're a rap fan in need of catchy hooks and head-nodding jams, be sure to pick this one up. Now he's riding the success into the Grammy's (yes, we've already dissed the Grammy's in a previous post) with a leading 10 nods. Read the CNN article now.

We found a great new reel-to-reel skin for our beloved Winamp. Features included new color/brightness themes. New mini-band animated visualisations (7 selectable views). Big Analog VU-meters component with six selectable visualisations.

Try it out!

Zach Braff, one of our favorite up and comers, will be making an appearance on the critically acclaimed series, "Arrested Development." According to his "Garden State" Blog (he's still updating it!) he just shot a small part last week. Sorry, no word on air date.

How does a low budget porn continue to garner such critical attention 33 years after it was released? Read the "San Francisco Chronicle" article.

So what do Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Being John Malkovich and Adaptation share in common? That would be the brilliant writing talents of Charlie Kaufman. In the stagnant world of movie scripts, Kaufman's mind is one that isn't constrained by Hollywood formulas or big box office. He simply presents us with curiosities in a bent reality not too far removed from our own.

Read his Q&A with Premiere magazine.

	Grade: B- | Genre: Drama Summary: Ray is definitely worth seeing because the music is genius and this tribute is a fitting way to remember the man that gave us "Georgia on My Mind."

Playing Ray Charles, Jamie Foxx gives the performance of his life in a film that would have been nothing more than a cable mini-series without him. Whoah! Did I really say that?

	Grade: C+ | Genre: Drama Summary: This one is like a complex abstract painting. You can tell there are flashes of brilliance within but you're not quite sure what the artist was getting at.

As George Costanza once noted, it's nearly impossible for most men not to sneak a peek at cleavage. Now Shaune Bagwell, the ex-wife of Astros slugger Jeff Bagwell, is cashing in on this apparent defect in men's wiring. Bagwell recently auctioned off use of her cleavage on eBay for advertisers.

In my mind, the song that probably sticks out most from the "Wicker Park Soundtrack" is Postal Service's remake of Phil Collin's "Against All Odds." Collin's original version was already pretty damn good, but The Postal Service just knocked it farther out the park!

Every morning, for about three weeks now, I've been getting in my car and cranking up "Me and Mia" for my commute to work. It's the first and best song off Ted Leo's new album Shake The Sheets, and by golly it's the only song I think I'll ever need ever again for my morning drive. It's coming close to replacing coffee.

Read the full article at MSNBC.
Download "Me and Mia" for free at Abercrombie Music.

Sick and tired of the listless Grammy's that don't even nominate worthy contenders much less award them? The Brit Awards can be your solace. Scissor Sisters wrapped up the well deserved honors of best international group, best international album as well as best international breakthrough group. Franz Ferdinand walked away with best British group and rock act. Soul mistress Joss Stone was awarded with British female solo artist and British urban act. Keane secured best British breakthrough act and their brilliant Hopes and Fears was tagged as the best British album. I couldn't have picked these better myself.

Read the full article on Billboard.

In a recent interview with Maxim Magazine (January 2005), Bruce Willis said he turned down the role of Terry Benedict in "Ocean's 11" for prior committments. Andy Garcia was a fine choice, but Willis would surely have brought his trademark sarcastic-swagger to the role making it much more fun and memorable.

Thinking of subscribing to Maxim?

Remember Mark Wahlberg's character, Bobby Shatford, in the "Perfect Storm?" His brother, Richard, almost suffered the same fate as his crew's fishing boat sank in Gloucester, Massachussets. Read the CNN article.

If your CD player has had nothing new to chew on of late never fear because the pipeline is cram packed with new music slated to be released in the coming months.

> Tori Amos' the Beekeeper on February 22nd more info
> Josh Rouse's Nashville on February 22nd more i