Today's Pick

Whitney Houston, turned 46 this month, is officially back, after self-imposed 7-year hiatus, or at least that's what she and her record label want you to believe. But finally, she’s put out a her 6th full-length studio new album, "I Look To You", arrives in stores and digital retailers today. Has the comeback queen recaptured her glory days?
It’s been 7 years since 2002’s "Just Whitney" was released. While that was billed as her big comeback, it turned out to be her worst selling album ever. So then, does "I Look To You" live up to everything promised this time around? But her much-hyped new album, is a collaboration with music mogul Clive Davis, and features ditties from the likes of Akon, R. Kelly and Alicia Keys. And, phew, the reviews look good.
Her first mainstream single "Million Dollar Bill" is an Alicia Keys-penned joyride with friendly basslines and on-point lyrics that remind us of who Whitney really was. The songs "Nothin' But Love" and "Call You Tonight" swoop you into a melodic trance that cry for a second listen. And the title track "I Look To You" joins a Diane Warren penned song "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" as the two to watch on this CD. Whitney Houston doesn't cover the pop classic "I Will Survive" on her new album. But themes of strength, challenge and triumph are laced throughout the songs on disc.
"Over 170 Million albums sold worldwide, 6 Grammys, 2 Emmys and is the “Most awarded female artist of all time” according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it’s no wonder why people are excited about this album. The album is getting mostly strong reviews so far from critics, and was well reviewed and topped both the Amazon and iTunes sales charts on day one. Whitney Houston asks fans to "love me like I never left." There's a live appearance for Houston on “Good Morning America” tomorrow and an interview with Oprah on Sept 14.

For the first time ever tonight's 36th Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony will air on CW, as opposed to the big three. "Ugly Betty" nemesis, Vanessa Williams will be hosting the event. Coincidentally, Williams is a Daytime Emmy nominee this year for her voiceover work on the PBS series Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies. Williams recently released her eighth CD, "The Real Thing," will be featured singing and dancing in the show's opening number, a parody of the Four Seasons hit, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," during which she be digitally added into scenes from the soaps, not unlike the numerous Billy Crystal Oscar montages of the past.
The Daytime Emmy Awards are awards presented by the New York-based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Los Angeles-based Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in recognition of excellence in American daytime television programming since 1968 as part of the prime time Emmy celebration. "It's a smaller venue, which has that real glamorous look," executive producer David McKenzie said. "We want to call attention to the fact that downtown has these incredible theaters. I hope to restore a lot of the glamour to the awards and make it a really memorable event."
Tonight's ceremony not only moved networks, but also location, as the live telecast beginning at 8pm will take place at The Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Singing, dancing, comedy and a touch of pathos set against the glitzy backdrop of a historic theatre. The nominees were announced on May 14. No surprise that PBS was the big winner, taking home a total of 15 creative Emmys. ABC won 10, Nickelodeon took home 8, various syndicated productions won 6, CBS snagged 5, Food Network managed 3, both NBC and Cartoon Network garnered 2 while, YouTube, 4Kids on FOX, Disney Channel, FOX and MTV each received a single statuette. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to "Sesame Street" for its 40 years of educating and entertaining children.
The CW puts on quite a show, Williams did amazing host out there. Rachael Ray, 'B&B' take home gold, as well as daytime celebrated "Sesame Street's" 40th anniversary and bid farewell to "Guiding Light" after 72 years. Please visit The Emmy Awards site for detailed info and winners.

The French DJ David Guetta, a household name in his native France, multi-million selling producer, recording artist and promoter, is now living up to his reputation as #1 DJ by topping the UK single charts before his single "Sexy Bitch", has even be released since last Sunday. His official release date for the single is scheduled for September 14.
"Sexy Bitch" is the 2nd single from Guetta's upcoming 4th studio album "One Love" which has come out in US last Tuesday. This r&b/dance fusion album he's working on is going to smash the dancefloor, and collaborates with Kelly Rowland, Kid Cudi, will.i.am, Ne-Yo and Estelle in the record.
The Gallic knob-twiddler has already given us two massive dance anthems - Kelly Rowland collaboration "When Love Takes Over" and Black Eyed Peas's "I Gotta Feeling", which he produced - and now he's gunning for the hat-trick, and teaming up with guest vocals by American R&B vocalist, Akon for the hottest song of the year, and the video features hundreds of hot babes in bikinis dancing around the swimming pool. At this rate, summer '09 could end up belonging to David Guetta.
It turns out that's exactly what happened, and you guys have been hanging out for it and finally it's here. A clean version of the song "Sexy Bitch" has been produced with the title and lyrics modified to "Sexy Chick", which is a trancey club banger on which Akon sings about, well, the sort of thing that Akon always sings about.
When the French beatsman and Akon appeared on the bill at this year's Radio 1 One Big Weekend in Swindon, it was doubtful that anyone could have predicted that the pair would end up in a recording studio almost immediately. As a result, it's moved up to #1, giving the French dance star his 2nd singles chart topper in UK. He also topped the charts back in June with 'When Love Takes Over', climbing 20 places to the head of the table to knock the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" and Tinchy Stryder with 'Never Leave You'.

What are hitting theaters this weekend to finish up the 2009 summer movie season? "The Final Destination" or often called "Final Destination 4" is franchise’s fourth and reportedly final installment of the gloriously schlocky thriller/horror flick series, and the first of the series in fusion 3D, which was shot over 60 days in New Orleans last summer, and opens today, comes three years after “Final Destination 3” made $113.3 million worldwide.
By making sure no one dies of natural causes, director David R. Ellis and screenwriter Eric Bress, who co-wrote "Final Destination 2," have clearly given plenty of ghoulish thought to the visceral thrill of the 3D format, which might give it an edge, and offers a new perspective on the horror franchise, and indeed on ideas of life, death and destiny. It's just as bloody and fun as the previous three films.
IF you have seen any of the previous three Final Destination movies, you probably already know how it all works, or at least you think you do. You won't need a sixth sense to know what is coming. As usual a group of teenagers dodge an early grave when one of them, Nick O'Bannon (Bobby Campo) can see the future and uses the power to help his friends cheat death. They try to escape their fates, but death always catches up, and then pursues them to their ultimate destination. The difference here is that those of you near a digital cinema will be able to see people being sliced in half in 3D, a format that should intensify the visceral experience.
Eat your heart out, this 4th installment brings no fresh ideas to the mix is not a problem; the added dimension is a hugely entertaining carnival ride of elaborate, and more than enough to reinvigorate interest in this enduringly and deservedly popular New Line's series.

The American sex symbol, 'Queen of Pop,' Madonna has finally revealed the final complete track list for her upcoming 3rd greatest hits album "Celebration", which has confirmed by Warner Bros. Records, her record company since 1982. The release will follow her two previous greatest hits albums, "The Immaculate Collection" (1990) and "GHV2" (2001).
The song list was selected by Madonna and her fans, have all been exquisitely remastered. The Material Girl is set to release her forthcoming best of compilation in the US on September 28, which will be made available in a 2-CD set, a single CD and a DVD packaging. Artwork for the packaging was designed by renowned street pop artist “Mr. Brainwash.”
The Ultimate Celebration CD set includes 36 hit songs spanning her entire career unedited and unreleased footage with 2 new tracks: "Revolver" (featuring Lil Wayne) and her new single 'Celebration'. The Celebration DVD collected 47 videos, includes 18 never-before-seen videos and will boast unseen footage (from "Justify My Love") and some all new videos ("Celebration", "Give It 2 Me" and "Into The Groove").
Madonna clearly continues to rule the dance floor with her latest single. Her title track “Celebration” Remix EP, (was released digitally on July 31) is #1 on iTunes Dance Album chart, and #1 on the Masterbeat overall chart. The music video for the song will premiere worldwide on music channels on September 1st, which coincides with the release of the video on iTunes.
Meanwhile, Madonna continues her "Sticky & Sweet" tour throughout Europe now. The multi-Grammy winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with the highest grossing tour in history for a Female Artist, is scheduled to end her tour with her final show in Israel on September 2nd.

The country trio bnad, "Love and Theft" was just released their debut album CD, "World Wide Open" via Carolwood Records yesterday. The lead-off single from the album, “Runaway,” is top 20 and still climbing. Their future looks bright, and I'm sure this band has a lot of opportunities ahead, and the world is exactly wide open for them!
Love and Theft was founded in 2006 by Brian Bandas, Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson, all three of whom sing lead vocals. They are also known to their legions of online fans as LNT. After opening shows for Taylor Swift in 2008, the band is currently on the road playing shows and promoting their debut single, 'Runaway.' The week kicks off with a full band performance at a radio station show in Atlanta last Sunday night after which they'll back to Nashville to rise early Monday morning for the first of four consecutive daily satellite radio tours, which include concert appearances in Houston, TX (8/26); Dallas, TX (8/27); Phoenix, AZ (8/28); and Las Vegas (8/29).
Just hours after its release, the debut CD "World Wide Open" is the #1 selling country album at iTunes. The trio’s hit single “Runaway” is also the #3 country video at iTunes. At iTunes when you download the full album, you will receive two previously unreleased bonus tracks. Amazon will offer up a bonus track to fans as well. For more information, please visit to their exclusive website or just check the image below to listen each track.

Following up his acclaimed legal thriller "Michael Clayton" and "Bourne" movies, writer/director Tony Gilroy takes a vacation with the deceptively lightweight "Duplicity," is supposedly one of the smartest screenwriters we've got. The film was released on March 20, and it's DVD/Blu-ray with featuring commentary will be available today.
The allure of this romance caper, Oscar winner Julia Roberts and Clive Owen star as two sexy spies-turned-corporate operatives in the midst of a clandestine love affair. When they find themselves on either side of an all-out corporate war between rival manufacturers, they'll put everything on the line to remain one double-cross ahead in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse.
Carol Hemphill & Kent Tentschert Merriam-Webster defines the word, "duplicity," as "contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action," and Gilroy must love these contradictions. The ways in which the paranoid pair interact are complicated, and any clear description would introduce spoilers. Suffice it to say that this witty thriller-cum-romance explores the seductive power of the almighty dollar. It’s that great Julia and Owen chemistry dancing through Gilroy’s clever dialogue that makes this a crowd-pleaser.
"Duplicity" is well-crafted, smart, and often funny, but it’s mostly more cerebral than visceral and features far too many plot twists. As silly as the convoluted plot turns out to be, the movie is about the journey, not the destination. All moves, countermoves and double crosses keep you guessing until the finale.

Yahoo! Movies has just officially premiered the teaser trailer online today for "The Dark Knight" and "Batman Begins" director Christopher Nolan's upcoming sci-fi thriller film, "Inception". Just a few days after an IMDB report which described it appeared online that it involves "A CEO-type involved in a blackmail scandal." and after playing before "Inglourious Basterds" in some theaters during the weekend, we now have the first look for ourselves!
It's just a teaser in every sense of the word running about one-minute long with only a few snippets of footage. You won't get much else from it, and certainly nothing that tells you anything about a plot. The tagline says "Your mind is the scene of the crime," and Nolan himself has called it "a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind." It all looks wild though, particularly the glimpses we get of a fight sequence in a hallway, a very Dark Knight, chilling and Matrix-style.
In fact, with Nolan on board as the driving force, an estimated budget of $200 million, and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy and Michael Caine. While we still don't really have much of an idea of what the film is about, the teaser is certainly intriguing. The movie is due for release on July 16, 2010 by Warner Bros Pictures, and could be the dark horse of summer 2010, so keep your excitement to a minimum for now.

The two Grammy Awards winner R&B singer LeToya Luckett (born March 11, 1981 in Houston, known professionally as "LeToya") is going to release her sophomore solo album "Lady Love" next Tuesday.
After signing a record deal with Capitol Records, she pursued a successful solo career. Her solo debut album "LeToya" topped the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart in July 2006. On the upcoming new album, LeToya has worked with a wide variety of collborators with her 15 tracks, including Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and Bryan-Michael Cox. Featured guests include Ludacris, Estelle and Mims whilst some versions of the album will also have a bonus track which also features Bun B, Killa Kyleon, and Slim Thug. The first single, "Not Anymore" was written by Ne-Yo and produced by Bei Maejor. The follow-up single, "She Ain't Got..." was voted by fan, and "Regret" is the 3rd single features rapper Ludacris.
The video for the lead single "Not Anymore" was directed by Bryan Barber. It is set in the 1960s, and is split into 3 sections/time periods - 1961, 1964 and 1968. The sets, costumes and props change accordingly in each section to show the trends, fashions and styles of those particular years. The video begins on an old revival tour bus, travels to a backstage area, and ends on an “American Bandstand”-like stage. LeToya plays Dorothy Campbell, or "Dot", who is the newest addition to a Motown record label and is burning up the charts, eventually moving on from the man who broke her heart and reveling in the ultimate revenge—-success.

Boys Like Girls is an American rock band from Boston, and they gained mainstream recognition when released their self-titled debut album "Boys Like Girls" in 2006.
"Love Drunk" is the lead track taken from Boys Like Girls' upcoming sophomore same titled album, which is currently scheduled for release on September 8. The single was premiered on MySpace and was released via iTunes on June 30, and it was also sent to mainstream radios on July 7. The melody of the first lines in the song's chorus greatly resemble the chorus of The Killers' hit song "Somebody Told Me."
The new music video for "Love Drunk" began shooting on June 29, and features American actress and singer Ashley Tisdale. "Ashley was awesome! She played the lead girl," Martin Johnson, the lead vocals says. "We did this faux arcade set-up with the band as 'carnival' guys. She makes all the guys in the arcade fall for her and then it has a surprise ending."

Though it is only August, Brad Pitt leads the list of Oscar contenders thanks to his performance in his highly-anticipated new fantasy film, "Inglourious Basterds" hits theaters today. A new World War II film from director Quentin Tarantino.
The title of the film was inspired by Italian director Enzo Castellari's 1978 movie "The Inglorious Bastards," but it is not a remake of that film, with the eagerly anticipated "Inglourious Basterds," Tarantino manages to simultaneously surprise and revert to predictable form. The surprise lies in his choice of period and subject matter. Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. Pitt plays Lieutenant Aldo Raine, the commanding officer of the "Basterds", to recruit a team of Jewish soldiers for their mission. No pleading or bargaining allowed—just a bullet to the head or the business end of baseball bat to their skulls.
For once, a movie that meets or exceeds the hype! A classic Tarantino genre-blending thrill ride, "Inglourious Basterds" succeeds on many level, such as violent, unrestrained, shocking, extremely bloody and thoroughly entertaining. His finest effort perfectly balances brilliantly written dialogue with completely insane violence. This film tells a tale of swift and merciless justice and the way more fun than the real World War II. The film reviews on Rotten Tomatoes rating has been climbing every day and is at its peak as the film is released today, as 87% of positive reviews. I would say it's the best movie of the year to this point! And also wish it success could help the Brothers Weinstein's financial failures.

After all the waiting, the first trailer in blue for James Cameron's hyped new movie "Avatar" is finally here, went online on Apple.com today. It has been a movie ten years in the making, or so we can assume since we haven’t heard much from director James Cameron since the hit "Titanic" in 1997. Now, his highly anticipated creation "Avatar" is about the hit the big screen on December 18.
Tomorrow is Fox’s “Avatar Day” promotion, so get your tickets (crashed on avatarthemovie.com) to preview 15-minute of the new movie in 3D for free at a Imax theater near you worldwide. I expect more coverage and footage to pop up online at some point. Until then, this teaser should tide you over. And already, there are whispers that it could change the course of film-making forever.
The upcoming blockbuster "Avatar" was first conceived by Cameron 14 years ago. It has been in production for four years, and the filming of it reportedly involves "revolutionary technology". The 3D sci-fi adventure also reunites movie director James Cameron with actress Sigourney Weaver, as they worked together on Aliens. The film centers on an ex-Marine Jake Sully, who submerges himself into the culture of an alien race. With the help of his Avatar body, he's able to adapt to his new environment even though he’s still present in his human mind.
Meanwhile, the trailer is just two minutes long, but it offers just enough footage to wet your appetite, and blow your mind.

The official sepia-soaked music video “Relator” from indie dreamboat Pete Yorn and singer/actress Scarlett Johansson has made its worldwide debut exclusively on Yahoo Music last Wednesday. “Relator” is the lead single from their new collaborative upcoming album "Break Up" due Sept. 15 via Atco/Rhino, which is a deeply emotive yet hook-filled duets album concerns itself with two lovers putting their tumultuous relationship into song, features 8 original songs penned by Pete, and one cover of “I Am The Cosmos” by Chris Bell of ‘70s band Big Star.
The duo recorded the album of duets back in 2006, before 24-year-old award winning actress 1st crossed-over into the music scene for her debut album "Anywhere I Lay My Head," an LP of Tom Waits covers. The album was heavily inspired by the late ’60s French pop stylings of Serge Gainsbourg and actress/sexpot Brigitte Bardot. The lyrics are powerful enough to impact you, but the singer has to give off some feeling.
Yorn and Johansson harmonize together perfectly, singing over a rock acoustic produced track. Johansson looks stunning in this sexy new video, she's seen sitting close to Pete while they are lingering on the bed, and puts her head on Pete's shoulder.
“The idea was of two people vocalizing their relationship through duets,” Johansson told Parade. “I always thought of it as just a small project between friends. It perfectly captured where I was in my life at the time.” And Johansson certainly does her best impression to emulate the gorgeous model's infamous pout. It seems like she isn't letting her music career fall to the wayside as she continues working on films.

"Evacuate the Dancefloor" is the third full-length studio album from award-winning German europop trio fronted by vocalist Natalie Horler Cascada. It was released in Ireland on July 3 first with eleven tracks, just after the lead single "Evacuate the Dancefloor", and is out today in the States.
Cascada are most famous for their hit singles "Everytime We Touch" which won them a World Music Award in 2007 and becoming the group's 1st #1 single, "What Hurts the Most" which stormed the charts in 2008, and "Evacuate the Dancefloor" which recently became a UK #1. The new album marks a fresh start for one of the world's most successful dance acts, and looks likely to dominate the airwaves throughout the rest of the year.
The lead single "Evacuate the Dancefloor", is the 1st most downloaded from iTunes in the mid-week charts. The music video for single was officially uploaded to Youtube by AATW yesterday, and is now viewable for everyone. The video shows Horler singing in front of lights in a club surrounded by party goers. She then shows dancers on a dance floor with Horler singing in front of open doors and people dancing in the background. Calprit appears singing on some seats before the camera goes back to Horler and the dancers while occasionally showing Calprit singing the backing vocals. It finishes with Horler singing on a spinning set of seats surrounded by the dancers. Horler shows all the conviction of a session singer trilling her way through a demo while her mind focuses in on the pay cheque.

Honor Society, an American pop rock boy band, recently signed to a label under Jonas Records with Hollywood Records, are out with the new music video to their debut single "Where Are You Now," featuring footage from the musical-romantic comedy film "Bandslam" as soundtrack. It opens in theaters last Friday. It sees the band performing the song near a swimming pool with captures from the Vanessa Hudgens-starring movie being featured in between the performance scene.
The boy band are four well-dressed, well-coiffed guys originally from New Jersey who were fortunate enough to have their EP, "A Tale of Risky Business," catch the eye of Jonas Brothers last summer. Since then, Honor Society have opened up shows for the mega-star siblings, and are now managed by the Jonas Group, which of course also manages the brothers and fellow Disney star Demi Lovato.
The film "Bandslam," written by Josh Cagan and Todd Graff, and centers around Will and Charlotte who form an unlikely bond through their shared love of music. Assembling a like-minded crew of misfits, the friends form a rock group and perform in the battle of the bands competition at their school, called "Bandslam".

Some things in life are better in the TV hit "Mad Men," the madly loved and hugely awaited AMC's Emmy award-winning series created and roduced by Matthew Weiner of the "Sopranos", that returns, as dark and stylish as ever on AMC channel tonight at 10 p.m. for its third season, is ostensibly a show about advertising, and while the latest story line has to do with a British agency taking over fictional Sterling Cooper, what "Mad Men" really dramatizes is the political and cultural ruckus that shook up the country in the 1960s. The show centers on Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the agency's creative director, and the people in his life in and out of the office.
This moral drama also depicts the changing social mores of 1960s America, a show about deciding who you are and who you want to be, of character as the sum of small choices. There are no heroes or villains here, only people working out or being carried toward their individual destinies. And in who we root for and in what we root for them to choose, we also define ourselves. From the advance reviews, it appears that season 3 is going to be better than ever, has been measurably more influential. But as satisfying as the Season 3 premiere is, "Mad Men" devotees hoping for answers to all their burning questions will be, as usual, out of luck. Sunday's premiere features at least one jaw-dropping moment.
I was hooked on the first episode, can't think of a single movie or TV series, that captured it's designated period better than this one has. It treats its audience like we actually have a brain and can figure out the subtleties of the plot, and amazing to see how far we have come as a society. Beyond being the finest series on TV, “Mad Men” is mad about '60s cocktail classics, both ambitious and exquisite, two of the ultimate rarities in the business. I LOVE this show! "Mad Men" is an original, such a brilliant and amazing show, it’s truly one of the best on TV, acting is perfect, the recreating of the time period is dead on, the characters are fascinating. Can't wait to see!

He grew out of east London's grime scene, and currently enrolled as a student at the local university. But 22-year-old Kwasi Danquah, better known as Tinchy Stryder, has more in common with an earlier, smoother generation of black British musicians, as well as US R'n'B giants such as Akon, whose unit-shifting powers he may just end up replicating. Stryder has recorded his 2nd #1 single with his song "Never Leave You".
The track "Never Leave You," featuring Amelle Berrabah of the Sugababes, written by Taio Cruz was released on August 2. The song is the 3rd single from Stryder's upcoming 2nd studio album, "Catch 22", which will be release next Tuesday. "Never Leave You" went straight to #1 on the UK Singles Chart in its week of release, knocking off "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas from the top spot, and earned him a UK #1 for 2nd time.
This song is beautiful, the British hip hop/rapper may have started the year as the so-called "Prince of Grime", with a star harmony turn from Sugababe Amelle, these two really compliment each other. This will be a sure and instant hit. I reckon the rythmn, tune and tempo is as good as Tip and Rehanna’s "Live your life". Lyrics slightly let it down, but only slightly.

Fall in love again? The gifted Rachel McAdams melted our hearts in "The Notebook" and "Wedding Crashers" returns for this summer's biggest remantic movie, and tries to keep Eric Bana’s heart in "The Time Traveler’s Wife," which coming out today in local theaters near you.
"The Time Traveler’s Wife," a romantic drama with Sci-Fi twist, is directed by Robert Schwentke of "Flightplan" and adapted by Bruce Joel Rubin of "Ghost", based on the 2003 best-seller novel by Audrey Niffenegger, about a Chicago librarian Henry (Bana) who has a genetic disorder that causes him unable to control his abiliy to vault through time, and the impact that has on his marriage with a young heiress Claire (McAdams), a long-suffering woman who can't stay away from him. Basically this is a glad-to-be-sad romance of two people who can’t bring themselves to part but can never really be together.
It's never easy to compare movies from different times and genres. All time travel stories have one thing in common, they require a total suspension of disbelief. If you start thinking about the lapses in logic, everything falls apart. Time travel serves as a metaphor for love, absence, aging and death, but once you see it on screen, it becomes real. This adaptation of the 2003 bestseller is meant to be supremely romantic, but why does this love go so bad? Only time will tell. Timing is everything, especially when it comes to love. "The Time Traveler's Wife" takes this expression quite literally. The film is a tale of highly-praised reality-bending romance, but early reviews of the film show an uphill battle since it doesn't fulfill its destiny. One thing for sure is it seems no question that tears will flow and hankies will suffer terribly. This dramatic fantasy film has held up well, and is honest assessment of how difficult and magical a true and lasting love can be.

The Grammy Award winning soul R&B artist India.Arie (born October 3, 1975 in Colorado) is back, and giving us a new, beautifully music video for her song "Therapy," the 2nd single off India.Arie's 4th studio album "Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics," which was released on February 10, 2009. It debuted at No.3 on the Billboard 200, and No.2 on the R&B chart.
It's a bright and sunny love song. I'm glad this song finally got a video. The famed photographer David LaChapelle directed video depicts Arie living it up, and singing from the mountain tops in Hawaii. The clip sure does it justice, and a lots of vibrancy here with the backdrop colors and Arie’s outfits with her personality, and featuring roots reggae artist Roy "Gramps" Morgan. On it, Arie says that love is the best medicine: "You're takin' good care of me, boy I can't bear to leave, 'cause I need your therapy," she sings.
I love this great video, the song is beautiful and Arie definitely looks amazing and sparkling in this one. Also her lyrics and voice are a gem for the music industry, especially today. Stunning! I hope she will have a big hit with it! Enjoy the clip below.

The Japanese popular icon, Noriko Sakai, the singer and actress with a girl-next-door image has turned herself in to authorities in Tokyo Saturday evening and admitted to taking stimulant drugs since last summer encouraged by her husband, despite her urine test coming back clean. The prosecutor may dismiss the charge.

Noriko Sakai (酒井法子, born February 14, 1971 in Fukuoka) debuted on a video at the age of 15 in 1986, but rose to fame at 16 through acting in TV dramas and singing in the 1990s with nickname NORI-P (のりピー). She is popular all over Asia, an unusual achievement for a Japanese actress, and recently revived her career by appealing to older female fans. Her best-selling single to date is "Aoi Usagi" (碧いうさぎ, "Blue Rabbit"). This song was released on May 10, 1995, and used for the opening theme of the Japanese TV drama series Hoshi no Kinka (星の金貨), which she also starred in, and I watched whole series. It's currently Sakai's biggest-selling single of her career.
Entertainment world drug arrests have been making the headlines for the past week in Japan, and have shocked fans in Japan and elsewhere who believed in her "pure and straight" image. I suspend all belief of all allegations when it comes to Japanese news. There are so many possibilities, and things are rarely 'proven'. I lived and worked in Japan over decade. They have very strict drug laws. The drug use is widespread in the entertainment world. She is probably the most popular Japanese celebrity outside of her home country. Because of that, she may have suffered from tremendous stress that we can never imagine, and she will undoubtedly be banned from the industry.
She should get back to the normal life as before. I hope she gets things sorted out, and manages to move on and keep her career on track. The good news is that Sakai's 1995 hit single "Aoi Usagi" was the #1 downloaded song Tuesday on the iTunes music site following her arrest over the weekend. Please enjoy the song with me.

One of the funniest movies of the decade, and the hilarious and unforgettable bro-mantic comedy hit “I Love You, Man” is finally making an appearance on DVD starting today!
“I Love You, Man” is a comedy from director John Hamburg and starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel as two completely different guys who form an unlikely friendship in this start-to-finish laugh marathon about a lovable, yet awkward, groom to-be Peter Klaven(Rudd) goes on a series of man-dates to find a best man for his wedding. But when his insta-bond with his new man, Sydney Fife (Segal) puts a strain on his relationship with his fiancée, can the trio learn to live happily ever after? Are you man enough to say it?
Sometimes, a comedy doesn't have to be laugh-out-loud hysterical to be a good comedy. Not necessarily great for anything but the jokes, which in most cases are enough. "I Love You, Man" is a bromance in its truest form, filled with outrageous humor, and surprisingly enough. The film is an hugely enjoyable comical and heartwarming story in that it paints an entertaining and humorous portrait of friendship and capitalizes on the strengths of a talented cast. The movie works because everything hinges on the camaraderie and undeniable chemistry between Rudd and Segel, who give a startlingly funny and original performance. Paul Rudd is one of those guys who could stand there and read a phone book, and we would laugh. Without question, "I Love You, Man" is one of the funniest (and oddest) things in the comedy this year.

21 year-old newcomer Jessie James is releasing her self titled debut album, "Jessie James," and it's available at AmazonMP3 for only $1.99 today. The album, a mix of country-inspired pop, with 12 tracks and is led by the radio hit, "Wanted" hits stores Tomorrow, but Amazon is offering it a day early at least $6 less in most stores.
Jessie was born April 12, 1988 on a military base in Italy, and moving around the country for most of her childhood and adolescent years, Jessie took harbor in music, and its paid off. She never knew there was supposed to be a difference; her boots-and-beats debut is equal parts Carrie Underwood and Christina Aguilera. Jessie falters on a handful of snoozy power ballads but plays one heck of a small-town sex kitten on up-tempo numbers like 'Blue Jeans,' where she claims her tight pants get her into the club for free, and 'My Cowboy,' a sly country-rap jam.
James says she wanted to make music that was empowering to women. "I remember growing up and listening to other artists like Christina Aguilera and Shania Twain were I just felt empowered, and I felt great about myself. I wanted to make music just like that." But with looks like that, she certainly won't be limiting her fan base to the female gender. Destined to steal her way into the heart of pop and create her own legend, Jessie was lucky enough to get signed quickly to Mercury Records. This petite powerhouse with amazing vocal power and range will soon release "Wanted", the leading single from Jessie's debut album.
"I only want to be wanted by you," belts out newly minted pop diva on “Wanted," and it’s love at 1st listen. The music video of "Wanted" was shot on March 28, directed by Travis Kopach in LA. Actor Erik Von Detten cameo on video as a cop agent that pursuit Jessie, and he kisses her in the end. Jessie's songs are well done and her voice is just fine and dandy. For Jessie, music is her life, her passion, her lover. She won’t even date, with her focus saved strictly for her career. She has no other choice. And now, she is fully prepared to see all those childhood dreams finally come true. Jessie’s self-titled bow proves she’s more than ready to seize her moment.

First "Star Trek," then "Transformers 2," and now the team of Paramount and game maker Hasbro action figure toy line proved again that toys are serious business at the box office. "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" went on to dominate the world by topping out over $100 million around the globe on its opening weekend for one of the best August debuts ever, albeit the smallest one.
The film not only exceeded expectations, overcame bad buzz and scathing reviews, and has also blown away the competition and stands tall to win the opening weekend with earning $56.2 million in the States, and grabbing another $44 million for a worldwide total of over $100 million in three days! According to THR, the film is still scheduled to debut in about 28 more foreign territories, including key markets, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.
"G.I. Joe" stars Channing Tatum and Marlon Wayans as two young soldiers recruited by the international G.I. Joe military force to help save the world. It was directed by Stephen Sommers of "The Mummy" fame. Given the wide awareness of the brand, fans were underwhelmed by a trailer that premiered in February during the Super Bowl football championship, the most-watched television event of the year in the US.
“This is a very strong opening,” critics who went to see "G.I. Joe" after it opened gave it mixed reviews at best, with many branding it mindless action but some finding it fun and entertaining. Looks like Steven Sommers will get his sequel after all. Be sure to check back next week to see if G.I. Joe can hold off the invasion of "District 9."

Million-selling and ten-time Dove nominated BarlowGirl is an American Christian rock–CCM band composed of three Barlow sisters from Illinois. The band became the best selling new Christian artist of 2004 with the longest running #1 song "Never Alone". "Beautiful Ending" is expected to be the lead single for their next 4th album, "Love & War," is slated for release on September 8, 2009. The music video for “Beautiful Ending” premieres exclusively at Yahoo! Music Wednesday and fans can download the single at iTunes.
BarlowGirl will host their official CD release party for "Love & War" at Rock The Universe in Orlando, Florida on September 13th. BarlowGirl is also gearing up for their headlining tour this fall in support of "Love & War", which will also feature Superchick and VOTA. For more information about their upcoming tour dates please visit BarlowGirl or Fervent Records.

"Julie & Julia" is an inspirational film about finding your passion! Reuniting the leads of “Doubt”, "Julie & Julia" stars Amy Adams as Julie, a woman who aspires to cook all 524 recipes from Julia's autobiography, and Meryl Streep as Julia, the life of famed chef in written and directed by Nora Ephron’s adaptation of two true bestselling memoirs: 'Julie & Julia' by Julie Powell and 'My Life in France' by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme. "Julie & Julia" intertwines the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends...until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible.
Passion. Ambition. Butter. Do You Have What It Takes? Few movies are as delightful as "Julie & Julia", it's a light and entertaining treat, with winning performances, sharp writing and some happy surprises. Though not an all-out feast, "Julie & Julia" is spiced with plenty of humor and affection. The experience is well worth relishing, and a movie you’ll definitely want to see on a full stomach.
Ephron was nominated 3 times for an Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay for "Sleepless in Seattle," "When Harry Met Sally" and "Silkwood." In her new movie, "Julie & Julia," Ephron combines her talent for romantic comedy with her art for weaving personal biopics.

Sugarland, the award-winning duo of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush gained more national exposure and takes the country by storm once again in this busy week with release of their live concert "Live on the Inside":(1) Aired Monday night as a network TV special on ABC; (2) An expanded version of the performance was released on Tuesday as a budget-priced CD/DVD package for sale exclusively at Wal-Mart; (3) It's finally set to debut in movie theaters for a limited theatrical run ONLY today! The band has taped an exclusive greeting to fans that can only be seen in movie theaters, such as Monaco Pictures. Please check here for detailed.
For Sugarland, success clearly doesn't just happen! The country duo works for every minute of their success. Nettles and Bush exploded onto the music scene in 2004 with “Twice The Speed Of Life” and haven’t looked back since. After years of creating thoughtful music and struggling to make ends meet in a business that seems to reward mediocrity, Sugarland was from relative unknown trio from the Atlanta area to the most popular and successful duo in country music (or any other genre for that matter). They’ve sold close to 7 million records, received trophies from the Grammy, American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music, CMT Music Awards and the Country Music Association. "Love on the Inside" is their 3rd album released last July.

This DVD features the extended version of the concert that was filmed at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky, and packed with the band's 16 hits, over an hour of live performance footage, and a few surprises. The CD includes 3 original songs and 7 covers. This is a release that fans will want to check out. In a world of overproduced-studio magic talent, it is nice to see a duo who can actually deliver the goods live and seem to be in music for the enjoyment of making music.

The Black Eyed Peas is an American four-piece hip hop/pop group based in LA, who have broken a new record after scoring the longest successive stay at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with 17 straight weeks(12 with the single "Boom Boom Pow" and 5 for "I Gotta Feeling") in total by a duo or group. Both singles come off their 5th new studio album "The E.N.D."(Energy Never Dies) The record was previously held by Boyz II Men, who had 16 weeks at the top spot. As for the longest consecutive number one by a solo artist, that record is taken by Usher, who enjoyed 19 straight weeks on top of the charts.
The LA-based quartet have also knocked JLS's "Beat Again" off the top of the UK's Official Singles Chart with their latest release "I Gotta Feeling", matching their same accomplishment in the US.
The official music video was released on June 2 on Dipdive and on June 16 on iTunes. The video first starts out with some scenes in Hollywood Blvd. Then it shows will.i.am combing his hair and Fergie putting on makeup wearing lingerie. It also shows Taboo and apl.de.ap getting ready for the party. Then it cuts to the party as the first verse starts. In the uncensored version, two woman are kissing at the two minute mark, at which point the lyrics "Let's take it...off!" are heard, and a hand grabs the top of the dress of one of the women, and pulls it down, exposing her breasts. All members of the Black Eyed Peas are shown dancing. Later, they are dancing with their faces and hands painted with phosphorescent paint. The video ends with a large sign with human-sized letters that reads "The E.N.D."

Director Joe Wright ('Atonement,' and 'Pride & Prejudice') brings the true story of an unlikely friendship to life in the 2009 film, "The Soloist" , is based on the book, "The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship", has hit the DVD format from Paramount today. The film was originally released in theaters in April, 2009.
Life has a mind of its own. "The Soloist" based off the real life experiences of a L.A. Times award-winning columnist Steve Lopez(Robert Downey Jr.) and his friendship with Nathaniel Ayers, a entally ill musician(Jamie Foxx) who becomes schizophrenic and homeless, touches on inspiring connections that are relatable but also falls slightly flat of pure satisfaction. Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them.
Overall, this powerful movie does an amazing job and has received somewhat favorable reviews. In this fact-based drama, the high-octane performances of Foxx and Downey make fine duet, and strong enough to carry the movie through till the end. Wright was also given the impossible task of making something bigger than it needed to be. "The Soloist" pulls at your heart!
The DVD and Blu-ray include a Wright commentary and an assortment of closer looks at the making of the movie and the real-life Ayers.

Need some new country music, but Rascal Flatts is just a little too hard-core for your liking? Gloriana is the answer to your prayers. The young foursome, consisting of 20-something brothers Mike and Tom Gossin and teenage belters Rachel Reinert and Cheyenne Kimball - who all look and sound like they arrived from Nashville central casting for the next Lady Antebellum or Sugarland, there are reasons to be skeptical about the "realness" of the group and their self-titled debut Album "Gloriana", which will be released tomorrow.
Gloriana's self-titled debut starts off solidly with the "How Far Do You Wanna Go," a sunny open-road ode, and "Wild at Heart." But, aside from the infectious breakup song "Even If I Wanted to" and the angsty roots-pop of "Time to Let Me Go", the remainder of the album is more or less unremarkable. You can all 13 tracks at AOL's Full CD Listening Party. "Gloriana" reflects both the sheer talent of this up-and-coming country music group founded last February when brothers moved to North Carolina for college, and the level of commitment that they have put into making every note count. Gloriana's soaring four part harmonies have been compared to music icons such as The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.
The group hasn’t wasted time — "Wild at Heart" Gloriana’s debut single has enjoyed some chart success — sold nearly 100,000 copies since mid-April, they’ve been on the road with country-pop superstar Taylor Swift as an opening act, and with Kellie Pickler, on her Fearless arena tour. Swift, and Gloriana, will be at Dallas’ American Airlines Center on Sept. 25.

For anyone wondering how Ashley Tisdale is charting her post-"HS Musical" career, all they have to do is look at this week. Tisdale not only has a new album, "Guilty Pleasure," hit shelves Tuesday, but also a new flick from the 20th Century Fox, "Aliens in the Attic," out Friday.
"They are both so different," she told MTV News about her music and her movie. "I want them(fans) to hear one and see the other. They are completely different. My music career is being who I am and connecting with the fans in that way." If you think it's a lot of pressure to have two big releases out in the same week, think again. The 24-year-old Actress/Pop Media princess said in interviews that "I don't put pressure on myself, and I don't like working under pressure. Listening to what I did, putting all that hard work in, I'm really proud of it. I think it's important for me to be happy with what I did." If fans really like "Aliens in the Attic" and "Guilty Pleasure", maybe Tisdale could end up at the top of the box office and the Billboard albums chart all in one week.
Tisdale's new sophomore album, "Guilty Pleasure" breaks out of 'High School' mode, and aimed at a more mature audience. The New Jersey native says she's taking her career to the next level, and the album was set on an edgier rock vibe. The cover features her in a tight black skirt and semi-revealing top, and her inspirations for the album's music. "Guilty Pleasure" might be "American Idol." Not only has Tisdale talked about her obsession with "Idol," but several of the songs on the album show a strong Kelly Clarkson influence.

"The IT crowd" is a British deliriously funniest workplace sitcom from the producer of "The Office", airs on Channel 4 in the UK and IFC in the US. The TV show is about a group of IT specialist so to speak at the bottom of a company, it follows the IT department, two computer IT guys Roy, Moss and their computer illiterate boss Jen, end up working together, they must work below ground in the dark, horrible basement, struggling to make it into normal society. Fantastic character work pull off a simple idea and make it phenomenal. The program series has won BAFTA and International Emmy awards for Best Comedy.
Bored with sitcoms? Not seen anything new in a while? Trust me, I would love to emphasize to everyone just how much you NEED to check this show out, or you're really missing something great! I was shocked and bewildered at how ridiculously funny and entertaining "The IT Crowd" is! I have not laughed this hard in years! 5 stars...... stellar, amazing, and absolutely brilliant series!!! You can watch it online or on the IFC channel. Let's take a quick look a scene how they take your "help" call: "Have you tried turning it off and on again?"