Maybe if she toured with Andy?

On the opposite end of the rock spectrum, we have Tori Amos.  If anyone was ever willing to create an album as vehicle for therapy, it would have to be Tori Amos.  While talented and insightful, her new album ”American Doll Posse“ seems almost schizophrenic.  It changes voices too many times for it to be coherent, and mixed in for a kick is Amos’ political message.  The danger with this album, and with similar acts like Ani DiFranco or Fiona Apple, is that they lose playability for the sake of personal vision.  The brilliance can be perceived, but it often loses appreciation by being lost in too much.  It makes me wonder what kind of system is in place that feeds some of these superstar egos so much that they believe what they produce is the best.  But who knows, maybe I was just in a bad mood the day I listened to this album. 

Judging by her name, this is a genetic issue

Touted for her throw-back style, British singer Amy Winehouse breaks through with her new release “Back to Black.”  In fact, this whole album could have been a product of the 1960’s, if it weren’t for her darkly self-pitying lyrics.  Again the old fogy in me raises his ugly head and points to this apathetic sense of self responsibility as being what is “wrong with kids today.”  Thanks to a lackluster track list, the majority of the album has been forgotten.  The intro single “You Know I’m No Good,” is by far the best track on the CD with the rest of the album as seeming justification for the price tag.  In the end, not bad music, if you are Charles Bronson.

Catch a Fire (2007)

Tim Robbins and Derek Luke star in this story based on the life of Patrick Chamusso. South Africa in 1980 is the setting with it’s racially segregated society where black men were presumed to be guilty – no matter what the circumstances. Chamusso is an ordinary non-political citizen who is accused of a crime he did not commit. However, when he is tortured and witnesses his friends and family tortured and murdered, his submissive nature changes and he becomes a political activist by joining the African National Congress This film speaks loud and clear about the despair, the courage, and the forgiveness that came out of apartheid era. It is a beautifully told story where the contradictory nature of each character is brought to light. The real-life Chamusso is introduced at the end of the film giving an update on his life since the 1980’s. My kind of movie – shows the strength of the human spirit.

No, I’m not talking about Yo MTV Raps!

While some consider classical music a dying art or merely for use in film scores, Yo-Yo Ma proves time and again that life is easily breathed into the music of composers past and present.  Ma’s latest release, Appassionata, is no exception to the success of this brilliant cellist.  Compiled from previous CDs, this collection pulls from several different cultures and classical styles.  From Finland to China, these pieces not only offer Ma fans the chance to have a collection of some of his greatest collaborations, but also continues to expose his listeners to the many differnet influences that have helped to create this premier musician.  Add to this performances by the likes of Edgar Meyer and composer John Williams, and you have a world class collection of classical, as well as world folk music.  While not exactly a greatest hits collection, Ma delivers pieces that span his career and gives his fan base a single recording that in as able a way as possible encompasses the gambit of this master musician.  I would recommend Yo-Yo to any of my non-classical-literate friends, though this particular album may not be a good introductory collection for the unsavvy.  Albums such as Classic Yo-Yo or The Cello Suites : inspired by Bach are much more accessible for the beginning listener.  However, anyone interested in modern classical music should definitely look to Ma for inspiration.  His passion for his art comes through with every note.

Lookin’ for a good movie?

Are there so many movies out that you just don’t know which would be best for you and the family?  Got a date who just wants to “cuddle” in front of the TV and don’t know which “Chick Flick” to rent?  Look no further than your neighborhood library for all your audio/video entertainment.  With free rentals of up to 4 feature films for card holders, you can cover all the bases in the off chance that your girl/guy my be a closet action/musical fan.  And to take our mission to the next level, the EVPL will now offer reviews of feature-length movies, as well as new music.  So bookmark, add us to your favorites, and dial in your RSS feeds, you never know when you might need a little civil serving advice.  (Say that 3 times fast.)