I quit my job on Saturday. I QUIT MY JOB ON SATURDAY! redundancy always signifies importance, except in the case of stupidity.

I want to read Kerouac. I want to finish my science paper. I want to return to the facebook realm. I want to have a conversation with my mom in person. I want to watch Sword in the Stone. I want it to be Thursday. I want a secretary desk job where my organizational skills can be fully appreciated. I want to be in Colorado.

I miss my PLU. I miss my guy friends. I miss guy friends in general. I miss my "ghetto" apartment. I miss my brother and the annoying two inches he's now got on me. I miss my sister and the way that she yells at me when I use her stuff. I miss my dad and his accusatory questions usually followed by a lingering grin of silent approval. I miss my Journalism classes. I miss my tan.

I dislike the boy on the volleyball team who broke my heart through his superficial kindness and friendship. I dislike the new class schedule that consumes my life with worthless lectures on the science of manipulating people. I dislike being uninformed on so many lives that I used to be enveloped in. I dislike being unemployed. I dislike this town.

I love this season. I love Panic's latest album. I love Duffy, Adele, Carrie Underwood, and the Jonas Brothers. I love the 120 color choices that now consume my free time. I love sex on the beach, or maybe just mixing vodka with so many fruity things that the taste becomes indistinguishable. I love loud, hysterical Japanese men. I love my new american apparel thigh high leg warmers. I love Ray Bradbury and his haunting tales of Mars and the future. I love the messages that fill my voicemail after I've decided to leave my phone on silent all weekend. I love the idea of giving thanks with all of my favorite people. I love the idea of leaving everything behind. I love going to concerts. I love organizing my room, and I love the beginning of new adventures.

I really need to stop complaining about life.

in today's trouser press:
- Björk records new duet with Thom Yorke
- Shirley Manson wants women to rock more
- fans buy Kristin Hersh a new guitar
- Grace Jones wins Q award, gropes journalist
- more Peaches album news
- free Sia download 
- Katy Perry dishes the dirt on her preacher parents
- Janet Jackson back on the road after mystery illness 
- country women duet with Elvis, for Christmas!
- new advice-themed compilation features Jenny Owen Youngs and more

* * *

Unless you've been hiding under a big ol' rock all year, you'll probably have heard about the huge push to raise awareness of the threatened Icelandic environment propelled by writer Andri Snær Magnason's influential book ‘Dreamland: A Self-Help Manual For A Frightened Nation' that reached its peak in July with the Náttúra concert, the largest musical event ever seen in Iceland. Or so we thought. A new peak may about to be scaled with the imminent release of a surprise new duet between Björk and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, also called ‘Náttúra', on October 20th. Described as "more of a protest and rallying cry than a lecture", the song "highlights a grass roots movement in Iceland to reclaim the country's natural resources and wilderness from the hands of big business and pollution."

That's all the information we have at the moment, other than that the song will be released through Björk's long-time label One Little Indian, and, obviously, that it's the second time these two musical greats have traded lines, the first being on the Oscar-nominated ‘I've Seen It All' from the Selmasongs soundtrack to Lars Von Trier's Palme d'Or-winning ‘Dancer In The Dark'. Oh, and that we're officially excited.

For more background on Iceland's environmental woes, which presumably loom even larger in the light of the country's near-bankruptcy, read what Björk had to say on the matter earlier this year.

* * *

She may be busy terminating miserable lives as a shapeshifting baddie in the new series of ‘The Sarah Connor Chronicles' but Shirley Manson still has time to share her opinions on the current crop of female musicians. Speaking to MTV, she lamented the present lack of powerful women in rock.

"We're in a conservative era," she said. "My era was insane, and there hasn't been an influx of that since. It really upsets me. All the women are expected to be cute and pretty and fun and as super-unthreatening as possible. There's a place for gorgeous girls making cute music. People want that, they need that, and I'm all for it. But I'm scared by the imbalance in music. There aren't any females portrayed in a particularly empowered position, and that really disappoints me."

Reserving particular distaste for the Pussycat Dolls and a cautious word about Katy Perry, she added: "It's time for young girls to come up and challenge who is sitting on the throne. We want to see the young blood. The youth. The vigor. It's time for change."

With regards to Shirley's solo career, it's still on the cards and she's even talking about doing some low-key surprise live appearances with her new band, made up of various friends. "I'm excited," she said. "I think it'll be new and fresh for me. I just want to make a noise."

Read the full article here.

* * *

Kristin Hersh was left speechless this weekend when her fans clubbed together to buy her a new, specially commissioned guitar. Kristin originally ordered the $3600 Collings acoustic guitar back in 2005 but it has been sitting unclaimed since construction was completed last year due to money woes, until Saturday. In just one day, enough fans responded to a plea for donations in exchange for access to exclusive videos of previously unheard material to be shot when the new guitar arrives to ensure that the guitar would be winging its way to Kristin within the week. In an emotional message of thanks, Kristin and her husband/manager Billy wrote: "We're in tears, your messages were lovely. Your generosity is mind-blowing...We are so touched by your caring and generosity. You're the best family. You're gonna get so much music, it'll make your head spin!"

You may remember that Kristin is one of the musicians at the forefront of the CASH music initiative, which allows fans to buy studio time for their favourite artists. A new album, tentatively titled Speedbath and due for completion in March, will be the first commercial release funded by the project. On the topic of commercial releases, Billy reports that Kristin's memoirs 'Paradoxical Undressing' have been submitted to a literary agents and "the reaction’s been really good" and that e-book and audiobook releases of her children's book 'Toby Snax' are also in the works. "The audiobook is turning out to be pretty special," he writes. "Kristin's reading the story and accompanying herself instrumentally, with another surprise thrown in for good measure. Pretty damn cute."

* * *

Grace Jones was in London last week promoting her new album Hurricane (her first in 20 years) and causing quite a stir in the process. Arriving at the Q Awards dressed all in black and wearing an eye mask with horns attached and little lights at their tips, she collected her Q Icon prize with a joke about her strict religious upbringing in back in Jamaica: "I'm from a line of Bishops and because of the religion they say, 'There shall be no false idol worshipping'," she quipped. "I was going to say that during my speech but I'm not sure anyone would have gotten it. But really this is great, it's like worship me!"

Grace discussed her childhood and the many colourful years since with journalist Miranda Sawyer in an interview published in this weekend's Observer Music Monthly, which you should definitely read. Miranda got more than she bargained for when, at the end of their boozy night out, Grace apparently groped her breast and asked for her phone number before running off into the night howling at the moon. Brilliant article.

* * *

Last month we picked up on The Lipster's story about the forthcoming Peaches album featuring the likes of Gonzales and Simian Mobile Disco. Now the lady herself has been speaking out about the as-yet-untitled release, telling Australian radio station Triple J: "It's like a big variety show. There's a ballad and then there's some real hard stuff and some disco. I recorded a lot of it in London with Simian Mobile Disco. I'm finishing off a track now with Digitalism. I decided to just collaborate with everyone. I did a lot of writing with Gonzales, which is great because we never actually got to write anything for Peaches albums before."

The follow-up to 2006's thunderously, gloriously rude Impeach My Bush is expected to hit the shops early next year.

* * *

Speaking of The Lipster, they turned us on to this brilliant new dance track by New York DJ Lauren Flax featuring Sia on vocals. How, you ask? By telling us where to get it for free! You can too, here. But if you want to know what you're getting into first, listen away:

* * *

Katy Perry has revealed that her strict Christian preacher parents Mary and Keith aren't as squeaky clean as they appear. Apparently Mary, who earlier this year condemned her daughter's song ‘I Kissed A Girl' as "shameful and disgusting" for "promoting homosexuality", was a teenage tearaway who ran away to Zimbabwe and dated Jimi Hendrix after meeting him in a Spanish nightclub. Keith, meanwhile, is said to have been a drug dealer specialising in a type of LSD called Strawberry Fields (named after the Beatles song). Speaking to Blender magazine, Katy said "My dad would have died from one tab of Strawberry Fields too many if he hadn't found God." So much for better living through chemistry.

* * *

Janet Jackson is back on the road after spending a week resting under doctor's orders after an undisclosed illness forced her to postpone four gigs in the US and Canada with a brief spell in hospital. A statement from tour promoters Live Nation read: "Janet, who has been under her doctor's care and recuperating over the last week, is excited about getting back on the road and again being able to share with her fans what she feels is one of her best stage shows ever."

The Rock Witchu tour is the 42 year old singer's first North American jaunt in 7 years.

* * *

A new Elvis Presley duets album is on its way, just in time to magically appear under your mum's Christmas tree. He may have been dead for rather a long time (31 years) but since when has that ever stopped Eva Cassidy or Tupac? For this new collection, cleverly titled Christmas Duets, RCA have revisited the original studio masters to extricate Presley's vocals in order to team him up with 11 different ladies of folk and country, including Gretchen Wilson (pictured), LeAnn Rimes, Olivia Newton-John and Carrie Underwood.

Available as a limited deluxe edition CD as well as a regular disc from November 2nd, the album is billed as the first ever Christmas compilation of its kind. Previous Elvis holiday albums have sold over 25 million copies in the US alone.

Watch a video about the making of the album here.

Christmas Duets
01 Elvis Presley & Martina McBride - Blue Christmas
02 Elvis Presley & Carrie Underwood - I'll Be Home For Christmas
03 Elvis Presley & LeAnn Rimes - Here Comes Santa Claus
04 Elvis Presley & Wynonna Judd - Santa Clause Is Back In Town
05 Elvis Presley & Sara Evans - Silent Night
06 Elvis Presley & Amy Grant - White Christmas
07 Elvis Presley & Gretchen Wilson - Merry Christmas Baby
08 Elvis Presley, Karen Fairchild & Kimberly Schlapman - O Little Town Of Bethlehem
09 Elvis Presley & Anne Murray - Silver Bells
10 Elvis Presley & Olivia Newton-John - O Come All Ye Faithful
11 Elvis Presley - First Noel
12 Elvis Presley - If I Get Home On Christmas Day
13 Elvis Presley - Winter Wonderland

While we're on the subject, congratulations to Lisa Marie Presley who gave birth to twin girls on Tuesday. Her next delivery will be an as-yet-untitled third album, due next year.

* * *

New York-based nonprofit arts magazine Esopus has enlisted the likes of Jenny Owen Youngs (pictured) and up-and-coming duo Wye Oak for a new compilation to come packaged with their upcoming 11th issue. The 11 songs, like the issue itself, are all based on the theme of ‘advice', so you get song titles like ‘To Lilly At Age 15 20 25' and ‘Never Ever Fall'. Find out more about the issue, including how to order it, here.

Esopus 11: Advice
01 The Muslims - Inside Job
02 Shearwater - Helix
03 Wye Oak - In Defense of Fetish
04 Brazos - Passenger
05 FACA - Two Tango
06 Nina Katchadourian - Castaway
07 Lucky Dragons - To Lilly at Age 15 20 25
08 Jenny Owen Youngs - Thanks, Mesopotamia!
09 The Wingdale Community Singers - Never Ever Fall
10 Come Rad Comrade - Spinning Us Around
11 Stuart Dahlquist - New World Order Rising

* * *

Alan Pedder

Quick search: Just put in your interest and location and let Putzit do the work for you.

Hey!  I made it into the October 6, 2008 issue of Country Weekly Magazine.  As an aspiring country music songwriter, I would love to tell you that I was featured because one of my songs is rising up the country charts, but this time, I am featured for winning the Grand Prize in a puzzle contest that featured singer Carrie Underwood.   So good things do happen to those who read Country Weekly.   Next time I will be in the magazine for one of my songs.  Until then, keep a look out for me on the charts.

Lacey

Our growth is tied to experiences through travels which consistently expand Cultural Mall’s range of stimulations for creativity. The face of Cultural Mall is shaped by cultural experiences and well-rounded lifestyle of its content providers, and the intimacy of the ideas of friends and family.

Cultural Mall obtains information from different sources to create and inspire new and fundamentals of the best Cuisine, Art, Fashion, and Film, Music Organization's worldwide. These fact findings influence Cultural Mall’s search for rich traditions and its delivery of new ideas to a critical mass.

RL Frohling was named the Face of Cultural Mall 2008. RL Frohling is a stylist and event planner to the most exclusive names in the world. Cultural Mall  picked RL Frohling because of RL Frohling's commitment to excellence and modern tradition. Based in Palm Beach, Florida, this year RL Frohling is expanding her business to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Our growth is tied to experiences through travels which consistently expand Cultural Mall’s range of stimulations for creativity. The face of Cultural Mall is shaped by cultural experiences and well-rounded lifestyle of its content providers, and the intimacy of the ideas of friends and family.

The Most Beautiful Worldwide List will be updated monthly. In November 2008 Cultural Mall will announce the Best of and the Most Beautiful Series. The standings will not be announces until then. The list of our initial selection is in alphabetical order:

s-Society, m-Model, t-Theatre, s-Sports, a-Artist, h-Actress

more info on nominees and submissions: Richard Victor @ info@culturalmall.com 866.606.4184

The song is available exclusively on iTunes. More about the event and what Stand Up 2 Cancer is doing, visit http://www.standup2cancer.org/

Anyway, while we were in Best Buy, I turned in my Ipod to the Geek Squad to be fixed, for the fourth time. I have discovered that the Geek Squad are not actually a team of technology savvy geeks. They are just nerds with very minimal customer service skills and a lot of gel in their hair. They are not really that helpful.

I am not helpful either. Especially when my mother tells me that she wants the new album by the artist that she calls "the guy from American Idol who does the beat box?" 

Who?

In order to help Karen, the employee that was trying to help my mom, who knew who he was, but couldn't think of the name either, I listed off every single person that I could think of that had come from American Idol. Clay Aiken, Rubben Studdard, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Anastasia and just for kicks I threw in Justin but I felt like that was going to far. All of which I knew were not "the guy from American Idol who does the beat box?" It occurred to me later that naming Simon or Paula would have been funnier. They did not get the joke. Maybe I should have said Randy Jackson?

So the three of us were at a loss for the name of "the guy from American Idol who does the beat box?" and my mother said that we should ask one of the "young" people because they would know, and I thought, Well shit, I am officially out of touch because even though I am sure that I would not want to listen to "the guy from American Idol who does the beat box?" I should probably know his name, or at least who he is. You know like be able to picture him in my head but I know nothing about it at all... whatsoever, nothing, nada, never did.

The skinny, brace faced teenage girl at the register was my mother's chosen "young" person to bestow the pop-knowledge that we pop-seeked. Here is the exchange that took place:

Mom: Excuse me, what is the name of "the guy from American Idol who does the beat box?"

Girl: I don't know

Mom: You don't know? What's wrong with you?

Girl: What's wrong with me? I don't watch American Idol

Me: Hmmm? (eyeing her suspiciously)

Mom: What's wrong with American Idol?

Girl: I don't have time to watch any T.V. I have school and I work thirty hours a week and I have a boyfriend that I have to spend time with.

Me: He makes you spend time with him? 

Girl: Yeah

Me: Hmmm? (eyeing her suspiciously)

Girl: He works thirty hours a week too.

Me: But does he know who "the guy from American Idol who does the beat box" is?

Girl: No

The rest of our brief interaction was a typical customer/employee exchange with maybe, a subtext of irritation but I am not sure. There is always a slight malaise when I am out with my mother, I just can never tell where it's coming from. It's like being under the florescent lights at Wal-Mart for too long.

Borders did not have any of the books I wanted. Neither did Barnes & Noble. I guess that is a good thing. My Ipod will be in the shop for the next four to six weeks, again. I still don't know who "the guy from American Idol who does the beat box" is? But my mother did get the sixth season of Monk on DVD. That quirky OCD detective, Isn't Tony Shalhoub fun!

(Disclaimer: At no point in the "excursion" did the writer feel that he was cooler or better in anyway for his lack of knowledge or not lack of knowledge of... the long running television show American Idol.)

A.I. Winner seeing major spin increases at Top 40 with new single “Light On”.
Adds this week: KRBE, WBZW, WWWQ, WQAL, WQAl, KMXV, CKEY.
Spin Leaders: KMXV, WBMX, WWWQ.
Top 10 single on iTunes after one day.
Multiple TV appearances mid November.
Video filming now; impacting end of October.
Tons of press on deck, including Blender and RS, leading up to CD release on 11/18.
Mgmt: Simon Fuller and Iain Pirie/19 Ent.

He has also prepared a Vlog for his fans here:

You can check out his official website at http://davidcookofficial.com. FYI, the webnerds are the technicians working for his website.

David Cook's American Idol Coronation single, The Time of My Life has jumped back to #1 on Billboard Hot AC and also has jumped up to #60 on iTunes Top 100.

A screencapture of David on the backdrop of the auditions of American Idol Season 8 has also appeared, and he is placed next to the current most successful Idol, season 4 winner Carrie Underwood:

Kate Moss recebe o tratamento Goldfinger. Ou algo parecido. (Pink is the New Blog)

O namoro de Drew Barrymore e Chuck Bass foi só uma pegadinha. (PopSugar)

Pelo menos uma vez as Pussycat Dolls não parecem travecos. Eles estão bem gostosas. (Popoholic)

Simon Pegg contra Ricky Gervais: Lutem! (Defamer)

Mais sobre o noivado de Jessica Simpson e Tony Romo. (IDLYITW)

Carrie Underwood pode estar namorando Travis Stork. (Just Jared)

A prisão de Heather Locklear por dirigir embriagada está ficando cada vez mais confusa. (Socialite Life)

O seio de Britney Spears faz um garoto feliz. (CityRag)

Sério. Quem permitiu que a Paris Hilton gravasse mais um álbum? (Hollywood Rag)

American Idol News

David Archuleta: Double-Threat? Crooner to Make Acting Debut
TV Guide - 3 hours ago
Those who take the time to know a little about David, will find him to be a rare individual, kind and considerate. And for those who need more than a voice, ...read more

Idols Hudson, Cook odd mix of underdog, super talent
Albany Times Union, NY - 3 hours ago
By ANN POWERS, Los Angeles Times What do Jennifer Hudson and David Cook have in common, besides attention-grabbing new singles and an "American Idol" past? ...read more

American Idol Judges Coming To Kansas City
MyFox Kansas City, MO - 1 hour ago
It's time to pass out golden tickets to Hollywood for Kansas City American Idol auditioners. Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest will ...read more

American Idol's Anwar Robinson to Star in Syracuse Stage's Godspell
TheaterMania.com, NY - 6 hours ago
American Idol finalist Anwar Robinson will star as Jesus in Godspell, presented by Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama in The College of Visual and ...
"Idol" Finalist Robinson Will Star in Syracuse Godspell Playbill.com

David Archuleta Shows Acting Debut in 'iCarly'
AceShowbiz - 10 hours ago
Kick starting from "American Idol", David Archuleta lands himself in the acting world. The runner-up for season seven of the singing talent show will make ...David Archuleta to Make Acting Debut People Magazine

David on WNCI this Morning; Plans for 11/11; Slide Show
2 hours ago by Jenny
Until new pictures of David start rolling in–and they will, don’t worry–we are going to reminesce. Bear with me as I display my favorite tour pictures! Click on the little icon with four arrows going four different directions in the ...Fans of David Archuleta - http://fansofdavid.com

David Cook — Thank You — Video Blog
10 hours ago by Rickey
David Cook thanks his fans! Yay! The “web” nerds crashed the Sony BMG database! Woohoo! Buy “Light On” on iTunes. Video clip: rickey.org -- American Idol 24/7 - http://www.rickey.org

Review: Jennifer Hudson's brilliant voice victim of dull songs ...
Chicago Tribune, United States - 2 hours ago
She lets it rip across her multi-octave range, which may be enough to satisfy many of the fans she acquired as an “American Idol” runner-up and as the ...read more
Video: Jennifer Hudson's New Album CBS

Carrie Underwood's star keeps rising long after 'Idol'
DetNews.com, MI - 8 hours ago
"Right after I came off 'American Idol,' I used every single opportunity that I could to prove myself," says Underwood, who will perform at Joe Louis Arena ...read more

Broadway News

Broadway dimming lights to honor Paul Newman
Newsday, NY - 1 hour ago
(AP / January 1, 1994) WESTPORT, Conn, - Broadway will honor the life and career of Paul Newman by dimming theater marquees on Friday. The Broadway League ...read more

West Side Story Books Broadway's Palace Theatre
Broadway.com, NY - 1 hour ago
by Broadway.com Staff The previously announced Broadway revival of West Side Story has booked the Palace Theatre for a production that will begin previews ...read more

Off-Broadway gets a taste of Sunset Strip in 'Rock of Ages'
Los Angeles Times, CA - 2 hours ago
The off-Broadway show is "Rock of Ages," and stars Constantine Maroulis, who got lots of face time on "American Idol" in 2005. He plays an aspiring heavy ...read more

Weekend In New York Seeing the Show Without Breaking the Bank
New York Times, United States - 1 hour ago
One hundred and twenty dollars plus fees for an orchestra seat to see a Broadway show? In this economy? When the government fails to act, Weekend in New ...read more

Shindle to Host "Next Broadway Sensation" Finale Oct. 3
Playbill.com, NY - 17 hours ago
By Adam Hetrick Legally Blonde's Kate Shindle will host the grand finale of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's "Next Broadway Sensation" competition ...read more

Canadian Idol News

General Entertainment News

Screen Actors Guild negotiators call for strike vote
Entertainment Weekly - 4 hours ago
SAG is the lone holdout still negotiating a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (its previous deal expired in June)...read more

Hollywood actors urged to strike
BBC News, UK - 2 hours ago
The call for the strike vote brought a prompt response from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios...read more

Television News

Late Night Political Humor6 hours ago by Iron Knee
-Jay Leno. “Members of Congress have been squabbling over a new bailout package they’re trying to get passed. It’sa tough situation. Everyone agrees it’s something that needs to be done, but nobody wants to be the one that wants to step ...Political Irony - http://politicalirony.com

MCL NOTE: I am so happy that Neal won! A very deserving winner!
Opera Guy Wins 'America's Got Talent'
Hartford Courant, United States - 11 hours ago
By Roger Catlin on October 1, 2008 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) But the $1 million winner of "America's Got Talent" Wednesday was Neil E. Boyd, ...read more

America's Got Talent Picks a Winner
E! Online - 8 hours ago
America's got talent—as well as people who impersonate Ozzy Osbourne and shake unnaturally large portions of their anatomy—but only one person can ...read more

It's Official: Rosie's Headed to NBC Prime Time!
Entertainment Weekly - 25 minutes ago
Being that both Cher and Carol Burnet are still working along with a lot of other greats from the variety show era, I hope to see them make an appearance ...read more

Politics

Springsteen Announces More Concert Dates for Obama
FOXNews - 1 hour ago
AP Bruce Springsteen will perform Monday at an Eastern Michigan University rally for Democrat Barack Obama's presidential campaign. The Obama campaign was ...read more

No, honest, Bill Clinton swears he's really for Obama -- and a ...
Los Angeles Times, CA - 44 minutes ago
As The Ticket noted in an item last night with details from The Times' Faye Fiore, B. Clinton was down in Florida where Barack Obama is making a real race ...read more

Economic fears driving voters into Obama camp
Globe and Mail, Canada - 5 hours ago
... for weeks seemed to be toss-ups, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Iowa, have swung solidly in favour of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama...read more

First thoughts: The stakes for Palin
MSNBC - 24 minutes ago
Tonight is about one person, Sarah Palin. If for some reason the post-debate chatter isn't about Palin, then Biden had himself one bad night...read more

Political Wisdom: Sarah Palin’s Big Moment Arrives
Wall Street Journal Blogs, NY - 3 hours ago
by Sara Murray and Gerald F. Seib Tonight’s vice presidential debate is the big moment for Gov. Sarah Palin, and Michelle Cottle of The New Republic says ...read more

Special thanks to Wadahoot for this wonderful idea. I welcome your news items in the comments section below this article.

For us, there was a lot of trouble. We had a late start, hitting the road at 8:30 with a tank of gas below empty and after 2 tickets, 1 wrong freeway, and 4 wrong exits we finally arrived. We only live around 40 minutes from L.A. but were surprised to see over 1,000 people already in line. We ended up being ticket number 1430-1434 with half of our party up in the 600's. It took until after 1 pm for us to finally get our hard tickets, which lucky for us was dead center orcestra tickets and we grabbed lunch and went to the showing.

Find what you can on youtube because it was amazing! The only acts that were leaked were the Jonas Brothes along with Carrie Underwood. I would have been happy with just those two acts, but Seal, George Michaels, Bryan Adams Jordin Sparks and many others performed as well. Even more so, whoever was not on stage that is in the business was in the audience. I was able to scope out Ashley Tisdale, Joel from the Soup, Matt Lienart, Blake Lewis, Justin from season 1, Michael Myers, Jerry Springer, and many more.

The crew worked very hard to make sure everyone in the audience was entertained and they did an amazing job. The finale passed my expectations providing for an excellent show that was beyond what they needed to do to provide a free show even though it was taped. Of course David Cook won, but although the night was meant to be on him, music lovers in general all enjoyed the show from start to finish. Just like a better wango tango besides the abscence of Miley Cyrus I can only thank the crew of American Idol for a fantastic evening, and I hope I can go again next year.

01. “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” - Darius Rucker:

- Wow, did not think this song would reach number one!  I already reviewed it in my last post, and my opinion has changed slightly.  It's still a good song and the music is still pleasant.  I'm OK with the vocals... a bit overdone with the "don't thank I don't thank about it" part.  Gets kinda old, but I'm happy for Mr. Rucker.  I have yet to really check out his new album but from the clips I've listened to, it's good-sounding music.  3.5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

02. "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven" - Kenny Chesney:

- Already another hit?  Let me just say: George Strait does it much better (aside from the weird Jamaican accent thing he does at the end of his version...just bizarre).  I personally think it's a disgrace that in years from now, Kenny Chesney will be considered a "legend" in country music history.  Thanks radio!  (I admit, I like a little of his music, but radio plays the heck out of whatever he releases, no matter what quality it is, so that's not really saying much).  We're in the Hurricane Kenny era, and our beaches are not safe.  2.0 out of 5 stars.

03. "She Never Cried In Front of Me" - Toby Keith:

- This is a different sound for Toby, and it's not bad.  Not my favorite from him, but it's a lot better than some of his other material that grew tiresome for me.  The production is heavy on the drums and electric guitar in the chorus, and with the strings, but whatever.  I like variety and I'm not really gonna complain here.  3.0 out of 5 stars.

04. "All Summer Long" - Kid Rock:

- Man, talk about overplayed... even on XM Radio, this song was cranked out on about every music station I listened to and I could not escape it.  I gotta give it credit: it's a good song and very catchy, but all those listens, had me lunging for the next number to play anything but this.  Still, I'd rather hear this tune than hear the mother of overplayed songs - and the one that he took the music from - Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" (don't get started with that song...ahh).  3.0 out of 5 stars.

05. “Do You Believe Me Now?” - Jimmy Wayne:

- I also already reviewed this one and I was stoked and happy that it reached number one some weeks ago.  Now, Jimmy just needs to release his duet with Patty Loveless, "No Good for Me" (I've got no clip, unfortunately), and I'll be in heaven.  4.5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

06. "Just a Dream" - Carrie Underwood:

- The poppy piano intro music is a great way to start off this ballad, and it sounds beautiful with the voice to go with it.  She does tend to overdo it at times in the chorus, though, but it is distinguishable in her catalog.  The lyrics are just as good as the vocals, and this is probably one of her best singles so far.  I may not be a "fan" of her's, but I support her.  4.0 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

07. "Troubadour" - George Strait:

- This one has grown on me since last time, and I'm liking it even more.  3.5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

08. "Waitin' On a Woman" - Brad Paisley:

- You know, I like Brad overall, and this one is also still likable, though I'm finding I'm not really into Brad as much as I used to be.  My interest is fading.  3.5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

09. "Let It Go" - Tim McGraw:

- I've read some negative reviews about this single online and I was expecting something bad, but I find it really catchy, and yeah, it's really poppy, but IMO the production and vocals are a nice pleasant mix of country and pop.  4.0 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

10. "Country Man" - Luke Bryan:

- I'm gonna stick to my review from last time.  I'm really glad that it reached top 10. 3 out of 5 stars.

11. "Love Story" - Taylor Swift:

- Readers of this blog should know I am definitely not a fan of Swift's.  I see her as the one of biggest representations with what's wrong with today's country radio: bad vocals, bubblegum pop, and too much teenage-girl demographic appeal.  With that said, it still describes this new song, but I can't deny that it's not catchy.  I certainly hope that the Swift-craze fades fast, but I know that it's not gonna happen.  The wheels are already in motion to the death of country music, and she just added more momentum to the situation... Still, I'll give it a 3.0 out of 5 stars.

12. "Johnny & June" - Heidi Newfield:

- Old review still holds but my rating went up, because I was lucky to catch a listen to and see her live in Colorado when she performed at a local food fair thing we do during Labor Day weekend, and she performed well.  I only heard like one song since we were just walking and passing by, but it was cool.  3.0 out of 5 stars.

13. "Roll With Me" - Montgomery Gentry:

- These days, it's usually a good idea to have Troy Gentry sing most or all of the singles for the duo, because his voice is better (and he doesn't do that annoying mic twist thing that Eddie Montgomery does when he performs).  With this single, it's not terrible... it works in some parts, and others, it does not.  Not really something I'd want to hear that often, though.  2.5 out of 5 stars.

14. “All I Ever Wanted” - Chuck Wicks:

- I'm still mostly enjoying this one, even with the fact that it sounds really Rascal Flatts-ish lol.  3.5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

15. "You Look Good In My Shirt" - Keith Urban:

- (I just sound like a negative broken record, don't I? lol)....but I just don't like this song.  It's so weird that, ironically, the only songs of Urban's that I own are his super pop ones, the ones that I don't really consider country at all (especially the first), and those are "Once In a Lifetime" and "I Told You So".  I used to detest those but they grew on me.  Weird weird world.  This song really doesn't do anything for me, though.  Sounds like he's trying too hard.  2.0 out of 5 stars.

16. "I'll Walk" - Bucky Covington:

- First listen: boring.  I liked Bucky on Idol, but liking a personality isn't enough for me.  I'll ask God that this be my first and last listen.  I'm just glad it was short.  2.0 out of 5 stars.

17. "Relentless" - Jason Aldean:

- I just heard this on the way here and I think it gets better with every listen.  3.5 out of 5 stars. Buy now!

I guess I'm done now, since I have to take off.  That didn't go as smoothly as I would have liked, and I noticed I seem to really not like today's country music lol (it don't impress me much).  I'll try to edit some things next time I'm online, and do the tags and such.  Maybe add more.  I felt like most of the songs were all on the old review I did.  Oh well.  Catch ya later!

When I'm in this kind of mood I need hard, fast, loud music that gets me fired up. The kind of music that makes me want to jump around, scream at the top of my lungs and, as Limp Bizkit might say--Break Shit.

Luckily, I have a playlist on my iPod for such occasions.  I call it Musical Xanax because it gets my heart pumping, rids me of my anger and takes away all traces of anxiety and stress.  Songs on this list generally fall into one or more of these categories:

• Upbeat, fast tempo, preferably with a strong, pounding baseline or prominent guitar hook
• Singers who have raspy, pain-filled screaming voices
• Angry, vengeful subject matter
• Empowering lyrics

The following songs are guaranteed to put me in a better mood, or at least ensure a good workout! Warning: Some of these lyrics contain adult language. If you're offended by such things, stop reading now.

"Lose Yourself," Eminem
Success is my only muthafuckin option
Failure's not

"Violet," Hole
When they get what they want
They never want it again
Go on, take everything
Take everything
I want you to

"Fighter," Christina Aguilera
But in the end, you’ll see
You.Won’t. Stop. Me.
I am a fighter, I ain’t gonna stop
There is no turnin’ back
I’ve had enough

"Best of You," Foo Fighters
Has someone taken the bait?
It’s real, the pain you feel
The life, the love, you’ve got to heal
The hope,  the start, the broken hearts
You trust, you must, confess
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?

"U and Ur Hand", Pink
I’m not here for your entertainment
You don’t really wanna mess with me tonight

"Inside Out," Eve 6
Wanna put my tender heart in a blender
Watch it spin round to a beautiful oblivion
Rendezvous
Then I’m through with you

"Girlfriend," Avril Lavigne
I think you know, I’m damn precious
And hell yeah, I’m the motherfuckin princess

"Leaving Tennessee," Cross Canadian Ragweed
Fuck you. And fuck Nashville
Fuck everyone but me
You’ll be gone, come mornin’
Fuck you. And Fuck Nashville
I’m leavin’ Tennessee.

"Trigger Happy Jack," Poe
Can’t talk to a psycho like a normal human being

"In the Middle," Jimmy Eat World
Live Right now/Just be yourself
It doesn’t matter if it’s good enough
For someone else

Bodies, Drowning Pool
1…Nothin wrong with me
2… nothin wrong with me
3… nothin wrong with me
4… nothin wrong with me
1… somethin’s got to give
2… somethin’s got to give
3… somethin’s got to give
4… somethin’s got to give
NOOOOOWWWWWWW!

Angels, Sarah McLachlan (great stretching song)
There’s always some reason
To feel not good enough
And it’s hard at the end of the day

Honorable mention:  None of Your Business, Salt N Peppa; Crazy Bitch, Buckcherry; Fake It, Seether; Somebody to Shove, Soul Asylum; Little Black Backpack, Stroke 9; Through The Never, Metallica; More Human than Human, White Zombie; Before He Cheats, Carrie Underwood; Stronger, Kanye West; She Hates Me, Puddle of Mudd; Breed, Nirvana; Respect, Aretha Franklin; Can’t Nobody Hold me Down, Puff Daddy f/Mace

I go the following from wikipedia:

Clay Aiken (born Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978) is an American pop singer who began his rise to fame on the second season of the television program American Idol in 2003. Based on album sales surpassed only by Idol winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Aiken has become the most successful male and the most successful runner-up in that show's history.^[1][2]

In the years following his American Idol appearance, Aiken has launched eight tours, authored a New York Times best-selling book Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life with Allison Glock, and was the executive producer for a 2004 televised Christmas special, A Clay Aiken Christmas. He has been a frequent talk show guest, particularly on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live, appeared as a guest star on Scrubs, participated in comedy skits on Kimmel and Saturday Night Live, and made his Broadway debut playing the role of Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot in January 2008.^[3]

Aiken created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation in 2003, accepted a UNICEF ambassadorship in 2004,^[4] and in 2006 was appointed for a two year term by President George W. Bush to a committee that acts in an advisory capacity to the President and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on matters relating to programs and services for persons with intellectual disabilities.^[5]

Aiken released a new studio album (the first album of original material since 2003's Measure of A Man), entitled On My Way Here on May 6, 2008.^[6] This is his fourth full length studio album, including a Christmas CD, and a CD of covers. He has also released one EP. He became a father on August 8, 2008.