Cultural Currents You Need to Know
Selected by Elizabeth Babbitt
Music
The Doors: PerceptionRhino / WEAIf you are a Doors fan, this is a must-have box set. The Doors are celebrating the group’s 40th anniversary, and this new collection includes 12 discs (six CDs and six DVDs), a fascinating history of the group’s recordings and a multitude of extras from song lyrics and videos to previously unreleased material.
Nellie McKay: Pretty Little HeadHungry MouseDespite having Columbia Records refuse to release her second album, McKay has provided a sophomore album as good as her first. Having released the album on her own label, she has created a musically various work that discusses political issues, social causes and ideas. Collaborations with K.D. Lang and Cyndi Lauper make for an interesting listen.
Scissor Sisters: Ta-DahUMVD LabelsOne of the more colorful groups in music today, this New York-based band presents outrageously entertaining songs. Mixing glam rock with disco and funk, Scissor Sisters creates music that just makes you want to dance, despite the first track, “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing,” which was co-written by Elton John.
Keith Urban: Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy ThingCapitol One of the most entertaining acts in country music, Keith Urban once again showcases his strengths as a musician. With more of a rock influence, Urban pushes the boundaries of the genre to display his amazing guitar skills and knack for songwriting.
Grey’s Anatomy, Vol. 2 SoundtrackHollywood RecordsFans of the hit TV show “Grey’s Anatomy” will want the soundtrack to keep them company when they’re not watching the show. The CD features a strong mix of adult contemporary and alt rock.
Books
Making Globalization WorkJoseph E. StiglitzISBN 0393061221, W. W. Norton & Company Inc.
Compiling ideas and discussions about globalization, Nobel Prize winner Stiglitz provides provocative thought and goals to manage and prepare for economic growth in today’s world. Although the topic can be difficult to understand, Stiglitz tackles it with an expert finesse and draws the reader into his understanding of the process.
Monkey PortraitsBy Jill Greenberg (Photographer) Foreword by Paul WeitzBulfinch, ISBN 0821257552
It is uncanny how apparent animal emotions are when you study these photographs closely. According to the book’s foreword, humans share about 98 percent of their DNA with chimpanzees. This is a great coffee-table book that will provoke discussion or laughter.
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir
By Bill BrysonISBN 076791936X, Broadway Books
Recalling his 1950s childhood in Des Moines, Bryson hilariously dissects the child he was and the era in which he grew up. Part nostalgia, exaggeration and biography, Bryson’s wit and storytelling prove that corn isn’t the only thing coming out of the wonderful Buckeye State.
Stupid, Ugly, Unlucky and Rich: What Really Leads to Success, and It’s Not Smarts, Looks, or LuckBy Richard St. JohnTrain of Thought Arts Publishing, ISBN: 0973900903
A different take on the average success book, this easy-to-read book contains quotes from various successful people ranging from acclaimed architect Frank Gehry to artist Andy Warhol. Along with humorous illustrations, stories and advice throughout the book, St. John helps readers discover the secrets of success and how they can apply them.
Semi-ToughBy Dan Jenkins Introduction by Sally Jenkings Avalon Publishing Group Inc., ISBN 1560258594
One of the few instances in which the movie is as good as the book, the newly reprinted novel follows the adventures of two competing professional football teams and a star quarterback who is recording his pre- and post-game adventures for a book. This will get you ready for the Super Bowl, even if your favorite team is not involved.
DVD's
A Prairie Home CompanionNew Line Home VideoBringing to life the story of Garrison Keillor and his long-running radio program/variety show, recently deceased director Robert Altman creates an environment that the audience and characters don’t want to leave. Using seasoned actors, the Keillor-authored screenplay becomes a stage that is always entertaining and amusing.
The West Wing — The Complete SeriesWarner Home VideoIf you just want to have a night to relax, pick up the new boxed set of “The West Wing” — it only has 45 DVDs for you to peruse. This provocative and entertaining series is the ultimate collection for anyone interested in politics. Featuring a talented cast and writers and compelling content, there is something here for everyone.
RockyMGM (VIDEO & DVD)Enjoy this special two-disc collection to relive the original classic and see if Sylvester Stallone looks as good now in the new “Rocky Balboa” movie as he did then. Special features include new commentary from Stallone and the making of a three-part documentary.
Cars Walt Disney VideoThis cute, family-oriented movie is great for any age. The story is about a racecar who doesn’t appreciate his car friends, co-workers and, in general, life. A typical Pixar/Disney story, it has a great cast of characters and is enjoyable on all fronts.
Melrose Place — The Complete First SeasonParamountSee where the original “Desperate Housewives” began — in an apartment complex. Who would have thought that just-another-soap-opera “Melrose Place” could jump-start some of the more popular TV programs on broadcast TV today? Revisit an old friend and enjoy this guilty pleasure.
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