Sean LennonFriendly Fire(Capitol)Proving that real life, even among the New York It kids, can be more tragic and beautiful than anything Hollywood conjures up, Sean Lennon’s second CD Friendly Fire is a richly orchestrated autobiographical poem dedicated to his best friend Max Leroy, who died in a car crash. He and Leroy were involved in […]
Sue Carter Flinn
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Bob & Doug MacKenzie’s Two-Four Anniversary
Bob & Doug MacKenzie’s Two-Four AnniversaryDirected by: Henry Sarwer-FonerVivendiBob and Doug MacKenzie shot out of the SCTV womb 24 years ago as a middle-finger to CBC’s demand for two more minutes of “Canadian” content. Fine, you’ll get your toques and your beer and your back-bacon, and a Hinterland-inspired intro “Koo-loo-kookoo-koo-loo-kookoo,” too. And so two hosers […]
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I like you: Hospitality Under the Influence
I like you: Hospitality Under the InfluenceAmy SedarisWarner BooksIf you’ve ever wondered what a cold-cut meat cake would look like, look no further. Best known as Strangers with Candy boozer, user and loser Jerri Blank, in real life, Amy Sedaris also sells cheeseballs and cupcakes. Really. Now you can too. Chock full of legit recipes, […]
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Spaceballs (Collector’s Edition)
Spaceballs (Collector’s Edition) Directed by: Mel Brooks (MGM)Mel Brooks gets the last laugh by releasing Spaceballs (Collector’s Edition) while the geeks are out taking their wookie suits to the dry-cleaners. The 1987 sci-fi parody takes the piss out of George Lucas, but according to an interview with Brooks—one of many special features on the DVD—he […]
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Carolyn Mark
Carolyn MarkNothing is Free(Mint)Those who come for a honky-tonk hootenanny will be disappointed with Carolyn Mark’s latest release: Nothing is Free is quietly introspective—more appropriate for bringing on the tears than kicking up the heels. That’s not a put-down, this is the wise-cracker’s most mature album to date, showcasing an attractive voice and sly, witty […]
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Beck
BeckThe Information(Interscope)The Information is considered by some to be Beck’s Scientology coming out album. If that’s the case, sign me up for Planet Xenu. Although the subject matter is dark—it’s clear that Beck is a bit disillusioned with the superficiality that exists on this planet—The Information is more Odelay than Sea Change. Welcome back, you […]
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I Still Love You
I Still Love You Daniel MacIvorPlaywrights Canada PressWinner of the 2006 Governor General’s literary award for drama, I Still Love You is a collection of five of Daniel MacIvor’s best plays, covering a 15-year span from 1991 to 2006, all produced through his acclaimed and soon-to-be deceased theatre company, da da camera. In many ways […]
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Morningwood
MorningwoodMorningwood(Capitol)This New York punk-pop quartet with the dirty name (get it?) looks like a raunchy Mini Pops reunion. The cover, thanks to singer Chantal Claret’s voluptuous pout and drummer Alfredo Ortiz’s Angus Young-inspired jersey, screams novelty. A scan through the song titles (“Babysitter,” “Everybody Rules,” “Take off Your Clothes”) might not win over any serious […]
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Ohbijou
OhbijouSwift Feet for Troubling Feet(Independent)The silent star in Sarah Polley’s touching Away from Her was southwestern Ontario’s gorgeous wintry scenery, so it’s no surprise that Ohbijou, an orch-pop band born in nearby Brantford, might also find inspiration in similar surroundings. Started by singer Casey Mecija, whose ethereal voice anchors these ghostly songs, Ohbijou is now […]
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BITTER:SWEET
BITTER:SWEETThe Mating Game(Quango)Do you watch a little show called Grey’s Anatomy? If not, pretend. Remember when Callie was caught dancing in her underwear? That song was BITTER:SWEET’s “The Mating Game.” This sexy debut album from the LA pop duo is reminiscent of Portishead, but without suicidal tendencies. Music for the martini and bikini-bottom set.Sue Carter […]
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Inside
InsideKenneth J. HarveyRandom HouseIt occurs to me that this list is slightly harsh for a holiday book roundup but life ain’t all Lindt balls and turkey dinners. It’s tragic too. Myrden is released from jail, 14 years into his sentence, after DNA evidence proves his innocence. Armed with a million dollar settlement, Myrden returns to […]
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Ron Sexsmith
Ron SexsmithTime Being(Warner)It’s a testament to Sexsmith’s artistry that he can lyrically delve into humanity-sized issues without relying on cliches or tripping into self-indulgent muck. Time Being explores mortality and death—Sexsmith admits to being affected by the loss of two childhood friends—in his trademark sincere style. Still, this is not gloom and doom: “Jazz at […]