August 1, 2009
After what seems like a Lifetime (no pun intended) of legal wrangling between their net and Bravo over who has the rights to the show, the Emmy-nominated, Peabody-winning megahit is back with a vengeance. While Heidi, Tim, Michael, and Nina are all back, along with 16 new fashionistas-in-training—including two from Texas—the Big Apple locale has controversially moved west to L.A. While some fans are up in couture arms about the change, viewers can reasonably expect that this new zip code will up the celebrity sighting quotient considerably, for better or worse. Will Lifetime, in the immortal words of Tim Gunn, “make it work” after over a year of courthouse drama juicy enough to rival anything that happened in front of the cameras? You can bet your leopard print chiffon on it. Somewhere programming guru and screaming-queen camera-hog Andrew Cohen is weeping.
August 1, 2009
This young, former Celtic singer goes pop-folky on this self-produced EP. Light, pleasant faire, especially on the introspective, slightly deeper “Forever Is Mine.” maryannemarino.com. —Review: N.F.
August 1, 2009
A member of the second family of country western (Carter/Cash being the first), Hank Williams Jr.’s daughter continues the legacy with this solid debut album. Crystal clear vocals, especially on Neil Young’s “Birds,” promise this Williams will be around for a long, long time. Mercury Records (mercurynashville.com). —Review: N.F.
August 1, 2009
HOT TICKET:
Fringe Effect
Frenetic Theater hosts an eclectic festival lineup of out-there art and performance
August 1, 2009
Despite her unmistakably reminiscent delivery, this pop-dance songstress is no Madonna. Or even Britney. But she lists Prince as one of her inspirations, so it’s reasonable that she enlists Sheila E. to play percussion on the throbbing “Time to Realize.” August 11. E1 Music (erikajayne.com). —Review: N.F.
August 1, 2009
Now! 31 does a decent job of covering 2009’s highlights, from Britney’s delicious “If You Seek Amy” to Ciara’s “Love and Sexy Magic,” which I can’t get enough of. The true gem of this disc is Flo Rida’s surging and sensual “Right Round.” EMI/Sony (nowthatsmusic.com). —Review: D.G.
August 1, 2009
If you like to buy in bulk, this CD is for you. With its 21 tracks, this LP heralds the return of the satirical punk cabaret duo after a 23-year absence. “My Dying Girlfriend” and the Lou Reed-ish “My Masculinity” are especially entertaining. Emotional Coathanger Records (tyrantsintherapy.com) —Review: N.F.
August 1, 2009
Those Summer Nights. Houston Women’s Softball League is playing it safe by avoiding heat exhaustion with its Hot Summer Nights Sunday evening games. Sundays, 4 p.m. Memorial Park, Field #1. hwsl.org.
August 1, 2009
This emerging “songwriter who sings” hits the aural palate with splashes of Regina Spektor, Bjork, and White Stripes. Lilting vocals work as counterpoint to intense, breathy lyrics, especially on designated singles, “I Hate the Way” and “Nitrogen Pink.” Mute Corporation (mute.com). —Review: N.F.
August 1, 2009
Fergie, will.i.am, and those two other dudes are back together for another buzzing, popping electro show. The E.N.D. may be about the future of music (and if the future involves this much auto-tune, I’ll need a Tylenol), but the songs are true to the Black Eyed Peas: catchy, quick, and sweet. Interscope Records (blackeyedpeas.dipdive.com). —Review: D.G.
