New releases for Jan. 31, 2012: “House of Night” novella, “Drive,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Leonard Cohen, Aranda
P.C. and Kristin Cast
Tulsa mother-daughter writing team P.C. and Kristin Cast have released “Lenobia’s Vow,” a new novella in their “House of Night” vampire book series.
Oklahoma City rockers Aranda have released the digital edition of their album “Stop the World.” The physical CD will be released Feb. 14. Leonard Cohen, Ringo Starr and Lana Del Rey have released new albums, while Metallica has dropped a new EP.
In the new cinematic home releases, my all-time favorite movie, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” debuted on Blu-ray today. Plus, one of my favorite movies of 2011, “Drive,” which was sadly overlooked by the Academy Awards, arrived on DVD and Blu-ray today.
Here is a list of more CDs, DVDs and books out this week, from Amazon.com and VideoETA.com:
CDs
Aranda, “Stop the World” (digital only)
Leonard Cohen, “Old Ideas.”
Ringo Starr, “Ringo 2012.”
Lana Del Rey, “Born to Die.”
Metallica, “Beyond Magnetic” EP.
“The Fresh Beat Band,” “Music from the Hit TV Show.”
Gotye, “Making Mirrors.”
New Broadway Cast, “Godspell.”
Simone Dinnerstein, “Something Almost Being Said: Music of Bach and Schubert.”
DVDs
Arthur
The Big Year
Chalet Girl
The Double
Dream House
Drive
In Time
Janie Jones
Spork
Texas Killing Fields
The Thing
Thunder Soul
To Kill a Mockingbird (Blu-ray)
Treasure Buddies
You and I
Books
Lenobia’s Vow: A House of Night Novella by P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Final Fantasy XIII-2: The Complete Official Guide – Collector’s Edition by Piggyback
Cupcakes, Cookies & Pie, Oh, My! by Alan Richardson, Karen Tack
Defending Jacob: A Novel by William Landay
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
White Girl Problems by Babe Walker
The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae (Cynster Sisters Trilogy) by Stephanie Laurens
How We Do Harm: A Doctor Breaks Ranks About Being Sick in America by Otis Webb Brawley MD, Paul Goldberg
-BAM
Hits by Brooks & Dunn, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and more featured on “Country Dance All Stars” Kinect game
Brooks & Dunn (AP file)
GameMill Entertainment, an independent publisher of entertaining mass-market video games, today announced plans to release “Country Dance All Stars,” an entertaining dance game with bonus sing-along features that will be packed with dozens of hits from favorite country chart-toppers. “Country Dance All Stars,” which launches exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360 in March, will become the first country music dance game to hit the platform, according to the announcement.
“Country Dance All Stars” will feature more than 35 tracks from the best names in country music, including 18 of last year’s Country Music Association Awards winners like Male and Female Vocalists of the Year Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, who live in Tishomingo; Album of the Year winner Jason Aldean; and Vocal Duo of the Year Lady Antebellum.
Songs from Checotah native Carrie Underwood and fellow superstars Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band and Eric Church also will headline the dance party.
Of course, what country dance game would be complete without former Tulsan Ronnie Dunn crooning the Brooks & Dunn smash “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”?
Here is a partial list of the in-game soundtrack revealed today:
Alan Jackson – “Good Time”
Ashton Shepard – “Look It Up”
Billy Currington – “People Are Crazy”
Blake Shelton – “All About Tonight”
Brad Paisley – “Water”
Brooks & Dunn – “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”
Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Cassanova”
Chad Brownlee – “Carried Away”
Dierks Bentley – “What Was I Thinking”
Easton Corbin – “Roll With It”
Eric Church – “Hell On The Heart”
Gwyneth Paltrow – “Shake That Thing”
Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party”
Josh Turner – “Why Don’t We Just Dance”
Katie Armiger – “Best Song Ever”
Kellie Pickler – “Tough”
Lady Antebellum – “Lookin’ For A Good Time”
Laura Bell Bundy – “Giddy On Up”
Miranda Lambert – “White Liar”
Zac Brown Band – “Chicken Fried”
“Country Dance All Stars,” the next iteration in the top-selling “Country Dance” video game franchise, brings a whole new hands-free experience to the dance party. Your body becomes the controller as you kick up your boots and dance your way through more than 35 hot routines and songs. Players can challenge a friend to a dance-off with simultaneous competitive play or work together to pull off the moves and collectively build a top score. Boost your boot-scootin’ skills with all new line-dancing routines, and don’t be afraid to belt it out with scrolling sing-along lyrics. Plus, players can share the fun with friends as the Kinect sensor snaps photos throughout each routine. Plus, new downloadable content (DLC) support allows gamers to keep the party going with downloadable song packs featuring new choreography that will be released post launch.
Additional songs and features as well as pricing will be announced at a later date. “Country Dance All Stars” for Kinect for Xbox 360 is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, go to www.game-mill.com.
-BAM
Oklahoma cowboys Cord and Jet McCoy featured in “Amazing Race” video game
Jet and Cord McCoy, Oklahoma cowboys who became fan favorites on the Emmy-Award-Winning CBS series “The Amazing Race,” are featured on the cover and in the content of the new “Amazing Race” video game for the Nintendo Wii.
Created and distributed by UBISOFT, the game is now available for sale nationwide.
The game simulates for players the thrills, excitement, and challenges of “The Amazing Race.” As in the TV show, players must overcome detours, road blocks, fast forwards, intersections and other challenges as they make their way through exotic locations all across the globe. The game takes players through 84 unique locations, 28 cities and five continents.
In addition, the game offers the option of playing against fan-favorite duos, including the cowboys.
A pair of rodeo stars hailing from Tupelo, the McCoy brothers finished second on the 16th season of “The Amazing Race,” which wrapped in May 2010. The Southwestern Oklahoma State University grads became fan favorites because of their obvious integrity, good humor, strong character and their catchphrase “Oh my gravy.”
The will appear in the show’s 18th season, “The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business,” an all-star version of the show bringing back teams from the past few seasons who were not quite able to win the $1 million dollar prize. “The Amazing Race” will makes its 18th season premiere Feb. 20.
- BAM
DVD review: “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time 3-Disc Blu-Ray Combo Pack”
Director Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) and producer Jerry Bruckheimer (“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”) channel the Saturday matinee romps of old with “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.”
Their swords-and-sandals epic boasts a nearly superhuman hero, a spirited leading lady and a scope and authenticity not often found in this age of computer-generated action movies. Plus, it’s genuine escapist fun, which isn’t always a given with today’s bombastic popcorn flicks.
“Prince of Persia” doesn’t stray far from its roots as a video game, emphasizing stunning chase sequences, exhilarating swordfights and colorful characters. The story is peppered with silly plot holes, clunky dialogue and unlikely coincidences.
Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal makes his action-hero debut as Dastan, an orphan boy who becomes a prince after good King Sharaman (Ronald Pickup) adopts him. He grows into a fierce warrior in his father’s army, and during a battle in the holy city of Alamut, Dastan discovers a unique dagger that is actually a powerful magical device.
An act of betrayal makes Dastan a fugitive, and Alamut’s leader, Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) flees with him in the hopes of recovering the dagger. Naturally, the journey is fraught with peril, from deadly assassins to runaway ostriches. Since much of the movie was filmed on location in Morocco, it is a gorgeously rugged trek through mountains, valleys and deserts.
The Blu-ray release integrates more than 40 behind-the-scenes featurettes with the film, while the DVD version combines several of these snippets into on 15-minute making-of segment. The combo pack also includes a digital copy of the movie.
— BAM
Taylor Swift gets interactive
Taylor Swift proved her media savvy at her recent pre-CMT awards marathon meet-and-greet when she unveiled the new Mix Me In2 Taylor Swift iPhone application.
The application allows you to replace her vocals and instruments with your own, essentially turning you into a music producer. Thank goodness, I’ve always thought “Love Story” definitely needed a more masculine touch to it.
–Carney
Movie review: “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. 3 of 4 stars.
“Prince of Persia” loud, dumb but fun swords-and-sandals adventure
The sixth-century setting aside, the swords-and-sandals adventure “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” qualifies as an unabashed throwback.
Director Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) and producer Jerry Bruckheimer (“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”) put a modern spin on Saturday matinee romps in which the brave protagonist pulls off superhuman feats in battle, charmingly woos a feisty heroine and faces seemingly insurmountable challenges on a quest to right wrongs. Swashes will be buckled, with Douglas Fairbanks-style athleticism and Errol Flynn-esque aplomb.
For better or worse, “Prince of Persia” doesn’t stray too far from its video-game origins: The plethora of action sequences emphasize lightning-fast cuts and head-spinning stunts, and the story is riddled with ridiculous plot holes, goofy dialogue and unlikely coincidences.
Fortunately, the loud, fast-paced dumbness is offset with a rip-roaring sense of fun too often detonated right out of many summer popcorn flicks. (Yes, Michael Bay, I’m talking to you.)
Usually oh-so-serious Jake Gyllenhaal stars as the titular royal, Dastan, a former orphan boy adopted after good King Sharaman (Ronald Pickup) witnessed an instance of his courage and kindness. His Highness is passing on the family business of conquering and empire-building to his sons, with elders Tus (Richard Coyle) and Garsiv (Toby Kebbell) leading the army proper while the bold and nimble Dastan captains a band of guerrilla fighters.
When their uncle Nizam (Ben Kingsley) presents evidence that the holy city of Alamut is arming for an uprising, the brothers attack against their father’s orders. During the pitched battle, Dastan comes to possess an unusual dagger, despite the efforts of Alamut’s leader, Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton), to hide it.
An act of betrayal makes Dastan a wanted man and puts him on the run, with Tamina pursuing him in the hopes of recovering the dagger, which has powerful mystical properties. As they trek through beautifully brutal deserts, mountains and cities, they encounter a wily sheik (Alfred Molina), his knife-throwing sidekick (Steve Toussaint) and a fierce assassin (Gísli Örn Garðarsson) who can control snakes and whirlwinds.
Gyllenhaal establishes himself as a worthy cinematic action hero, shares smoldering chemistry with Arterton and plays well with the colorful cast of supporting characters.
Although the film might have benefited from more culturally-accurate casting, the star is having so much fun sword-fighting, back-flipping and wise-cracking as Prince Dastan that his enthusiasm for “Prince of Persia” proves contagious.
— BAM
Carrie Underwood, Ace Frehley, OneRepublic tracks added to Rock Band store
Carrie Underwood’s “All-American Girl” will be available to download next week from the Rock Band Music Store.
Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that a four-pack of songs from American punk rockers X; three singles, including a free track, from British garagerockers Little Fish; as well as singles from Ace Frehley, OneRepublic and Oklahoma country music star Carrie Underwood will be added next week to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii.
These are among the more than 400 artists who have songs currently available through the “Rock Band” video game platform. “Rock Band” has more than 1,100 songs available to play.
Los Angeles-formed punk rockers X make their “Rock Band” debut next week with “Blue Spark” and “The Hungry Wolf” from 1982’s “Under the Big Black Sun”; “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts” from 1983’s “More Fun in the New World”; and “Los Angeles” from the band’s 1980 debut album “Los Angeles,” which Rolling Stone named one of its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and 100 Greatest Albums of the ’80s.
Three singles from British garage rockers Little Fish also will be available, including “Am I Crazy,” “Bang Bang” and “Darling Dear,” all from the band’s debut album, “Baffled & Beat,” set to be released in July. “Am I Crazy” will be available only on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system and will be a free track. “Baffled & Beat” was produced by Linda Perry and initially released on her label, Custard Records. After successful opening slots for acts such as Hole, Alice in Chains and Eagles Of Death Metal, Little Fish is headlining its own U.K. tour in support of “Baffled & Beat.” The rockers also are opening for Them Crooked Vultures Monday at the Royal Albert Hall.
Additional singles from Carrie Underwood (“All-American Girl”), Ace Frehley (“Outer Space”) and OneRepublic (“Stop & Stare”) will be available in the Rock Band Music Store next week.
The tracks will be available on Xbox 360 and Wii Tuesday and PlayStation 3 on Thursday.
-BAM
Friday Featured Track for Sept. 11, 2009
The song that has been on my brain the most this week:
- “Here Comes the Sun,” The Beatles, from the 1969 album “Abbey Road.”
“Here Comes the Sun” has long been among my favorite Fab Four songs, and the Beatles have been on all music lovers’ minds frequently this week. Remastered versions of the band’s entire catalog were released Wednesday, the same day the anticipated game “The Beatles: Rock Band” made its debut.
But this hopeful song also has been on brain since today is the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It was such a dark day, but the way our country bonded together was heartening. It is my fervent hope and belief that our country and world will continue to find better days as time goes by.
With George Harrison’s bright lyrics, acoustic guitar and Moog synthesizer, with the rest of the band hand-clapping along, how can you not feel a sense of hope when you listen to “Here Comes the Sun”?
-BAM
“The Beatles: Rock Band” out today
Fab Four fans rejoice: The hotly anticipated video game “The Beatles: Rock Band” reaches stores today.
The game is available on Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3.
Gamers can buy just the software or invest in the “The Beatles: Rock Band” limited edition premium bundle, which along with the game itself includes the controller version of Paul McCartney’s Höfner bass, The Beatles branded “Rock Band” drums, microphone, microphone stand and special content.
The game itself includes 40 of the legendary band’s hits, as well as additional downloadable content to be released in the future. It features a variety of gameplay environments drawn from The Beatles’ career, including the Cavern Club, Abbey Road and Shea Stadium.
“The Beatles: Rock Band” also is the first music game to offer harmonies as part of gameplay, which means multiple singers can perform on the same songs and accept the challenge to recreate The Beatles’ distinctive vocal blend.
I know the game is on the birthday and Christmas lists of many of my family members and friends, so I’m betting this will be one of the biggest game releases of the year.
In honor of the game’s debut, remastered versions of The Beatles’ entire catalog also are being released today.
-BAM
New releases for Sept. 8, 2009
Brooks & Dunn (Associated Press photo)
Hitmaking country duo Brooks & Dunn, which includes Kix Brooks and former Tulsan Ronnie Dunn, will release the final album of their musical partnership today. The greatest hits compilation is titled “#1s… And Then Some.”
Brooks & Dunn announced Aug, 10 that they would be parting ways after 20 years of making music together. They will make their break after “The Last Rodeo Tour” in 2010.
In other music news, remastered versions of the entire Beatles catalog are due out Wednesday.
The special re-release of all the Fab Four’s albums coincides with the big release Wednesday of the hotly anticipated game “The Beatles: Rock Band.”
Here is a list of this week’s new CDs, DVDs and books, from Amazon.com, VideoETA.com and BarnesandNoble.com:
CDs
Brooks & Dunn, “#1′s…And Then Some.”
A Fine Frenzy, “Bomb in a Birdcage.”
Phish, “Joy.”
Howie Day, “Sound the Alarm.”
Boys Like Girls, “Love Drunk.”
Peter White, “Good Day.”
DVDs
Dance Flick
Crank 2: High Voltage
Valentino: The Last Emperor
The Office – Season Five
Criminal Minds: The Complete Fourth Season
Fringe: The Complete First Season
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails
Harper’s Island: The DVD Edition
Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Enchanted Musical Edition
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Adventures in Wonderland
Books
“The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks.
“The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships” by Hill Harper.
“Dark Visions: The Strange Power; The Possessed; The Passion” by L.J. Smith.
“Day after Night” by Anita Diamant.
“Dexter by Design” by Jeff Lindsay.
“A Gate at the Stairs” by Lorrie Moore.
“The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment” by A. J. Jacobs.
“Level 26: Dark Origins” by Anthony E. Zuiker.
“The Magician’s Elephant” by Kate DiCamillo.
“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” by Dayton Duncan.
“Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to” by Kathy Griffin.
“A Quiet Belief in Angels” by R.J. Ellory.
“Shooting Stars” by LeBron James.
“Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears” by Pema Chodron.
“Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother/Daughter Memoir” by Sue Monk Kidd.
“You Were Always Mom’s Favorite: Sisters in Conversation Throughout Their Lives” by Deborah Tannen.
-BAM
