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Jackass number Two (Unrated)
Number Two is pointless, outrageous humor that is made for a sick mind. With the huge success of the first Jackass Movie, the sequel had to happen. As much as you want to call the cast of Jackass idiots, you have to give them props. They have some serious man balls to do what they do. By the opening credits the viewer should and will know if the movie is for them. The DVD is filled with hours of fun from out-takes, deleted scenes, commentary from the cast (Minus Bam), as well "The Making Of.. Jackass number Two." When comparing the the first Jackass movie to this sequel, the sequel has some scenes that go over the top foralmost everyone.

Jesus Camp
Jesus camp is a rare documentary. It is one of the few honest portrayals of the right wing evangelist's movement. The documentary follows Pastor Becky Fisher and her congregation, which is mostly children since she's a children's pastor. In the film Becky, some of the children and their parents are interviewed. The result is a very disturbing film. For those of us outside of the movement Fisher's approach to children seems harsh and irresponsible. It has all the markings of brainwashing. One of the most disturbing scenes is where Fisher preaches about double morale, letting the children believe they've let Satan in their heart by prayer in church but acting indifferently to her teachings in school. We see children panicking and bursting out into tears; later when the children start talking in tongues some seem to lose it. Yet nowhere in the movie there seems to be bad intent on her side, Becky really believes in what she preaches, really believes she's helping those children. The children themselves talk enthusiastically about the sermons and seem determined to convert others or become preachers themselves. At times the people portrayed here seem to live in another universe than ours, but at the same time they're completely congruent with their believes. When they denounce science or global warming these people honestly feel others who do are misguided and need saving. No where in the movie Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, the directors, attempt to explain how their subjects came into believing; their tales of being reborn remain superficial. In doing so the film never gets an judgemental character, but its also ultimately one of the weaknesses in the film. It leaves the viewer with more questions than he bargained for. You can't help but walk out of the theatre with a feeling of unease; pondering the enormous rift that is apparently there between you and these new borne Christians.

Jin - ABC
Jin is know for his one national CD put out on the Ruff Ryders label titled "And The Rest Is History." Now some years later and a couple of indie records out. Jin's independent release "ABC," shows off the talent of Jin and proves that hip-hop is going global and breaking down the walls of race. Jin, a New York native, took a huge risk in hip-hop now by doing things like rhyming in cantonese. Some might say that makes the CD for a selective audience off the bat. Not being a cantonese speaker myself I still found the CD pleasing to listen to. For those of you who listened to the CD and enjoyed listening to cantonese can do a search on YouTube for the video "ABC." Which includes the english subtitles. People into the hip-hop genre who are not opened minded might find this CD a big disgrace to the genre. However you can't deny his skill and his passion for hip-hop. ABC is probably one of the best hip hop records for 2007, making the bar high for acts to follow this record.
MySpace.com/TheRealJin

Joe Kidd and the Gash - Fever Dreams
Cool and most defiantly hip, Joe Kidd and the Gash, this independent rock group has put together twelve tracks to make up “Fever Dreams.” This album has a unique sound that makes it so special. Joe Kidd and the Gash have placed a bit of a surf and punk feel to the CD. “Fever Dreams” feels like a cool soundtrack to a late night sci-fi movie, going beyond leaps and bounds. This CD is worth hunting down.
joekiddandthegash.net

Joe Strell - Enormous Morning
Soft, alternative, adult contemporary artist Joe Strell has put together thirteen tracks for "Enormous Morning." "Enormous Morning" is not going to have a huge impact on the music industry. That's not to say the record is horrible, but with a million independent artists like Joe Strell the market is already flooded. I enjoyed "Enormous Morning," however there is nothing to make it stand out from the others. The record is based on singing and simple guitar playing that the soft rock genre is known for. The lyrics are outstanding throughout "Enormous Morning." The final track "Again" is one of the highlights from Joe Strell. I found the actual song structure with the lyrics to hit the spot for the Adult contemporary audience.
( www.joestrell.com )

Joe Strell - In The Balance
Poetry and art that make's for music for the soul. Joe Strell's "In The Balance" CD runs for an hour. That can be a long running CD for some; however, you can't put a time limit on people's creative outlet. "In The Balance" is an amazing CD from beginning to end with the opening track "At Least( At Last)" up until the final track "A Lament for Love (Empathy)." Nowadays with a flooded music market, Joe Strell makes music holding no age limit for people to enjoy it.
www.joestrell.com

Joshua path - Headlight in the Sun
It is not easy to put this into any category but it takes no genius to know that this is good music. Joshua Path, indie-alternative-singer/songwriter, proves you don't have to be another carbon copy to make good music. The title track "Headlight in the Sun" was such a great song but one of the best opening tracks I have heard on an album this year. This record just gets better as the tracks go on and on. You can look deep into the lyrics for special meanings or listen on the surface and still enjoy the record.
www.joshuapath.com
( Click Here to Buy Joshua Path - Headlight in the Sun )

Jumper [Single Disc Edition] David is a Jumper who can teleport himself anywhere in the world which creates a fun and exciting life. But things turn deadly when David finds himself pursued by a secret organization sworn to kill Jumpers. Forming an uneasy alliance with another Jumper he becomes a player in a war that has been raging for thousands of years. As preposterous action movies go, Jumper is pleasantly unpretentious and fairly entertaining. A young man named David (Hayden Christensen) discovers he has the power to teleport (or "jump") anywhere he can visualize. After using this power to steal and make a comfortable life for himself, he pursues the girl he longed for in school (Rachel Bilson, The O. C. ). But as he does this another jumper (Jamie Bell, Billy Elliot ) and a pack of fanatical jumper-hunters called paladins (led by a white-haired Samuel L. Jackson) crashes into David's freewheeling life. Jumper wastes no time trying to explain how jumping works or delving into the how's and why's of the paladins; this is an alluring fantasy of power directed at a pell-mell pace by Doug Liman ( The Bourne Identity , Mr. and Mrs. Smith , Go ). There's a brief moment when it feels like the movie will bog down in romance and vague gestures towards character development--happily, that's the moment when Bell appears and the whole movie shifts into overdrive. You might wish that Bell and Christensen had swapped roles; Bell has a far more engaging personality, and Christensen's bland good looks might better suit a more aggressive character. Nonetheless, Jumper has oodles of dynamism and nifty visual effects to propel its comic-book storyline forward. A variety of recognizable actors in bit parts (such as Diane Lane and Kristen Stewart, Panic Room ) suggest that the filmmakers are laying the groundwork for sequels. www.jumperthemovie.com

 

Juviley - How To Miss the Ground
Walking the thin line between the indie world and pop is how yo come to Juviley's record "How To Miss The Ground". The simplicity of the music is filled with sweet melodies. "How To Miss The Ground" shines through the darkness of the world. The songwriting and lyrical content is outstanding throughout the entire record. Juviley has what it takes to make. Which is good music from the heart. (www.MySpace.com/Juviley )

Justin Timberlake - Futuresex/Lovesound
Justin is taking risks on his new album Futuresex/Lovesound. Timberlake's appeal is his sweet but newly thuggish-sounding voice. Here's a good kid gone bad and he's determined to convince us of it not only by tossing a few well-timed motherfuckers our way. At times while listening to it you can almost sense he was not sure on saying it. With such lyrics as "I'll let you whip me if I misbehave," makes you think, is this the same little sweet boy from the pop group N*Sync. Obviously, there is no shortage of talent on this record. Production for this record is done by Justin Timberlake, JAWBreakers, Timbaland, will.i.am, and Rick Rubin, among others; and with guest artists such as TI, Three Six Mafia, and Hezekiah Walker. FutureSex will feel familiar to anyone who picked up 2002's brilliantly funk-flecked Justified with just a more adult vibe to say the least. It does carry a parental advisory sticker on it. Don't worry little ones there is a censored version you can find at your local Wal-Mart store. This CD does prove that you can be a mainstream artist and still be talented and creative.

Kaddisfly - Set Sail The Prairie
This record got delayed a long time from the previous release dates given to press outlets. Now it's out and it's a concept record to boot. Kaddisfly has brought to the masses their new CD "Set Sail The Prairie" to the cult underground following they achieved from their first Hopeless Records CD "Buy Our Intention; We'll Buy You A Unicorn." The concept part I won't really touch because you really need the CD with the booklet. Bootleggers, you know who you are, will only get a fraction of the beautiful project put out by Kaddisfly. The first track "Summer Solstice" is simple and makes you lift up your anchor on your metaphorical ship for a wonderful sail across the world. The record goes into full gear on the second track "Campfire," which will leave you with an array of emotions. Kaddisfly proves that they are a unique artistic band with this release from the arrangement in music to the thought out lyrics. The only band I can almost compare Kaddisfly to is California band Dredge but that still does not give you a full idea of who Kaddisfly is. Kaddisfly's "Set Sail The Prairie" is for music lovers looking for something new and different.
( www.Myspace.com/Kaddisfly )

Kickin' It Old Skool
Jamie Kennedy is now an icon in the comedy field of entertainment. After the DVD success of "Malibu's Most Wanted," he's back with a new icon from the 80's called Justin. Back in 1984 at a talent show Justin and his break dancing crew the funky fresh boys got their dance on. The only problem was Justin fell off the stage and onto his head. Which then placed him into a twenty year coma. So when he finally snaps out of the coma after 20 years due to the beat of a song he lands in the present and Justin finds all of his old friends to enter them into a dance contest. Where now they are older and over weight trying to make the magic happen all over again. So the movie is 100% fiction! It's still manages to tell a great story about friendship and staying mentally young. The movie is rated PG-13 but it's a great family movie there are a couple of scenes parents might not want their children watching. The way cable networks are it really comes off as a children's movie. If you grew up in the 80's it has a lot of trivial things that will take you down memory lane starting with the song at the beginning of the movie. ( www.kickinitmovie.com )

Kill Hannah - Until There's Nothing Left of Us
Chicago based Kill Hannah just released their second major label offering .It balances between excess and subtlety while never letting one outweigh the other. There are high energy glam-rock anthems like the album's first single "Lips Like Morphine." While Kill Hannah's star power was evident on the Atlantic Records debut in 2004. Its on this latest album that the group's potential is fully realized. Until There's Nothing Left of Us feels like a commercial sold-out concert at a big stadium, as they covered Church's "Under the Milky Way" which gives a 1990's era Depeche Mode type of vibe. Just like your first love, this album will ring through your ears long after it ends.

T
he Killers - Sam's Town
Do the Killers suck now with all the bad reviews they got on this release? Well with their follow up to the five-million-selling debut, 2004's "Hot Fuss," and working with producers Alan Moulder and Flood (best known for their work with U2, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails) I would say this is an amazing album. On the opening track "Sam's Town" the chours remindes me of something I would sing in elemantary school. " I see London, I see Sam's Town." The enterlude that leads you into thier first single, "When You were Young," has a very adult contemporary feel to it as Brandon Flowers plays a piano singing a melodic verse.on a piano singing a medloic verse. With a striving fan base, Killer fans will find nothing wrong about the CD. Critics on the other hand, who see them making millions on sales, will try their hardest to destroy it (aka playa haters). Comparing to the other release, this won't be considered a classic ablum in their catalog. On the other hand does it really matter when you can sell an amazing amount of records around the world. With Tim Burton directing a video for them ,which movie critics have never respected his work, will the Killers be a cult following band or band that can stay on the level of mainstream. As long as they keep making music for their fans, they will be in the spotlight.

Kingspade - P.T.B.
Suburban Noize Recording artists Kingspade come with their second release "P.T.B." The two MC's, D-Loc and Johnny Richter, are both from the successful underground group The Kottonmouth Kings. If you enjoy The Kottonmouth Kings you will enjoy Kingspade just as much if not more. If you compare this record to a Kottonmouth Kings record there will be little difference to an outside listener, but the main difference between the two is that P.T.B. is more focused on the hip-hop/rap influence behind The Kings. D-loc and Richter went out on a limb and made the track "Follow the Leader," which takes aim at political things happening in the United States of America at this present time. Besides Big B doing a small verse on the track "Lookin Up." There is no special guest on the record, making the consumer more confident in the music element in Kingspade. The first track "Who Run It" is a simple but yet very hard impact track. Other critics and those unfamiliar with Kingspade might label this record as another group of white males trying to fit into the rap world and then brush it off. This is a record for people who are opened minded and looking to have fun with music. Kingspade is making music for their fans and themselves. Outsiders will probably never try to understand them. To them there is a million groups on the market just like them, but the true fact is there is only one Kingspade. ( www.kingspade.com )

Kirsten Price - Guts & Garbage
“Guts & Garbage” is one of the most powerful records I have heard in a long time. Kirsten Price goes with for a new genre alternative soul. Producers from Raphael Saadiq of Tony! Toni! Tone !, Danny Saber ( David Bowie , Rolling Stones) and Fred Sargolini (of Ming FS ) came in and held onto their reputation once again.  From beginning to end the records pours out hit after hit. Why listen to music that is just ok? Kirsten Price is more then ok, she is a phenomenal artist. www.myspace.com/kirstenpricemusic

Kottonmouth Kings - Cloud Nine
The Kottonmouth Kings have now made their way to Cloud Nine. After all these years the Kings have once again made a fun record for their fans to enjoy. Taking elements they have been know for like partying, having fun and enjoying life. Who would think you can talk about weed after all these years staying on the same subject matter and still be at the top of your game, but they definitely have. This time when they brought their special guests they did not take the same route as they did in their previous release. Such as Insane Clown Posse and Tech N9ne, they created tracks in their previous release such as Wicked Klowns and F.T.I. 2. This time they created tracks with those same artists that can stand on their own ("Think for Yourself" and "City 2 City"). With the purchase of Cloud Nine they give their fans a bonus DVD in which their fans get a hour of footage from them and other Suburban Noize Records Artists. Cloud Nine is a great place for new fans to jump in and fans to continue to enjoy their already established catalog. (www.KottonmouthKings.com)

Kottonmouth Kings - The Joint is on Fire "Live" (DVD)
If you were in the mosh pit at the last KMK concert or better yet too short to see over the dude in front of you or maybe even to stoned from the contact high you got and you missed some of the show this is what you need. Die hard Kottonmouth Kings fans have been waiting for a full Live DVD from them for the last ten years. Well, you are in luck because that's exactly what they did with The Joint is on Fire. The set spans their career from Royal Highness to the joint venture. The only thing I can say negative is, if you have never seen the Kottonmouth Kings live it does not do justice, due to the fact you can't get the energy from the crowd into your home theatre. I am talking about singing along with your fellow concert lover and knowing the fact that you both have the something in common, the love for the group. Bonus features include, "Gone Git High," a video shot at the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, where the Kings were the High Times "Band of the Year," and "Friends," a video dedication from the Kings to their loyal and devoted fan base. This is for fans already down, if you are not you might want to check out something else put out by the Kings first. Another bonus for fans if you purchase this DVD you have a chance at winning a backstage pass for a Kottonmouth Kings show for 2007.

Kottonmouth Kings - Greatest Highs
The Kottonmouth Kings have taken songs from all of their records except for Stoner‘s Reeking Havoc E.P. and Hidden Stash (the first one) to create this album. At first glance the CD does seem like it's another way for the King Click to get paid. Well let's be real, it is another way for the Kottonmouth Kings to get paid. As a follower of the Kottonmouth Kings I already own all of the records. I was not really into the idea of repurchasing all of the songs I already own placed on a double disc CD. When I put the first disc into my player the album took me back in time. I have not listened to any of the older albums for awhile. It was nice to hear songs like “Bump,” “Suburban Life,” and “Peace Not Greed.” Even a Kottonmouth King's fan can forget some of their music catalog. It put me in the mood to dig out my old CD's and listen to each one. It is easy to get caught up in the singles and the party songs and forget how amazing the range of music is that they create. For new fans of Kottonmouth Kings it is the best place to get an idea of the underground hits produced by the Kings. It is a lot cheaper than buying the whole catalog of the King's. The liner notes inside the package contain a message from Daddy X. He even manages to cover the situation with previous member Saint Dog.
KottonmouthKings.com

The Kut - Demo
Formed in the depths of New Cross, this UK all female band have basement rock sounds of South-East London. The enclosed 3 track demo " The Vision, Brother, Don't Want You and The Vision. " Is a small look into what is set to come from The Kut. The debut album, 'Lies My Mother Told Me', will see a release later this year. The sound is a simple rock/alternative sound reminding me of Susanne Vega's mixed with the Kidney Thieves works put out. The track "The Vision" I would call an appetizer from the meal disc that should be looking forward to the disc" 'Lies My Mother Told Me."
MySpace.com/thekutgirlsrock 

Lady Sovereign - Public Warning
The biggest U. K. Midget is hitting the states with her first U.S. release "Public Warning." I tip my hat to Def Jam for signing Lady Sovereign. She is what hip-hop is all about, express yourself and not copying the latest hit on the radio. Her first single "Love Me or Hate Me" is one the best ways to describe her music. Not too many listeners will find themselves feeling so-so about her. You either love her skills or you hate what she is doing. The odds are against Sovereign: she's a female, white, and to top it off she's from London. Songs like "Gathering," "Random," "And Those were the Days," takes me back to the early 90's. She uses hip-hop beats which are simple and bases her skills off how she flows. If you're a typical MTV, 106 & Park hip-hop listeners, you will probably hate this CD or Lady Sovereign's work in general. For something new and fresh Lady Sovereign is knocking the wall down on typical expectations. (MySpace.com/LadySovereign)

Lily Allen - Alright, Still
Being, as she is, the daughter of prominent British actor Keith Allen, the critics could easily dismiss the rise of Lily Allen as an act of backroom nepotism and a talent-free starlet helped to the stage by the right connections. But one listen to her debut album "Alright, Still" dispels any doubts about young Ms. Allen's star quality. Her debut album is 11 tracks of quality including the single 'Smile'. It's been a whirlwind couple of months for Lily Allen. After signing a low key deal with Regal, late last year, no one could have predicted how quickly she'd make an impression on the nation. Lily, like many artists, started posting tracks on her Myspace page in November 2005, so she could gauge what people thought. The response has been phenomenal. ( www.myspace.com/lilymusic )

The Lives of Famous Men - Modern Love, The Wooden Vehicle
Talk about talent and genuine good music to the ears. On the rise pop rock act The Lives of Famous Men has put out their new E.P. “Modern Love, The Wooden Vehicle.“ From amazing artwork that compliments the music only to add to the package. The Lives of Famous Men build the songs up on “Modern Love, The Wooden Vehicle” from beginning to end. I found the songs to be from good to great then amazing, when playing the CD in whole. The three song E.P. can seem to some music buyers not worthy of a buy but rather an illegal download. I would strongly suggest that if you can purchase a physical copy of the CD to do so. For the mere fact that this is a package to own in whole. The digital world we live in can not be reproduced to the best of quality at the current time. At the same time digital music outlets such as iTunes will have the music in your hand right away for you to enjoy. None the less, this music is something not to miss out on no matter how you get it into your ears! (Myspace.com/thelivesoffamousmen )

Look What I Did - Minute for the Moment
Throw everything you know about music out of the window. Look at What I Did is taking a different artistic path on their CD Minute for the Moment. It goes from hardcore to a alternative sound that keeps you guessing so you have no clue what is coming next. The record will scare the hardcore kids and is too original for the alternative fans. It's a genius record in a format that you can not place in any one category. This band gives it all from the song structure to the CD packaging. The only way I can sum up this record is if God did acid he would hear Look at What I Did, singing and screaming.

Lucero - Rebles, Rogues, and sworn brothers
"Pour me a drink," as Neil Dimaond would say. Lucero comes with lyrics that are so powerful and heartfelt. Imagine that all of the best known bands smash into each other in a whisky and sweat soaked bar stage is where you will find Lucero's new tunes. Pure visceral power, the fiercest emotions, the drunkest, loneliest nights. Lucero songwriters can transform between gentle ballads, moody love overtures and straight forward pop songs. The band is uncovered in rockers on the tracks"I Don't Want To Be the One" and "Sing Me No Hymns."

LYE - To all of Those
Raw, heavy, emotional, hard hitting St. Louis, Missouri, indie recording artist Lye have released their independent E.P. CD "To all of Those." Five songs filled with hard hitting music as well as emotions. The first track "The Devil and His Queen" set the mood for the listener to a small but fulfilled look into LYE's music. The title track "To All of Those" has a smooth yet hard at times sound. Between the music and the vocals this album has what it takes o get to the next level. The plus on this is, almost any music lover could find something to like on this album. If it be the lyrics, or music you can't deny the talent of Lye. LyeBand.com

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