More New DVDs: TV Series and Feature Length Films – November 2008

Damages

Patty Hewes, the nation’s most revered and most reviled litigator, and her ambitious protégée, Ellen Parsons, become embroiled in a class action lawsuit targeting Arthur Frobisher, one of the country’s wealthiest CEOs. As Patty battles Frobisher and his attorney, Ellen learns what it takes to win at all costs. Cast: Glenn Close, Rose Byrne, Ted Danson. Not rated.

The Dark Crystal

Jen, a Gelfling (one of the last survivors of the elfin-like race), is told of a prophecy by his master, a wise and gentle mystic. Jen sets to the task of returning the crystal shard to the all powerful Dark Crystal, making it whole again, and restoring light to the world. Voices: Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire. (1982) Rated PG.

Labyrinth

A teenage girl’s baby brother is kidnapped by the King of the Goblins; in order to rescue him she must navigate a devilish labyrinth. Cast: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud, Shelley Thompson, Christopher Malcolm, Natalie Finland, Shari Weiser, Brian Henson, Ron Mueck, Rob Mills, Dave Goelz, David Alan Barclay, David Shaughnessy. (1986) Not Rated

The Sally Lockhart Mysteries: The Shadow in the North

Sally Lockhart has started her own financial consulting business. When her client loses a fortune from the unexpected collapse of a shipping line, Sally is determined to find out why so many of their ships have mysteriously vanished without a trace. Cast: Billie Piper, Jared Harris, J.J. Feild, Matt Smith, David Harewood, Hayley Atwell, John Standing, Julian Rhind-Tutt. A Masterpiece Mystery! Production of WGBH Boston and the BBC. Hosted by Alan Cumming. Not Rated.

Sleepers

Sentenced to the Wilkinson School for boys, four pals are mistreated at will by a cadre of sadistic guards. 15 years later, they have an unexpected opportunity for revenge. Cast: Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, Brad Pitt. (1996) Rated R

Christmas CDs – 2008

It’s not too late to put these Hot Holiday Items on hold!

Click on Titles to order them from the Library Catalog

I’ll Be Home for Christmas Brian McKnight, CD 781.723 MCK 2008 – Christmas cheer runneth over with McKnight’s first true holiday collection featuring all of your favorite Christmas classics and three new McKnight holiday originals – presented in that smokey R&B mold that McKnight does so well; McKnight’s famed vocal prowess will definitely make this the most wonderful time of the year! As an extra special bonus, Josh Groban, Rascal Flatts and Babyface also make guest appearances on the album! McKnight’s visibility will be growing around the holiday season and into 2009. Already a household as a result of his hits, a stint in Chicago on Broadway, and his own radio show (KTWV the Wave /LA, McKnight is also the host of his very own video countdown Soul Sessions with Brian McKnight on BET .

Songs of Joy & Peace Yo-Yo Ma & Friends, CD 781.723 MA 2008 – Imagine a party, a musical party inspired by the holiday season. A party that celebrates the universal hopes, dreams and joy animating seasonal festivals the world over – Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, Kwanzaa, Yule and New Year’s Day. That is what brought Yo-Yo Ma together with a remarkable group of friends – some old, some new – to create SONGS OF JOY & PEACE. It is Yo-Yo’s hope that everyone who listens to this album will hear a song familiar, comfortable and beloved to them as well as discover and fall in love with music that is brand new.

A Swingin’ Christmas Tony Bennett Featuring the Count Basie Big Band, CD 781.723 BEN 2008 -2008 album release Swingin’ Christmas featuring the Count Basie Big Band. Bennett has 15 Grammy Awards along with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2001). ‘Tony Bennett is among the most recognized human beings on the planet.’ ~Vanity Fair. The album tracks are ‘The Christmas Song’, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’, ‘Christmas Time is Here’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘The Christmas Waltz’, ‘Christmas Auld Lang Syne’, ‘Silver Bells’ and ‘Christmas Tree’.

A New Thought for Christmas Melissa Etheridge, CD 781.723 ETH 2008 -What if someone made a Christmas album for everybody else? That’s exactly what Melissa Etheridge has done. Working alongside her producer David Cole, Melissa’s songs celebrate a spiritual time of year where people can rejoice in their traditional, or non-traditional ways, and celebrate a winter solstice filled with love and peace. This ten song album has newly composed songs such as “Ring The Bells,” “Light A Light,” and “It’s Christmas Time” interspersed with traditional holiday standards such as “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Blue Christmas.” This album begs the question, “If we’re all talking about peace on earth, what if we all concentrated on peace on earth and made it happen?”

It’s Christmas Mandisa, CD 781.723 MAN 2008 – Mandisa’s debut album True Beauty gave inspiration and hope to women everywhere and challenged us to rethink our definition of beauty, and proved she had more than just talent – but something important to say. This fall, she returns with her first full-length Christmas album It’s Christmas. Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp), It’s Christmas strikes a balance between traditional Christmas carols and newer songs, and features special appearances by Michael W. Smith and Matthew West.

Joy to the World Faith Hill, CD 781.723 HIL 2008 – The first holiday album from super-star Faith Hill, ‘Joy To The World’ is a joy to behold, featuring beautiful new versions of ten traditional and modern classics, complete with horns, strings, woodwings, percussion and chorales, much like the big-band orchestras of the 40’s and 50’s. One of the most popular music stars in America, Faith Hill celebrates the joy-and faith- of the season with ‘Joy to the World.’

A Winter Symphony Sarah Brightman, CD 781.723 BRI 2008 – Arrival — Colder than winter — Ave Maria (with Fernando Lima) — Silent night — In the bleak midwinter — I’ve been this way before — Jesu, joy of man’s desiring — Child in a manger — I wish it could be Christmas everyday — Amazing grace — Ave Maria — I believe in Father Christmas.

Don’t Come Home for Christmas Jeff Dunham, CD 781.723 DUN 2008 – YEAR-ROUND FAMILY FUN! CONTAINS INSTANT SING-ALONG CLASSICS (AND A FEW TWISTED ONES)!!!Don’t Come Home For Christmas is the first CD of songs ever released by Jeff Dunham and his beloved group of characters! Tracks include Achmed’s “Jingle Bombs,” Bubba J’s “Roadkill Christmas,” and Walter’s heart-felt “I Hate Christmas.” Join Jeff and “Guitar Guy” along with Peanut, Bubba J, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Sweet Daddy Dee, José Jalapeño, and Walter as they make Christmas very special – and hilarious – like only they know how.

New CDs – November 2008

A Hundred Million Suns Snow Patrol, CD 781.66 SNO 2008 – The Grammy-nominated band’s fifth studio album was recorded throughout the Summer of 2008 in Hansa Studios in Berlin (where Bowie recorded “Low,” “Heroes” and “Lodger”) and at Grouse Lodge deep in the Irish countryside. Snow Patrol are one of the biggest selling UK bands this decade and A Hundred Million Suns follows up the 2006 Number One, seven-times platinum phenomenon Eyes Open which sold 2.1 million copies in the UK and over 1 million in the US. Eyes Open achieved platinum awards across the world from the US and Canada to Germany, Australia and beyond, selling over 4.5 million copies. Their single “Chasing Cars” has just received its 2 millionth download in the US.

Evolver John Legend, CD 781.643 LEG 2008 – The album Evolver features superstars Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Estelle.The album’s first single ‘Green Light’ impacted Urban & Rhythm formats August 19th, 2008. John Legend’s debut CD Get Lifted & sophomore CD Once John Legend is the winner of five Grammy Awards.

 

Incanto Andrea Bocelli, CD 781.63 BOC 2008 -Andrea Bocelli’s new studio album is a collection of the most famous Italian songs – including Mamma, Funiculi Funicula and Santa Lucia. They are the songs which have enchanted Andrea since childhood. Released to coincide with his 50th birthday, the album is a personal tribute to his musical heritage. Popularized through concert, radio and record and the film industry by the great tenors of the 19th and 20th centuries, this selection of songs is a celebration of the Italian tenor tradition.

 

 

Tina! Tina Turner, CD 781.63 TUR 2008 – Tina! is the 2008 CD to compliment the eight-time Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s long-awaited return to arenas throughout North America. Capitol/EMI releases a new 18-track CD and digital collection of Turner’s Top Hits, rare live recordings and two exclusive new tracks. Few rock performers can work a stage and an audience as masterfully as Tina Turner has been doing since the 1960s. First achieving stardom alongside then-husband Ike Turner, R&B siren Tina left to pursue an even more successful solo career that also included movie roles.

Closer – The Best of Sarah McLachlanSarah McLachlan, CD 781.66 MCL 2008 – 2008 Album, Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan contains 24 classic tracks personally selected by the artist from her award-winning catalog, as well as two newly recorded and previously unreleased songs, “U Want Me 2” and “Don’t Give Up On Us”, working with her longtime producer Pierre Marchand.

 

Our Love Is Here to Stay: Ella & Louis Sing Gershwin Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, CD 781.65 GER 1998 – When Ella and Louis recorded a series of albums together for Verve in 1956 and 1957, George Gershwin’s songs were a constant theme, including a double LP of Porgy and Bess that delighted Ira Gershwin. This 1998 compilation pulls together material from those recordings to celebrate a union of jazz’s greatest singers with a songwriter who had been an essential resource for jazz since the 1920s. The chemistry is consistently inspired, with Armstrong’s gravelly voice, perfect rhythmic sense, and still-eloquent trumpet providing a fine complement to Fitzgerald’s consummately smooth delivery and extraordinary range. Also included are Ella and Louis’s own takes on Gershwin from contemporary sessions, including Fitzgerald’s Jazz at the Philharmonic version of “Oh, Lady, Be Good!” (from At the Opera House) that includes Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and Stan Getz among the tenor saxophonists. Collectors will want the CD reissues of the original albums to get a complete picture of the Fitzgerald and Armstrong partnership, or Fitzgerald’s own extended encounter with Gershwin in the Songbook series; nevertheless, this is a delightful introduction to an inspired collaboration.

Whatever: The ’90s Pop and Culture Box Various Artists, CD 781.63 WHA 2005 – Remember the 1990s? Dot-com booms and stock market pinnacles? The fall of the Wall, the rise of Desert Storm, Presidential impeachment, and Beavis & Butt-head? The decade of grunge power, alt-rock diversity, and hip-hop evolution? It’s an era that’s oh-so-close, yet already so far away. If you’re pining for those ’90s, and we know you are-our monolithic new 7-disc box takes you back in style.

 

New DVDs: Feature Length Films and TV Series – November 2008

 

Boston Legal: Season Four

Follows the personal and professional exploits of a group of attorneys working at the law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. Cast: William Shatner, James Spader, Candice Bergen, John Larroquette. Not rated.

A Heart in Winter

Camille, a concert violinist, becomes intrigued by her lover’s business partner, Stephane. She interprets his distance as a sign of intellectual seduction. The love triangle that develops reveals the complexity and imperfection of the three characters. French dialogue with English subtitles. Cast: Daniel Auteuil, Emmanuelle Béart, André Dussollier. Not Rated

Mad Men: Season One

In the glamorous and ego-driven world of advertising, everyone is selling something and nothing is ever what it seems. Set in 1960 New York, this series reveals the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue’s “Golden Age,” where key players make an art of the sell while their private world gets sold. And no one plays the game better than Don Draper, the biggest ad man–and ladies’ man–in the business. Cast: Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Maggie Siff, Aaron Staton, Bryan Batt, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, Michael Gladis, Rich Sommer. Not rated. Originally broadcast on AMC July 19-Oct. 18, 2007.

MI-5: Volume 5

A series of sinister terror strikes, combined with severe fuel shortages, has plunged Britain into crisis. As a chronically weakened prime minister fights to hold onto power, the public mood turns increasingly anarchic. MI-5 supremo Harry Pearce and team leader Adam Carter begin to face the horrifying possibility that the country is under attack from sinister forces right at the heart of the establishment. Cast: Rupert Penry-Jones, Peter Firth, Anna Chancellor, Hermione Norris, Raza Jeffrey, Nicola Walker, Miranda Raison. Not Rated

The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima

Screen chronicle based on actual 1917 events outside Fatima, Portugal, where three shepherd children report visions of the Virgin Mary and confront anticlerical government oppression in the process. Cast: Gilbert Roland, Angela Clark. Videodisc release of the 1952 motion picture. Not rated.

The Nun’s Story

Audrey Hepburn portrays a nun whose life journey takes her from the staff of a mental asylum to a surgical nurse in the Belgian Congo. She returns to Belgium as WWII breaks out and is torn between the needs of the Resistance and the church’s neutrality. Cast: Peter Finch, Dame Edith Evans, Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Dean Jagger, Mildred Dunnock. From the book by Kathryn C. Hulme. Not rated.

Perfect Strangers

When Melanie goes home from a local pub with the best looking man in the room, she’s captivated by his charm and attentiveness. He sails her away to his “castle”–A rundown shack on a deserted island. But soon, his passion turns to obsession and romance turns to rage and Melanie realizes that she is the victim of a kidnapping. Torn between fear and desire, Melanie must escape her schizoprenic captor. A moment of panic leads to murder and madness. Melanie’s time is running out, but for her perfect stranger, it may already be too late. Cast: Sam Neill, Rachael Blake, Joel Tobeck, Robyn Malcolm, Madeleine Sami. Rated PG-13

Pushing Daisies: The Complete Season One

Ned can bring the dead to life briefly when he touches them, and must touch them again to reverse the spell. Along with a private eye, he uses his gift to help solve crimes and collect the rewards. Cast: Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Jim Dale, Ellen Greene, Swoosie Kurtz, Kristin Chenoweth. Originally broadcast during the 2007-2008 television season.

A Raisin in the Sun

Dreams can make a life worth living, but they can also be dashed by bad decisions. This is the crossroads where the Younger family find themselves when their father passes away and leaves them with $10,000 in life insurance money. Decisions will need to be made on how to best spend the money – from buying a new family home, buying a liquor store or even paying for medical school tuition. While no choice is easy, life on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s is even harder. Cast: Sean Combs, Sanaa Lathan, Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, Justin Martin, Bill Nunn, David Oyelowo, Ron Cephas Jones, Sean Patrick Thomas, John Stamos. Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry. Not rated.

Rough Riders

A fact-based, rough and tumble western depicting a young and energetic Theodore Roosevelt leading his legendary Rough Riders in their fight against oppressive Spanish rule at the turn of the 20th century. Cast: Tom Berenger, Gary Busey, Brad Johnson, Illeana Douglas, Chris Noth, Brian Keith, George Hamilton, Sam Elliott. Not rated.

The Searchers

Ex-confederate soldier Ethan Edwards searches five years for his niece, the only member of his family to survive a Comanche massacre. Cast: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood. Not Rated

The Shoes of the Fisherman

All eyes are focused on the Vatican, hoping to see the puffs of white smoke signaling the selection of the next Pope, but this time, much more is at stake, for the new pontiff may be the only person who can bring peace to a world on the brink of nuclear war. Cast: Anthony Quinn, Oskar Werner, David Janssen, Vittorio De Sica, Leo McKern, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Laurence Olivier, Barbara Jefford, Rosemarie Dexter. Based on the novel by Morris L. West. Rated G

30 Rock: Season 2

The primetime Emmy-winning workplace comedy that exists behind-the-scenes of a live sketch comedy show has returned, with some of the original stars returning also. Cast: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan. Not rated.

Documentaries and Non-Fiction Films – November 2008

China from the Inside

A series of four PBS documentaries that survey China through Chinese eyes to see how history has shaped them, and where the present is taking them. Deals with the governance of China; talks about the past and future for Chinese women; looks at China’s environmental challenges; explores China’s conflict between personal freedom and governance.

Why Shakespeare?

A documentary film from the National Endowment for the Arts that examines the contemporary relevance of Shakespeare’s plays and the importance of live theater. Performers include: Christina Applegate, Ben Donenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dana Giola, Tom Hanks, Bill Pullman, Michael Richards, William Shatner, Martin Sheen, Julie Taymore, Michael York. Not Rated

New Nonfiction – October 2008

Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life Kathleen Norris – What is acedia? Ruminations from a noted author.

American Lightning: Terror, Mystery, The Birth of Hollywood, and the Crime of the Century Howard Blum – On the morning of October 1, 1910 the Los Angeles Times Building was bombed. This was a prelude to the devastation to come.

The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British Sarah LyallAs a young reporter for The New York Times, the author moved to London and began a chronicle of her adopted country.

Being Catholic Now: Prominent Americans Talk about Change in the Church and the Quest for MeaningKerry Kennedy – The daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy relates the importance of faith and showcases the thoughts of other Americans.

The Black Hole War: My Battle with Stephen Hawking to Make the World Safe for Quantum Mechanics Leonard Susskind – What is the true nature of black holes? Is our understanding of the entire universe at stake?

China: Getting Rich First Duncan Hewitt – Is it possible for the new China to reconcile its ancient past with the new dreams of modernization and globalization?

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the WorldVicki Myron with Bret Witter –How is possible for an abandoned kitten to transform a small library, save an American town, and become famous around the world?

Emotional Awareness: Overcoming the Obstacles to Psychological Balance and Compassion A Conversation Between the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman – A remarkable exchange that delves into the nature of our emotional lives from the perspectives of science and spirituality.

Empires of the Sea: The Siege of Malta, the Battle of Lepanto, and the Contest for the Center of the World Roger Crowley – In 1521, Suleiman the Magnificent sent an invasion fleet to the Christian island of Rhodes. This was the opening shot in the struggle between rival empires and faiths for control of the Mediterranean.

The First Billion Is the Hardest T. Boone Pickens – At the age of 68, down and out, Pickens turned his remaining investment funds of $3 million into $8 billion in profit. Now, at age 80, he explains what he believes will be the future of energy in America.

Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: On the Tracks of the Great Railway Bazaar Paul Theroux – The prolific and noted author of travel narratives describes his recent journey through Asia.

Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men Michael Kimmel – A look at the cultural and social world of young men through the years between 16 and 26.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution—and How It Can Renew America Thomas L. Friedman – The noted author of The World Is Flat takes a look at America’s loss of focus and the global environmental situation and how these two problems are linked.

The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington Jennet Conant – The story of the British spies who infiltrated the upper echelons of Washington during the early days of World War II.

The Last Undercover: The True Story of an FBI Agent’s Dangerous Dance with Evil Bob Hamer – Posing as everything from a drug dealer to an aging pedophile, the author describes his life as an undercover agent.

The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism Andrew J. Bacevich – The author identifies a triple crisis that confronts America and offers solutions to cope realistically with the future.

Moral Clarity: A Guide for Grown-Up IdealistsSusan Neiman – How is moral philosophy relevant to everyday life? The author presents a philosophical framework for forming clear opinions and taking responsible actions on today’s questions.

Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life Wynton Marsalis with Geoffrey C. WardThe award-winning musician relates the lessons he has learned from jazz that can help move us all to higher ground.

The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Transformed Their Lives Cheryl Jarvis – The author bought a beautiful, expensive necklace along with twelve other women who agreed to share it equally throughout the year. Here’s their story.

Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein – The authors demonstrate how “choice architecture” can be established to help individuals be nudged in beneficial directions, rather than to make those choices that make us poorer and less healthy.

A Path Out of the Desert: A Grand Strategy for America in the Middle East Kenneth M. Pollack – A leading Middle East policy analyst advises a more realistic and cohesive approach to the Arab world.

Poisoned Profits: The Toxic Assault on Our Children Philip Shabecoff and Alice Shabecoff – The authors’ research links current rise in childhood disease to industrial toxins that are found both outside and in everyday products.

The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small: Charting a Course for the Next Generation Marian Wright Edelman – The founder of the Children’s Defense Fund calls on Americans to create a better world for all of our children.

Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief James M. McPherson – With virtually no military experience, President Lincoln emerged as the greatest commander in chief in American history.

The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do Peg Tyre – Struggling throughout elementary and secondary school, boys now account for less than 43% of those enrolled in college.

Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip—Confessions of a Cynical Waiter Steve Dublanica – An inside look at a waiter’s life at an upscale New York restaurant.

The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008 Bob Woodward – The author’s fourth book about the Bush administration takes the reader through the highest levels of decision-making at the White House, Pentagon and State Department.

More New Music CDs – October 2008

Click titles/artwork to go to the Library Catalog

 

Little HoneyLucinda Williams, CD 781.642 WIL 2008

Lucinda Williams has always been adept at painting landscapes of the soul, illuminating the spirit’s shadowy nooks and shimmering crannies — but she’s never captured the sun breaking through the clouds as purely as on her new Lost Highway release, Little Honey. The album features a duet with Elvis Costello “Jailhouse Tears” Other guest vocalists include Matthew Sweet, Susanna Hoffs, Jim Lauderdale, Tim Easton and Charlie Louvin.

13th Hour Midnight Syndicate, CD 781.66 MID 2005

Over the past eight years, Midnight Syndicate has defined the gothic/horror soundscape genre and redefined the Halloween music industry. Their unique blend of dark orchestral movie-style instrumental music and carefully crafted sound effects make their “soundtracks for the imagination” truly interactive listening experiences, earning them a diverse worldwide following in the gothic music, Halloween, horror music, haunted attraction, and gaming industries.

Learn to Live Darius Rucker, CD 781.642 RUC 2008

As the front man of Hootie & The Blowfish, Darius Rucker has already experienced success – earning 2 Grammy awards and selling over 25 million albums worldwide. Now, embracing his country roots and a music he has always wanted to make, Darius is attracting the attention of country fans who are discovering his voice for the first time, and rewarding Hootie fans with new music featuring one of the most unique voices across any genre of music. Featuring his debut country single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”, Learn to Live features 12 undeniable country hits and a voice that is unarguably Darius Rucker. “I have always written country songs…for me, this is really just part of the natural evolution of my career. I plan to be doing this for a long time. This isn’t a one album deal – it’s a career thing,” explains Rucker.

Broken China Robert Wright, CD 781.66 WRI 1996

Brand new solo album by the Pink Floyd keyboardist, with Sinead O’Connor appearing as guest lead vocalist on the tracks ‘Reaching For The Rail’ and ‘Breakthrough’. The album has a Floyd sound and look throughout, thanks to their designer Storm Thorgerson.

Some Mad HopeMatt Nathanson, CD 781.63 NAT 2007

With rapturous romanticism and over-the-top, heart-on-sleeve emotion, Matt Nathanson can’t decide whether he wants to be U2’s Bono (particularly on the opening “Car Crash”) or John Mayer (with whom he’s toured as an opening act). Though his roots are in the folk coffeehouse, he plainly has his ears aimed toward the rock arena, as the propulsive “To the Beat of Our Noisy Hearts” and “Detroit Waves” attest. “Wedding Dress” sounds like it’s aspiring to become a first-dance standard, while the sensuality of “Come On Get Higher” suggests more stripped-down delights. A couple of lines here compete for the album’s cheesiest: “C’mon let’s make this dream that’s barely half-awake come true” (from “Heartbreak World”) and “What happened to feeling cheap radio songs?” (from “Bulletproof Weeks”).

Love & Life Eric Benet, CD 781.643 BEN 2008

Eric Benet has recaptured the essence of his roots as he journeyed back to Milwaukee on his fourth solo effort, Love & Life, a strong, good-feeling record reminiscent of yesteryears when R&B was rooted in gospel, a dash of jazz and the feeling of social awareness. This album reflects a journey that magnifies the abundance of familiar experiences both personal and social that transpires, represents sheer honesty, allowing you to discover truth, and be moved and connected by music.

Hello Love Chris Tomlin, CD 781.7 TOM 2008

Following his 2006 RIAA Gold-certified record, See the Morning, Chris Tomlin’s fifth studio release, Hello Love, communicates what he describes as the “need to introduce ourselves to love again.” Produced by Ed Cash (Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Bebo Norman), the record endeavors to give voice to the Church to worship their Creator.

Gift of ScrewsLindsey Buckingham, CD 781.66 BUC 2008

Primarily recorded and self-produced at his home studio and on the road during the ‘Under The Skin’ tour, the album also features two songs co-produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance). Mixing the immediacy of the best of his contributions to Fleetwood Mac with experimental production flourishes, highlights of the set include ‘Bel Air Rain’, ‘Time Precious Time’, ‘Underground, ‘Love Runs Deeper’ and ‘Treason’. “You could certainly say this album is a distillation of a number periods of time, some false starts to make albums, certainly some songs that go back a number of years, that took a while to find a home here, combined with brand-new songs and a whole other outlook,” explains Buckingham. “And the fact that there was a kind of tenacity and focus to want to bring all of this together in one place. The fact that as an artist I’m still, for better or worse, clinging to my idealism and to my sense that there is still yet much to be said. This is a culmination of that.”

That Lonesome Song Jamey Johnson, CD 781.642 JOH 2008

He could be basking in his songwriting accolades, but Jamey Johnson remains a restlessly creative maverick. Jamey is the co-writer of the CMA and ACM 2007 Song of the Year “Give It Away,” recorded by George Strait. Trace Adkins, George Jones and Joe Nichols have also recorded his songs. But instead of sitting at home counting his royalty checks, Jamey Johnson recorded more than 40 songs during the past year. Not content with providing hits for others, the singer-songwriter has a powerful drive to sing, record and perform. “Writing is not enough for me,” says this intense artist. “I did not come here to just be a writer. I live to play….I’m not here to take a stab at it. I am going to DO it.” Following a deep period of isolation and introspection, Jamey Johnson entered the recording studio in April 2007. Within months, Jamey emerged with That Lonesome Song, a collection of extraordinary compositions that is equally noteworthy for its lyrical craftsmanship and its strikingly original sound.

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Joshua Bell, CD 787.2 BEL 2008

Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, who has enchanted audiences for two decades with his breathtaking playing and tone of rare opulence, has recorded Antonio Vivaldi’s concertos The Four Seasons. Widely considered as one of the premiere violinists of his generation, Bell is joined on this studio release by the celebrated musicians of the Academy of St.Martin in the Fields, who toured the work with him prior to the recording sessions. This recording of The Four Seasons is coupled with another masterpiece of Baroque virtuosity, Giuseppe Tartini’s The Devil’s Trill. The liner notes by Linda Kobler explain the curious genesis of Tartini’s piece and the indisputable place of Vivaldi’s concertos in the history of sonata composition.

Act Two Celtic Thunder, CD 781.629 CEL 2008

Celtic Thunder Act Two, the companion to Celtic Thunder (which sold over 150,00 CDs and DVDs combined) musically completes the collection of songs that have been included in one of the most successful PBS programs ever. Celtic Thunder Two includes an eclectic mix of songs ranging from the Moody Blues classic Nights In White Satin, Paul McCartney’s Mull Of Kintyre to the classic Danny Boy. The ensemble numbers on Celtic Thunder Two reflect the power of the vocalists, who range in age from 14 to 40, and feature songs that celebrate a common Celtic heritage.

New Music CDs – October 2008

Click on a title to order a CD from the Library Catalog.

Jennifer Hudson Jennifer Hudson, CD 781.643 HUD 2008

The 2008 self-titled debut album of Jennifer Kate Hudson reflects her high-powered soulful style voice which is transcendent and timeless. Guests features on the album include Fantasia on “I’m His Only Woman”, Ludacris on “Pocketbook”, plus the highlights version of “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls. Jennifer first gained notice as one of the finalists on the third season of the FOX television series American Idol. She went on to star as Effie White in the 2006 motion picture adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls for which she won numerous awards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA and a SAG Award.

 

Year of the Gentleman Ne-yo, CD 781.643 NE 2008

“Closer,” written by Ne-Yo and produced by Stargate, is the first single from Ne-Yo’s upcoming third album, YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN, set to arrive in stores June 24th. It is the follow-up to Because Of You (released May 2007), which received this year’s Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album, and In My Own Words (February 2006) – both of which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.

 

 

 

 

Black Butterfly Buckcherry, CD 781.66 BUC 2008

Buckcherry is back with a purpose, unleashing their newest effort, Black Butterfly. Following the platinum success of 15, these LA rockers haven’t lost any of their edge.

 

 

 

 

 

19  Adele, CD 781.66 ADE 2008

US only 2 CD edition includes a bonus disc with five live tracks,Right as Rain [Live], Melt My Heart to Stone [Live], My Same [Live], That’s It, I Quit, I’m Moving On [Live] and Chasing Pavements [Live] . 19 is the debut album from the singer/songwriter. Citing her influences as diverse as Etta James, Jill Scott, Bjork, Dusty Springfield, Billy Bragg, Billie Holiday, Jeff Buckley, The Cure and Peggy Lee, Adele is a truly unique new artist. With her mix up of R&B and Soul served up with a healthy dash of feisty London attitude, she spins beautiful dark stories of loves won and lost and sometimes just daydreamed about.

 

Imus Ranch Record Various Artists, CD 781.642 IMU 2008

Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Little Richard, Randy Travis, Big & Rich, Delbert McClinton, Patty Loveless, Levon Helm, Raul Malo, Bekka Bramlett and Vince Gill lend their voices in support on Th e Im u s Ra n c h Re c o r d , which includes covers of such varied classics as Mamas Don t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, What A Difference A Day Makes, and You ve Got To Fight For Your Right To Party. The songs were hand-picked by Imus and matched to each artist except for Vince Gill singing A Satisfied Mind, which was a special tribute to the late Porter Wagoner, recorded just hours after Gill sang the song at Wagoner s funeral. Proceeds from this special CD benefit the Imus Ranch, a unique working cattle ranch in New Mexico run by Don and Deirdre Imus, which hosts children who are afflicted with cancer or other serious blood diseases.

 

 

 

 

Oracular Spectacular MGMT, CD 781.66 MGMT 2008

MGMT invites you to open your mind to the multi-dimensional vibrating Technicolor sounds of Oracular Spectacular.

 

August Rush Various Artists, CD 781.542 AUG 2007

August Rush tells the story of a charismatic young Irish guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered young cellist (Keri Russell) who have a chance encounter one magical night above New York’s Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, August Rush, orphaned by circumstance. Now performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger (Robin Williams), August (Freddie Highmore) uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth.

 

Beneath These Fireworks Matt Nathanson, CD 781.63 NAT 2003

Beneath These Fireworks, produced by Ron Aniello, is Nathanson’s major label debut, and he doesn’t waste the opportunity, cherry picking a trio of songs from his earlier releases (“Bare,” “Bent,” “Lucky Boy”) to re-record, and with some radio-ready new material, the result is an impressively cohesive pop album. Nathanson’s songs are full of the fractured hearts and broken confessions of unhealthy relationships, and while his lyrics stray at times into an ornate despondency, the sheer pop smarts and giant hooks in the arrangements more than compensate.

 

The Bourne Ultimatum Soundtrack Various Artists, CD 781.542 POW 2007

New Fiction – October 2008

American WifeCurtis Sittenfeld – Alice falls in love with boisterous Charlie Blackwell, a wealthy son of a prominent Republican family. Eventually her path takes them to the White House.

Everything Under the SkyMatilde Asensi – This literary thriller involves newly widowed Elvira De Poulain in a hunt for the lost treasure of China’s first emperor.

Fine Just the Way It Is: Wyoming Stories 3Annie Proulx – A new collection of stories by the noted short story author.

The Given DayDennis Lehane –At the end of World War I, America was a country torn by political and civil unrest. This large scale novel centers on the events surrounding the Boston Police Strike of 1919. Starred reviews.

GoldengroveFrancine Prose – The well-known author returns with a moving novel that centers on a young girl who faces the sudden loss of her sister.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows – A wonderful story about a unique book club that became an alibi to protect its members from arrest by the Germans during WWII.

The Heretic’s DaughterKathleen Kent – Martha Carrier and her daughter, Sarah, face the horrors of the witchcraft hysteria that enveloped Salem, Massachusetts.

HomeMarilynne Robinson – The author of Gilead, returns to the small Iowa town to tell the story of the Broughton family.

It’s a CrimeJacqueline Carey – Mystery reader, Pat Foy, is astonished when her husband, Frank is arrested for accounting fraud at LinkAge.

Just BreatheSusan Wiggs – Cartoonist Sarah Moon finds she has to tackle real life when her situation begins to mirror her comic strip alter ego.

The KeepsakeTess Gerritsen – When a preserved “mummy” is discovered in the basement of Boston’s Crispin Museum, an archeologist turns up missing as well.

Killer View Ridley Pearson – Sun Valley Sheriff Walt Fleming has a horrible situation to face when a skier is missing.

The King’s GoldArturo Pérez-Reverte – Captain Alatriste returns to Seville, Spain in 1626 following the bloody siege of Breda. More swashbuckling!

The Legal Limit Martin Clark – Legal intricacies and family secrets involve an attorney, Mason Hunt and his imprisoned brother, Gates.

Liberty Garrison Keillor – A spectacular Fourth of July in Lake Wobegon is only the beginning is this tale from the heartland.

The Little Book Selden Edwards – Wheeler Burden, 47, is living in San Francisco in 1988, and suddenly finds himself wandering in a city and time he knows mysteriously well: Vienna, 1897. Intriguing.

My Husband’s SweetheartsBridget Asher – When Lucy discovers that her cheating husband is dying, she decides to call the other women in his life to come help.

Night of Thunder Stephen Hunter – Bob Lee Swagger faces off the Dixie gangsters when his daughter’s life is at stake.

Off Season Anne Rivers Siddons – After her husband’s death, Lilly travels to the coast of Maine to try to deal with her loss.

The Other Queen Philippa Gregory – This little known story of Mary, Queen of Scots centers on her time as the “guest” of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and his new wife, Bess of Hardwick.

Pecking Order Omar Tyree – Ambitious Ivan Davis jumps into the high-stakes world of industry promotions and celebrity parties in Southern California.

The Road Home Rose Tremain – Following his wife’s death, Lev leaves Eastern Europe for London and finds work in a posh restaurant and a room in the home of an Irishman who has also lost his family.

Rough Justice Jack Higgins – There is intrigue in the halls of power and blood in the streets.

The Sealed LetterEmma Donoghue – Based on a scandalous divorce case that gripped England in 1864, the author blends fact and fiction to create a drama of friends, lovers, and divorce.

Sinner Ted Dekker – The author’s next installment in the Paradise series confronts a force of raw evil.

Supreme Courtship Christopher Buckley – The U.S. President, annoyed that the Senate has rejected his nominees for the Supreme Court, nominates a popular TV judge (think Judge Judy).

This Must Be the Place Anna Winger – Berlin is a strange city for a young American named Hope until she develops an unlikely friendship with a failed actor, Walter.

Tsar Ted Bell – Somewhere in Russia lives a man so powerful that no one even knows his name. Counterspy Alex Hawke faces a global nightmare of epic proportions.

Various Flavors of Coffee Anthony Capella – Robert Pinker, a struggling young artist, accepts a job as a coffee taster and a composer of a “vocabulary of coffee” to describe the many subtle flavors of the brew.

New Releases on DVD – October 2008

Deception

Jonathan McQuarry is an accountant who meets Wyatt Bose, a charismatic corporate lawyer. Bose introduces Jonathan to a decadent playground called The List, which is a mysterious sex club for Manhattan’s executives. It’s a world of ‘intimacy without intricacy,’ one of betrayal, treachery and murder. But in this new world, Jonathan soon becomes the prime suspect in a woman’s disappearance and a multi-million dollar heist. Cast: Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor, Michelle Williams. Rated R

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Peter has his heart broken by Sarah Marshall, his girlfriend of five years. After trying unsuccessfully to put her out of his mind, he decides to take a vacation to Hawaii to unwind. Unfortunately for Peter, Hawaii is also the chosen destination of Sarah and her new boyfriend. Cast: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand. Rated R

How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer

In the summer heat of a small Arizona border town, sparks fly for three generations of women. 17-year-old Blanca discovers romance for the first time with the new bad boy in town. Lolita, her mother, had hit a dry spell until the husband of one of her customers husband pays her a visit. Blanca’s grandmother, Doña Genoveva enlists her gardener Don Pedro to give her driving lessons and learns about more than cars in the process. Cast: Elizabeth Peña, America Ferrera, Lucy Gallardo, Steven Bauer, Jorge Cervera, Jr., Rick Najera, Leo Minaya. Rated R

The Incredible Hulk

Scientist Bruce Banner has been living in the shadows, scouring the earth for an antidote. Warmongers dream of abusing his powers and won’t leave Bruce alone. He suffers from his constant need to be with the only woman he has ever love, Betty Ross, and Bruce knows that he must return to civilization. The brilliant doctor is ruthlessly pursued by a nightmarish beast of pure adrenaline and aggression called The Abomination whose powers match that of the Hulk. Now, a fight of epic proportions ensues as Bruce must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, William Hurt. Rated: PG-13

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indy tries to outrace a brilliant and beautiful agent for the mystical, all-powerful Crystal Skull of Akator. Teaming up with a rebellious young biker and his spirited love Marion, Indy takes you on a breathtaking, action-packed adventure. Cast: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, Shia LaBeouf. Rated: PG-13

Ironman

A wealthy industrialist is held captive in enemy territory and escapes by building a high-tech suit made of armor. When he returns home, he decides to use his money, talents, and suit to save the world. Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, Gwyneth Paltrow. Rated PG-13

Leatherheads

In this comedy, set against the beginnings of pro football, Dodge Connolly, captain of a struggling squad of barroom brawlers, has only one hope to save his team –recruit college superstar Carter Rutherford. But when a feisty reporter starts snooping around, she turns the two teammates into instant rivals and kicks off a wild competition filled with screwball antics. Cast: George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, John Krasinsky, Jonathan Pryce. Rated PG-13

Married Life

In a late 1940’s suburban world, middle-class wives, like Pat, build their lives around their husbands. Pat and Harry seem happy, but Harry confesses to his pal, Richard, that the spark is gone. He plans to leave Pat for vibrant young war widow Kay. Once Richard, a notorious ladies man, gets a look at the platinum blonde, he secretly sets out to win her affections and Harry continues to plots to take Pat out of the picture. Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper, Patricia Clarkson, Rachel McAdams. Based on the book Five Roundabouts to Heaven by John Bingham.Rated PG-13

Pu-239

While working at a nuclear power plant, Timofey is exposed to a deadly dose of radiation while trying to avert a plant disaster. Instead of rewarding Timofey for his efforts, the plant treats him as a scapegoat, offering no compensation to him or his family. Desperate to provide security for his wife and son, Timofey steals a small amount of PU-239 – weapons-grade- plutonium – and heads to Moscow to sell it on the black market. Timofey struggles to make the sale, his efforts resulting in deadly consequences. Cast: Paddy Considine, Radha Mitchell, Oscar Isaac. Based on the short story “PU-239” by Ken Kalfus. Rated R

Run Fatboy Run

Dennis is a clueless and slightly overweight guy. Five years ago, he left Libby, his pregnant fiancée, on their wedding day. Realizing he made a mistake, Dennis tries to persuade her that he loves her and wants her to accept him back into his life, but he meets with failure at every turn. When he discovers that Libby has found Whit, the new man in her life, the frustration Dennis feels grows. Denise vows, that for once in his life, he will finish something and decides to train for the Nike River-run in London. With his friends Gordon and Mr. Goshdashtidar by his side, Dennis begins training for the marathon he must finish. Cast: Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, Hank Azaria, Dylan Moran, Harish Patel. Rated: PG-13

Sex and the City: The Movie

We find Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda four years after the series ended. As they continue to juggle career, relationships, motherhood and life in Manhattan, the girls realize that more than ever, true friendship never goes out of style. Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Jennifer Hudson, Candice Bergen, Chris Noth. Based on characters from the book by Candace Bushnell. Rated R

Shutter

Newlywed couple Ben and Jane move to Japan for a promising job opportunity – a fashion shoot in Tokyo. During their trip on a dark forest road they are involved in a tragic car accident, leaving a young local girl dead. When they regain consciousness, they find no trace of the girl’s body. A bit distraught, the couple arrives in Tokyo to begin their new life. Meanwhile Ben begins noticing strange white blurs in many of his photographs. Jane believes that the blurs are actually spirit photography of the dead girl who they hit on the road, and that she may be seeking vengeance. Cast: Joshua Jackson, Rachael Taylor, Megumi Okina, David Denman, John Hensley. Rated R

The Visitor

A widowed college professor travels to New York City to attend a conference and finds a young couple, who turn out to be illegal immigrants, living in his apartment. He develops an unexpected and profound connection to them that will change his life forever. Cast: Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira, Hiam Abbass. Rated PG-13