Buzz – Nov. 3, 2005

Nov. 3, 2005

Music, Movies and More

‘Saw II’ rips through theaters

MUSIC USIC:: Neil Young Young,, GZA and Ashlee Simpson bring new music to fans MOVIE: ‘Legend of Zorro’ makes mark, ‘North Country’ touches audiences MORE ORE:: Read for your stomach, plus the latest entertainment news

2 THE

BUZZ

Contents 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

The Inside Buzz Girls That Rock Series - Part 3 New Movie Reviews New Movie Reviews Flashback Favorite ‘Happy Tree Friends’ review Cookbook for students Restaurant Review New Music Review

ON THE COVER: A hand goes up in agony and desperation in Lions Gate Film’s new release, “Saw II.” The psychological thriller is a horrific game of cat and mouse between Jigsaw and his victims. (Photo provided by Lions Gate Films)

THE BUZZ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR AMANDA PENNINGTON A

ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR MAHSA KHALILIFAR EXECUTIVE EDITOR NICOLE M. SMITH DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING CAN SENGEZER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING EMILY ALFORD PRODUCTION AMANDA PENNINGTON, MAHSA KHALILIFAR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES LESLEY WU, DERRICK SALATNAY, VANESSA RUMBLES, RICH BOYD, KIMBERLY LEUNG, JACKIE KIMMEL The Daily Titan 714.278.3373 T The Buzz Editorial 714.278.5426 thebuzz@dailytitan.com Editorial Fax 714.278.4473 The Buzz Advertising 714.278.3373 ads@dailytitan.com Advertising Fax 714.278.2702 The Buzz , a student publication, is a supplemental insert for the Cal State Fullerton Daily Titan. It The is printed every Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises.

Copyright ©200 Daily Titan

THE INSIDE BUZZ

By MAHSA KHALILIFAR Daily Titan Asst. Entertainment Editor

Split ups, therapy sessions, deep interviews on jail sentences – no, it is not the next reality drama, but rather another day in the lives of celebrities and the news usually follows the same juicy plot line …

The blonde sister duo Ashlee and Jessica Simpson can be spotted on

the cover of the December-January issue of Teen People. Jessica Simpson, 25, a self-proclaimed ditz, tells the magazine she went to therapy during her publicity overload; sister Ashlee opens up about her recent singing flops, like the infamous “Saturday Night Live” lip-synching debacle and the Orange Bowl fiasco … 33-year-old actress Gabrielle Union has separated from husband, Chris Howard, a former Jacksonville Jaguar running back. … Mary J. Blige will receive the VLegend Award from Vibe at the 3rd annual awards show airing on Tues., Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. on UPN, according to BET online … Ronald “Mr. Bigg” Isley, of classic pop-rock-soul group the Isley Brothers, faces 26 years of prison. The legendary singer has been found guilty on “five counts of tax evasion and one count of willful failure to file a tax return,” according to The Associated Press.

Isley is due to be sentenced Janu-

Want more Buzz? Check us out on the Web for the latest on hot new On The Web music and movies. www.dailytitan.com

Word

ary 2006 … Barbara Walters will be presenting her “10 Most Fascinating People of 2005.” Some of the influential people who made the cut include Kanye West, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and even Tom Mesereau, Michael Jackson’s lawyer. The show will air on Nov. 29 on ABC at 10 p.m. … Notable CD releases out Tuesday were Santana All That I Am … Rammstein Rosenrot [Import] … John Fogerty The Long Road Home: Ultimate John Fogerty Creedence Collection … new DVD releases this week include … Ewan McGregor fans and “Star Wars” junkies can pick up a copy of “Star Wars, Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” … Audrey Hepburn in “Two for the Road.” … Celebrity gossip of the week: is Angelina Jolie adopting another child? Another opportunity perhaps for Brad Pitt to play Daddy? … Stay tuned for more news and gossip in the next Inside Buzz …

Quote of the Week “There’s a rumor going around that Janet Jackson has a secret child. Hey, if I had a kid, I wouldn’t want Michael to know about it either.”

–D.L. Hughley

GIRLS THAT ROCK

3

Bottom line: Chicks run rock ‘n’ roll PART 3: Pop-Chick Aimee Echo leads boys into pop-rock stardom with other chicks

By KELLI FADROSKI Daily Titan Staff

Sharing girlie stories and having a strong female role model out on tour is not a problem for The Start’s Aimee Echo. Aimee and her poprock band was opening for Garbage prior to the news last month that Garbage would not continue their tour into Europe. Aimee was happy to have the chance to tour with another fearless front woman.

“Shirley Manson is ... probably the best female rock star we have going right now,” Aimee said. “We don’t get that much time to hang out ... It’s fun having another girl around and we don’t have to talk about it [over coming the female issue] because she understands what I’m going through.”

Although Aimee has built up confidence during the Garbage tour, she admits there are times when her gender has her working overtime to entertain an audience. “[On the Garbage tour] I knew I didn’t have to go out there and win over the audience and overcome the female issue because they were already coming to a Garbage show,” Aimee said. “I’ve often found that I’ve had to work really hard to overcome my gender. After a couple songs I don’t have to be so tough.”

The Start has been on countless tours, including the all-female Girlz Garage Tour which also featured Lennon and Lillix. In her years of experience, Aimee has had the time to look at society and how females

in rock are treated.

“We’re in a sexist society and on a daily basis I hear ‘Oh, I usually don’t like female singers, but you’re really good,’” Aimee said.

“There are some us that have been able to crack the surface and been able to transcend the gender line, like Shirley [Manson] ...

I think that’s ... why there are not more females in rock, because we’re sexist as a nation.”

Aimee also sees a business shift within the music industry and brings up the interesting point of marketing.

“If a record label decided to spend enough money on something it will break,” Aimee said. “That’s the reason why there’s so much crap right now. Things are so different now as to how bands are being marketed. Labels sign too many bands and a lot of crap and see what sticks. They throw a lot of money at a lot of crap and I think it’s a really bad system that’s ruining music overall. I don’t think that there isn’t quality music out there but there are hundreds of bands that are totally deserving of having hundreds of dollars thrown at them but those bands aren’t given a shot.”

With the industry desperately seeking more money and more publicity, females who do crack through are not only seen on the covers of music publications, but lifestyle publications.

“There’s so much more to market with a female artist than a male artist,” former employee for

Interscope’s publicity department, Curtis Smith said.

“The female standing in front

his own publicity company, Maelstrom PR. Smith was around when No Doubt was hitting a stride and a vulnerable Gwen Stefani was being pushed into superstardom.

“I was involved with No Doubt when “Just a Girl” hit and we were hit up by more lifestyle magazines than rock ‘n’ roll publications,” Smith said. “More lifestyle magazines ran Gwen on the cover because of her looks and they wanted it to be just about her.”

Even though females can send dollar signs spinning into the minds of publishers and potential advertisers, the music is what will keep those women on the covers.

“I think it’s all relevant based on the success of the band itself and just on the music,” Smith said.

“It of an audience has more marketability; they can sell makeup, eyeliner, clothes and shoes. Look at [October’s] Allure magazine; they have Gwen [Stefani] on the cover.”

Smith worked at Interscope for a number of years before starting

doesn’t m a t male or

ter if it’s female.”

It seems that those involved in the industry dont’ see gender is going to make or break music. Although their faces might end up on the cover of Vogue or The Rolling Stone, women in the current rock scene will have their day, just like the Joan Jett’s, Pat Benatar’s and Debbie Harry’s that came before.

4 MOVIE

REVIEWS

The Buzz

MOVIE REVIEW ‘North Country’ inspires audiences with true-to-life story Set in the late 1980s, the film cuts between flashbacks and courtroom scenes.

The mine’s female lawyer probes into The title of the movie “North Country” Josie’s past, bluntly questioning her about refers to a rural area in northern Minnesota: her sexual history.

A rugged terrain of rocky hills and low-lyDirector Niki Caro is a masterful storying mountains covered by a thick blanket teller. of snow. The film is not just about the land She showcases the film’s wintry landitself, but an anatomy of a small town and a scape with several aerial shots and brings study of the complex relationships between out the best performances in the actors. its residents.

The film is full of quiet moments between A dark legacy threatens to tear the com- characters, with the most intense emotion munity apart. conveyed through simple body language Fed up with her abusive marriage, Josie and eye contact.

Aimes (Charlize Theron) takes her teenCharlize Theron is radiant as Josie, fully age son Sammy and young daughter Karen embracing her character with the same raw back to her hometown. intensity she displayed in her Oscar-winThey move in with her mother Alice ning role for “Monster.”

(Sissy Spacek) and father Hank (Richard This performance will surely garner anJenkins). other nomination for the actress.

The relationship between father and The film boasts an outstanding supportdaughter is tenuous at best. ing cast.

Observing her black eye and busted lip, Actors like Sissy Spacek, who channels Hank asks his daughter small town wholesomeif her husband caught her ness from her Oscar-winwith another man – to him ing role in “Coalminer’s Walking with a valid reason a man would Daughter” and Richard other female beat his wife.

Jenkins from the HBO Aimes is determined to drama “Six Feet Under” coworkers, the provide for her two chilgives an electrifying, Osmen leer and dren. When she meets Glory car-worthy performance snarl at them like (Frances McDormand) and as a simple man moved by a pack of rabid Kyle (Sean Bean), the two his daughter’s actions. invite Aimes and the family British actor, Sean wolves. to stay in their home until Bean, gives an amazing Valerie Swayne they find a place of their understated performance, Daily Titan Staff own. truly devoted to Glory and Glory, a union represenreaching out to Sammy as tative, suggests working bea father-figure. low the earth in the mines.

Frances McDormand, Her first day automatically begins with experienced in small town drama from her a series of verbal abuse from her male co- role in “Fargo”, provides strength as Josie’s workers. The men have no problem treat- best friend. ing the women like dirt, something that in Best of all, Woody Harrelson gives one of today’s corporate world seems impossible. the best performances of his acting career, Walking with other female coworkers, playing a former hockey star and washedthe men leer and snarl at them like a pack up lawyer who is transformed by defending of rabid wolves.

Josie and coaching her son.

Suffering through the escalating abuse to Although some compare “North Counhold on to their jobs, Josie is the only one try” to Sally Field’s 1979 “Norma Rae.” who finally protests.

Although the two both deal with labor “North Country” focuses on the nation’s union struggles, “North Country” remains first class action lawsuit for sexual harass- a compelling and unique story and is worth ment. the trip to the theater.

By VALERIE SWAYNE Daily Titan Staff

“

”

Amanda (Shawnee Smith) is thrown into a pit filled with contaminated syringes. Unable to e

‘Saw II’ stars shar

By VALERIE SWAYNE Daily Titan Staff

While working on “Saw II,” Shawnee Smith learned she was pregnant.

But, she didn’t share the news with the crew until after shooting a scene in which her character Amanda is thrown into a pit of bright yellow, contaminated syringes.

“With that scene alone, I knew I couldn’t divulge my secret on set,” Smith said at a press junket last week. “The males would’ve freaked out.”

Despite the 30 crew members doing an “incredible amount of work” switching real needles with fake retractable ones between takes, the two were hard to distinguish.

“The prop person said there was one [they] didn’t get to,” Smith said, joking nervously.

Surviving the first movie, she plays an integral role in “Saw II”, helping the others stay alive. But, flashbacks reveal there is more to Amanda than at first glance.

Smith said there’s a “big open question mark” for the possibility of a third “Saw” film.

Rubbing her rounded belly, the proud mother-to-be looks forward to giving birth to a son.

“I am happy to call myself a working actress,” Smith said. “If this independent film

is what defines my career, then so be it. I feel very lucky.”

Beverly Mitchell plays Laura, one of murderous maniac, Jigsaw’s, newest victims.

The blond, petite actress described her character as “a troubled teen with a shady past.”

“It was fun, definitely a challenge. I’m really proud of it,” she said of her experience.

While some of her “7th Heaven” co-stars such as Jessica Biel (“Texas Chainsaw Massacre”) have acted in horror films, Mitchell hesitates becoming the next scream queen.

“I’m so grateful to what ‘7th Heaven’ has given me. [But] I do have a responsibility to [the show’s] fans. I need to be careful in the way I promote the film,” she said.

The “Saw II” cast met in the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills to promote the film.

For those new to the horror series, “Saw” focused on two men trapped in a decrepit room with tape recorded instructions to play a life-or-death game devised by the Jigsaw killer.

“Saw was a concoction of influences. It’s almost like a band, with different elements,” said Leigh Whannell, who co-starred with Cary Elwes in “Saw” and wrote both films.

“It was a delicate line to walk, finding the balance between managing the first film with the new film,” said “Saw II” director

MOVIE

REVIEWS

5

‘The Legend of Zorro’ excites with stunts, lags in story

By JENNY STAR LOR Daily Titan Staff

LIONS GATE FILMS

escape, she becomes prey in Lions Gate Film’s psychological thriller/horror film, - “Saw II.”

re sequel secrets Darren Lynn Bousman.

He become involved with the film after submitting a script called “The Desperate” to Whannell’s production company, Twisted Pictures. Since it matched the plot and tone of the original “Saw,” he collaborated with the Australian actor-writer to create the sequel.

The film definitely fulfills its tagline promise that “there will be blood” with the first scene, in which a man harnessed with a head trap must dig the key from his eye socket.

“It’s a beautiful shot. The audience is like, are they going to go there? It’s a great way to open the film,” Whannell said. “We’re back.”

But, he feels there is more to “Saw II” than just a run-of-the-mill horror movie.

“I honestly think that it’s life affirming.

At the center of the story is this guy who tests people, but he wants them to live,” he said. “Life is a clock that’s ticking and the time limit is painful thing to deal with. It’s a weird thing to be confronted by it.”

Before starring in the film, Donnie Walberg learned “Saw II” producer James Wan’s “puppet fetish” came from hosting a cableaccess TV show in Australia with puppets as stars.

“I was anxious to work with James,” he said. “I thought the first film was fun, ground-

breaking. It took a lot of chances, somehow redefining the genre.”

Walberg plays Detective Eric Matthews, a burned out cop who’s lost his edge.

“My character in this movie is so selfish and self-loathing. He’s the perfect candidate for one of Jigsaw’s victims,” he said, twisting his black White Sox hat to one side.

“When this one came my way … I was intrigued. [We] had the chance of making the movie as close to the first one as possible, if not better.”

Thinking he has captured Jigsaw, Detective Matthews soon discovers that he has become part of a game of cat and mouse. To find out where his teenage son is hidden, he must play by Jigsaw’s rules.

The raspy-voiced actor, Tobin Bell returns to “Saw II” as Jigsaw, a manipulator who doesn’t actually kill people.

Instead, he puts them in macabre situations, forcing them to extreme measures to survive.

The sequel delves more into his character’s past and the audience discovers what steered him into a homicidal fanatic.

“Jigsaw is a scientist, engineer, pragmatist, and direct-thinker. I wanted that to be reflected in the character,” Bell said. “It’s interesting to play a character like that.”

Although Halloween may be over, it’s not too late for the hardcore frights of “Saw II.”

The masked caper returns again in this so-so movie, “The Legend of Zorro,” to win justice in fighting evil and saving the citizens of California.

The year is 1850 and California is striving to become part of the Union as Americans. Set in the city of San Mateo, the movie begins with Californians gathered together in the main square voting to become a free state.

As the votes are sealed, locked and sent to the governor for count, a corrupt robber baron named McGivens (Nick Chinlund from “The Chronicles of Riddick”) gets in the way of making a smooth transaction. In comes Zorro to save the day.

The face behind Zorro is none other than Don Alejandro de la Vega (Antonio Banderas). Now married to Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones); the two have a 10-year-old son, Joaquin (newcomer to the big screen, Adrian Alonso), who has no idea that his father is his hero.

Joaquin does not know his father because he is never home. When Elena forces Alejandro to choose between his family and being Zorro, a crisis makes Alejandro turn to his true calling once again as the cape crusader. Elena promptly kicks him out of the house and divorces Alejandro.

Three months later, Alejandro attends a vineyard party only to find Elena around the arms of her former schoolmate, the wealthy

French aristocrat, Armand (Rufus Sewell from “A Knights Tale”).

Armand is part of the Knights of Aragon, a secret fraternity determined to destroy America.

Reuniting with director Martin Campbell who directed “The Mask of Zorro,” “The Legend of Zorro” is a lengthy two hours and 10 minutes long film.

Although the fight scenes are fun to watch, the rest of the movie is not so amusing.

The plot was so slow that I caught myself yawning twice during it, which is never a good sign.

Throughout the entire film, Zeta-Jones casts these fake, longing gazes, which I found annoying. Although she is breathtakingly beautiful, one can’t get past the big jewelry she wears that seem to overtake her face.

A character to watch out for is Alonso, the little boy who plays Joaquin. His first major motion picture in America, this 10-year-old never spoke English until he was cast in “The Legend of Zorro.”

With a spunky attitude and a knack for crowd-pleasing stunts and tricks, Alonso made the role of Joaquin alive with character and charisma.

As funny and action-packed as “The Legend of Zorro” was, the movie didn’t produce a spellbinding “wow.”

The movie is good for Zorro aficionados but I wouldn’t recommend it as a regular movie to watch on a Friday night, pick another.

COLUMBIA PICTURES/SPYGLASS ENTERTAINMENT

Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Don Alejandro de la Vega, the face behind the mask of Zorro (Antonio Banderas) embrace passionately in Columbia Pictures’ “The Legend of Zorro.”

Flashback Favorite

By KELLI FADROSKI Daily Titan Staff

It was the film that sparked some of the dorkiest one-liners, and a film that made someone look totally un-hip if he or she wasn’t coming back with “I know you are, but what am I?” Pee-Wee Herman [Paul Reubens] came alive on the big screen in 1985 in “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” thanks to the twisted mind of director Tim Burton. Colorful backdrops, a silly plot and a grown man in a tight gray suit, and a red bowtie wearing blush and lip gloss, sucked viewers in with witty humor and irresistible charm.

Pee-Wee’s home is an insane inventors dream. His wake-up system and breakfast routine is one to be envied, as his meal runs through an obstacle course of wooden bobbing chicken heads and mousetraps.

“That’s my favorite part of the whole movie … ‘I pity the fool who don’t like Mr. T cereal’,” David Moraga, 20 of Whittier quoted. “I love the

‘good morning Mr. Breakfast!’ scene.”

Pee-Wee’s crazy antics and gullible nature send him on a wild journey to find out who stole his most prize possession: A red bicycle.

“Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” provides all of the crucial characters in a mystery/adventure/ comedy. First there is Francis, the overweight rich kid whose devious nature makes him a suspect in the bike theft from the start.

Then there’s Dottie, the heroine of the story who serves as both Pee-Wee’s confidant and love interest. Pee-Wee can’t even start his day without having his trusty canine companion, Speck, nearby.

Pee-Wee’s quest to find his bicycle has him running into all sorts of strange individuals.

Perhaps one of the most memorable scenes from the film is when Pee-Wee jumps on top of a bar, throws on a pair of white, platform dancing shoes, and shakes his stuff to “Tequila!” to save himself from being bru-

tally beaten by some bad-ass bikers.

“Pee Wee taught me how to dance like a superstar,” junior English major Katie Aguilar said. “I wanted to be his best friend and go to the Alamo to see if there really was a basement.”

On his journey, Pee-Wee is misled several times, once ending up at the famous Alamo in Texas after a thieving fortune teller told him his bicycle would be locked up in the basement. Dipping into the darker themes of the script, Pee-Wee encounters multiple scares and setbacks, yet continues to be upbeat about his endeavor, spreading his signature goofy laugh wherever he ended up.

“I always used to laugh like him and my grandma didn’t like it,” junior communications advertising major Christina Pendrey said.

This flick is definitely worth renting, for the first time or the hundredth. Check it out, and “Let ‘em know Large Marge sent ya!”

XILO NETWORKS

‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’

The animals in “Happy Tree Friends” meet their makers.

6 TELEVISION

‘Happy Tree Friends’ creators talk inspiration When you think of cute and cuddly animals performing in a school play or enjoying stories by the campfire, wholesome family entertainment comes to mind.

But the “Happy Tree Friends” paint a different picture. They exist to be maimed and killed in the most horrendous, but hilarious fashion the shows creators, Kenn Navarro and Rhode Montijo can think of.

“We think of the cutest situations,” Navarro said. “Then we find some way for it to go horribly wrong. It’s all about the contrast.”

And what a contrast; in the episode “Class Act,” the animals are in in the midst of a Christmas pageant gone awry. Bloody accidents are as frequent as dreams of sugarplums.

“The show [pays] homage to ‘Tom and Jerry’ and stuff comic

book nerds would love,” Navarro said. “We take stuff we grew up with and turn it on its ear.”

Other cartoon counterparts, like “Ren and Stimpy” and “Itchy and Scratchy” from the “Simpsons” have nothing on “Happy Tree Friend’s” delightfully clever circumstances.

The Web show’s popularity grew by word of mouth since its creation between late 1999 and early 2000, and now has fans internationally.

“We’re distributing products worldwide,” Navarro said.

“Happy Tree Friends” recently premiered on the satellite channel G4TV. But as with most animated entertainment, Navarro agrees that “Happy Tree Friends” would never have made it without the loyal fans.

-Nick Cooper/Asst. News Editor

MAINSTREAM

Cheap and fast There’s a new cookbook aimed at college students.

“The Cheap, Fast & Easy Cookbook,” by Roadside Amusements, is based on a cooking show aired daily on Rutgers University Television cable network, hosted by Casey Waltz and Ryan Monigan. The book comes with a DVD with two episodes.

The simply designed book has 99 price conscious recipes for college students on the go with low budgets. The cookbook is practical and easy to follow, although text-heavy. It introduces basic cooking techniques using five ingredients per recipe: A mi-

crowave oven or an electric grill and basic utensils such as a bowl, knife, spatula and spoon. The introduction is a must read for kitchen basics, stocking a pantry and tips of basic ingredients essential to a college lifestyle. The book also offers nutritional information, “add-ons” and “swapping ingredients” sections at the end of the recipes and offers practical insights on improving recipes.

Although most recipes work and require little effort, some fail. The one real downfall of the book is the Chicken Holy Mole, a distortion of the original Mexican recipe. The cookbook’s version calls for two tablespoons of chocolate syrup – leave that for Sundaes not mole.

The book has some gems, but be careful and examine the recipes to make sure they really are cheap, fast and easy. -Carmellia Munguia/Daily Titan

7

Concert Calendar

ALBERT KOZLOWSKI/For the Daily Titan

Portillo’s Hot Dogs is now open on La Palma Ave. in Buena Park.

Drive-thru for dogs, burgers Illinois transported one of that state’s most famous food chains, Portillo’s Hot Dogs, to Orange County.

This isn’t any ordinary hot dog joint. It is a combination fast food and restaurant-style setting. As you walk, in you are directed into a large area to place your order. As you stand in line, a hostess stands by you to take your order to expedite the ordering process. The restaurant is famous for hot dogs, so try the jumbo dog with fries and a drink ($5). The hotdogs at Portillo’s comes dressed with mustart, relish, onions, sliced tomatoes and pickles on a sesame seed bun. It’s different, but is a welcome surprise in the world of bland

fast food joints. Don’t forget about the made-to-order shakes, like the tasty chocolate cake shake ($2).

Portillo’s is also known for the Italian beef and sausage sandwiches ($4 -$5).

For health conscious customers, the restaurant has meatless sandwiches and exotic salads, like the chicken pecan salad ($7).

For dessert try the strawberry shortcake ($3) or the Malibu rum cake ($3). The restaurant features an inside dining area, an outdoor patio and a drive-thru.

Portillo’s is located at 8390 La Palma Ave. in Buena Park and is open 7 days a week. (714) 220-6400.

-LisaJoyce Vergara/Daily Titan

Fri. Nov. 4, 5 p.m.

Fri. Nov 4, 9:45 p.m.

PlayStation Presents The Breed Love Odyssey Feat.

Mos Def and Talib Kweli House of Blues Anaheim Fri. Nov 4, 7 p.m.

The English Beat Normandie Casino Gardena Sat. Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m.

The Juliana Theory Chain Reaction Anaheim Sun. Nov. 6, 7 p.m.

The Adicts House of Blues Anaheim Mon. Nov 7, 7 p.m.

Damian Marley House of Blues Anaheim Wed. Nov 9, 8 p.m.

Jamiroquai The Wiltern LG Los Angeles

8 MUSIC REVIEWS The Buzz Music Reviews

WARNER BROS RECORDS

Neil Young

GZA

As Neil Y o u n g said, “some things never change.”

His latest album, Prairie Wind is strong evidence of just that.

Rooted in the folk-rock spirit of the 1960s, almost every song is classic Neil.

Although he turns 60 this year and recently recovered from an aneurysm, he doesn’t sound old or sickly. His voice is well preserved with the same distinctive tone its always had.

Young doesn’t cater to the youth of today, persay. He doesn’t add electronic synthesizers or drum beats, rap-style lyrics or obscenity to try and adopt a new fan base. Like Bob Dylan, Young understands his audience and himself. It’s obvious Young writes his songs to please himself, first and foremost. Those who enjoyed the Unplugged or Harvest Moon albums, and his work with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young will be delighted with this album’s prominent acoustic guitar .

“This Old Guitar” is the best song on the album. Young’s lyrics breathe life into his instrument, relating it more as a friend, than a guitar. The album lulls the listener with a bluesy backbone It’s refreshing to know that one icon from the 1960s rock revolution is still capable of releasing a great record.

-Rory Jurnecka/Daily Titan

It’s been a long time coming, but two hiphop-juggernauts, DJ Muggs and GZA, a.k.a.

Genius, are back with Grandmasters.

Muggs and Genius approached the album like an art-of-war chess match. But this is no Bobby Fischer child’s play, it’s the musical creation of men who take their art very seriously. The intensity shines with insane instrumentals by Muggs and magnificent words of GZA. The Genius is the premiere member of the Clan with intelligence and experience seeping from subwoofers. He designs his rhymes with the intricacy of a forensic scientist.

Muggs created the perfect backdrop for GZA with shadowy melodies. Like a good Stephen King novel that’s too scary to stop reading, Grandmasters should be played with no interruptions.

The standout track, “All in Together Now,” pays tribute to the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. It’s an intimate description of GZA’s cousin, the most eccentric member of the Wu-Tang Clan.

The Genius and DJ Muggs have brought the sword swinging style synonymous with Wu-Tang Clan and is one of GZA’s best albums since 1995’s Liquid Swords. -Eric Sanders/Daily Titan

Prairie Wind

Grandmasters

Ashlee Simpson I Am Me

I Am Me is Simpson’s second album released

by Geffen Records, produced by Grammy-winning producer John Shanks.

“Dancing Alone” is the best song on the album. It is a perfect mix between rock, pop and dance. Simpson’s singing is a mix of Courtney Love’s screeching and Hillary Duff’s sweetness. She poignantly uses her voice to balance between the different moods in the songs.

“L.O.V.E” is such a catchy damn beat that it will be a great song, until it hits the radio, where it will surely be overplayed.

Even though she’s no Mariah Carey, Simpson tries her best to impress the audience who worship her. The lyrics are more mature than the last album, and this album should be successful.

Simpson is the new pop role model, taking the crown from Britney Spears, although Spears might have used the crown as an ashtray. I Am Me took dance, rock, pop and hip-hop and blended them to create MTV gold. -Marissa Weltmer/Daily Titan