US – Tuesday, February 9
The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
The Word
Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M
Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.
 
New York Arts
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.
 
My Books
The facets of Anne Frank and her diary
Generations of schoolchildren have read and recognized their own experiences in the words of Anne Frank, finding surprising commonalities with this young girl despite the passage of generations and the unique horror of  her situation. But according to Francine Prose’s fascinating new account of the writing of Frank’s diary, our veneration of her outpourings has eclipsed a proper assessment of Anne Frank — conscientious author.

 
Movies
Channing Tatum on love and war
Channing Tatum has worked in his fair share of genres, from indie films (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”) to dance flicks (“Step Up”) to blockbusters (“G.I. Joe”). In his latest, “Dear John,” the Alabama native takes on a heavy Nicholas Sparks love story about a soldier in love while at war. He talks with us about true love and blowing stuff up.
 
Published 19:16, March the 20th, 2008
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Between the Trees Between the Trees 
 

Read Between the Trees

INTERVIEW. The group of Orlando high school buddies who make up Between the Trees seem to have that rarest of major label rock star qualities: humility. It comes through on their album, “The Story and the Song,” a collection of oddly sincere, punchy pop rock hooks. Bassist Jeremy Butler tells us how he does it.

I heard you guys blew your first big label showcase.
We were pretty nervous, of course. We were up in New York for the first time, and there were a bunch of people in suits just staring at us. It just fell apart, man. Definitely one of the worst shows we’ve ever played.

None of you could play your instruments when you started. Do you feel like you’ve finally mastered them?
It takes a whole lot to master an instrument, and we’re all far from that. But judging from where we first started, it’s a huge difference for sure.

There seems to be a real sense of sincerity to your music.
We try to write about our life experiences. Our lives have been filled with hope and compassion for others, so we embrace it. We hope people receive it well, and so far, it seems like they have.

Between the Trees
Friday, 9 p.m.
Middle East Downstairs
480 Mass. Ave., Cambridge
MBTA: Red Line to Central
$15-$18, 18+, 617-864-EAST
www.mideastclub.com