US – Tuesday, February 9
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.

 
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.
 
Updated 22:26, September the 15th, 2008
 

High (and very low) times in high society

Boncompagni is one of Manhattan’s true socialites. She recounts the world of high society in her new book,  “Gilding Lily.”
 
Boncompagni is one of Manhattan’s true socialites. She recounts the world of high society in her new book,  “Gilding Lily.”
 

 In her debut novel, “Gilding Lily,” [Avon, $14], New York City socialista Tatiana Boncompagni showcases the life every scene-obsessed woman dreams of. A world in which couture is as disposable as H&M, where $12,000 seats at benefits are just an average night out, and where your worth in social currency is valued by how many of your photos grace the right magazines.  

With striking accuracy and an insider’s intelligence, Boncompagni lifts the veil of this rarified world through the story’s cunning protagonist, socialite Lily Bartholomew, who has fallen from grace and who can’t seem get back up again.

When asked if the story is autobiographical, Boncompagni admits, “My life is not nearly as fascinating as the main character’s.  Although I go to many of the high-profile events, I consider it a good night if the paparazzi doesn’t step on my heels trying to snap a picture of Tinsley Mortimer. So I made Lily more glam than I am and more hungry for attention, but there are some similarities.”

Peppered with Boncompagni’s shrewd observations about the lives of the highest echelon, “Gilding Lily” sets the story of a young woman struggling to balance her life and rising social star against the backdrop of high society’s catty and competitive world.

Once Lily finds her way back into “the scene,” she begins to realize that this world of the “see and be seens” lacks the integrity and fulfillment that she so craves.

Boncompagni relates that she wanted “Lily” to have a deeper meaning. “I wanted this book to be a little treat, like a chocolate before bed, that people could enjoy and escape into, but at the end of the day there is a message that makes the story worthwhile.”

 
 
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MMMpod
The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

 
 
 
Metro Life Panel