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 10:47, May the 27th, 2009
 

Some time in New York City

Ono and Lennon, out and about in New York City in 1979.
 
Ono and Lennon, out and about in New York City in 1979.
 

MUSIC. It wouldn’t be an appropriate tribute to John Lennon if the exhibit dedicated to him at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Annex went without white walls and floors, a color that had, by the singer-songwriter and his wife Yoko Ono, been espoused in their campaign for peace.

“John Lennon: The New York City Years” focuses on the musician’s relationship with the city in the ’70s, documenting his struggles with U.S. Immigration Services following their attempts to deport him, as well as his creative output during the era, which, he noted, was influenced by his exploration of the metropolis.

“She made me walk around the streets and parks and squares and examine every nook and cranny,” Lennon said of his introduction to the city by Ono. “In fact, you could say I fell in love with New York on a street corner.”

Perhaps it was love, because Lennon found a kindred spirit in the gruff persona of that recession-era New York.

“I like New Yorkers because they have no time for the niceties of life,” he is quoted in the exhibit.

The most visceral component of the retrospective is perhaps best left unrevealed here, given that its impact serves as the perfect counterpoint to Lennon’s message of peace while also commemorating his assassination in 1980. Just as poignant, guests are invited to sign boards petitioning the Senate for stricter laws on gun control.

‘John Lennon: The New York City Years’
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Annex NYC, 76 Mercer St.
$24.50, 646-786-6680
www.rockannex.com

 
 
 
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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