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.
 
Published 16:35, July the 12th, 2009
 

A chemical balance

There’s more to hanging with these rappers than a Hangover

 
 

In the middle of Asher Roth’s New York show at the Blender Theater, the young suburban rapper busted out a rhyme about eating organic, and the crowd, mostly of hip-hop fans used to bopping along to lyrics about “Glocks” and “dealing on the block,” went nuts. “You can’t do anything without good health, diet and exercise,” says Roth, calling from his latest tour stop. “A lot of stuff people eat is fast, convenient and cheap like McDonald’s and Taco Bell, but that’s not good for you. Everyone’s always in a rush, and they don’t realize how important it is to fuel your body properly and drink water.” So says the guy whose breakthrough song “I Love College” is about sipping brewskies. But Roth, who recently released his debut “Asleep in the Bread Aisle,” isn’t worried he’ll be responsible for starting a trend of frat rap. “In time, my music’s really going to take on its own form.”

1 Guilty pleasure?
Linda’s Fudge Cake from The Cheesecake Factory.
 
2 Favorite word?
Fork. Bubonic is a very good word, too.

3 Go-to drink?

If I’m out having a good time, Yuengling lager.

4 Does God exist?
Yes. But it has much more to do with faith and belief than a man in a robe with a beard. It starts with ourselves and the energy we convey.
 
5 At a party you’ll find me …
On the dance floor. I like a little footwork. I’m not being serious; I don’t have any strong dance moves. I just like to boogie.

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When Kid Cudi wrote “Day ‘N’ Nite,” his wistful emo-rap hit about a heartbroken and, well, high, tortured soul, his world seemed to be crashing down. Now that the pain has translated into being pals with Kanye West and landing a record deal with Universal, is the “lonely stoner” in better spirits? “Every­thing’s chaotic right now,” says the introspective 25-year-old. “People are trying to see what I’m made of. It’s not [a situation for] for the faint at heart.”

1
What’s the last song you listened to on repeat like a maniac?

“Swagger Like Us” [remix].

2 You are trapped on a desert island with a TV, a DVD player and the complete series discs of one television show. What is the program?
“Eastbound & Down.” It’s a dope show.

3 What was your best/worst date?
The worst date I had ... every­thing I did she was like, “Ugh, my God.”  She was really judging me. I left her ass in Times Square. She hurt my feelings. I was like, “I’m not going to let this girl I just met get to me. I’m out of here.”
 
4 At a party you’ll find me ...
Zoned out. Probably in the corner, surrounded by mad people, focused on all the other things but that moment in time.
 
5 Go-to drink?
I like vodka, cranberry and orange juice. I’m starting to realize I don’t like drinking that much, waking with a hangover. I’m an herbal guy. 

 
 
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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