Tom Waits

Free mp3: Bob Dylan’s Latest Lifted from Tom Waits?

Published March 31st, 2009 by Karen

photo credit: swanksalot

Bob Dylan’s upcoming 46^th album, Together Through Life, is already making waves weeks ahead of its April release. Dylan is even offering up an authorized sneak peak at the new tracks with a free mp3 of “Beyond Here Lies Nothin.”

Dylan has been on a winning streak since the release of his career-revitalizing 1997 album, Time Out of Mind (featuring the memorable track, ”Not Dark Yet”). While die-hard Dylan fans might argue that Dylan didn’t need to make a comeback because he’d never gone anywhere, the fact remains that Dylan’s career was reinvigorated by the success of Not Dark Yet (and later, Love and Theft).

With a catalog of releases almost as lengthy as some of his more verbose lyrical turns, Dylan’s output is fairly prolific. More importantly, Dylan has managed to recapture the interest of listeners rather than merely relying on his catalog of hits to help him coast through his golden years.

If the sneak preview is any indication, it looks like Together Through Life will likely keep the singer’s fans satisfied, particularly if they have a soft spot for Tom Waits. Continue reading »

Be the first to comment

Scarlett Johansson Sings, Ruins a Jeff Buckley Song. We blame Bill Murray.

Published January 28th, 2009 by Karen

Oh, for crying out loud, will someone please take the microphone away from Scarlett Johansson?!

Sure, she’s pretty when she’s all dolled up with her bleached out hair and anemic complexion, but someone needs to stop telling this girl she can sing—because she cannot.
We could also argue that she’s a bad actress (um, Black Dahlia? Vicky Cristina Barcelona?), but we’ll save that for another time.

In this age of digitally corrected popstars singing like boring robots, there is almost something commendable about singing in public despite any discernable talent. Almost.

Last year, Johansson released her debut album, Anywhere I Lay My Head, a misguided collection of Tom Waits cover songs, whose only noteworthy trait was that David Bowie sang backing vocals on one of the songs. Of course, far be it from the Thin White Duke to turn down the request of a pretty young actress.

Now, Johansson is at it again with a cover of a Jeff Buckley song that will be included on the soundtrack of what is sure to be one of the most horrible chick flicks ever unleashed upon mankind: He’s Just Not That Into You. A movie based on a book that was inspired by a line from Sex & the City? Run. Run now. Continue reading »

Be the first to comment

Scarlett Johansson Wedding a Publicity Stunt Because Her Album Stinks?

Published May 7th, 2008 by Karen

The announcement of Scarlett Johansson’s engagement to actor Ryan Reynolds is a happy occasion, we guess. But, we can’t help think the timing is just a little too Hollywood perfect.

News of the pale blond one’s betrothed status hit the web just as negative reviews of her album, Anywhere I Lay My Head, and lead single “Falling Down” mp3, began to emerge. There is also a boring video for the boring song, here.

Given that a large number of listeners have panned the inexplicable album of Tom Waits covers, maybe Reynolds popped the question just to make his girl feel better? Or to take some of the attention off of her horrible record and redirect it to her shiny new diamond ring?

Perhaps this engagement is merely a consolation prize for having released such a horrible album?

Then again, Johannson’s beau may not be the best judge of music—afterall, he was formerly engaged to Alanis Morissette, AKA, the most annoying female singer ever to sell a zillion albums. (Remember her Dave Coullier-bashing hit, “You Oughta Know” mp3? Ick.)

Anyway, you can see Scarlett’s lovely new engagement ring, here. Rumor has it that Beatle-spawn Stella McCartney wants to design Johansson’s wedding gown when the time comes.

If you like to look at trainwrecks, check out reviews and listen to Scarlett’s album here.

What Do You Think?
Is the announcement of Scarlett’s engagement meant to distract attention from her singing? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!