As Gwen Stefani says "All the boys get the girls in the back!" Or something like that. It really doesn't matter what she's saying...she sounds good and she sounds sexy. Which brings me to our first topic. Music. No Doubt has their newest release out on the shelves right now. It's called Rock Steady. It's good stuff. I've been a bit of a fan of No Doubt since the days of Tragic Kingdom. Why did I get into this band? Because of the platinum blonde on the cover...plain and simple. Luckily I was treated to a cool mix of hip hop and ska....it was almost refreshing after going through sooo many years of Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica and a bunch of other seen it already, done it already kind of artists. From the jumpy twists of Just a Girl to the contagious beat of Spiderwebs the album was fun and just worth the price. It was one of those kinds of albums that I could throw in and listen to the whole way through. Well, okay....maybe Don't Speak got a little on my nerves but other than that, it was excellent. And now the new album, Rock Steady.

I've heard like two tunes off of the album so far and I gotta tell ya, I love it! Unless you've been hidden under a rock somewhere, you've heard their top 20 hit Hey Baby. A smooth mix of pop, techno and almost a disco feel. I first heard this tune when No Doubt opened up for U2 later last year. When they finished their set and we were waiting for U2 to hit the stage, I caught myself singing the song out loud. I knew right after that this song would take off. The industrial influence of the song seems almost directly attributed to Moby's impression on Stefani when she recorded the song Southside with him. Southside just happens to be another of my favorites.

The other song that I've heard off of Rock Steady is the track that shares the same title. It's another catchy tune but it pales in comparison to Hey Baby. I wish I could provide more info on the album as a whole but, unfortunately, I haven't picked it up. Instead I get to just hear selections from the radio station here. Which leads us to another tune that's kinda creeped up on me here.

Anyone who knows me can attest that the last artist you'll ever hear me raving about is John Mellencamp (Did he drop the Cougar or is it back again?). Well, slap my ass and call me Suzie because John Mellencamp and India Arie have teamed up to produce a song that touches me deeply. (Insert joke here.....can't think of one...here's some food for thought...I was once an altar boy. You finished?) Seriously though, the song is called Peaceful World. Inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and accompanied by lyrics and music that just slip right through to your soul.

The message of the song is one of brotherly love and peace. Well, what are you expecting with a title like Peaceful World? For some reason though, the lyrics grip you....once John Mellencamp sings out "It's what you do and not what you say, if you're not part of the future then get out of the way" I hear that and I think "Hell yeah!! You're right, John!" I might be alone here but this is a song that speaks to me....LOUDLY. And I don't know what it is....maybe I like the matured sound of Mellencamp or maybe it's the influence of newcomer Arie but this song sounds fresh for the rocker of the Little Pink Houses. It still has that down home, rock n' roll feel to it but it's less diluted....more vibrant and rich. The song is on the album Cuttin' Heads. I'm not sure how the rest of the album is, but you can be sure that Peaceful World has got me curious. Unfortunately, our radio station has taken it out of rotation but it's still featured on American Top 20 with Casey Kasem.

I shall now run from this topic of music. However, seeing that I work in radio, it may be wise for me to start taking a look at music on a regular basis in the Wicker Palace. I know that I have another DJ friend that would love to share her thoughts. But for now, we move on.
Just a quick observation. How cool would it be if the dudes in Olympic figure skating were straight. You know like when they hoist the chick up in the air by her crotch? Why can't a straight guy get that gig? I mean, there's your incentive. I bet you could get away with paying him very little, offering him almost NO benefits....just let him grab some snatch.
Hehehehe There's the quote of the day. The guy raving about his emotional attachment to Peaceful World turning around and spouting "let him grab some snatch." What can ya do, folks?

So, what was the last movie you saw? Last one I saw was a little flick starring our favorite Austrian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, called Collateral Damage. Was it a good movie? No. Was it fun as hell to watch? I hate to admit it but yes, it was. It was everything that you expect from an Arnie film. Mindless violence, loose story, weak plot twists and a little "EVERYBODY GET DOWN!!" I'm not gonna go into too much description of the flick here, you seen one of his movies and you've seen them all. If you've already seen all the good movies that are out, I recommend you check it out just for fun.

Now, if you haven't seen Lord of the Rings yet.....GO SEE IT!! It's a fantastic film and I think I may go see it a fifth time before the Oscars roll around. It's the best. Ian McKellen's performance alone is enough to make it worth the numb ass as your leaving the theater. Also, Kung Pow may still be showing in your area. If it is and you're in the mood to laugh....go for it. It's a stupid kind of comedy so leave your intellectual side at the door. Black Hawk Down is a good pick but make sure you're nowhere near a gun or knife or anything after you see it. You'll want to use it. That's all I can think of as far as recent releases go. I know I'm gonna try to go check out We Were Soldiers this week as well as Hart's War.

As far as upcoming films go....MARCH 15th. Can you say Resident Evil? That's right, people. If you're like me and have outed yourself as a total fan of the Resident Evil video game series, you oughta be in for a treat with the live action film coming out very soon. If you've seen the preview then you share my excitement. Okay, there's like one really lame part of the trailer where Milla Jovavich is kung fu kicking a cerberus but, hey, they might make it believeable. Remember, this is based on a video game. But it looks like they got the creatures down pat, eh? Who else got chills watching the trailer? I was brought back to some of the more memorable parts of the game. Hallway....windows.....dogs....need I say more?

Am I the only person who's been like WAAAAy overexposed to The Time Machine ads? I have lost almost all enthusiasm that I had for this film. It's like, release the flick already. It's not like it's gonna be a big surprise story or anything. The story is like a hundred years old. It looks fun. It looks exciting. But it also looks like all the best parts may be in the trailer.

The movie of the year for me will be Star Wars Attack of the Clones. I know I know. "But, Joe, you loved Lord of the Rings" Yes, I did. And I bet I'll love the Two Towers. But Star Wars is my life force. I live for it. It will be the movie of the year for me.

Quick DVD news. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back hits the shelves this Tuesday. BUY IT!! It's a funny movie. Maybe the funniest of Kevin Smith's films to date.

Another observation. Italy snagged a silver in speed skating. Right on!! Congratulations, my guinea brothers!

Sex. I put Sex in the title so I guess I better talk about it. I'm not getting as much as I want. The only other thing I can do here is describe how I want it. And judging by your reactions, I won't put you through that. HOWEVER....Ice skater chicks are kinda limber. Almost seem like they'd be wild in the sack. Speaking of which, you think the bobsled teams have any gay guys on them? Like, if you were gay, wouldn't that be the greatest gig ever? You're like all up on the guy in front of you....unless you're the driver. Then you gotta lead the gravy train. Sorry. Just thought about that.

I really can't think of much else to share with you. I tried moving into an apartment this week and stuff. My ass is still sore from the raping that I received over that fiasco. That's one of the many things that's turned me into a little ball of hate lately. I apologize to anyone that I may have lashed out at. And for people who've gotten in my face over dumb shit.....blow me. I don't care. This anally violated apple is going to go find himself a nice little mamacita. He's gonna settle down with maybe a drink or two. Maybe smoke a fatty. (Cigarette's I mean) and then he's gonna enjoy his next day or two off.

You folks take care and think on what you've read here. The words of I, Chuata. The Lord of the Wicker Palace.