Cat Power’s Chan Marshall is unquestionably one of the best female artists of modern day (if not all time).  If you follow her career from the beginning, you’ll witness a true artist.  One that is “with the times” at all times.  From the grunge fueled 1990′s to now, she has followed the different genres.  She was like a female Cobain in the 90′s (eat your heart out Courtney)  with songs like “Rockets” and “3 Times”.  Then, as times and styles transitioned, she started doing more contemporary songs and even some covers.  Her cover of “The Werewolf”, “Sea Of Love”, and Bob Dylan’s classic “Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again” come to mind as mentionables.  Battles with alcoholism inspired a change of music style and lifestyle for Chan Marshall.  In 2003, she recorded the album “You Are Free” with help from Dave Grohl (Nirvana) and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam).  This is when her style really began to change and her expressiveness began to flourish.  Worth noting is “I Don’t Blame You”, said to have been a Cobain dedication.  But, her next album is the one she’ll be remembered by.  The 2006 release, “The Greatest”, is indeed just that.  Completely transformed from her old style, Marshall has done it again.  This is one of the best albums I have ever heard.  Sporting more of a “poppy” sound, she doesn’t over do it.  This album is heartfelt, genuine, and precise.  Songs worth a listen are the title track “The Greatest”, “Lived In Bars”, and “The Moon”.

So, give Cat Power a listen.  You won’t be disappointed.  I was addicted from the start.

I can’t get “Breathe Me” out of my head.  I’m a sucker for piano anyway, but her vocals add the haunting effect that I can’t get enough of.  Sia Kate Isobelle Furler is from Adelade, South Australia.  She has collaborated with artists such as Zero 7 and has, what I believe, a long career ahead of her.  Her vocal range and style is phenomenal, even at a whisper.

2.  Death Cab For Cutie

Death Cab For Cutie almost instantly became one of my top favorite bands.  I gave “Plans” a listen a while back and got hooked.  Ben Gibbard’s vocal style and songwriting ability (music and lyrics) are out of this world.  “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” is an anthem to anybody who’s ever lost anyone they loved.  The minor chords of the guitar mix well with Ben’s vocals and he can truly sing.  Here’s a guy who may not look like much at first glance, but his talent supercedes any judgment call you may have.  Not only does he have a strong and pure voice, but he can play several instruments, as well.  His mandolin abilty on “Soul Meets Body” is evidence of this.  That song has a little bit of a “The Police” feel to it, especially in the chorus.  Another song worth a mention is “Different Names For The Same Thing”,  my favorite track off of “Plans” besides “I Will Follow You Into The Dark”.  Although I could have maybe done without the elongated techno crescendo, it’s still a great track.  The piano is incredible, and Gibbard’s vocals are tearjerkingly amazing.

Directed By:          J.J. Abrams

First of all, I’ve always hated Star trek with a passion.  I hate it!!  So, I had a lot of skepticism before viewing this film.  I was certain I would despise this film like I did all the others.  However,  J.J. Abrams’ version completely changed my opinion of the Star Trek saga.  I am now in the process of watching some of the originals again.  This is a great film with an all-star cast that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole movie.  There’s also a great cameo in it.

My Rating Out of 10 :         9.8

IMDB Rating                :         8.4

2.
Possession (1981)

Directed By:             Andrzej Zulawski

Isabelle Adjani gives a great performance as a possessed housewife who abandons her family with no prior warning.    Sam Neil (Jurassic Park) plays a frustrated husband who desperately tries to seek the truth behind his wife’s behavior.  To no avail, the couple just slowly falls apart.  But, there is definitely something unexplainable taking place…………

My Rating Out Of 10       :    8.7

IMDB Rating                      :    7.1

3.
The Wackness (2008)

Directed By   :      Jonathan Levine

Ben Kingsley (Ghandi) and a slimmed-down Josh Peck (Drake And Josh) star in this great drama about suburban life in the 90′s.  Peck plays a young teen named Luke who is selling pot in New York to make a little bit of  money before he goes off to college.  Being as it’s a big change in his life, Luke seeks therapy from Dr. Jeffrey Squires (Kingsley).  As payment for Dr. Squires’ services, Luke gives him marijuana instead of money.  Bong hit socializing takes place over a period of time, and they become good friends.  This is the start of their wacky times together.

My Rating Out Of 10 :   9.3

IMDB Rating                :   7.2

4.
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (2008)

Directed By : David Fincher

David Fincher and Brad Pitt make a great team, indeed.  We know that from Fight Club.  But besides Pitt’s award winning acting (which is beyond expectations in this film), this movie is really “made” by the costume design team, the set design team, and the makeup artists.  Not to mention the explosive and emotion-filled score by Alexandre Desplat (Syriana).   Benjamin (Pitt) is a boy who is born “under unusual circumstances”.  He ages in reverse.  It’s part epic, part love story.  As Benjamin “grows down” in age, he experiences many “curious” incidents.  It’s a bit like Forrest Gump in that regard.  A great film about life, love, and overcoming obstacles.  You may need a tissue for this one.

My Rating Out Of 10 :   10

IMDB Rating                :   8.2