Mornin', Scene cats!

Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to those of you who have made this huge transition to the new blog with me! We're obviously still trying to work out the kinks – which is why my spacing on here is a little off (it's been a while since I've used html, which we have to use here), but I'm working on it!

News!

* Check out this cool story about Northeast Mississippi native Mac McAnally and his recent songwriting award with Kenny Chesney.

* The Jonas Brothers are going on tour with Jordin Sparks – closest tour dates are Birmingham and Atlanta.

* Rumor has it that "Friday Night Lights" could get renewed for not one, but two seasons.

* Joss Whedon is bringing his musical talents to a special "This American Life" in April.

* Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago are teaming for a summer tour.

* Devo is working on its first album in about 20 years.

* Jason Michael Carrol's new album drops in late April.

The Top 13 battled it out tonight with the songs of Michael Jackson.

Memphian Lil Rounds got the show started with "The Way You Make Me Feel." Of course I thought she was terrific - it's hard to go wrong with Lil. :)

Randy said: It was a great way to kick off the season and she put a new, bluesy feel on the song.

Kara said: It was a perfect song choice and she hopes to one day hear Lil on the radio.

Paula said: She's a force to be reckoned with.

Simon said: It was a lazy song choice and he was a little disappointed.

Scott MacIntyre sang "Keep the Faith" with his piano. It was nice but I'm worried he'll be forgotten.

Kara said: She's glad he used his piano this week and that he stayed true to himself.

Paula said: He's "magical" with the piano.

Simon said: He hated the song because nobody knows it (to which Scott said he was trying to be "artistic," and Simon said he can't be that on "Idol").

Randy said: It was a good, but safe, performance.

Danny Gokey sang "PYT." I liked it, but it felt kinda shouty. However, I'm willing to forgive him on that since this is the first song I've heard him sing that isn't about being a hero or living life to the fullest.

Paula said: He's on his way to the finals.

Simon said: His vocals were brilliant (and likened him to Michael McDonald).

Randy said: "When you got it, you got it, and you got it."

Kara said: "You have a joy when you step on stage."

Michael Sarver sang "You are Not Alone," and I really, really didn't like this, at all.

Simon said: He's not the best singer in the competition but made up for it with his passion and heart. He gave it 110 percent.

Randy said: He returned to his R&B roots, and he's definitely one of the best.

Kara said: "You really can sing."

Paula said: He's likeable and he's a "regular guy with extraordinary talent."

Columbus native Jasmine Murray sang "I'll Be There." She did a really pretty job of the song.

Randy said: She did a "pretty good job" and "it wasn't that bad."

Kara said: She has great stage presence.

Paula said: She has "tremendous composure," and there were both good and bad moments.

Simon said: Some of it was "robotic," and she needs to start "acting her age. It was like a little girl trying to be a grown-up."

Kris Allen sang "Remember the Time" with his guitar, and I thought it was great. The judges didn't seem to care for his guitar but that's what I liked most about it.

Kara said: There were a few notes off but it was otherwise good; she also pointed out that he spent much of his time this week aiding other contestants.

Paula said: He's engaging and "adorable sexy."

Simon said: It was "interesting."

Randy said: He liked that Kris used his guitar and it was Jason Mraz-y.

Allison Iraheta sang "Give In To Me," which I liked, but she's well on her way to being this year's Shouty McShouterson.

Paula said: She was a rock star.

Simon said: She knows what kind of artist she wants to be and her performance was a little dark but very good.

Randy said: "When you got it, you got it, and you got it." She's one to watch.

Kara said: She did a great job.

Anoop Desai sang "My Prerogative, The Sequel," also known as Michael Jackson's "Beat It." It was all shades of wrong.

Paula said: The song is untouchable and it felt karaoke.

Simon said: "Horrible," and it felt like a really bad Michael Jackson impersonation.

Randy said: Wrong song choice.

Kara said: He felt disconnected and didn't show off his vocals.

Jorge Nunez sang "Never Can Say Goodbye." I wasn't in love with it.

Randy said: He wouldn't have chosen that song for him and it felt old-fashioned.

Kara said: Though he's usually not emotionally distant from the song, his performance didn't connect.

Paula said: Wrong song choice.

Simon said: He couldn't wait for it to end.

Megan Corkrey wins oddest song choice of the night with "Rockin' Robin." And that's all there is to say about that.

Kara said: She puts her style on everything she sings but it wasn't the most overwhelming vocal.

Paula said: She's quirky and unique, but not a perfect song choice.

Simon said: "We like you, but what a stupid song choice."

Randy said: The song didn't allow her to be Megan.

Adam Lambert comes in third in tonight's Shouty McShouterson competition with his cover of "Black or White." I hope he doesn't try to Adam-ize (read: try to glam rock) every single song like he has with "Satisfaction" and this one.

Paula said: Never in the history of the show has a contestant felt this comfortable on stage, and she expects he'll be in the finals (and, did it look like Paula was going to cry?!?).

Simon said: He's totally in a different league than everyone else.

Randy said: He's the most current competitor and he could have a record deal now.

Kara said: "You hit notes I didn't know existed," and she hoped Michael Jackson was watching.

Matt Giraud (aka my mama's favorite) sang "Human Nature." After the hugeness that was Adam and his Adam-ized song, I'm afraid dear Matt may get lost in the shuffle, but he shouldn't. His performance was understated and well-done.

Randy said: It was pitchy but really good.

Kara said: "You are talented."

Paula said: "You're talented, sexy, authentic - blown away."

Simon said: It was "meat and potatoes" but "very good."

Alexis Grace finished the night with "Dirty Diana," one of my favorite MJ songs. I thought she did a terrific job.

Kara said: "You're a naughty girl and I liked it."

Paula said: She doesn't need to oversing.

Simon said: "Not as good as you thought it was."

Randy said: It was over the top but he liked her attitude.

What say you, Scene cats? Who did you vote for? Who do you think will get voted off?

And what's with this big surprise they're announcing tonight?

So, what yummy musical snacks have you feed your iPod lately? What's new on your musical machine?

My latest addition is lots and lots of Kings of Leon.

I bought the band's most recent album, and liked it well enough, but then I got the rest of their catalog. I'm definitely a fan of the band's older work. It has me dancing in my seat.

So, what's on your iPod? Share what you've got!

Happy Tuesday, Scene cats!

Last night I watched Nathan Fillion's new show, "Castle." I really enjoyed it! It was fresh, fast, funny...and did I mention Nathan Fillion is the star? :)

News!

* This sounds kinda cool: Carrie Underwood has recorded a version of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home," which will be the song played when contestants are kicked off "Idol."

* Rebecca Romijn will star in the "Witches of Eastwick" show.

* If you're going to see the Plain White T's sometime this year, here's what you can expect from their live show.

* Death Cab for Cutie will release a new EP soon.

* Rumors are that "Guitar Hero: Van Halen" is in the works.

* Old 97's Rhett Miller will release his fourth solo CD later this year.

* Here's scoop on the latest additions to "Dancing with the Stars."

"American Idol" is equal parts well-oiled machine and "pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"

In other words, tiny little media folk like yours truly can't talk to contestants or their families – even if they basically live down the road from us – which hurts me because I can't deliver the story to you myself.

So, I offer you the next best thing: interviews with Jasmine Murray that other folks have done.:)

Look for more as I continue to scour the Web for all things Jasmine!

* Check out Jasmine's profile on the "American Idol" Web site.

* See her MTV interview here.

* Entertainment Weekly has a big interview featuring all of the Top 13 contestants.

* Also, a film crew visited Mississippi State University Saturday to film some spots about Jasmine. Here's more info. (thanks Ginny!)

And here are some Jasmine Murray fan sites:

Jasmine Murray's Official Fan Site on MySpace

Jasmine Murray Fan Club

Jasmine Murray fan Facebook page

Top o' the mornin' to y'all. :)

Hope you had a great weekend!

Mine was certainly eventful and therefore terrific.

Went to the midnight "Watchmen" screening in Starkville, which I loved (see my separate "Watchmen" post), went home for basically a nap and then got up and went to Oxford to see Modest Mouse. Modest Mouse was *amazing* - there really is no other word for it – but I was very, very disappointed in the audience. The audience basically talked – actually held conversations – while Modest Mouse was on stage. I cannot even begin to make that up. I've never seen an audience be so rude. Even though my column for the Journal isn't due for another three weeks or so, I went ahead and wrote one about it anyway. Had to vent my frustrations!

Saturday was better, with lots of shopping in Memphis. There's something about Sephora and Target that soothe the soul, you know?

Wrapped up the weekend with Winter Jam, which is always a good time.

What about you? What did you do?

News!

* Rejoice, "Heroes" fans – the show has been renewed.

* Rejoice, Brad Paisley fans – his new album will be released in June.

* Rejoice, Eminem fans – the rapper will release two albums this year.

* "The Beatles: Rock Band" will hit stores in September.

* Dakota Fanning has officially joined the cast of "New Moon."

* If you want to travel to see U2, here are the band's upcoming tour dates.

* Interpol is working on a new CD.

* Ashlee Simpson-Wentz has joined the cast of the new "Melrose Place."



* Bet you never saw this coming: "Watchmen" is the No. 1 movie at the box office.

One of the biggest movies of the spring, "Watchmen," opened this weekend.

Did you go? If so, what did you think?

If you're staying away, why?

I'm a "Watchmen" fan, having read the graphic novel, so I went in with high hopes. Thankfully, those hopes were met – and then some. I thought it looked amazing. They were super faithful to the book – to the point that I actually had deja vu a few times, like "Where have I seen this before?" and then realizing that what I was seeing on the screen mirrored what I had going in my head as I read the novel. That's pretty rare, so I really appreciated that.

There were definitely a few moments that just felt a little off, but they were few and far in between.

As for the absent squid, I'm actually glad they didn't even attempt that. I went back and glanced over my novel when I got home and realized there's absolutely no way to bring that squid to life on the screen...it just wouldn't work.

Overall: yes, "Watchmen" is still the unfilmable graphic novel (there's no way the entire novel can be put to screen) - but this was a very fine attempt to bring the essence of the story to film.

I definitely want to see it again.

What say ye, Scene Now readers?

Columbus native Jasmine Murray has won a spot on the "American Idol" Top 13. Yep, that's right, I said Top 13, not Top 12 -- Thursday night's show was full of surprises.

Here's your recap...

The judges chose eight contestants who didn't receive enough votes to be in the Top 12 (er, 13) to perform Thursday and then the judges were supposed to choose three to go on to form the show's Top 12.

Jesse Langseth went first, singing "Tell Me Something Good." I love that girl, and I thought she did a great job.

Randy said: It wasn't great.

Kara said: She's got a great swagger like Sasha Fierce.

Paula said: She was impressed with her tenacity and she did a good job.

Simon said: It was better than her previous performance and she has a good voice.

Matt Giraud sang Jackson 5's "Who's Loving You." My mama loves this boy, but I finally really fell for him too during this performance. He reminded me of Justin Timberlake, but with a better voice (sorry JT).

Kara said: It was a little over the top but he sounded great.

Paula said: It was a great song choice.

Simon said: A billion times better than his previous performance.

Randy said: He made everyone scared that he would give them a run for their money.

Megan Corkrey sang "Black Horse & a Cherry Tree." I really liked her in the beginning but that love's fading. I thought she was just OK.

Paula said: The song fit her personality.

Simon said: Not the best vocal but he enjoyed it.

Randy said: Not the best vocal but it was a good song choice.

Kara said: She's needed in the competition because she offers variety.

Von Smith sang "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word." Honestly, nearly a day later, I don't remember anything about this. I didn't even write notes on it!

Simon said: It was too serious and earnest.

Randy said: It was too serious and pitchy.

Kara said: The song was too dark but he has great vocal ability.

Paula said: He gets too caught up in concentrating on his performance to be really great, but he's a brilliant singer.

Jasmine Murray sang "Reflection." Honestly, I thought it was a little too pageanty - I'd rather have seen her perform something upbeat.

Randy said: The song was too big for her but there were a few bright spots.

Kara said: She had no idea Jasmine had such a big voice.

Paula said: She picked a beautiful song and she's very determined.

Simon said: It was a "very, very brave song choice" and it put her back in the running.

Ricky Braddy sang "Superstitious." I like Ricky, I like "Superstitious." I wasn't crazy about his performance.

Kara said: "You can sing your butt off."

Paula said: She loved how he loosened up.

Simon said: He sounded good but it felt karaoke and clumsy.

Randy said: He definitely can sing but it was the wrong song.

Tatiana del Toro sang "Saving All My Love For You" for the THIRD time as I tried to drive nails into my head to keep from listening to her.

Paula said: She doesn't like it when contestants repeat songs, but she can sing.

Simon said: She shouldn't have chose that song if it didn't get her through the last time.

Randy said: It was mixed - there were good and bad moments.

Kara wasn't given a chance to respond.

Anoop Desai sang "My Prerogative," which wasn't the greatest vocal of the night but it was definitely fun.

Simon said: It wasn't the best but "people like you."

Randy said: He did better than he did the last time.

Kara said: It was his best performance.

Paula said: He's a showman and everyone loves him.

The judges chose Jasmine and Megan Corkrey first.

Then it came down between Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai, and they told Matt he was through. Then they told Anoop - SURPRISE! - they're making this year a Top 13 rather than a Top 12.

The judges wildcard picks are: Jasmine Murray, Megan Corkrey, Anoop Desai and Matt Giraud.

What do y'all think about their choices?

BY TODD HUNT

New month, new blog location. Welcome to my first Scene Now NEMS360.com blog effort. I wish I could tell you that it will be the best thing you’ve ever read, but that would be a stretch. Here we go…

On tap for this weekend is the annual Winter Jam concert on Sunday. Last year we turned people away at the door as we were filled to capacity. If you plan on attending this year, I suggest arriving early to ensure a seat in the venue. If weather permits feel free to tailgate in the parking lots all afternoon. Don’t be surprised if I stop by with an empty plate, though!

Other upcoming events include the Harlem Globetrotters on March 16, the Broadway musical Cats on April 2, and Alan Jackson with Jimmy Wayne on April 16.

In honor of our new blog location I have decided to add a new feature: the song of the week. Sometimes it might be related to events we have in the building; other times it will just be whatever’s stuck in my head while I type. The song for this week is “When The Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin. Why that song? I can’t get the drum beat out of my head. Of course it’s been stuck there for about thirty years so I don’t think it will be leaving anytime soon…

Until next time,

Todd

Here's a list of performers at this year's Memphis in May Beale St. Music Festival.

*Friday, May 1:*

The All-American Rejects

Steve Miller Band

Ben Harper & Relentless 7

Tommy Castro

Katy Perry

The Cult

G. Love & Special Sauce

Jack’s Mannequin

Rise Against

Ronnie Baker Brooks

Matt Nathanson

Medeski, Martin & Wood

Lurrie Bell

*Saturday, May 2:*

Al Green

Korn

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

John Lee Hooker Jr.

Shinedown

Elvis Costello

The Roots

Curtis Salgado

Saving Abel

Los Lobos

Michael Burks

The Bar-Kays

Thriving Ivory

Susan Tedeschi

Julian Marley

Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm

Chancho En Piedra

Muck Sticky

Green River Ordinance

Hubert Sumlin

Shane Dwight

Jump Back Jake

*Sunday, May 3:*

James Taylor

311

Fall Out Boy

John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers

Hinder

Bonnie Raitt

Snoop Dogg

Guitar Shorty

Theory of a Deadman

Jerry Lee Lewis

Three 6 Mafia

Sherman Robertson

Chancho En Piedra

Amos Lee

Prosevere

Damon Fowler

Dead Confederate

Reba Russell Band

What do y'all think about this year's line-up?