By Doshka Harvey

Where are you Amy Winehouse?  I miss your presence in the music scene.  Come back you sultry songstress.  Engage us with your melodic lyrics again.  Shower us with tales of love and of sorrow.  We await your next album with great anticipation.  Amy, come back from black!

By Claudine Paul

Dance queen, Kylie Minogue, conjures familiarity with new music release Aphrodite.  The fun commences with single "All The Lovers," which sets the pace of the whole release and keeps toes tapping. Named after the mythical goddess of love, the main theme pronounced throughout is the subject of love. Minogue's Aphrodite is sure to keep dancing worshippers on the dance floor.

Images courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Doshka Harvey

I find it hard to believe that 9-year old Willow Smith (daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith) has such a mature musical voice.  This young lady is a true star in the making.  If "Whip My Hair" sounds this good, then I cannot wait to hear what the rest of her debut album has to offer when it's released. After all, she is signed to Jay-Z's label Roc Nation.

Take note, Willow is also one fashion savvy darling with wicked style just like her parents.

 Image from Roc Nation.  Video via worldstarhiphop.com

By Doshka Harvey

Listening to the radio this evening a song played that filled me up with the nostalgia of the 80's.  It was "Drive" by The Cars.  To me, this is one of the quintessential 80's songs.  That time in music, in my opinion, was the best ever.  Don't get me wrong, I love today's music as well and there are a bevy of amazing artists; however, the 80's rock in my book.

"Drive," even today, remains such a great song - musically and lyrically.

 Bit of info:

• This video was directed in 1984 by actor Timothy Hutton.
• The, then, teenager in the video is former America's Next Top Model judge model Paulina Porizkova who, a few years later after filming the video, went on to marry the band's lead singer Ric Ocasek.

Video from VH1 Classic

By Claudine Paul

Singer/Songwriter Seal's new release, Commitment, relinquishes the reflective tone of his 2008 studio release Soul, and is driven by more of a pop flair.  Given that it is produced by master producer David Foster (Josh Groban, Michael Jackson, Michael Buble, etc.), prominent and outlandish orchestral arrangements with light late 70's and 80's pop harmonizations are referenced here that perfectly complements the rich texture of Seal's vocals.  Standout tracks like "Weight of My Mistakes," "All For Love," "I Know What You Did" makes Seal's Commitment a 2010 adult contemporary gem.

By Doshka Harvey

Come flow down through Harvey River, in the parish of Hanover (Jamaica) as Lorna Goodison explores the life of her mother Doris Harvey Goodison; her mother's family and a river by the same last name.  From Harvey River: A Memoir of My Mother and Her Island (Amistad, hardcover $24.95, ISBN: 978-0-06-133755-0) is an enchanting recounting and re-imagining of a strong family, whom despite disagreements and disappointments, through the generations always managed to see the bigger picture of how important kin is.

Harvey River was named by Doris' English grandfather, William Harvey.  It was where Doris and her brothers and sisters grew up (8 in total, including Doris). The river played a poignant role in the life of the Harvey family; even after all 8 siblings dispersed to live their own lives in the big city of Kingston to as far as Montreal, Canada.  If you also knew the tales of Harvey River or once called it your home, no matter where you traveled to in the world, you too would want to go back. You would go back to swim in its clean and cool waters. You would go back to let the river carry you in its current. You would go back to dive underneath its waters to discover "the don't care girl...dancing under the river," "the bones of runaway Africans" and the "wedges of iron-hard brown soap which the women of Harvey River used to wash acres of clothes."

Goodison uses this telling of her mother as an opportunity for reflection.  She reflects not only on Doris' life, but on her own life as a child living in Jamaica.  Tales and incidences told to Goodison as a child by her mother become her own as she repeats them to us the reader of this book.  As readers we take in these tales or incidences and relate them to our own lives.  Therefore, allowing us to understand a bit more about Doris' experience as daughter, wife, mother and a community leader of sorts. "Miss Goodie" (as they would call her) with the "bottomless cooking pot" capable of feeding anyone needing a meal.  The woman who wished to be the proprietor of her own guest house, but never got a chance to, yet in a roundabout way, she did.

(Trade PB $13.99 ISBN: 978-0-06-133756-7)

Language plays a major role in how the author tells the story of her mother's existence.  One could say that Goodison expertly travels in between languages, yet everything she is writing is indeed in English.  Characters speak both standard English and Jamaican patois. As in the case where a character is speaking with an American accent, "I was with a man like that once." Then switches, "but see me, and come live with me is two different things." At times words drift effortlessly on the pages mimicking Goodison's poetic capabilities.  It doesn't matter if you know not what a "peenie wallie" or a "crocus bag" is.  If you have a computer, then you've been given the gift of the internet to do research. Stop in the middle of reading and put your Googling skills into action.  It is worth it to discover the meaning of such local phrases, which in many instances can lend to laughter.

If you have never experienced Caribbean food, then your palate will be left wet reading From Harvey River.  Be it the rice and peas and chicken with plantains; the yams or cassava; codfish or the delectable mention of yellow bananas and mangoes, one cannot help but wonder about the rich eating Jamaica has to offer and plentiful too. Imagine heaping plates of green bananas cooked with codfish on the side in a rich gravy.  Picture yourself buying fresh fish daily from the local fisherman for your evening meal.  Food made with heart and soul. Some nice breadfruit to fill you belly. Yes, that was you belly. Not, your belly.  

Changes in fate bring about new possibilities. Such was the case for Doris Harvey Goodison, when she moved to Kingston, Jamaica with her husband Vivian Marcus Goodison.  In Kingston, she got her guest house of sorts because her door was always open to anyone who needed her help.  People came and went from the Goodison household. It was the local hospitality center so to speak.  Doris was always more than obliged to lend her services whether in the form of food, advice, or sewing one of her nice dresses for the neighboring ladies.  It was a decent life, though not perfect, but she had her 9 kids with her and her husband Marcus.  Throughout all of this, she never forgot where she came from - Harvey River, in the parish of Hanover.  A place which she would visit in her dreams while living in Kingston.  Where tales were created and incidences occurred to be told for generations to come.  

From Harvey River is a great read.  If you ever considered of exploring your family background and finding out more about your roots, this book will fuel that fire in you to get up and do it.  It is not only the memoir of a mother; it is the memoir of several generations.

Cover images courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers

By Claudine Paul

The debut release by British newcomer Lolene, The Electrick Hotel, is one that won't leave any listening guest that is checking in feeling short changed.  Generously offering fifteen electro tracks of music, the singer's music is a combination of catchy animated high octave dance tracks and a few ballads to show the variety found in her hotel.  Lolene, who probably won't have to "fake it to make it," will have no problem finding room for one more in today's new Lady Gaga genre world of Pop Dance.

 Images courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Claudine Paul

British music mixers The Chemical Brothers - while many of their Electronica peers have disappeared into oblivion - prove that they are still doing what they do best with the release of their seventh studio title Further.   The pair's latest is a cohesive dance mix of varied tempos, melodic ambient sounds, and occasional vocals.  It's an easy listen, as a whole, without any mindless fillers.

Image courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Doshka Harvey

I'm really feeling the boy band Super Junior from South Korea.  I recently discovered one of their fresh performances on You Tube, purely by accident.

The popular group, consisting of 10 members, was formed in 2005 by a South Korean entertainment company called SM Entertainment.

Now, I do not really know why there needs to be 10 boys performing one song and I have absolutely no understanding of what they are crooning about, but I do know that they are all super cute, can sing, dance and have a rocking sense of fashion. 

The members of the group are:

Sungmin, Ryeowook, Heechul, Siwon, Yesung, Kyuhyun, Donghae, Eunhyuk, Leeteuk and Shindong (I love how Shindong, who has a bit more girth, manages to keep up with all the skinny boys in the band).

They are entertaining to watch and I can groove to them despite the language barrier, and that is all I need to enjoy them. 

Their fourth and most current album is called 'Bonamana.'  Check them out.  Trust me, they are worth it!

By Doshka Harvey

Corinne Bailey Rae's latest single is called 'Closer,' from her current album The Sea.

If you are seeking sensual, fun and intimate tunes to add to your music collection, especially with the summer weather abounding, then we highly recommend this cd.

Check out our previous review of her recording here.  Watch her as she perfoms the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

By Claudine Paul

Like all her other female music contemporaries on the U.K. music scene, up and coming singer VV Brown carves her own niche on her first international release Travelling Like The Light.  Brown travels back in time - particularly the 50's - for her brand of sound.  No heaviness can be found from beginning to end on this release.  Brown's output is just all around good feeling, and listening music.

Image courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Doshka Harvey

A great night was had last night in NYC at the Dockers 'Khakis Make the Man' event hosted by the very handsome actor Peter Facinelli.  Some of you may more readily know him as the character Carlisle Cullen, from the 'Twilight' movies.  While Peter played host, tunes for the evening were provided by none other than DJ Joel Madden from the band Good Charlotte.

'Khakis Make the Man' was sponsored by Dockers and Esquire in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Father's Day and to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.

Being an event for such a good cause, guests were able to make a donation to Habitat and get a pair of Dockers khakis which could be customized right away since stylists and tailors were standing by on site.  How clever!

Peter Facinelli

 Khaki sign

My colleague Judes schmoozing with the sexy model boys sporting Dockers

This sign displays (though not very clear from this image) the list of Khaki specialty cocktails for the evening such at the Khaki Daddy, Khaki-Licious and the Khaki-Tini.  Delish!

Actress Malinda Williams was in the house.  Looking beautiful as always.  She is actually in a movie due out later this year called "Nailed" with a star-studded cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Jessica Biel, James Marsden and Tracy Morgan, just to name a few.

 Habitat for Humanity hard hat on display

 Here's a quick clip of Joel Madden djing.

Hilarious dialogue between me and Peter Facinelli:

Me:  Can I take a photo of you?

Peter:  Yes (he gestures for me to come closer).

Me:  Oh, no, I want one of you.  Not with me.

Peter:  You don't want one with me??? (He's funny!)

Me:  Yes, but I want one of you first for my site, then one of you with me second.

Peter:  Okay.

And, for the second photo he held the camera and below is the result.  LOL. Oh, Carlisle!  I mean Peter :)  Such a nice guy.

Great night for a good cause!

All images © 2010 Doshka Harvey

By Doshka Harvey

The epic documentary Have You Heard From Johannesburg by producer and director Connie Field premieres today at the Film Forum in New York City with a 2-week engagement from April 14-27.

Nelson Mandela in the 1990's, as seen in Connie Field's Have You Heard From Johannesburg

It is a 3 part documentary broken up into 7 films recounting the struggle of what it took to abolish apartheid in South Africa and the movement that took place worldwide to defeat that racist system.

Peter Hain, the British activist, National Chairman of the young Liberals, and spokesman for the Action Committee Against Racialism on June 22 1971, as seen in Connie Field's Have You Heard From Johannesburg

Part 1:  Mon/Wed 1:00 & 8:45, Tues 8:45, Thurs 5:30, Sat-Sun 1:00

The Road to Resistance (58 mins.), Hell of a Job (58 mins.), The New Generation (58 mins.)

Part 2:  Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30, Tues 1:00, Thurs 1:00 & 8:45, Sat-Sun 4:30

Fair Play (95 mins.), From Selma to Soweto (90 mins.)

Part 3:  Tues 5:30, Fri 1:00 & 8:45, Sat-Sun 8:00

The Bottom Line (83 mins.), Free at Last (75 mins.)

Soweto Day Demonstrations at South African Embassy, New York, June 17, 1991, as seen in Connie Field's Have You Heard From Johannesburg

For more information go to: http://www.filmforum.org/films/haveyouheard.html

Images courtesy of the Film Forum pr department

By Claudine Paul

Singer Corinne Bailey Rae follows her first international success, Corinne Bailey Rae (2006), with new music title The Sea.  On her latest recording three years later, Rae aims again for the intimate, simplistic, and placid style of folk/soul/pop/funk sound that brought her world-wide fame.  Uplifting 60's inspired tracks this time, however, such as "Paris Nights/New York Mornings," "Paper Dolls," and "The Blackest Lily " are welcome anchors.

Image courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Doshka Harvey

The Repo Men are coming on March 19, 2010 starring Jude Law, Oscar winner Forest Whitaker and Liev Schreiber.  Hold on!  These aren't your usual repo men in search of cars.  They are set to repo your organs.  Set in a futuristic world, the movie seems to have a very Total Recall feel to it.  And, if you enjoyed that movie, you'll enjoy this. 

Just remember, if you chose to extend your life via expensive mechanical organs, but fail to pay your bill, the repo men, might come looking for you too.

 http://www.repomenarecoming.com

Image courtesy of Image.net, © 2010 Universal Studios, Photo Credit: Kerry Hayes

By Doshka Harvey

Matt Damon is back in another tale of conspiracy, intrigue and the search for the truth in the thriller Green Zone.  This time around he is U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller who leads his team into the Iraqi desert to find hidden weapons.  And, though this is not a Bourne movie it is bound to give all Jason Bourne fans the excitement they've been seeking since The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007.  

Green Zone opens Friday, March 12th. 

Image courtesy of Image.net, © 2010 Universal Studios, Photo Credit: Jasin Boland

By Doshka Harvey

Recently I had the great pleasure of chatting with actor/comedian Stephen Merchant.  You may recognize Stephen as the writing partner of comedian Ricky Gervais.  Together they are comedic geniuses who have created shows such as the original British The Office and Extras.

In an interview I did for Starpulse.com concerning the new animated series The Ricky Gervais Show based on their podcasts, Merchant was fun to talk to and indeed funny.

Check it out here:

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2010/02/25/qa_stephen_merchant_from_the_ricky_ger

From left to right: Stephen Merchant, Karl Pilkington, and Ricky Gervais

  The show airs on Friday, 9pm on HBO

Image © Nicola Dove/HBO 

By Claudine Paul

Sade, Soldier Of Love (Sony)

It's been more than a decade since we've heard any new music from songstress Sade, but her new release Soldier Of Love picks up right where she left off.  Besides her seemingly eternal beauty, judging from the cover of her new release, the singer delivers the smoky sounds that she has long become known for.  The opening track, "Soldier Of Love," sets an easy mood that is found throughout the rest of her new album.