the Native Tourist

DUKES "VAMP" IT UP

2009-07-22T15:29:00.003+01:00

Here's is the new video from NZ rockers the Dukes and it's for their latest single "Vampires";

FILM REVIEW: HARRY POTTER 6

2009-07-17T23:00:00.001+01:00

Harry may be back but the magic is not!

If you go to see this film DON'T read the book. Hyped up as the best film from the series so far, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince may look visually great but fails to spark much interest over the entire 2 1/2 hours!

Having read all the books my expectation of the films has always been high. The first five films were adequately adapted for the films with very little detail missing. This is not the case in this latest release. The film seems to potter (bad expression) along with a comfortable place, a little Quidditch here, a love story (or three) there and by the time you've caught up with Harry and the Hogwarts crew, 2 hours has gone by without much excitement. It is nice after the long wait to see the familiar faces and their new challenges but too much emphasis has been placed on setting the film up and the end is almost forgettable (and regrettable).

The director of the final two films has reassured fans that the elements of final chapters of the sixth book have been cut from the sixth film to be presented in flashbacks in the film two films of the seventh book. The problem with this is the the juice of the sixth book is lost in the film and only touched on. This is possibly the most disappointing note about this film, it is a weak end to a weak film.

The casting was great, still not a fan of Daniel Radcliffe but there's no way of getting around that! Emma Watson's performance was her best so far and Rupert Grint pulled out another lightly humorous performance. The real star of the movie though has to go to Tom Felton who's portrayal of Draco Malfoy was stole the show from Harry.

The film is not terrible, far from it. It just doesn't meet the standard of the previous film. Sure the film will be a box office success but how many people will look back and think it was a standout film. Only time will tell.

Score: 8/10

(FINALLY) INTRODUCING: VV BROWN

2009-07-15T19:17:00.000+01:00

2009 has been the year of great debuts from some of pop strongest bunch of ladies; Little Boots, La Roux, Florance & The Machine; and now you can include VV Brown.

VV's charismatic beauty and sweet soulful voice sets her apart from her contemporaries, with her first big single "Shark In The Water" one of the best tracks of 2009 (so far). Her mix of Lily Allens charm and Wino's soulful voice blend well to create a refreshing sound that will slot in well on Radio and has great potential to be a festival anthem. One to watch!

"Shark In The Water"
Score:8.5/10

BEYONCES "SWEET DREAMS"

2009-07-14T19:12:00.000+01:00

Queen B is back with one of her strongest and best tracks to date "Sweet Dreams".

The track is a little unsettling at first. But her dark electro-pop and club friendliness gives it staying power and will ultimately see her head up the charts, probably not to the top but still another solid outing from Beyonce.

Score: 8/10

BRITNEY RADAR REVEALED

2009-07-14T16:27:00.001+01:00

Britney is back with a new video and this time she "classes" things up;

Great video...but for "Radar"?

NATIVE TOURIST: ON HOLIDAY

2009-07-05T12:00:00.000+01:00

I'm off on holiday so there will be no posts for a week but check back in next Monday for new posts!

BRITNEY SPEARS: "CIRCUS" GIG PICTURES

2009-06-18T19:50:00.002+01:00

Review to come.

FILM REVIEW: THE HANGOVER

2009-06-16T15:59:00.000+01:00

Nothing wrong with this morning after.

Hollywoods obsession with drunk-inspired comedies has finally hit a new high; The Hangover is one of the must see movies of 2009.

The premise for the film is simple to understand; A stag do in Vegas goes horribly wrong when the Groom goes missing after a very BIG night. There's strippers, a baby, "gangsta's" and even Mike Tyson & his tiger!

The films central character Doug (Justin Bartha)is an easy to like lucky in love guy who just wants a "simple" night out. Bradley Cooper portrays Phil, a schoolteacher bored of the married life. Cooper is again comically well timed and smooth without being cringe worthy but is over shadowed by the films biggest breakout star; Zach Galifianakis. His character Doug's socially-inept soon to be brother-in-law Alan provides most of the laughs and is the most lovable character if not the most in need of help! Also in the rat pack is Stu (Ed Helms), a dentist with a strict and controlling girlfriend. Stu is the "smart guy" who ends up in the most trouble when he realizes that he is in fact married to a stripper (Heather Graham) much to the dismay of Stu who is set to propose to his overbearing girlfriend back home.

The whole film is great. With clue after club being patched together, the audience will be gripped to the screen discovering the details of the characters massive night come to light. The only downside to the film is its rawness, there are some moments which drag a bit but are redeemed by a joke that is dropped in a moment later.

A truly funny film, not highly original but doing it's bit to provide laughs in a time where they are few.

Score: 9/10

DIZZEE RASCAL & CALVIN HARRIS RETEAM

2009-06-06T15:44:00.000+01:00

Current UK Singles Chart No.1 holder Dizzee Rascal looks set to re-make magic with dance royalty Calvin Harris. The duo took the No.1 spot last year with their collaborative hit "Dace Wiv Me" and are set to do it all again with "Holiday".

Dizzee is set to release his fourth studio album "Tongue 'N' Cheek" this September, which is being described as "Just celebrating the good things in life"...."'Tongue 'N' Cheek' is me being a bit cheeky".

TV CASTING NEWS: ONE TREE HILL

2009-06-05T14:44:00.000+01:00

Time to breathe some new air into the lungs of the CW's One Tree Hill.
Brian Austin Green is reportedly set to join the cast of One Tree Hill in its upcoming seventh season. Green will play Clayton, "A handsome sports agent who works alongside Nathan Scott". He is 1 of the 3 new faces that will join the cast after the departure of regular cast members Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton.

More cast updates as they come.

THE GOSSIP GET "HEAVY"

2009-06-03T16:13:00.003+01:00

Flamboyant Indie Rockers The Gossip are back with their best song yet!
"Heavy Cross" marks the return of the rock group who after a short absence from the spotlight, are set to take center stage again with the release of their fourth studio album. "Music for Men" is set for a June 22 release and is already starting to be talked about as their best work yet.

Check out the great video (minus the band) to their latest release "Heavy Cross":

TRAILER: TOY STORY 3

2009-06-03T13:42:00.004+01:00

Proof that your childhood never has to end.
I LOVED the Toy Story films, they were fun visually amazing and everything you could ask for from a animated film. The whole crew are back for the third film which will continue the ongoing storyline.

Synopsis: Woody, Buzz, and the rest of their toy box friends are dumped in a children's day-care center after their owner, Andy, departs for college.

Cant wait till next year? Here's an official teaser:

Out June 18, 2010

NZ OFFICIAL MUSIC CHART 01/06

2009-06-03T13:27:00.003+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official NZ Music Charts;

VIDEO: KINGS OF LEON "NOTION"

2009-06-03T12:41:00.003+01:00

The Great Rock Band of 2009 Kings of Leon are back with their fourth single of their massively successful album "Only by the Night", "Notion".

OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE STARTS TONIGHT

2009-06-02T13:55:00.001+01:00

The Wests are back.

Season 5 of the hit series Outrageous Fortune starts tonight on TV3 at 9:30 (New Zealand).
The show also has a new look website which is features up to date pictures, polls and tonnes of great features!

NEW: ROVE WITH KELLY CLAKSON

2009-06-02T13:33:00.000+01:00

This week on the show Rove caught up with Idol Alum Kelly Clarkson. A really funny interview and she comes across as a very genuine pop star!

Rove: Sundays, 9PM on Ten (Australia) and Fridays, 8:30PM on TV3 (New Zealand).

ARIA CHARTS 01/06

2009-06-01T13:27:00.000+01:00

Australian Music Charts;

2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS

2009-06-01T12:22:00.002+01:00

The MTV Movie Awards (doesn't MTV stand for Music TeleVision) have come, and gone and this year it's all about the tween/teen market.

Aside from the Bruno/Eminem stunt there were actually some awards handed out. The winners were:
Winners from the MTV Movie Awards are:

Best Villain: Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight.”

Best Female Breakthrough Performance: Ashley Tisdale, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

Best Fight: Robert Pattinson and Cam Gigandet, “Twilight.”

Best Male Breakthrough Performance: Robert Pattinson, “Twilight.”

Best Kiss: Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, “Twilight.”

Best Male Performance: Zac Efron, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

Best WTF Moment: Amy Poehler, “Baby Mama.”

Best Song from a Movie: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”

Best Female Performance: Kristen Stewart, “Twilight.”

Best Comedic Performance: Jim Carrey, “Yes Man.”

Best Movie: “Twilight.”

Best MTV Generation Award: Ben Stiller.

VIDEO: LADY GAGA "PAPARAZZI"

2009-06-01T12:22:00.001+01:00

Proving that she is here to stay, Lady Gaga unleashes "Paparazzi".
Can Gaga do anything wrong? This is another great video clip, capturing everything that we want to see from the Lady herself; sex, drama and all things "Gaga" bizarre.

NZ OFFICIAL MUSIC CHART 25/05

2009-05-28T19:02:00.000+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official NZ Music Charts;

GAGA GETS THE ROLLING STONE TREATMENT

2009-05-28T18:13:00.006+01:00

Wow! Not a big fan of this cover but had better give it to Lady Gaga she is an original!

VIDEO: KANYE GETS "PARANOID" WITH RIHANNA

2009-05-28T18:13:00.003+01:00

Kanye West is back musically with one of his strongest tracks and videos of recent times; "Paraniod"
Rihanna looks amazing and its a pretty solid video all round.

LEIGHTON MEESTER IN THE STUDIO

2009-05-28T18:02:00.000+01:00

Gossip Girl breakout star Leighton Meester is set to release her debut album this fall and below is a video clip of her in the studio;

QUICK CHART UPDATES

2009-05-25T18:13:00.000+01:00

NT is on holiday till Thursday but here's a quick chart update:
UK Music Charts;

Australian Music Charts;

MAKING OF: FRANKMUSIK "CONFUSION GIRL"

2009-05-23T13:39:00.000+01:00

Frankmusik is back with his latest single "Confusion Girl" and here is the making of the video; featuring Holly Valance.

The single is available to download July 5th.

REVIEW: DAUGHTRY "NO SURPRISE"

2009-05-22T20:27:00.003+01:00

Do you know who sold the highest number of albums in 2007? The answer; Daughtry.
Daughtry are one of the biggest rocks acts of the modern era, combining hard rock instruments with radio friendly and thoughtful lyrics to create great music.

If American Idol has ever given us anything great, it has to be Chris Daughtry. His voice, although not original, is that of rock legends past and is authentically pleasing. Teaming up with a great group of instrumentalists, America hasn't produced someone so consistently atop of their game since... the Kings of Leon.

Their latest release "No Surprise is effortlessly great. If you had to capture what was great rock music in four minutes, this would be it. This song refreshing and has the potential to help launch a successful sophomore album.

Score: 9/10

NEW FALL SHOWS: ABC PREVIEWS

2009-05-22T20:12:00.003+01:00

Cougar Town

V (2009)

COVER ART: "RADAR"

2009-05-20T22:10:00.003+01:00

Here is the official cover for Britney Spears latest "Radar". It's actually pretty good and suits the song, even though the song shouldn't be released in the first place! Kill the Lights forever!

MAXIM'S #1: OLIVIA WILDE

2009-05-20T18:54:00.003+01:00

Olivia Wilde #1 in the Maxim Hot 100? No wonder.

FALL PREVIEW: NEW SHOWS

2009-05-20T18:44:00.003+01:00

Cougar Town (ABC): Starring Courteney Cox, Busy Philipps & Brian Van Holt.

Melrose Place (CW): Starring Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Jessica Lucas & Colin Egglesfield.

A Beautiful Life (CW): Starring Mischa Barton, Corbin Bleu & Elle Macpherson.

AUS KATH & KIM: SPIN-OFF?

2009-05-20T18:11:00.000+01:00

It looks like Fountain Gate's rudest twosome could be returning in their own show! The creators (& stars) of hit Kath & Kim (Gina Riley and Jane Turner) are looking into putting the fifth season of their hit show on hold to bring us a new spin-off of sorts featuring Prue and Trude. The show would be a "Prue and Trude guide to the world's best hotels".

The Toorak twosome, who are currently work part-time in the homewares shop at the Fountain Gate shopping centre, could prove to be more light relief as the "toffy" pair would "deal with the harsh economic times".

Would be great if it went ahead as they are by far the best characters of the show!

NZ OFFICIAL MUSIC CHART 18/05

2009-05-20T17:26:00.001+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official NZ Music Charts;

TRAILER: SHERLOCK HOLMES

2009-05-19T18:30:00.000+01:00

Out Christmas Day 2009.

COURTNEY COX: COUGAR TOWN

2009-05-19T17:37:00.002+01:00

Courtney Cox is back and in a new ABC show titled "Cougar Town". Watch a couple of cips of the show below:

ARIA MUSIC CHART 16/5

2009-05-18T18:15:00.000+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official Australian Music Charts;

UK: INTRODUCING "THE VERONICAS"

2009-05-18T16:55:00.004+01:00

They're Australian. They're twins. And they're about to take on the UK.
Since 2005 The Veronicas have been storming the charts in their home country of Australia and across the ditch in New Zealand. Their debut album "The Secret Life Of..." brought a mix of pop-punk driven anthems and helped cement them as music power players.
But then something changed. They changed.

Their follow up album "Hook Me Up" saw a new side of the girls. Gone was their pop-punk sound, they were now ready and armed with an album full of dance/electronic all of which had radio potential. Their first single "Hook Me Up" was sleek and definition catchy and helped propel them to a new level of stardom and their first No.1. Their follow up "Untouched" proved just to be as popular and is now set to be their first UK release.

"Untouched" is an epic track. Violins mashed with electronics, this track is an example of true great artistry. Having already sold over 1,000,000 downloads in the U.S. to date and peaking at No.17 there, "Untouched" is sure to be a massive summer hit all over the UK. About time!

Score: 9/10

"Untouched" is released May 22 in Ireland and May 25 in the UK.

NEW: ROVE WITH LADY GAGA

2009-05-18T16:45:00.003+01:00

This week on the show Rove caught up with pop sensation Lady Gaga. This clip is hilarious and her performance was genuinely quite good!

Rove: Sundays, 9PM on Ten (Australia) and Fridays, 8:30PM on TV3 (New Zealand).

VIDEO: KILLERS RETURN WITH "THE WORLD WE LIVE IN"

2009-05-18T16:21:00.002+01:00

It's time for a new video clip form Brandon Flowers and the boys: "The World We Live In" is another solid video from The Killers. Not as ground breaking as some of their previous clips but still satisfying enough.

TV'S BIGGEST FATES REVEALED: WHO SURVIVED FOR ANOTHER SEASON?

2009-05-18T15:34:00.006+01:00

Dollhouse, Chuck, Terminator, Samantha Who? and more. The 2009 Fall TV season has added more safe choices and of course some warranted cancellations? Firstly the god news. As you may have heard Dollhouse will be back for a second season, with an agreement of a smaller budgets. Chuck was also given he green light, but will also suffer a budget cut.
Cold Case will be back for a seventh season, Ghost Whisperer will be back for a fifth season and Bones has been officially renewed for two more seasons.

In some rather strange news, ABC had renewed Scrubs for a ninth season with stars Zach Braff and Sarah Chalke signed on for six episodes. Time to end it people.

On the "officially cancelled" side is Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles. Anyone shocked? Still they could have waited till after the latest Terminator movie.
Samantha Who? has also just been officially cancelled. The show had been negotiating some budget cuts but they must have fallen on deaf ears.

UK OFFICAL MUSIC CHART 17/5

2009-05-17T21:42:00.001+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official UK Music Charts;

REVIEW: LA ROUX - BULLETPROOF

2009-05-15T15:05:00.003+01:00

It's hard to follow up one of the biggest hits of the year, but "Bulletproof" may just do that. "In For The Kill" put the spotlight on La Roux with it's cutting edge synth-pop boundary breaking coolness. Everywhere you turned everyone was obsessed with the most unpredictable hit of the year so far. So where does someone who blew up over night go next? They go "Bulletproof".

"Bulletproof" is a very very cool angry-synth track. Imagine a "streetwise" Kelly Clarkson discovering the potential greatness of the Synth, and you've got "Bulletproof". This track is so forward in thinking and will shock at first, but that is what La Roux does, she doesn't follow trends, she creates them. From the simplicity of the music to the rawness of lead singer Eleanor Jackson's voice, this track has the potential to be very big, and it should be. Another great outing from the of the most exciting acts in years.

Score: 8/10

HILARIE BURTON: THE NEXT CHAPTER

2009-05-15T14:34:00.006+01:00

She's leaving '"One Tree Hill", but what has Hilarie Burton got to say about her time on the show, her departure and the future. As we revealed this week, "One Tree Hill" original cast member Hilarie Burton is leaving the show at the end of the current season. Yesterday she spoke with EW about her time on the show and here are some snippets from the interview;

On why she's leaving and the rumours surrounding her departure:
"There really wasn't a lot of turmoil. It was a fabulous six-year run, which is how long my contract was for, and I feel really lucky to have been a part of the show. So when I hear that there's turmoil or negotiations based on money it kind of hurts my feelings, because it's not what's been going on at all."

How long did she really know:
" I've known for a little while. ...One Tree Hill was my very first television audition; it was a fairytale."
"I think everyone was kind of agreeable about the situation."

On potential future guest appearances:
"Never say never. They didn't kill us. There's nothing vengeful about it, and I think that's because as much as we love them, they love us back."

The future:
"One Tree Hill was a great learning opportunity for me, and I'm excited to go and apply that elsewhere and see where I end up. ... On the blog that I have for my production company, we're producing a web series that we're going to start shooting on Memorial Day. We've also got a television show that we're turning into a graphic novel, and we've got a film we're raising money for. I'm busy. And I'm keeping my business down in North Carolina."

You can read the full interview here.

BILLBOARD ROUNDUP

2009-05-14T16:18:00.001+01:00

MAXIM HOT 100

2009-05-13T18:12:00.005+01:00

The Maxim Hot 100 of 2009 have just been announced and here is how the list went down:

1. Olivia Wilde
2. Megan Fox
3. Bar Refaeli
4. Malin Akerman
5. Mila Kunis
6. Eliza Dushku
7. Adriana Lima
8. Rihanna
9. Jordana Brewster
10. Jennifer Love Hewitt

NZ: GIN WIGMORE RECORD DEBUT ALBUM

2009-05-13T15:00:00.003+01:00

Kiwi singer/songwriter Gin Wigmore is in the studio recording her anticipated debut album.
Wigmore has spent time in LA recording the album, and had this message for her fans;

"I have now officially started recording my very first record... For the past few days we have been writing some awesome songs together and next week we go into Capitol Studios to record!!! I could go on and on, but I won’t as you have probably all had quite the fill on me by now!... Keep in touch and get ready for a great album, promise!"

This album has real promise after her incredible EP released last year. Wishing her all the success!

ONE TREE HILL SEASON 7 SHOCKER!

2009-05-13T14:27:00.006+01:00

The CW's One Tree Hill has just axed two of the shows MAIN characters!
The show which has wrapped it's sixth season, is set to return in the Fall minus two of the shows five original main characters. Chad Michael Murray (Lucas) and Hilarie Burton (Peyton) will appear for the last time in their finale episode of the current season. The pair who's characters were married in the most recent episode, were reportedly axed, although Murray had been wanting to move on for the show since Season 4 of the show.

So how will the seventh season of the show shape up without the pair?Reports are that two new characters will be introduced next season. They are reported as including an older sister for Haley, a sports agent who reps Nathan, and an actress-diva-model that Brooke hires to be the new face of her clothing line. Also Austin Nichols (Julian) will become a series regular, his character has recently played a love interest for Sophia Bush's character (Brooke). Will sure make for an interesting season, but can the show rebuild and survive, or will this mark an impeding end?

TIME TO GO BONKERS

2009-05-12T17:34:00.002+01:00

Dizzee Rascal is back with his best work to date; "Bonkers". "Bonkers" is Rap/Electro euphoria and this collaboration with Armand Van Helden is going to be MASSIVE!

This track has everything going for it. Great beats, great lyrics and 100% danceabilty. Dizzee delivers some of his best lyrics to date, and displays his ability to match great lyrics with complimentary music. A true hit maker. Need a song to get you in the mood for a big night? Then this is it!

Score: 9/10

COBRA STARSHIP NEW VID PICS

2009-05-12T17:10:00.002+01:00

"Gossip Girl" Leighton Meester will soon be all over another network: MTV. As reported last week, Cobra Starship and Leighton Meester have teamed up on an amazing new track, "Good Girls Go Bad". The track is going to be big this summer and the video has just been shot in NYC last weekend and is expected to debut later this May/early June. Check out some pictures from the shoot below: "Good Girls Go Bad" is now available on iTunes.

NZ OFFICIAL MUSIC CHART 11/05

2009-05-12T15:38:00.003+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official NZ Music Charts;

FUTURE NO.1: BATTLEFIELD

2009-05-11T18:33:00.003+01:00

Jordin Sparks is back and this time it's a "Battlefield"!After cementing herself as more than an American Idol winner with her internationally successful self-titled debut album, Sparks is back to show that she is here.

"Battlefield" is ~~a great~~ the comeback song of the year! It is simply one of the greatest tracks to come out for years. She's back and taking no prisoners. No longer is she playing the happy-go lucky girl next door, she's all woman and she's all power!

"Battlefield" is an ANTHEM. It's definitely in the league of Beyoncé's' "Halo", but with a lot more gusto. The song crashes back and forth and hooks you on the first play. This track will be hard not to like and is destined for the No.1 position worldwide! An impressive return!

Score: 9/10

ARIA MUSIC CHART 11/5

2009-05-11T15:35:00.002+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official Australian Music Charts;

UK OFFICAL MUSIC CHART

2009-05-10T19:10:00.002+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official UK Music Charts;

SPEARS ANNOUNCES NEXT SINGLE

2009-05-10T15:47:00.006+01:00

Britney Spears is back for fourths as she is set to release "Radar" as her follow-up to "Amy". After setting censors alight with her hit "If U Seek Amy", Spears will reportedly follow up with her electric pick "Radar".

The song which was also featured on her previous album "Blackout" is good, but not great on the singles side of things. "Kill The Lights" was a more obvious choice, but apparently the label had an agreement with the tracks producers to release "Radar" off "Blackout" but failed to (even though it was serviced to NZ & AUS).

Still, it will make a great video clip ~~hopefully~~.

NEW LA ROUX: BULLETPROOF

2009-05-08T18:59:00.002+01:00

After breaking into the music scene with her brilliant electro-track of the year "In For The Kill", La Roux is back with her follow-up "Bulletproof".

A mind blowing video! Check it out below;

FILM REVIEW: STAR TREK

2009-05-08T15:52:00.015+01:00

Expect the "Trekkie's" number to rise. Significantly.
New to the "Trekkie" craze I had only known a little bit about "Star Trek". I had a picture in my mind of space-ships, funny uniforms, eccentric looking aliens, zany planets and your archetypal hero antics through and through. However, what I witnessed was far more than that, it really was "volcan" awesome. There was stellar acting, mind-blowing graphics and a massive ambit of action scenes.

J. J. Abrams promised a lot, yet he delivered. The movie was sheer power and aggressive from start to finish. I was gripped for the entire 126 minutes and even felt as though I was part of it. The film appeared well constructed, it was apparent that every detail had been carefully thought over and over again, something that has been lacking from many Blockbusters of late

The cast were in their element, Chris Pine's reinvention of James T. Kirk was everything it should have been. He captured the originals humor and arrogance whilst giving him a more complimentary, updated James Dean vibe. Zachary Quinto's take on Spock was unbelievably great and he gave a fresh dimension to the role which had been so very well portrayed in the original. In fact everyone was well cast and completely necessary, apart from Winona Ryder perhaps, really what was she doing there?

Without giving away the plot (you MUST see it!), the film delved into the unknown past of the original, central characters, without taking a painful length of time to do so. There was a great consistency and continuity of pace throughout the film, with only few slower parts to allow you to calm down and take it all in. The film ended before it should have, but this did not make the film imperfect, quite the opposite. It ends where the next film should and will start, ready for a new adventure, and ready to launch a new and much improved Star Trek.

Score: 9/10

FORWARD LOOK: THE CABIN IN THE HILLS

2009-05-08T15:52:00.006+01:00

2010 is shaping up to be the year of the Horror Film genre.
The Cabin in the Woods "provides a new twist on a classic scenario, in this case the young-people-stranded-in-the-woods horror trope". The film starring a relatively new young cast follows "a group of college kids spend a weekend at a mysterious cabin in the woods". It is co-written by the brains behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard.

Well known actors Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) and Bradley Whitford (The West Wing) will play "white-collar co-workers with a mysterious connection to the cabin". Little is known about the young cast, which includes a Kiwi & an Aussie; Anna Hutchison (Shortland Street, Go Girls, Underbelly 2) and Chris Hemsworth (Home & Away, Star Trek).

You can see "The Cabin in the Woods" February 5, 2010.

GOOD GIRLS GO BAD?

2009-05-08T15:52:00.003+01:00

Leighton Meester has teamed up Cobra Starship for a NEW summer anthem; "Good Girls Go Bad".
Ryan Seacrest world premiered Cobra Starship's new single "Good Girls Go Bad" featuring Leighton Meester yesterday on his radio show. The song was co-written by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi.

"Good Girls Go Bad" is the BEST song that I've heard all week and (once again) has SUMMER ANTHEM written all over it! It is fun & fresh, and a sure-fire cub hit. Expect to be hearing a LOT of this this Summer!

A GOSSIP GIRL GOES TO THE PIRANHAS

2009-05-06T16:35:00.004+01:00

Ready to be scared of the water..again?Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr has joined the cast of an upcoming horror film, "Piranha 3-D".

Szohr will play Kelly, "a hot young townie caught up in the excitement of co-eds who have descended upon the area for spring break."
She joins fellow cast members Elisabeth Shue as the local sheriff, Ving Rhames as one of her deputies and Adam Scott as a Navy diver sent in to help rescue the town.

The film is a remake of the 1978 "cult classic terror flick" Piranha, set to be directed by Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes remake). It centers on a lakeside town being terrorized by prehistoric man-eating razor-toothed fish."

Piranha 3-D currently has March 19, 2010 release date.

RE-INTRODUCING: MARIE SERNEHOLT

2009-05-06T15:53:00.004+01:00

Former "A-Teens" singer Marie Serneholt is back and looking good!
Swedish Marie Serneholt has been under the radar outside of Europe since her days in the A-Teens. Since the disbandment of the group in 2004, Marie has put out a not-so successful string of singles and a debut album (charting at No.9 in her homeland of Sweden). But with a new album set for a Fall release date, things are looking up for this Swedish beauty.

The first single to be lifted is "Disconnect Me", a catchy Pop record with the potential to break Marie back into the international market.

Although the song only reached No.46 in her homeland of Sweden, it has the potential to do much much better in the UK. Sounding like her contemporaries Kelly Clarkson and newcomer Kristinia DeBarge, "Disconnect Me" feels at home on today's radio. No it is not breaking any ground, but it is easy-going enough to help those long road trip feel that bit more comfortable.

Check out the amazing Robinovich directed video below and visit her official Myspace.

FOX COME CLEAN: 2009-2010 LINE-UP

2009-05-06T11:00:00.000+01:00

FOX 2009-2010 line-up (New shows to be announced at later date).

Renewed:
24
American Dad
American Idol
Family Guy
Fringe
Kitchen Nightmares
Lie To Me
The Simpsons
'Til Death

Notably Undecided:
Bones
Dollhouse
House
Terminator: Sarah Connor

Cancelled/Ending:
Do Not Disturb
King of the Hill
Prison Break

A COMEBACK OF VALANCE PROPORTIONS

2009-05-05T16:51:00.003+01:00

Holly Valance is coming back!
After switching her focus back to her acting career, Valance is reportedly set to get back in the studio to follow up her 80's-Pop inspired second record, "State Of Mind".

Valance, who currently resides in LA, spent the weekend in a recording studio with Synth-Pop star Frankmusik. In a video, the pair announced: "We're here making some music and you'll be hearing it very soon."

Get Excited.

INTRODUCING: FRANKMUSIK

2009-05-05T16:30:00.005+01:00

This is the new face of music.Vincent Frank (aka Frankmusik) is a British Synth-Pop musician, who was recently shortlisted on the BBC's Sound of 2009 Poll.
He has made his name by remixing some of the biggest and most current hits (from Lady Gaga to Pet Shop Boys), and is set to be a star in his own right with the release of his killer debut single "Better Off As 2".

"Better Off As 2"is the one of the best digitally crafted songs of the last decade. It pushes the realms of what is digitally acceptable by playing up the expectations of the Post-Gaga era, whilst at the same time developing a sound that is unique and refreshing.

He will support Pet Shop Boys at their forthcoming 2009 concerts in Manchester and London, and his debut album "Complete Me" is expected to be released this July.

For everything Frankmusik, visit his Myspace.

ABC SPELLS IT OUT: 2009-2010 LINE-UP

2009-05-05T14:45:00.000+01:00

The ABC 2009-2010 line-up (New shows to be announced at later date).

Renewed:
America's Funniest Home Videos
The Bachelor
Brothers & Sisters
Dancing with the Stars
Desperate Housewives
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Grey's Anatomy
Lost
Private Practice
Supernanny
Ugly Betty
Wife Swap

Notably Undecided:
Better Off Ted
Cupid
Samantha Who?
Scrubs
The Unusuals

Cancelled/Ending:
Boston Legal
Dirty Sexy Money
Eli Stone
Life on Mars
Pushing Daisies

TAYLOR GETS RECKLESS

2009-05-05T13:01:00.004+01:00

Gossip Girl's Little J, Taylor Momsen, is the second GG star to try her hand at music within the last week!

Momsen and her band Pretty Reckless are set to support Aussie act The Veronicas on the upcoming US tour dates this Summer. They are yet to set up a Myspace but a Demo has leaked and can be heard below.

NZ OFFICIAL MUSIC CHART 4/05

2009-05-05T12:51:00.001+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official NZ Music Charts;

CW CHECKS IN: 2009-2010 LINE-UP

2009-05-04T21:16:00.001+01:00

The CW 2009-2010 line-up (New shows to be announced at later date).

Renewed:
90210
America's Next Top Model
Gossip Girl
One Tree Hill
Smallville
Supernatural

Notably Undecided:
Everybody Hates Chris
Privileged
Reaper
Stylista

Cancelled/Ending:
Easy Money
Valentine

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

2009-05-04T21:12:00.003+01:00

Time to relive your childhood!

The film adaptation of "Where The Wild Things Are" looks set to be one of the BEST films of the year! It's release is currently scheduled for October 16.

ARIA MUSIC CHART 4/5

2009-05-04T21:07:00.002+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official Australian Music Charts;

NBC PLAYS GOD: 2009-2010 LINE-UP

2009-05-04T17:28:00.009+01:00

The NBC 2009-2010 line-up (New shows to be announced at later date).

Renewed:
30 Rock
The Biggest Loser
Friday Night Lights
Heroes
Law & Order: SVU
The Office
Saturday Night Live
Southland

Notably Undecided:
Chuck
Law & Order
Medium
My Name Is Earl

Cancelled/Ending:
Knight Rider (2008)
Lipstick Jungle
My Own Worst Enemy

LEIGHTON MEESTERS "BIRTHDAY"

2009-05-04T16:37:00.002+01:00

As we anounced last week, "Gossip Girl" Leighton Meester has signed with Universal Music and here is a taste of what is to come:

HERMIONE ALL GROWN UP

2009-05-04T16:24:00.002+01:00

Emma Watson graces the cover of "Interview" this month, and saying she looks ~~hot~~ amazing is an understatement!

See more of Emma in the latest issue of Interview.

NZ: MUSIC MONTH 2009

2009-05-02T14:54:00.003+01:00

May is New Zealand Music Month!

It's that month of the year in NZ when it's time to celebrate OUR great music!
In it's 9th year, NZ Music Month is the all about getting out there, going in droves to gigs, buying CD's (slash songs on iTunes) and removing that "Tall Poppy Syndrome" we seem to experience about OUR music.

With NZ acts all throughout the country putting on extra gigs, this is the time of the year to go out and discover your "next" favourite band, or attend one of our top acts showcasing some of their newest material.

Not only are there a tonne of gigs, but May is the month with the biggest number of releases from Kiwi Acts, with a quarter of all NZ music sold in May alone.
Big releases this month include Boh Runga with her debut album "Right Here", and the late late April release (will chart in May) of Midnight Youth's debut album "The Brave Don't Run".

For all things NZ Music Month visit the official website and go and support it!

LILY SAY YES TO F**K YOU?

2009-05-02T14:27:00.004+01:00

Is the third track to be taken of Lily Allen's UK No.1 Album "It's Not Me, It's You""Fuck You"?

That is the rumour, with Wikipedia claiming that it will follow "Not Fair" as the third single. "Fuck You" has already proven to be a success before it's official release, becoming a Top 40 hit in Canada & Australia (around the same time as the release as the albums first single "The Fear") due to high digital downloads.

REVIEW: This song is the quintessential Lily Allen song of her career so far! It has cheek as well as being socially aware of some of today's biggest societal issues. The upbeat pop-happy music helps deliver the strong messages but enables you to not feel as though you are habving politics shoved down your throat. Genius!

Whether "Fuck You" will get a full release on radio is yet to be known (there is apparently a Clean Radio Edit), but you can't keep a good track down!

Score: 9.5/10

FREE COLDPLAY ALBUM

2009-05-01T17:32:00.002+01:00

Coldplay are set to giveaway live albums to fans at forthcoming tour dates.

The nine-track live album, entitled "LeftRightLeftRightLeft" will be given to all fans attending their 'Viva La Vida' tour dates.
Lead-singer Chris Martin says of the free album, "It's a way of saying thank you. It's a tough economy and people are paying a lot of money for tickets."
The album will also be available as a free download from the band's official website, Coldplay.com, from May 15.

TRAILER: EPIC MOVIE OF THE YEAR

2009-05-01T17:27:00.002+01:00

The latest trailer for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is out, and it looks massive!

$$$

HILLS STAR ON FAMILY GUY

2009-05-01T12:25:00.004+01:00

MTV's "Hills" star Lauren Conrad is set to guest appear on Family Guy.

After announcing her departure from the show at the end of May, she is doing the rounds before her "star light" is dimmed ~~for good~~ for the meantime.

So where does one go before going into hiding? Family Guy.

Quote: Lauren says of her Family Guy gig, “The idea in the episode is that they make fun of me for being dumb and then discover that I’m actually a genius, and that [Lauren Conrad is] kind of a character I play [on TV], because America likes dumb people.”

Catch L.C. on Family Guy May 3rd on FOX.

NZ: TEAM ELLEN

2009-04-30T16:57:00.005+01:00

"Team Ellen" put NZ on the map!

Three Kiwi's Nick, Lauren, and Kaitlin (from Christchurch) "made it their mission to meet super star Ellen Degeneres". They recorded video's on YouTube and Ellen got hold of these and "twittered" them personally. She then rang them up on the show (see below) and told them that she was going to give them a week-long trip to Los Angeles, including a visit to the set of her show.

She surprised them even further by interviewing them ON THE SHOW and upon arriving back in NZ they are now local celebrities! Upon arriving back home they were interviewed on Breakfast by Paul Henry and had this to say; ""She's very genuine. Even when the video wasn't rolling she would chat to us and say, 'This is surreal, isn't it?". Good on them! Another case of great "Kiwi Ingenuity"!
(clips below)

NZ: SMASHPROOF BREAK RECORD

2009-04-29T16:29:00.002+01:00

Local heroes Smashproof have broken a 23 year-old record!

Their hit "Brother" (featuring Gin) has spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the RIANZ New Zealand Singles Charts, breaking the record previously held by All Of Us' "Sailing Away" since 1996.

Their debut album "The Weekend" is out now.

KINGS OF LEON DATES

2009-04-29T15:46:00.003+01:00

Rock's favourite sons Kings of Leon are on their way to the UK this June.

They will play the O2 Arena in London on June 15 and at the Evening News Arena in Manchester on June 22.

They will also be playing the following Summer Festivals; Reading & Leeds 2009, T In The Park 2009, Sasquatch 2009, and Oxegen 2009.

Get along and support them where you can!

NZ: GO GIRLS CONFIRMED SECOND SEAON

2009-04-29T15:00:00.000+01:00

After dominating in it's Thursday timeslot, TV2's Go Girls will be back for a second season!

The second season is expected to start filming later in this year, will it set for screening in early 2010.

OXEGEN 2009

2009-04-29T14:53:00.002+01:00

Calvin Harris, The Horrors and Noisettes join Oxegen 2009 Festival line-up.

The join many of today's top acts, making this possibly the Best Festival line-up so far!

BEYONCE BACK FOR THIRDS

2009-04-29T14:11:00.004+01:00

Beyoncé's reign with her third record ("I Am...Sasha Fierce") looks set to continue.

Recently confirmed are her fifth & sixth (third off each disc) singles, which are the the "Sasha" inspired "Ego" and "Beyoncé" "Broken Hearted Girl".

"Ego" is a smoother track from "Sasha" but plays up the naughtier side that we like from B. The use of great instruments with clever and sassy lyrics make this song another hit. Reminiscent of her Destiny's Child and "Irreplaceble" days, this track will be big with the girls this Northern Summer and will make a big impression on the radio.

"Broken Hearted Girl" continues the drama of "Halo" but strips back the beat and is piano driven this time, until around 1:40 where a small beat and electronics mixes things up. It is a ballad and girl anthem that we have come to expect from her, yet it is very now and fresh in the same way that "Halo" & "If I Were A Boy" have stood out from the rest of her competition. Another great track from the Queen of R&B & Soul.

Scores:
"Ego" - 8/10
"Broken Hearted Girl" - 8.5/10

VIDEO: WAKING UP IN VEGAS

2009-04-29T13:35:00.000+01:00

NZ OFFICIAL MUSIC CHART 28/4

2009-04-28T18:09:00.002+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official NZ Music Charts;

LITTLE BOOTS FREE ALBUM MINIMIX

2009-04-28T12:21:00.002+01:00

Little Boots is one again showing off her generosity and is giving away an album Minimix of her debut LP "Hands".

Get it here.

LILY ALLEN NOVEMBER DATES

2009-04-27T22:00:00.004+01:00

Lily Allen will return home for 8 dates this November.

The dates are as follows;
- November 16 - Sheffield, O2 Academy

- November 17 - Manchester, Apollo

- November 20 - Bournemouth, BIC

- November 21 - Plymouth, Pavillions

- November 22 - Swindon, Oasis

- November 24 - Birmingham, NIA

- November 25 - Glasgow, SECC

- November 27 - London, O2 Academy Brixton

"It's Not Me It's You is out now.

GEEN DAY UK & IRL DATES

2009-04-27T21:47:00.002+01:00

Green Day will start a 10-date tour throughout the UK & Ireland throughout October.

The tour dates in full:

* October 19 - SECC, Glasgow

* October 20 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast

* October 21 - O2, Dublin

* October 23, 24 - O2, Dublin

* October 26 - Hallam Arena, Sheffield

* October 27, 28 - LG Arena, Birmingham

* October 30, 31 - MEN Arena, Manchester

"21st Century Breakdown" is out May 11th.

NEWS: SUGABABES SIGN TO JAY-Z

2009-04-27T21:34:00.003+01:00

The Sugababes have reportedly have signed a contract with Jay-Z's US label Roc-A-Fella.

After the less than great response to their previous record, the group will be looking to reinstate themselves as the top Girl Group with the future release of the seventh record.
They will be working with the top producers who have worked with the biggest acts around including Rihanna & Beyoncé.

Expect to hear more from them later in the year.

HELP E! SAVE ONE SHOW

2009-04-27T21:12:00.002+01:00

It's that time of year where some of the shows you love are on the chopping block!
So thanks to Kristin Dos Santos you have the chance to "Save One Show"!
Here are the choices:

So go to E!online and make your choice!

FHM SEXIEST WOMEN 2009

2009-04-27T18:26:00.003+01:00

FHM Magazine has released their list of the Sexiest Women in the world for 2009.

1. Cheryl Cole (7)
2. Megan Fox (1)
3. Jessica Alba (2)
4. Britney Spears (31)
5. Keeley Hazell (3)
6. Adriana Lima (21)
7. Elisha Cuthbert (4)
8. Kristin Kreuk (48)
9. Anna Friel (re-entry)
10. Freida Pinto (new entry)

Last years numbers in (brackets).

BRUNO

2009-04-27T18:23:00.001+01:00

Enough said.

FROM GOSSIP GIRL TO UNIVERSAL

2009-04-27T17:22:00.003+01:00

Resident Gossip Girl ~~bitch~~ vixen Leighton Meester looks set to add "music" to her C.V.

Meester has reportedly signed to Universal Music and is already in the studio for a 3rd Quarter release of her debut album.

The first track to be taken off the untitled record is a cover titled "Birthday".
Meester describes the track in the Feb. 2009 issue of Teen Vogue as "edgy, like electropop rather than bubblegum, and you can dance to it."

Another track that has leaked is a cover of Kim Carnes "Bette Davis Eyes" which is a good sign of things to come! Far away from the sound of Carnes original, Meester's take is psychedelic electronic masterpiece that encompasses everything that is cool with Pop in '09. Her sultry voice comes unexpected and is a truly remarkable. Watch this space.

VIDEO: NEW IN TOWN

2009-04-27T17:20:00.001+01:00

Little Boots first major track "New In Town" is now not only an audio masterpiece but now has a NEW video. Enjoy below;

ARIA MUSIC CHART

2009-04-27T17:19:00.002+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official Australian Music Charts;

UK OFFICAL MUSIC CHART

2009-04-27T17:17:00.000+01:00

Here are the numbers for the official UK Music Charts;

BEST SONG OF 2009?

2009-04-27T17:00:00.000+01:00

Pop has been reinvented once again, and it has never sounded or looked better before!

The pop institution that is Girls Aloud deliver their best track ever and potentially the best Pop track of 2009!
"Untouchable" is a pop-electro track that pushes every misconception about "pop" music and brings a new dimension to the world of music. This track invokes a pleasure that has been missing since Nelly Furtado's 2006 hit "Say It Right". This track pushed the boundaries of mainstream music.
"Untouchable" should top the UK charts if life was fair, but it seems that they have brought out a song before it's time. The public may not be able to appreciate what the Girls have accomplished just yet, but when we look back at music in 2009 this track will forever be favorably remembered!

Score:9.5/10

BILLBOARD ROUNDUP

2009-04-23T18:30:00.001+01:00

WANT SOME "RAINDROPS"?

2009-04-21T18:33:00.003+01:00

Bassment Jaxx have a new song up on their Myspace and it's AWEsome.

The song, titled "Raindrops is another great up-beat dance track that is gonna set the clubs alight!

DO YOU KNOW YOUR ENEMY?

2009-04-21T18:14:00.002+01:00

Green Day are back!

The first single off their upcoming eighth studio "21st Century Breakdown", "Know Your Enemy" is sure to put them back on top of the Rock World!
"Know Your Enemy" picks up where "American Idiot" left off, massive instruments and rock god lyrics that make Armstrong one of the most influential lyricists of our time.
This song is sure to be massive and possibly one of the biggest rock tracks of the Summer, after only a few days it flew into the UK Chart at No.30 and will soar even further towards the peak when the video is released this week.

"21st Century Breakdown" is out May 15th.

KILLERS "DAY & AGE" UPDATE

2009-04-21T17:54:00.002+01:00

After laying low off the charts and airwaves as of late, the Killers are back with not one but TWO new singles off their latest album; "Day & Age".

In the United States, New Zealand & Australia, the third single to be served to radio will be "A Dustland Fairytale", also out in May.
This is a real standout of "D&A" and it is simply one of their best yet. It is epic and has anthem written all over it! Flowers really is a lyrical genius!

To the UK & Europe, "The World We Live In" will be released in May as the official third single.
This is a very "D&A" song, and isn't instantly likable but with a few listens it grows on you. Will be great for Summer.