andPOP » Eva Lam

Jessie James Makes Her Mark In The Country/Pop World

Eva Lam — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:22:15 +0000

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She’s worked with some of the biggest songwriters in Nashville, contributed a song to the soundtrack of a hit movie and was personally sought out for collaboration by none other than Katy Perry – all before releasing her first album.

Clearly, Jessie James is not your average “new artist.” “I’ve been performing on stage since I was 9 years old,” the singer-songwriter, now 21, tells andPOP. “So it’s definitely something I’m used to. . . . I’ve been doing this forever.”

It’s all coming to a head with the impending release of James’s debut album via Mercury Records/Island Def Jam. Due in stores July 14, the album is a genre-hopping fusion of country, pop, rock and soul, driven by James’ powerhouse vocals. Lead single “Wanted” (co-written by “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi) is already playing on more than 60 stations across the U.S., and its music video was featured by iTunes as a “Video of the Week” last month.

For the performer born Jessica Rose James, the rise to stardom was a slow but steady process that began with a decidely atypical upbringing. A self-described “military brat,” James spent her childhood living in a number of different places in the U.S. and abroad – 14 in all. Looking back, she sees the constant uprooting as having been both a crutch and a blessing for her musical ambitions.

“I would move within six months or a year, so it took a long time to finally stay somewhere long enough so I could really get my music out there,” says James, who performed at events like the Republican Convention and the opening of Sea World as a youngster.

“But it also influenced me so I’m able to adapt in different situations, and I’m great with meeting lots of new people. It’s easy for me to visit different places and be comfortable.”

James finally landed in Georgia, where she lived for seven years. From there, she commuted back and forth to Nashville, working at the age of 15 with a string of top songwriters. The early experience taught James some valuable lessons about songwriting.

“I learned how organic it actually is,” she says. “I’m so glad I started in Nashville, because Nashville is the most traditional way of songwriting. It’s just you and the guitar and writing a song and a melody, and that’s that.”

The back-to-basics approach to writing is something James continues to take with all her songs, from the sassy “My Cowboy” – which received a shout-out from Perez Hilton on his blog last summer – to the no-holds-barred ballad “Guilty.”

“If I’m upset about something or angry, I tend to write it down – it’s my therapy,” she says. “I’ve never written anything that I didn’t mean. Everything that you hear me saying or singing is something that has happened to me and it’s a real situation.

James says inspiration can hit at any time. “My songwriting is very natural and I’m influenced by every day or anything that I’m doing. I could be on a plane and I could be crying about missing my mom or missing family, and I could just write out lyrics immediately. And it comes quick, ’cause I mean it and it’s real.”

Take “Guilty,” for example. The song, which James co-wrote with Josh Kear (a Grammy winner for Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”) and Mark Irwin (Garth Brooks), details the turbulence of James’ relationship at the time with an unidentified famous rocker.

“He was on tour all the time, and I was in Nashville by myself,” she says. “I was just waiting for him and I pretty much told myself he’s got to be cheating if he’s on tour – ‘I mean, he’s cheating, so –’ and in turn I cheated on him. And so that’s pretty much what the song is about.”

James says “Guilty” is her favourite song to perform. “It was a real story, and I think you can feel it when you hear me singing it and any time I play it.”

Not that James’ entire album is drawn from such an emotionally gut-wrenching place. One track that keeps things light and playful is “Blue Jeans,” a hip-hop-flavoured ode to the clothing staple buoyed by such empowering refrains as: “Don’t matter what ya wearin’ (hey hey)/It’s about the way you wear it (hey hey).”

The tune certainly caught the attention of the producers behind this year’s “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” The big-screen adaptation of Sophie Kinsella’s bestselling novel featured “Blue Jeans” on its soundtrack, much to James’ delight – and surprise.

“I didn’t even know it was going to be in the movie!” she says. “I’d been told that they had an interest in using the song ’cause it was obviously about shopping, but I didn’t know until I kept getting text messages on Christmas Day from people saying, “Oh my gosh, I heard your song in the movie trailer for ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ when I went to see ‘Marley and Me.’ I couldn’t believe it. . . . It was very exciting.”

Something else James is excited for is the release of her second single, “Bullet,” on which she shares writing credits with current princess of pop Katy Perry. James reveals that the collaboration actually came about two years ago, when a pre-chart-topping Perry got wind of the then-teenager’s work.

“She emailed me – and this was before she even blew up – (and) she was like, ‘I want to work with you, I think you’re great,’” says James. “And so we had our labels set us up together and we had a writing appointment.”

Besides writing together, Perry also played James two songs she had previously penned, “Bullet” and “Girl Next Door.” Both tracks will now appear on James’ album – “Bullet” features background vocals from Perry, while “Girl Next Door” is a poignant reminder about staying “that down-home girl” in the face of burgeoning stardom, says James. “I cried when I first heard it,” she recalls about the latter tune. “It’s so beautiful.”

So what was it like working with Miss Perry? James has nothing but high praise.

“She is just like you see her. She is a real artist; if I can say anything about her – she is real. She’s not phony and superficial or fake like a lot of these celebrity girls you see out there,” says James.

“She loves music and, you know, you hear a lot of the stuff that she sings on the radio and they’re really great radio songs. But deep down she is a deep, deep person and she writes deep music and real lyrics. . . . She’s worked hard her entire life and I really appreciate that from her. She’s never given up, and I think that’s a good lesson out there to a lot of people.”

Katy Perry’s not the only music heavyweight James is hob-knobbing with these days. In the run-up to her album’s release, she’s lined up several high-profile shows where she shares the bill with “American Idol” winner David Cook, including an upcoming June 20 date at the Red White and Boom Festival in Kansas.

It’s just the beginning of what James envisions as being a long, wide-ranging career. “I see myself doing this forever. If you look at Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn . . . they’re doing it still, they’re still making music, and that is what my plan is,” she says.

“And if for some reason I get too old, then I’m going to start producing artists myself. I want to produce artists and I want to have a label and I want to have my own publishing company. I plan to make a business out of my career.”

For the time being, James plans to keep putting out her personalized brand of tell-it-like-it-is music. She draws inspiration from her music idols including Janis Joplin, Bobbie Gentry and Shania Twain, whom she lauds for being “ballsy,” strong women.

“I get so frustrated when I turn on the radio and there’s a girl singing, ‘Please come back to me’ – I mean, you’ve got to be kidding me!” she says with a laugh.

“I think it’s so important to empower women. You can be confident and you can be single, or you need to have your man earn the respect or the guy will walk all over you. You do the walking.”

The Killers, Amy Winehouse Contribute To Latin-Flavoured Benefit Compilation

Eva Lam — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:42:28 +0000

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Some of the world’s biggest artists have teamed up with Cuban band Rhythms Del Mundo for a benefit album that puts a Latin twist on well-known songs.

The Killers, Amy Winehouse, Fall Out Boy, Jack Johnson, KT Tunstall, Keane, Cat Power, Kaiser Chiefs, OneRepublic and the Rolling Stones are among the acts featured on “Rhythms Del Mundo Classics,” which is set for release July 13.

The album aims to raise awareness and funds for climate crisis projects and natural disaster relief through the U.K.-based charity Artists Project Earth.

Covers include the Killer’s “Hotel California” (originally done by the Eagles), Amy Winehouse’s “Cupid” (Sam Cooke), John Mayer and Fall Out Boy’s “Beat It” (Michael Jackson) and Keane’s “Under Pressure” (Queen). Each act reimagined their tune in collaboration with Rhythms del Mundo, which is made up of some of Cuba’s top musicians.

“Classics” follows the similar 2006 album “Rhythms Del Mundo Cuba,” the idea for which emerged out of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

That compilation featured Buena Vista Social Club musicians reworking tunes from such acts as Coldplay, U2, Maroon 5, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand.

Spielberg’s ‘Tintin’ Set For 2011

Eva Lam — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:34:15 +0000

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Director Steven Spielberg’s “The Adventure of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn” is set to hit North American theatres on Dec. 23, 2011, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The 3-D motion-capture feature will premiere to audiences in other parts of the world even earlier, with an international rollout scheduled to begin in late October of that year.

Filming began in January for the project, which is inspired by the famous character introduced by Belgian illustrator Herge in 1929. Jamie Bell stars as the titular globetrotting young reporter, while his “Defiance” co-star Daniel Craig plays the villainous pirate Red Rackham.

The cast is rounded out by Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Gad Elmaleh, Toby Jones and Mackenzie Crook.

“The Secret of the Unicorn” is only the first in a planned series of Tintin films. “Lord of the Rings” filmmaker Peter Jackson, whose Weta Digital effects house developed the motion-capture technology that will be used in the films, is on tap to direct the second film.

‘Die Hard,’ ‘Jennifer’s Body’ Turned Into Comic Books

Eva Lam — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:25:13 +0000

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Two films – one a beloved action franchise, the other an upcoming horror comedy – are making their way into the comic world courtesy of Boom! Studios.

The comic-book company has announced it will publish a “Die Hard” prequel titled “Die Hard: Year One,” which will star a younger version of the John McClane character made famous by Bruce Willis on the big screen.

The official plot synopsis reads: “Every great action hero got started somewhere: Batman Began. Bond had his Casino Royale. And for John McClane, more than a decade before the first DIE HARD movie, he’s just another rookie cop, an East Coast guy working on earning his badge in New York City during 1976’s Bicentennial celebration. Too bad for John McClane, nothing’s ever that easy.”

The comic-book series will hit store shelves in August.

Also slated for release in August is the graphic novel “Jennifer’s Body,” based on the upcoming Diablo Cody-penned thriller of the same name.

The movie stars Megan Fox as a demonically-possessed cheerleader whose victims of choice are teenage boys. According to the Boom! plot synopsis, the novel “ties into the movie and expands on its universe.”

More details about the two new series, as well as cover art, can be found on the official Boom! Studios blog here.

Natalie Portman Joins ‘Your Highness’

Eva Lam — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:45:05 +0000

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We all remember Xena – but now get ready for Natalie Portman: Warrior Princess.

The 27-year-old actress is joining the cast of Universal’s “Your Highness,” a medieval farce starring Danny McBride and James Franco.

As previously reported, the movie will follow an arrogant and lazy prince (McBride) and his more competent brother (Franco) as they go on a quest to save their father’s kingdom.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Portman will play a warrior princess who is also the love interest of McBride’s character.

The movie, which begins shooting this summer in Northern Ireland, will be directed by “Pineapple Express” helmer David Gordon Green from a script by Ben Best and McBride. The latter can be seen in theatres starting Friday as one of the stars of “Land of the Lost.”

As for Portman, the Golden Globe-winning actress is currently shooting the indie drama “Hesher” and will next star in “Brothers” alongside Jake Gyllenhall and Tobey Maguire.

Duran Duran Reworks ‘Rio’ For Mark Ronson

Eva Lam — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:30:54 +0000

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Duran Duran have recorded a “new” version of their 1982 hit “Rio” in tribute to British uber-producer Mark Ronson.

Ronson, who is collaborating with the veteran band on their upcoming album, appeared on BBC Radio 1′s “Zane Lowe Show” last week with the updated track, which now includes lines like: “His name is Ronson and he mixes with both hands” and “When he cuts he really shows you all he can.”

Ronson also spoke to the DJ about working on Duran Duran’s new album, the follow-up to 2007′s “Red Carpet Massacre.”

“I loved the first four albums – some of my favourite records of all time – and I think it sounds like that,” the producer said. “The stuff we’ve been recording so far is nice. Nick [Hodgson] from the Kaiser Chiefs came on and wrote a couple of songs, and it sounds good.”

You can check out the song and full interview on Duran Duran’s official website here.

The band, which formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, will play one date in Russia in June and have a handful of other shows confirmed for the U.S. and the U.K. in July.

Metallica Recording Shows For DVD

Eva Lam — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:05:28 +0000

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Metallica have confirmed they will film four shows on their World Magnetic Tour for a new concert DVD.

“There’s been a little chatter here and there about us filming a few shows this summer for potential release on DVD and among the countless Internet rumors, these ones are actually true!” the band announced in a recent posting on their official website.

“We thought it would be cool to document a few shows that are unique and sure to be extra memorable for us, and hopefully for you too.”

The band will bring camera crews to their three shows at Mexico City’s Foro Sol on June 4, 6, and 7, as well as their July 7 show in Nimes, France at the Arenes De Nimes, a historic Roman amphitheatre. All four shows are sold out.

The statement on the website concludes: “For any Metallica friends going to these shows, bring your war faces and don’t be scared of the cameras!!!”

Metallica have said they plan to tour through 2010 in support of last year’s “Death Magnetic,” their ninth studio album. They currently have shows scheduled through mid-December, including seven sold-out Canadian dates.

Angelina Jolie Hospitalized, Released After On-Set Injury

Eva Lam — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:50:00 +0000

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Angelina Jolie is reportedly back on the set of her latest movie after being taken to the hospital for a minor bump to the head.

The actress was shooting an action sequence for the thriller “Salt” in New York on Friday when she sustained the injury.

According to Columbia Pictures spokesman Steve Elzer, Jolie was taken to a local hospital as a precautionary measure, examined and released.

Elzer said she was back on the set later that day and production had resumed.

“Salt,” which also stars Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor, has Jolie playing a CIA officer who goes on the run after she is accused of being a Russian spy.

The movie is slated for release in summer of 2010.

Dr. Dre Teams Up With Dr. Pepper

Eva Lam — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:15:23 +0000

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Dr. Dre will give fans a sneak peek at “Detox,” his first album in 10 years, in a new Dr. Pepper commercial that is set to debut Monday.

The rapper-producer makes his way through a party in the soft-drink ad, saying “Scientific tests prove when you drink Dr. Pepper slow, the 23 flavours taste even better. For me, slow always produces a hit.” He then uses his pop can to slow down the beat at a DJ stand, to the delight of the partygoers.

As Nah Right reports, the beat featured in the commercial is from “Shit Popped Off,” a track that is expected to appear on Dr. Dre’s new album.

Dre is just one of several famous “doctors” who are lending their star power to the Dr. Pepper ad campaign, dubbed “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.” Other versions feature Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Frasier Crane (played by Kelsey Grammer) and Gene Simmons, a.k.a. “Doctor Love.”

As for “Detox,” Dr. Dre fans can look forward to the album’s release sometime in late 2009. The follow-up to 1999′s “Dr. Dre 2001″ is expected to include guest appearances from the likes of Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Eminem, T.I., Nas, 50 Cent and others.

Dustin Hoffman Joins ‘Barney’s Version’

Eva Lam — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:24:01 +0000

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Dustin Hoffman has joined the cast of “Barney’s Version,” a big-screen adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel by Mordecai Richler.

The two-time Academy Award winner will star alongside Paul Giamatti (“Sideways”), who will portray the cantankerous title character, Barney Panofsky. Hoffman will play Izzy, Barney’s foul-mouthed, retired cop father.

In a statement, the film’s director expressed his excitement for the addition of Hoffman to the Canada-Italy co-production.

“Many of the films that Dustin Hoffman starred in (The Graduate, Straw Dogs, Little Big Man) led me to become a filmmaker in the first place,” said Richard J. Lewis, whose credits include episodes of “CSI” and “North of 60.” “Now I have the opportunity to work with a legend.”

Principal photography is slated to begin Aug. 17 in Rome. Filming also expected to take place in Montreal, the Laurentians and New York.

Montreal author Richler won the Giller Prize for his novel, which was published in 1997.

Seann William Scott, Adam Brody Join Kevin Smith Movie

Eva Lam — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:40:34 +0000

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“A Couple of Dicks,” director Kevin Smith’s upcoming buddy action-comedy starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan, has added two more to its cast.

The movie revolves around a maverick cop (Willis) and his partner (Morgan) as they go on the hunt for a valuable baseball card that has been stolen.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seann William Scott (“Role Models”) has signed on to play a thief known as the Shit Bandit for the “souvenirs” he leaves behind at crime scenes.

Also joining the cast is Adam Brody (“In The Land of Women,” TV’s “The O.C.”), who will play a prickly detective less-than-pleased about having to work with the titular dicks/detectives.

The script was penned by Robb and Mark Cullen, whose credits include the TV shows “Las Vegas” and “Heist.” It marks the first time that Smith, the filmmaker behind such movies as “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma” and, most recently, “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” is helming a feature that he didn’t also write.

The movie begins shooting in New York on Monday.

“A Couple of Dicks” isn’t slated for release until 2010, but fans can catch Scott (or at least his voice) in the upcoming sequel “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.” Meanwhile, Brody will next appear in the indie drama “Death in Love” and the dark comedy “Jennifer’s Body.”

Freddie Prinze Jr. Joins Cast Of ’24′

Eva Lam — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:58:37 +0000

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Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer is getting a new ally (or foe – it’s hard to tell with the show) in the form of Freddie Prinze Jr.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Prinze has been cast in the upcoming eighth season of the real-time drama as a regular, playing a recently returned Marine named Davis Cole.

Cole now heads the field ops unit of the revived CTU in New York – and he’s also a big fan of Bauer’s, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of the butt-kicking counterterrorism agent.

Prinze is just the latest “24″ cast addition, joining fellow regulars Anil Kapoor (“Slumdog Millionaire”), Chris Diamantopoulos (“The Starter Wife”) and John Boyd (“Law & Order”). As previously reported, Kapoor will play a Middle Eastern leader, while Diamantopoulos will play the president’s chief-of-staff and Boyd will play a CTU analyst.

Recurring cast members so far include Jennifer Westfeldt (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as a journalist and Nazneen Contractor (“The Border”) as Kapoor’s daughter.

The show, which aired its season seven finale earlier this month, has started production on the new season, though fans will have to wait until January for the premiere.

Prinze rose to fame with roles in such movies as “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “She’s All That” and the “Scooby-Doo” films. He also starred in the ABC sitcom “Freddie” from 2005 to 2006.

Most recently, he voiced the title character in the 2008 animated movie “Delgo” and joined the WWE’s creative team in a behind-the-scenes role.

Lady Gaga To Perform At MMVAs

Eva Lam — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:07:06 +0000

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Lady Gaga is set to bring her outrageous fashions and chart-topping tunes to Toronto next month as a performer at the MuchMusic Video Awards.

The show, to be co-hosted by the Jonas Brothers, will air live on June 21 starting at 9 p.m., preceded by a red carpet special at 8 p.m.

Currently on tour in Australia, Lady Gaga told MuchNews that she was looking forward to her appearance at the MMVAs.

“MuchMusic is so amazing and they are so supportive,” the singer said. “I love them even more for playing my ‘Love Game’ video because they won’t play it here in Australia. They think it’s a bit too x-rated. I don’t think so; I think it’s fashion and art.”

Canadians have reciprocated in their love for Lady Gaga, with two of her singles – “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” – going six-times platinum in the country.

Meanwhile, MuchMusic has announced the nominations for this year’s awards show. Nickleback and Danny Fernandes nabbed a leading five nods each, while Mariana’s Trench followed closely with four. All three acts are up for the video of the year award.

Other multiple nominees include Classified, the Midway State, Lights and k-os.

Weezer To Offer Personalized Snuggies

Eva Lam — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:04:10 +0000

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Weezer are releasing their own version of the popular blanket-that-you-can-wear known as a Snuggie.

Dubbed a “Wuggie,” the item is the result of a collaboration between the band and the official makers of the sleeved blanket.

“A Wuggie is basically exactly like a Snuggie, except it says Weezer on it,” front man Rivers Cuomo told Rolling Stone. “The people at Snuggie are doing it with us and promoting it with us. It’s a totally legit Snuggie.”

Wuggies aside, the band has been working on their seventh album and follow-up to last year’s self-titled effort known as the “Red Album.” According to the band’s official blog, no release date has been set for the as-yet-untitled album, but the first single will likely be released in the summer.

As previously reported, Weezer fans can also catch the band as one of the opening acts for Blink-182′s reunion tour this summer.

LFO Reunite For New York Show

Eva Lam — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:19:41 +0000

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Boy band LFO – perhaps best known for a ’90s hit referencing New Kids on the Block and “girls that wear Abercrombie & Fitch” – are pulling their own NKOTB-esque move with a reunion show this summer.

The group, which went on indefinite hiatus in 2003, will play the one-off gig at New York’s Highline Ballroom on July 18.

Supporting acts for the show are Rookie Of The Year, Go Crash Audio and Kiernan McMullan.

Tickets go on sale at Thursday and are priced at $35. Fans can also opt for VIP tickets, which includes a “meet and greet” as well as backstage and sound check access.

LFO – otherwise known as Lyte Funky Ones – reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999 with the aforementioned “Summer Girls.”

The group went on to have a couple of more radio hits including “Girl on TV” and “Every Other Time” before going their separate ways.

Flo Rida, Oasis To Play iTunes Live Festival

Eva Lam — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:45:58 +0000

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The initial wave of performers has been announced for the third annual iTunes Live: London Festival, which will run throughout July at the Roundhouse in north London.

Flo Rida, Oasis, Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini and the Saturdays are among the confirmed acts, with more artists expected to be announced shortly.

In total, 62 bands will play over 32 consecutive nights starting July 1.

The event is free to attend, with tickets being given away to contest winners via www.ituneslive.co.uk and the iTunes Live profile page on Facebook. Becoming a fan of the Facebook profile will also give you access to video highlights, live audio broadcasts and the latest lineup announcements.

As with past iTunes Live events, each performance will be recorded and available to download via iTunes stores worldwide.

Michael Moore’s New Documentary Coming This Fall

Eva Lam — Sun, 24 May 2009 23:40:00 +0000

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Michael Moore’s documentary about the collapse of the global economy will hit theatres Oct. 2, the film’s distributors announced Thursday.

According to Overture and Paramount Vintage, the still-untitled documentary will explore the “root causes of the economic meltdown,” as well as “take a comical look at the corporate and political shenanigans” that resulted in the financial meltdown.

“The wealthy, at some point, decided they didn’t have enough wealth,” Moore said in a statement. “So they systematically set out to fleece the American people.”

The distributors noted that the movie will hit theatres almost a year to the day that U.S. Congress passed the country’s first economic stimulus package.

Moore is known for making provocative documentaries, from his 1989 breakout film “Roger and Me” to the Academy Award-winning “Bowling For Columbine” and the controversial “Fahrenheit 9/11.” His most recent film, 2007′s “Sicko,” took a critical look at the U.S. health-care industry.

New Lil Wayne Album Delayed Again

Eva Lam — Sun, 24 May 2009 22:39:24 +0000

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Fans of Lil Wayne will have to wait a little longer for the rapper’s rock-influenced album, “Rebirth.”

The record, which was originally slated for release in early April before being moved to May and then to June, has now been pushed back to July 21.

The latest delay is reportedly to give Universal Records more time to get permission for the samples used on the album, Lil Wayne’s seventh solo effort. Confirmed guest stars on “Rebirth” include Avril Lavigne, Aubrey “Drake” Graham, Fall Out Boy and Lenny Kravitz.

The album, which has already spawned lead single “Prom Queen,” is being touted as Lil Wayne’s experimental foray into rock music.

His last album, “Tha Carter III,” won the best rap album prize at this year’s Grammy Awards, where the rapper picked up a total of four awards.

Bruce Springsteen Booked As Final Giants Stadium Performer

Eva Lam — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:37:46 +0000

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Bruce Springsteen will bid farewell to New Jersey’s Giants Stadium this fall as the final music act to rock the soon-to-be-demolished sporting venue.

Springsteen made the announcement this week during his show at the nearby Izod Center, telling the crowd that he and his “wrecking crew” – the E Street Band – have a three-concert stint at the stadium scheduled for Sept. 30, Oct. 2 and Oct. 3.

Tickets for those shows go on sale June 1 at 10 a.m. EST.

Springsteen is no stranger to Giants Stadium, having sold out 16 concerts at the venue throughout his career.

The stadium is slated for demolition following this year’s NFL season to clear the path for the New York Giants’ new $1.3 billion home.

Ben Stiller To Receive MTV Generation Award

Eva Lam — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:09:09 +0000

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Ben Stiller will be honoured at next week’s MTV Movie Awards with the MTV Generation Award, joining the ranks of such past recipients as Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers and Tom Cruise.

In a statement Friday, the network lauded the actor for pushing the boundaries throughout his career.

“From ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ to ‘Zoolander,’ Ben is a comedic chameleon, able to make the leap between drama and full-out comedy while maintaining his own unique brand of subversive humor,” Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music/Logo/Film Group, said.

“Whether it’s fighting a monkey in a museum or licking a decapitated head, nothing is ever off-limits for him and that’s the type of warped creative vision and commitment MTV loves to reward.”

Stiller said he was honoured to be receiving the award.

“I was given my first show at MTV, and also canceled for the first time,” he said. “I also was secretly having an affair with [original MTV VJ] J.J. Jackson, so it brings back pleasant memories.”

Stiller’s film credits include “Reality Bites,” “There’s Something About Mary,” “Meet the Parents,” “Zoolander,” “Tropic Thunder” and the just-released “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.”

“High School Musical” star Zac Efron will present Stiller with the honour at the awards show, which is set to take place May 31 in Universal City, Calif.