UnRated Entertainment Magazine

Rock Meets Classic Tour 2012 - Essen, Germany

2012-01-25T16:44:00.001-06:00

Grugahalle - Essen, Germany - January 18, 2012
by Edwin van Hoof

012 just kicked off and already I find myself on the front row of one of rock's most exceptional events, Rock meets Classic. After my first acquaintance with this remarkable concert 2 years ago, I was delighted to see it return to the Essener Grugahalle which now, unlike 2 years ago, was nearly sold out. It seems classic rock fans finally appreciate the unique combination of classic and melodic rock, blended with the pompous overhaul of a classic orchestra. The symbioses between this style of music and the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra of Prague is further more elevated by the powerful rockband put together by musical director Mat Sinner (Sinner Primal, Fear). Alexander Beyroth (Sinner, Primal Fear, Voodoo Circle, Silent Force) and Oliver Hartmann (At Vance, Hartmann) handle guitars, and Jimmy Kresic on keyboards. Backing vocals are vividly brought to life by a renowned choir consisting of Amanda Somerville (Thrillium, Avantasia), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), X Factor finalist Tiffany Kirkland, Verena AkaNena and German musical star Sasha Krebs. Indeed, an all star cast which will make stars like Ian Gillan, Jimi Jamison (Survivor, Cobra), Robin Beck, Steve Lukather (Toto) and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earth Band) and shine brightly tonight.

As the lights dim, the orchestra and Kresic kick off the evening together with Krebs and a powerful version of Van Halen's rockhammer "Jump," instantly creating and interaction with the stunned audience. The towering keyboard theme, being empowered by the large string and brass section of the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra, paving the way for the first highlight of this evening, Jimi Jamison. "Burning Heart" and "Eye of the Tiger" are sung along too loud, but the exquisite highlights of the set are "Didn't know it was Love" and "I can't hold Back," followed by the stunning beautiful orchestral rendition of "The Search is over." The ballad especially gives me goose bumps all over. Jamison interacts with his audience and is a true entertainer, blessed with a crystal clear voice he manages to make the best impression of this night.

Real more of performances by Jimi Jamison, Robin Beck, Chris Thompson, Steve Lukather, and Ian Gillan.

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

Jane’s Addiction Unleash The “Theatre Of The Escapists” Tour

2012-01-10T15:49:00.000-06:00

Alternative Rock Pioneers To Perform “Immersive” Show In Classic Theatres Starting February 22

From the beginning, JANE’S ADDICTION has thrown the most unique parties in rock, mixing a fierce musicality with theatrical flair onstage. 2012 sees the band--who’ve always outrageously combined electricity, sex and danger--return in support of their acclaimed album THE GREAT ESCAPE ARTIST (Capitol Records), which features the now-buzzing-at-radio track “Underground.” Starting February 22, this special run of North American shows—called “Theatre of the Escapists”--will bring the band to intimate venues, most of which are classic theatres. The alternative rock pioneers--frontman Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins, along with Chris Chaney on bass—are poised to deliver an immersive theatrical experience as only they can. Tickets go on sale January 14, with a pre-sale set for 10:00 EST this Wednesday, January 11. There will be a special package on JanesAddiction.com where fans can pair up their presale ticket with a high-quality lithograph. The lithograph will be signed by the band and sold only at the JanesAddiction.com presale.

“We chose to play as many of the great theatres that we could find because we wanted to immerse the audience in a unique experience unlike any they have ever seen at a rock show,” says FARRELL. “Expect an orgy of musical and visual delights. We like orgies, and hope you do too.”

2011 was a milestone year for JANE’S ADDICTION, marking the release of their first studio album in eight years, the Rich Costey-produced album, THE GREAT ESCAPE ARTIST. Spin, writing about one of the album’s tracks, noted that “frontman Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro both put in stunning performances...it sounds like a band re-vitalized” (August 3, 2011), while USA Today said the album finds “…core members Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins conjuring the feral drive and mystical haze of those early works with a fresh kick to the band's electro-rock meld (10/17/11).” The album features “Irresistible Force,” the transfixing Top Ten alternative rock hit that Rolling Stone called “an art metal freak show set on some distant planet” (August 3, 2011). Their new single, “Underground” is currently climbing the alternative and rock radio charts. It features some of NAVARRO’s best guitar work, according to the Wall Street Journal, which took note of the way he ”excels with terse fills long before he solos at the song's fade.” The publication added: “As always, Stephen Perkins proves to be one of rock's great drummers, and his interplay with Mr. Navarro, his high-school marching-band buddy, is one of the disc's savory treats” (October 11, 2011).

Also in 2011, JANE’S ADDICTION headlined major events such as the Splendor in the Grass in Australia, the launch of Lollapalooza Chile, Gathering of the Vibes, and the iHeart Radio Festival in Las Vegas.

In June, JANE’S were inducted into Guitar Center’s RockWalk by Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello. Morello made it clear that the alt-rock pioneers led the way: ” Nirvana often gets credit for being the first ‘alternative’ band to break through, the band that changed music and led rock out of the hair metal wilderness of the ‘80’s. That’s just not true. It was Jane’s Addiction.”

In August, at Lollapalooza’s 20^th Anniversary in Chicago, in front of 80,000 fans, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters recounted the first time he saw JANE’S ADDICTION in 1991 in Los Angeles: “…that day me and Kurt went down and we sat at the audience and we thought: ‘Oh my god, music is f%%%kin changing.’ There’s 20,000 people here. To see bands that are actually f%%%kin cool. WTF. How did that happen! So I’d like to thank Perry for changing music–thank you Perry…Well this one goes out to you Perry, cause if it weren’t for you, I swear to god, we wouldn’t f%%%kin be here right now. And when I say: ‘We.’ I mean: ‘F%%%kin We.’ Am I right! Am I Right!”

Onstage, JANE’S ADDICTION hold nothing back. They “…reminded everyone there were rock gods to be prayed to, and then defied them with feverish grace,” noted Billboard (August 13, 2011—check date) of their NYC show at Terminal 5. Writing about their Los Angeles performance at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, ArtistDirect.com (October 5, 2011) said: “Jane's Addiction stood triumphant for the entire show. It was one of those magical gigs where every element simply worked. On stage, Jane's Addiction display the kind of mystique that's belonged to the likes of Led Zeppelin and few others. However, they're one of a kind.”

The cities for JANE’S ADDICTION’s “Theatre of the Escapists” tour, with support act Black Box Revelation are as follows:

Saint Louis, MO
Detroit, MI
Columbus, OH
Toronto, ON
Rochester, NY
Albany, NY
Portland, ME
Long Island, NY
Wellmont, NJ
Waterbury, CT
Richmond, VA
Myrtle Beach, SC
Atlanta, GA
Tulsa, OK
Kansas City, MO
Minneapolis, MN
Grand Rapids, MI
Milwaukee, WI

www.janesaddiction.com

www.facebook.com/janesaddiction

www.twitter.com/janesaddiction

Follow the band on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/perryfarrell

http://twitter.com/davenavarro6767

http://twitter.com/stephenperkins

- Read more UnRatedMagazine.com

Common's "The Dreamer, The Believer" In Stores

2011-12-21T09:48:00.000-06:00

COMMON’S 9TH STUDIO ALBUM “THE DREAMER, THE BELIEVER” IN STORES
ALBUM RECEIVES “BEST OF 2011” HONORS AND ACCLAIMS ACROSS THE BOARD IN REVIEWS

Warner Bros. Records releases Grammy award winning rapper, actor, and author Common’s highly anticipated album The Dreamer, The Believer. “Common has been a fabulous partner for the Warner Bros. label,” says Warner Bros. Co-President and CEO Todd Moscowitz. “His cross-over appeal, work ethic, and heightened visibility, have allowed us to maximize his exposure and cross market him not only to his core but to a broader fanbase.” Joie Manda, head of Warner Bros. Urban division further adds, “Common deserves his spot in the history books as one of the best rappers to ever do it. Anyone who does not have this album is missing out on a true body of work.”

Reviews of The Dreamer, The Believer have been nothing short of stellar. SPIN Magazine gave the album an 8 of 10 rating while Entertainment Weekly listed the album in “The Must List: The Top 10 Things We Love This Week.” The Chicago Sun-Times finds the “spirited” and “soulful” album a “U-turn to reconnect with his South Side roots” following 2008’s Universal Mind Control while the Chicago Tribune applauds the effort for “returning to his ‘90s foundation: uplifting songs about everyday folks rising above their circumstances.” The Associated Press comments further chimes in, “In all, the combination of Common and No I.D. make The Dreamer, The Believer work. The rapper finds balance with his complex lyrics and supplies a clear message that all dreams can be achieved with an unwavering belief system in yourself.” In their review of his New York album listening session last week, The Village Voice exclaimed, “The sleeping giant has been awakened. The Dreamer, The Believer puts Common back on the proverbial hip-hop map[.] No matter whether he really ever left in the first place, this is where he belongs.” This week, Complex Magazine named the record in their “Top 25 Album of 2011” stating that “Common remains one of the best pure emcess in hip-hop, still spitting that raw after two decades in the game. With his new album, The Dreamer, The Believer, the Chicago-getter is back to doing what he does best: flowing over rugged breakbeats.”

The album is a full-circle journey through life, love and reality. “I wanted to make an album that everyone could relate to and also showcases my experiences. My career has taken many directions in the past couple of years as well as my personal life,” reflects Common.” The lead single “Blue Sky” touches on the importance of reaching for your goals despite your current circumstance: “Daylight beams, night-life schemes/ This is my inception I'm writing my dreams.” Elsewhere, “Cloth” demonstrates a symbolic view of relationships and the belief that your mate has to be cut from the same values and beliefs (“We can cover each other through the coldest nights/ Tight, never smother, It's two things that seems to hold us together/ God is our tailor and forever), while “Raw (How You Like It)” is a throwback to real hip-hop battles and natural bravado (“Dude got vile like crack in the 80's/ You don't want to test this yo/ You never know who got a tech up in the disco”). Common takes to his nay-sayers and frustration with the commodification of hip-hop on “Sweet” which is arguably the most contentious record on the album: “My name synonymous with prominence/ I'm the hip hop what Obama is to politics.” “Lovin I Lost,” one of the more personal records on the album, touches on his very public relationships (“How could someone you to talk to each and everyday, that you about to marry be on their merry way?/ I'm singin' through the pain like I was Mary J.”

Guests for the 12-track album includes the honorable Maya Angelou who showcases her prowess with an original poem on the opening track “The Dreamer,” hip-hop legend and traditionalist emcee Nas who rounds out the evocative storytelling record “Ghetto Dreams,” soul crooner John Legend who is featured on the uplifting track “The Believer,” and Common’s own father Lonnie “Pops” Lynn who gives a Gil Scott-Heron inspired benediction to close out the album. All production for this cinematic journey is at the hands of longtime friend and renowned producer NO I.D.

Tracklisting is as follows:

1. The Dreamer feat. Maya Angelou

2. Ghetto Dreams feat. Nas

3. Blue Sky

4. Sweet

5. Gold

6. Lovin’ I Lost

7. Raw (How You Like It)

8. Cloth

9. Celebrate

10. Windows

11. The Believer feat. John Legend

12. Pop’s Belief

Without a traditional radio set-up for the album, Common relied on the strength of his music and the viral support of his fans to push the record and its contents. Following a real-time performance and interview at Youtube’s headquarters, Common received monumental praise for the record which resulted in the emcess previewing the entire album one week before its release. “I thought it was important to reach my true fans, they motivate me,” reveals Common. “I am rooted in hip-hop and the blogs keep me on my toes. They don’t bite their tongues.”

Leading up to the release, Common has made a number of highly-visible appearances including a Haiti-inspired documentary for CNN Heroes, a panel position on HBO’s Real Time Bill Maher, a performance tribute to GrandMaster Flash with LL Cool J, Rick Ross, and Lupe Fiasco at the 43rd Annual Grammy Nominations Special, a resounding performance of “Blue Sky” with Marsha Ambrosius at the 40th Anniversary Special of the Soul Train Awards, and even gracing the couch of Chelsea Lately. Upcoming appearances include BET Honors and 106 and Park, Wendy Williams, the VH1 Diva’s Live special on December 19th, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on January 12th, Live! With Kelly on January 13th, BET Honors, the Kennedy Center Honors special, and even a cooking segment showcasing his lifestyle regiment on ABC’s The Chew on December 22nd. Common can currently be seen on the covers of Michigan Avenue , JET Magazine and M Musician Magazine. Fans can catch him this week in front of a packed house at the Spotify sponsored Highline Ballroom in New York City on Monday December 19th or at the sold-out House Of Blues show on December 21st.

Common also stars in the AMC series, “Hell on Wheels,” which premiered to the second highest ratings the network has ever had. Common plays the role of “ Elam ,” a freed slave who comes west in post-Civil War America seeking work on the Transcontinental Railroad. Common has also recently finished filming the Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture fantasy film The Odd Life of Timothy Green alongside Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton and Ron Livingston. Next up, Common will star alongside Danny Glover and Michael Rainey Jr. in L.U.V. as “Uncle Vincent,” a troubled ex-con who finds companionship with his shy 13-year-old nephew. Also serving as a producer on the film, Common will travel to the 2012 Sundance Film Festival where L.U.V. has been accepted to the U.S. Dramatic Competition.

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

UnRated Film Magazine – Movie Reviews, Interviews,, Hollywood Kane Hodder: Stuntman, Jason and Author

2011-12-21T09:39:00.000-06:00

Kane Hodder

Interview with Kane Hodder at Horrobles, Berwyn, Chicago, IL, December 3, 2011
by James Klein, photo by Adam Bielawski

I was 13 years old when Kane Hodder made an impact in my life. It was the summer of 1989 and a friend of mine and myself journeyed to the local theater for opening day of Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. We were waiting in anticipation as Jason was now going to be killing off New Yorkers instead of camp counselors. As the film started and we got a glimpse of some bare breasts as a man and a woman on a boat are making out, that’s when real evil hit: the usher of the theater came by and kicked us out. As we argued with the guy that we were old enough to see the film, I could see Jason aiming a dart gun at the guy, killing him. Sure, I saw the film as soon as it came out on VHS but I wanted to see Jason on the big screen so bad, my little pre-pubescent mind couldn’t handle the disappointment.

In the summer of 1993, I took my girlfriend at the time on our one month anniversary dinner…and then dragged her to see Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday. At dinner, the trailer for the film played at the T.V. hanging over by the bar so I quickly jumped up and ran to see it as my date sat alone at the table.

In the spring of 2002, I took my other girlfriend (whose now my wife) to see Jason X on the big screen. Not being a horror fan but not wanting to disappoint me at the same time, she went reluctantly and sat thru it. Kane Hodder has always played some sort of part in my life, especially being a huge Friday the 13th fan. Now, with Hodder’s new book Unmasked (co-written by Michael Aloisi) out on shelves and a whole slew of movies under his belt, Hodder is now a horror icon, a legend to horror fans.

This interview wouldn’t have been possible without the permission and help of my good friend John Aranza who runs one of the best goddamn stores around, Horrorbles. Horrorbles is located in Berwyn, IL and it’s the home for horror (I even taught a horror screenwriting class there) with posters, toys, movies, and memorabilia. Interviewing Mr. Hodder at Horrorbles was all the more fitting and I thank my friend John from the bottom of my bloody heart for getting me this interview.

James Klein: You started out as a stunt man before you became an actor. How did you break into being a stunt person and what drew you to that career move?

Kane Hodder: I broke in very slowly, extremely slowly. It took eight years really to get something working. I thought it would be a great career to have. I didn’t realize just how difficult it was to get into it when I wanted it to start. I just got…I got bitten by the bug by doing something crazy and getting paid for it. So I thought I’d like to try it. It took forever. I still do a lot of stunt work, even when I am playing certain characters because it almost always has some stunt activity involved with that character that I play. I still choreograph the stunts that I do for movies. I still love it.

JK: One of your first roles was in Lone Wolf McQuade with Chuck Norris. What was it like working on one of your first films and working closely with such an icon like Chuck Norris?

KH: Actually it wasn’t my first movie but it was my first movie I was on for an extended period of time. Um…it was fantastic because I am sure that anyone that was ever talked about Chuck will say he is a great guy which he is. He’s a pleasure to work with. A great guy to do a fight scene with because he knows his business. There’s a lot of actors that think they know how to fight but they don’t, they end up hurting you. But he’s a great guy and we had a lot of fun because we did all kinds of different stunts in that movie. From fights to ya know even some car work. It was the first time I was ever on location for awhile, down in El Paso for a few months. And it was interesting working with David Carradine too.

- Read the full interview at UnRatedFilm.com

Kane Hodder Interview Coming to UnRatedFilm.com

2011-12-05T22:26:00.003-06:00

Kane Hodder Interview Coming to UnRatedFilm.com ... You better be afraid!

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

Testament comment on departure of drummer, Paul Bostaph

2011-12-02T15:30:00.000-06:00

TESTAMENT COMMENT ON DEPARTURE OF MEMBER Paul Bostaph continues with BlackGates

Chuck Billy, vocalist for Bay Area thrash legend, TESTAMENT, throws down the following update on drummer Paul Bostaph’s departure from the band: “I, Eric, Alex, and Greg want to congratulate our brother, forever, Paul Bostaph on his new band, BlackGates. And while ‘The Hands of Mayhem’ will be sorely missed from our band, we wish him the ultimate success in everything that he does in his future.”

TESTAMENT is now actively seeking the heaviest drummer on the planet.

Details will be announced soon. Testament's new album, The Dark Roots of Earth, will be unleashed upon the world this spring, 2012!

Visit TESTAMENT online at:
www.TESTAMENTLEGIONS.com
Facebook.com/TESTAMENTLEGIONS
Twitter.com/TESTAMENTBAND

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

The Sounds LIVE at the Union Transfer in Philadelphia on November 1, 2011

2011-11-30T15:38:00.000-06:00

The Sounds

Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA – November 1, 2011
by Kate Strollo

Having just released their latest album, Something To Die For, Swedish indie dance rockers The Sounds recently embarked on their first World Wide Tour since 2009. Comprised of group members Maja Ivarsson (vocals), Felix Rodriguez (guitar), Jesper Anderberg (keyboard/piano/guitar), Johan Bengtsson (bass), and Fredrik Blond (drums), the band is now back with their signature mix of electronic, pop, and alternative rock.
Although they have always been involved in the Swedish independent dance scene, The Sounds began playing music and recording together in 1998. Their 2002 debut album, Living In America, was met with exceptional reviews and even earned them a Grammis (Swedish version of the Grammys) award. The album further established the act in the United States where they developed a highly dedicated, and celebrity oriented, fan base.

The Sounds further went on to release Dying To Say This To You in 2006 and Crossing The Rubicon in 2009. Each record resulted in subsequent worldwide tours with acts such as Panic! At The Disco, Semi Precious Weapons, and Matt and Kim. In early March 2011, the band released Something To Die For after months of recording in their own studio. One major difference that set this album apart from the rest was the fact that they wrote, recorded, and produced it by themselves. Musically, it also contained a greater arrangement of electronic elements such as pulsing beats and bolder synths. As of October 2011, The Sounds kicked off their World Tour in support of the album and I was lucky enough to catch them at the Union Transfer in Philadelphia.

The Union Transfer, named after the train station that previously occupied the building, recently opened this past September to accommodate the city's need for an all-ages venue geared towards independent music. Since then, the venue has become known as one of the best in the city with its top-of-the-line sound system and charming interior. Catering to Philadelphia's up and coming electronic scene, the venue hosted The Sounds, last Tuesday night. Opening up for the electro pop group were The Limousines, Kids at the Bar, and Natalia Kills, all incorporating the hypnotic dance beats and sensuous vocals of the New Wave genre.
The Sounds were met with an eager and energetic crowd as they took to the stage surrounded by darks lights and a bold, yet simple, backdrop. The group immediately jumped into their set as Ivarsson's fierce vocals filled the room and further excited the audience. The Sounds didn't miss as beat as they moved seamlessly from one song to the next. Opening with the bass heavy track "It's So Easy", the band continued with an arrangement of tracks off of Something To Die For including the mystic "Dance With The Devil" and the title track "Something To Die For". Thrown in between were tracks from their previous albums including "No One Sleeps When I'm Awake" and "Tony The Beat".

Overall, The Sounds put on a stellar performance that rocked the audience. The energy in the room was high as people danced around the floor and sang along with each and every song. Clearly The Sounds have been able to cultivate a dedicated following in the U.S. Due to the increasing popularity of electronic music, my prediction for these guys is that they will only get bigger and further establish themselves here in the states.

The Sounds - http://the-sounds.com

- Read the more reviews at UnRatedMagazine.com

World's Most Celebrated Fashion Show - The 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

2011-11-22T16:59:00.000-06:00

The World's Most Celebrated Fashion Show - The 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Air Date | Tuesday, Nov. 29

Victoria's Secret Supermodels Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge, Lindsay Ellingson and a bevy of other Victoria's Secret Angels strut the VS Runway in New York City alongside the annual runway show's outstanding musical talent Kanye West, Jay Z, Maroon 5 and Nicki Minaj. Celebrities who came out to witness the spectacular show included Beyonce, Orlando Bloom, Donna Karan, Russell Simmons and Michael Bay.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show features the Victoria's Secret Angels in the annual holiday lingerie runway show, which will include musical performances by Grammy Award-winning artists, Kanye West, Jay Z, Maroon 5 and Nicki Minaj, pink carpet interviews with celebrities, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the world's most celebrated fashion show. Tune-in to see the Angels with their custom designed outfits, wings and staggering 6-inch heels by famed shoe Designer Giuseppe Zanotti. The "It's Showtime" themed production show features 6 sections and the $2.5 Million Fantasy Treasure Bra worn by Miranda Kerr. The bra features nearly 3,400 gems including an astounding 142 carats of diamonds in addition to pearls, citrines and aquamarines set on a Gorgeous Push-up Bra.

THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW is being produced by done and dusted, Inc. Edward G. Razek, Monica Mitro, Ian Stewart and Hamish Hamilton are the executive producers. Hamish Hamilton is the director.

Victoria's Secret invites you to Tweet with, #VSFashionShow, the official hashtag of the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Plus, see additional coverage at Facebook.com/VictoriasSecret and www.VictoriasSecret.com/FashionShow.

Don't miss The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 9:00 p.m. CT on CBS.

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

Antigone Rising Performs at Martyr's in Chicago, Story by Anita Brodersen

2011-11-21T14:44:00.000-06:00

Antigone Rising Puts One Foot in Chicago
Martyr's – Chicago, IL, USA – November 9, 2011
by Anita Brodersen

The all female, New York based pop-rock band with a sling of country flavor, Antigone Rising, returned to Chicago after a slight hiatus to promote their latest studio CD, 23 Red which was released in August 2011. The band sounds different these days as they now have a new lead singer/guitarist Nini Camps heading it up. Long time Antigone Rising fans will notice that the band is still focusing on their tight harmonies and skillful songwriting and with Nini heading the show now, she is certainly taking control of the driver's wheel. Band co-founders Cathy (lead guitar) and Kristen Henderson (bass) told the Martyrs' crowd that their show was a dedication to one of their biggest fans, Christina Santiago, who sadly lost her life in the tragic Indiana State Fair accident earlier in the year. Antigone Rising performed many songs off 23 Red including No Remedy, Gracefully, Breaking Me, One Foot In, and crowd favorites included Borrowed Time, and Everywhere Is Home. Rounding out the band is long-time drummer Dena Tauriello.

Antigone Rising is still proving that their live show is must see and if you put your money on 23 Red ...well....spin that wheel and you just hit a winner!

Related Links

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

Alicia Keys' Black Ball NY Raises $3M

2011-11-04T10:51:00.000-05:00

KEEP A CHILD ALIVE’S 8TH ANNUAL BLACK BALL NY RAISES

$3 MILLION FOR AIDS TREAMENT AND CARE IN AFRICA AND INDIA

Touching tribute to George Harrison featured performances by

Alicia Keys, Usher, will.i.am and Norah Jones among others

New York, NY (November 4, 2011) – Keep a Child Alive’s (KCA) co-founder Alicia Keys announced today that the eighth annual Black Ball NY, held last night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, raised over $3 million – funds that will go to providing lifesaving AIDS treatment, care and support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. The event honored late musical legend George Harrison and celebrated the 40^th anniversary of his ‘Concert for Bangladesh.’ Alicia Keys, Usher, will.i.am, Norah Jones, Gary Clark Jr., Jay Sean and Midival Punditz with Karsh Kale were among the artists who performed the songs of George Harrison.

“I am overwhelmed by the kindness I witnessed last night at the eighth annual Black Ball NY,” said Alicia Keys. “I am forever grateful to all of our supporters whose generosity will provide AIDS treatment and care for so many in desperate need.”

Along with incredible performances, Black Ball NY guests enjoyed a live auction led by Sotheby’s Maarten ten Holder with special guest Tyra Banks. The evening also recognized the philanthropic achievements of Anthony Scaramucci, philanthropist and managing partner of SkyBridge Capital.

This year's Black Ball NY followed on the heels of the successful Black Ball London that occurred on June 15, 2011 with performances by Alicia Keys and Mark Ronson. The Black Ball has generated over $17 million since 2004.

Founded in 2003, KCA provides lifesaving AIDS treatment, care and support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. KCA currently funds eleven clinical and orphan care centers in India, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. To date, KCA has served over 250,000 people.

ABOUT THE BLACK BALL

The Black Ball is a special benefit event where celebrity and philanthropy walk hand in hand, raising hopes, dreams and millions of dollars to help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. In years past, Alicia Keys has shared the Black Ball stage with JAY-Z, Bono, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, Chris Martin, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, Common, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, Angelique Kidjo, Janelle Monae, Femi Kuti, Damian Marley, John Mayer, Lou Reed, Paul Simon, and Usher amongst others.

In the past, the Black Ball honors humanitarians who have used their willpower, fame, and courage to save lives devastated by the AIDS pandemic. Previously, KCA had the pleasure of honoring President Bill Clinton for his immeasurable achievements through the William J. Clinton Foundation and The Clinton Global Initiative; Sir Richard Branson who has cultivated sustainable change worldwide with Virgin Unite; Simon Fuller for spearheading the Idol Gives Back phenomenon on American Idol; Bono, rock star and campaigner for Africa; and Stephen Lewis of The Stephen Lewis Foundation, Co-Founder of AIDS Free World and author of Race Against Time.

ABOUT KEEP A CHILD ALIVE

Keep a Child Alive provides first class AIDS care, support, nutrition and love to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. There are currently 15 million AIDS orphans in Africa alone and 30 million people have died from HIV/AIDS worldwide. Anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment has transformed the lives of people with AIDS in the West, returning them to health from illness. However, millions of people with AIDS have no access to these lifesaving drugs. KCA funds more than just the pills necessary to fight HIV/AIDS by providing the necessary nutrition, shelter and support to ensure the treatment is taken properly and is effective. KCA currently provides funding to 11 clinical and orphan care sites in 5 countries: Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and India; with previous projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Zimbabwe and South Africa that have been successfully scaled to new levels of service and self-sustainability within their communities.

Keep a Child Alive is committed to engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS and is proud to be a pioneer in fundraising. KCA was the first charity to ask the public to donate directly to purchase AIDS treatment and the first to make a documentary, "Alicia in Africa" available for free download. Keep a Child Alive also pioneered text messaging as a means to donate using our innovative Text ALIVE campaign to inspire whole new audiences to support our work. Keep a Child Alive's latest campaign, BUY LIFE, uses the smart-phone applications to scan bar-code technology to donate directly to KCA. KCA is the first to use this bar-code technology for philanthropic purposes.

For more information on Keep a Child Alive, please log on to www.keepachildalive.org or www.buylife.org.

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

Skinny Puppy, hanDover NEW CD Review

2011-11-02T15:29:00.000-05:00

Skinny Puppy - hanDover
SPV – Synthetic Symphony - October 25, 2011
by Jackie Lee King

Skinny Puppy's 14th CD, "hanDover," is a cystic mind puzzle for the corporate age. It delves darkly into what we worship, believe, and most importantly, perceive. The enemy is the world around you and it only gives back what you give it. Wake up and smell the roasting of your life. The interrogation starts with the first track "oVirt". The samples are back, but they are more cryptic. It's playful, yet sinister, like a child playing murder in the cul-de-sac. The CD mirrors the state of the world today and how we've gotten ourselves overextended in our wants while ignoring our needs. Your lifetime warrantee has just run out.

"who knows who the thief is
his truth is in the secret
it's something you believe in"

Skinny Puppy is more than an industrial/electronic band--it's a religion. Ogre's linty conveys more than just soundscapes and words. He is playful in his cadence and reigns in the narthex of society; proselytizing to disenfranchised masses. The track "AshAs", is a requiem where the heart and mind can no longer tolerate the pain from, "...the missing fragments of memories." The song's apocalyptic nature is enriched with cEvin Key's mosaic of samples and orchestration. It's a symphony of sadness that feels operatic at moments; opening wounds of regret.

At times the CD is jocular and has a nice bounce to it. However, there is a macabre presence, just in the shadows, that is about to savagely attach your materialistic ways. The overall sound of the CD is reminiscent of "Mind the Perpetual Intercourse" (1986) and "The Process" (1996), but ups the anti. The great thing about Puppy is that they distill the ills of society into a trenchant extract.

With the track "Brownstone," Ogre finally gets to fulfill his fantasy of singing a children's story for a dysthymic society. Grimm's fairy tales were never like this. Its creepiness conveys a Neil Gaimenesque tale of woe. Play this track for the kiddies and I guarantee that they will behave--terminally.

"Vyrisus" is a volatile death rock dance track that is one of Puppy's best. It's beastly percussion and Ogre's mechanized vocals lead me to believe that the Umbrella Corporation from the Resident Evil movies is alive and well. I am completely infected with this track--it's a creeper. The next track, "Village," continues on the annihilation with its raw guitars and guttural screams. This CD is a catharsis on many levels and completely satisfies - no snickering allowed.

Skinny Puppy is the libidinous animal in the room that has been feeding upon your superficial corpse. It is finally at your juggler; and you wonder why your life sucks? No wonder the world is screwed, we all believe in the corporate problem, but no one is bailing US out. The powers that be, want to keep on living, so you must die--suffering. Skinny Puppy's response is to go cyborg on their ass--corporate existence is deleted...end of file. Abort, retry or fail, but there is no escape from corporate InSolventSee.

HanDover - Track List

"oVirt" - 4:51
"Cullorblind" - 5:48
"Wavy" - 4:34
"AshAs" - 3:30
"Gambatte" - 3:25
"Icktums" - 5:16
"Point" - 3:38
"Brownstone" - 3:28
"Vyrisus" - 4:07
"Village" - 4:09
"NoiseX" - 7:14

Genitorturers: Interview with lead vocals Gen

2011-10-19T11:30:00.000-05:00

Genitorturers: The (M)Arc Of Gen
Interview conducted in October 2009
by Jackie Lee King, photo by Dan Locke

Billed as the sexiest band alive, the Genitortures have been feeding our need for sin since 1991. Now, with a new record "Blackheart Revolution," a new tour, and several delightful goodies, Gen sat down with Unrated Magazine to discuss what she's been up to for the past few years.

Jackie Lee King: It's been five years since the last record, so what how has your music developed during this time?

Gen: A lot of the elements that we were talking about, doing a record, writing a chapter in an ongoing saga of a storyline so once again, it's not just throw some music together it's tying in conceptual elements of how we're going to tell the story of the evolution of my character which started in "120 Days," created "Sin City," delved into "Machine Love," proclaimed "Flesh is the Law" for all the world to see. Now in "Blackheart Revolution" my character is kind of-- and also see on "Flesh is the Law" we kind of dealt with the fact that I was starting to become persecuted for being an outspoken creator of this realm of "Sin City." The powers that be don't like that.

JLK: Yeah well and it seems that way because the cover art it seems like you're sort of like this Joan of Arc piercing your own heart.

Gen: Gen of Arc. Absolutely. It's a strong statement and the artwork does sum it up because of the fact that we've evolved to the point where the piercing is now into our soul-- that's the music-- and kind of showing once again a leadership of the vocals and the music is extremely leading. It's not like background music. There's no B-sides. Every single song is making a very strong statement. Once again, this is a record that's like "Welcome to My Nightmare." It's meant to be listened to from start to finish. It's meant to be digested as a body of work and not like oh here's this one song. Because if you hear one song you're not going to remotely understand the record. And it's funny because you've heard "Devil in a Bottle" and "Cum Junkie" and the funny thing is like there's so much diversity on the record when it comes to where we take you musically speaking and maybe cross-genre speaking, and it all ties in with the strength and aggression and there's a definite like meanness that comes out too.

JLK: Yeah I definitely liked where it was going. I went back and listened to all your CDs again last night and just there's something that I'm not getting with the two songs that I've heard and I think I need the rest of the album to fill in the blanks because it seems like those two songs are leading from something or to something.

Gen: That is correct.

JLK: I'm like I want the album before I talk to Gen. I want to actually sound like I know what I'm talking about.

Gen: Yeah, it's very-- the whole project works together and really puts forth the next chapter to understand where we've evolved.

- Read the full interview with Gen of the Genitorturers at UnRatedMagazine.com

The Zombie You Know – An Interview with Scott Ian of Anthrax

2011-10-15T23:57:00.000-05:00

Interview conducted in October 2011
by Melanie Falina
It's been a hell of a year for Scott Ian. Not that the previous years have been uneventful - by far. But 2011 has given birth to two new 'babies' for Ian. The first being his actual first born with singer Pearl Aday; a son - the second is, of course, Worship Music, Anthrax's long-awaited first studio album in eight years.

While Anthrax geared up to hit the road with supporting heavy hitters Testament and Death Angel, Scott Ian took a moment to discuss his bands, his baby, and his beloved zombies.

The new album, Worship Music, is a landmark release in a sense not just because it's been almost a decade since fans have had new Anthrax music to pump their fists to, but it also marks the return of vocalist Joey Belladonna. Belladonna's last studio release with the band was 1990's Persistence of Time.

Since its September 13 release Worship Music has conquered the band's highest chart debut in 20 years ranking at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, the second-highest in their career. The album also debuted at #4 on Billboard's Hard Rock Chart.

"We spent more time on this record than any other record we ever made - it feels more complete than anything that we've ever made," comments Scott Ian on Worship Music.

"We had the luxury of hindsight. It was the first time we were able to do that in the history of Anthrax and that's what makes this record better than any other record we've ever made."

Worship Music as a whole shows obvious growth for the band in terms of their song writing; but for Ian that growth wasn't exactly a conscious effort.

"I don't know, I never think about it. We just do what we do, I have no idea. I just think if there's anything I can say about that as far as the process goes and where sh*t comes from and how it works - I don't have a clue. I just think we get better at maybe knowing what we want so when we're actually jamming stuff and trying to arrange music I think we just get better at feeling it and knowing what's right and what's not right a little bit maybe quicker than we did last time around. That's maybe the only thing. You know, I really don't know because I never sit and think about writing, I never think about how it works, why it works, what we do - it just happens in the room and you just write songs. I suppose other people maybe really think about that process and how they do it and they're super disciplined about writing and all that kind of cr*p but it's something I never think about. Maybe if I thought about it, it would go away. It's something I never think about."

Ian goes on: "It's not a case of learning new stuff or opening up to new things, it's just my approach to the guitar has always been [that] the guitar is only a tool for songwriting for me. I could care less about sitting around and practicing the guitar for hours a day and trying to be the best guitar player on the planet. A guitar for me is pretty much strictly in the context of writing songs for my band, coming up with ideas with my band, and then being able to perform those songs as best as I can on stage - that's what the guitar for me has always been."

Speaking of guitars - and lots of them, Anthrax has had the pleasure of being 1/4th of The Big Four - the powerhouse of a metal tour which also includes Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. What has that experience been like for Ian on a personal level?

"It's amazing. If we could just play Big 4 shows for the rest of our careers it would be awesome. Everything about it is great - like there's nothing negative to say about it. We get to be with all our friends and all these other bands who we've come up with forever. You know, it's great to get to hang out with everybody every time we do it; I enjoy all the other bands from a musical level and a fan level. And then we get to play these giant shows which are just incredible. And since Metallica has given us this opportunity to play to their audience which certainly they've probably heard of Anthrax but maybe have never owned a record or seen us live and now we get to go and do our thing in front of a lot of people who have never seen us before; the biggest metal audience in the world - and to have that opportunity it just amazing, it's an amazing thing. Because if you put us, Slayer, and Megadeth,[we] have toured together quite a bit as late as last year. If you put the three of us together and we can do from like 5,000 to let's say 15,000 people - depending on what city we're in, and then if you add Metallica and you make it The Big 4 those numbers go 50,000 to 100,000 people. So it's just an unbelievable opportunity for us in the most fun way I can ever imagine. It's just awesome".

"And the fans," adds Ian, "I mean on that side of it too, obviously the excitement for the show is incredible all over the world because every city wants the Big 4 show to come to their city and that's something that nobody in any of these bands takes for granted because the reason we all get to do this all these years later is because there are so many people all over the planet that love what we do and love this music. And from that end we all understand that it's an absolute privilege that we get to do this."

So who does Ian think the next Big 4 will be - 20 years from now?

- Read the full interview with Scott Ian at UnRatedMagazine.com

Naturi Naughton Discusses NBCs The Playboy Club Television Series

2011-10-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

by Toyin Alaka for UnRated Urban Magazine

Playboy has been an institution in American culture since its inception in 1953. With a loyal legion of fans, the company followed up in 1960 with its next venture, the Playboy Club. This week (September 19), NBC is taking viewers back to the time of the satin bodices, fluffy tails and satin headbands with ears with its new series The Playboy Club.

This past May UnRated Urban got the chance to talk to actress Naturi Naughton who will be featured in the series as Bunny Brenda. Naughton is best known as a former member of the R&B group 3LW and for her portrayal of rapper Lil Kim in the bio-pic Notorious, based on the life and death of rapper The Notorious B.I.G.

UUM: So I understand that you are in the upcoming Playboy Club series, can you tell me a little bit about it?

Naughton: Yes, we started shooting in March and I will be coming back in July to finish it up, it will air on NBC on Monday nights and I’m so excited because I play one of the few African American playboy bunnies and it’s in 1963.

UUM: That’s awesome and so great for you!

Naughton: I think it’s going to be really special, this show is going to take people back to when the playboy club first started in 1963 as well as other things going on like the civil rights movement, the feminist movement and so many things that the show is going to make people more aware of.

UUM: Tell us a little bit about your role in this series and what it’s like to be an African American woman who is a bunny back then?

Naughton: I play Bunny Brenda, a young ambitious, sassy girl who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. My character is a fighter who if the world tells her that something is not possible, she believes that it’s possible. It’s hard being a bunny period, however if you are an African American woman in the 60′s you have more challenges to overcome and I think I channeled in on some of those challenges. Going back and talking to some of the women who were original playboy bunnies made me realize that they just worked extra hard and were very confident and they were able to get to where they are today. At the end of the day it’s about being a woman who knows what she wants and I believe we can all achieve that.

UUM: We are so happy for you and with how your career is taking off so nicely

Naughton: I feel blessed with opportunities to get to this point, from playing Lil Kim in Notorious to Fame and Lottery Ticket and now I’m one of the lead roles on a prime time NBC show The Playboy Club. So I feel really honored & I’m excited.

UUM: That’s great, how are you enjoying Chicago?

Naughton: I love Chicago, even though it’s the windy city and it’s cold and it’s raining tonight actually. However, it’s such a great city with a beautiful skyline and when I go out and attend different things and I see the amazing culture and atmosphere of the city I feel at home and I love Chicago! I can’t wait to come back and resume shooting.

UnRated Urban Magazine

- More feature interviews at UnRatedMagazine.com

Jane's Addiction LIVE at Chicago's Metro

2011-10-04T14:02:00.000-05:00

The Metro – Chicago, IL, USA – September 25, 2011
by James Currie

The house is packed. The stage is set. Pink Floyd is warming the crowd up. The lights drop and the cheers begin. Thunderous bass riff rolls in commanding the audience response to "Whores". It's a cold damp late Sunday night in September 2011 and Jane's Addiction is about to take this second night, sold out crowd back 23 years at the magnificent, vintage nightclub across from Wrigley Field called, the Metro.

In the fall of 1988, a little known Alternative Rock band from L.A rolled through Chicago named Jane's Addiction. They we're on their first tour. It also just happens to have been another big night for a local favorite, the Smashing Pumpkins played the same night. Oh what a night that must have been.

This is the first time Jane's Addiction has played a small club tour in more than 20 years. nly 3 cities were chosen and we're one, L.A. and NYC the others. And what a treat it was. So much so, that Perry's wife/dancer Etty, even passed out Halloween treats at one point during the show.

Pink Floyd comes to and end. They troupe out in black. Perry strutted out with his bottle of red wine, a microphone and form fitting tank top. Guitarist Dave Navarro with his axe, leather, tattooed sleeved arms and perfectly quaffed hair. Stephen Perkins jumped behind the drums with a simple black t and shorts while fairly newcomer to the bass guitar, Chris Chaney, in another black t, pants and black vans. Letting you know as a viewer, this is a no frills, back to basics rock show. And they didn't disappoint.

After starting the show with Whores, they teased the audience with a little Led Zeppelin. A band that Farrell identified as the band they dreamed of being like. Navarro played "Hangman" and Perry followed along. The audience cheered for more and they obliged for a few more bars. This was the tone of the show. A fun, carefree night of music. Low key and for the fans.

Throughout the show, Perry (51) bantered with the audience. Telling stories about the past, what he likes about being back, getting old, teasing Perkins about his hair and stating, "Fucking as many woman as he can". He tweaked the knobs on his custom made vocal system and commanded the stage side to side.

Navarro and Chaney, like rocks, held the fort on each end while Perkins punished the skins of his kit.

They played the hits for about 75 minutes. Continuing on with "Just Because", "Ain't No Right", "Then She Did," "Been Caught Stealing", "Lies", "Ocean Size", "3 Days" with a massive solo by Navarro, new track "Irresistible Force" which sounds like it could have been on 1990's, "Ritual De Lo Habitual" album, before ending with "Idiots Rule" with a guest trumpeter, "Mountain Song" and ending with the always crowd pleasing "Stop".

Then, the lights went down and the band walked off. The show was over, but the crowd wanted more and Jane's responded with the ever popular, "Jane's Says". They all came back out and lined the front of the stage. Perkins lead the ensemble on the steel drums to the song that put them on many radio stations, pop charts and making them a household Rock band name.

This is how Jane's Addiction should be seen. In a small, dark, dirty club with low lighting and dirty loud sound system.

Jane's Addictions new album, "The Great Escape Artist", is due out October 18th, 2011. In an interview with Artist Direct, Ferrell describing the album's overall aestheic, "it's a strange mixture of that post-punk Goth darkness that Jane's had, with what's going on today with groups like Muse and Radiohead. As much as I want to appease fans and make old Jane's fans love me, I just can't help myself from moving forward." Following the album's completion, producer Rich Costey stated, "This was a real Jane's Addiction record."

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

Blood Simple (1984)

2011-09-26T12:48:00.000-05:00

Blood Simple

Studio: MGM/20th Century Fox
Theatrical Release: January 18, 1985
Blu Ray Release: August 30, 2011
R
Review by James Klein

As the summer was ending, MGM released four films by the very talented Coen Brothers on blu ray. One of their biggest hits, Fargo, was re-released on blu ray but Miller’s Crossing, Raising Arizona, and Blood Simple have all come out for the first time in HD. While I haven’t seen the other films on blu ray yet (I do own the previous version of Fargo and that looks pretty damn good), it was the Coen Brothers first film Blood Simple that I had never seen all the way through and was most excited about. This is the film that put the brothers on the map and Blood Simple still holds up today as a modern day crime thriller that is still captivating after 27 years.

Like a 1940′s film noir, Blood Simple starts off quickly with its dark and offbeat tone as Ray and Abby are driving in a car at night during a rainstorm. Abby tells Ray about her troubles with her husband which Ray just responds with, “I’m no marriage counselor.” As the two talk, Ray admits his feelings for her and the two pull off to a motel for a love making session. Little do they know, they’ve been tailed by a P.I. (M Emmett Walsh) hired by Abby’s husband (Dan Hedaya). After a violent confrontation with Abby and her husband, he hires the same P.I. again to kill his wife and her lover. That’s when the film takes a few twists and turns that make this simple (pun intended) thriller exciting and original.

- Read the full story at UnRatedFilm.com

Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)

2011-09-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

Poltergeist II

Studio: MGM/20th Century Fox
Theatrical Release: May 23rd, 1986
Blu Ray Release: September 13th, 2011
PG-13
Review by James Klein

Although this blu ray was released months prior as a Best Buy Exclusive, MGM has now released Poltergeist II: The Other Side nationwide. Fans of the smash hit sequel may already have this blu ray and can back me up in saying that Poltergeist II has never looked this good. I own the old Poltergeist II/III DVD and have been so used to television broadcasts and old VHS tapes that the film always looked overly grainy and cheap. Not the case here. In its widescreen format, Poltergeist II looks and sounds great. It’s a shame though that the sequel doesn’t hold a candle to the original.

Poltergeist II starts off just months after the Freeling family left their haunted house who are now broke and living with Diane’s grandmother. While the family members try to evolve to their new living conditions (I really like the joke about refusing to own a T.V.) Carol Anne seems to have no memory of what happened months prior. She has been drawing pictures of a strange preacher man who seem to be haunting her which only Carol Anne’s grandmother picks up on this. We also find out that Carol Anne may have telekinetic powers, which was later brought up more prominently in Poltergeist III. When the grandmother passes away suddenly, she calls Carol Anne on her toy phone to tell her that she is all right. It’s dramatic scenes like this that reminds one of the original film and how Poltergeist wasn’t just a horror movie with ghosts. However, Poltergeist II soon falls victim to that category during the middle of the second act.

- Read the full story at UnRatedFilm.com

Dumbo (1941) 70th Anniversary Edition

2011-09-26T12:42:00.000-05:00

Walt Disney Productions
Theatrical Release: October 23, 1941
70^th Anniversary Release: September 20, 2011
Director: Ben Sharpsteen
Rated GReview by Adam Bielawski

If you love Disney movies, Dumbo is another Disney Classic and should be included in your collection. This would be the time to buy… the new Blu-ray/DVD combo was released on September 20^th. This is a wonderful Disney animation… so if you don’t own Dumbo what a perfect time to run out and purchase Dumbo 70^th Anniversary Edition. For you sound buffs the 70^th Anniversary disc has been remixed by Disney to superb sound quality with a very crisp audio. Even if you do not have the wide screen TV the high definition picture is very good, even if not everyone will enjoy the movie. As with most of the new Disney product movies, you get the download version which is a plus for the kids. I personally have not found the time to watch movies on the go but it’s great on a road trip that keeps the youngsters entertained with their iPod, iPad, Nintendo’s, PSPs, you name it.

- Read the full story at UnRatedFilm.com

Cars 2 (2011)

2011-09-26T12:39:00.000-05:00

Pixar Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Theatrical Release: June 24, 2011
Home Release: November 11, 2011
Directed by John Lasseter
Rated G

The #1 Animated Film of the Year Races Home! Hits The Streets November 1, 2011 On Blu-ray^™Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D^™, DVD and Movie Download
Film Synopsis:
Star racecar Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile and the stunning rookie field spy Holley Shiftwell. Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

- Read the full story at UnRatedFilm.com

V V Brown Gearing Up For Release Of Second Album For Capitol Records

2011-09-13T14:18:00.000-05:00

BRITISH SINGER-SONGWRITER TAKES MAJOR MUSICAL LEAP ON FOLLOW-UP TO CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DEBUT TRAVELLING LIKE THE LIGHT

ALBUM’S TITLE AND RELEASE DATE TO BE REVEALED IN UPCOMING WEB SERIES DEBUTING ON WWW.VVBROWN.COM

British singer-songwriter V V Brown, who first captured the attention of American music fans with her gold-certified single “Shark in the Water” and a North American tour with Maroon 5 last year, is gearing up for the release of her second album for Capitol Records. Details about the album’s title and release date will be revealed via a web series debuting on www.vvbrown.com starting today.

The 27-year-old Northampton, England, native began to sketch out ideas for her second album while touring behind her stylishly retro-sounding debut album, 2010’s Travelling Like The Light, which attracted glowing reviews from critics on both sides of the Atlantic. (Spin wrote that V V’s “enthusiasm immediately leaps from the grooves” while USA Today wrote that it “reveals both a knack for killer hooks and, vocally, a rare mix of power and grace.”) ”I felt like I was maturing as an artist,” V V says. “I set up a studio in my flat, with just me and my engineer, and started going a bit mad with music. It was all part of the process of getting to where I am now. I had to re-program and learn who I was again.”

The result is a major leap forward for V V, who bent herself into experimental musical shape after listening to such pivotal records on tour, from the anthemic punk template of The Clash to the experimental electronica of The Knife. “‘I was going to the kind of experimental place I hadn't been before,” she says. “It felt like growing up. I felt freer.”

V V worked with writers Evan Bogart (Beyonce), Jean Baptiste (Black Eyed Peas), Mr. Griffiths (Jem) and writer/producers Bjorn Yttling (of feted Swedish indie rockers Peter Bjorn and John), “because I needed to twist things up a bit,” and Ne-Yo collaborator Chuck Harmony, who produced the album’s first single “Children” featuring Chiddy (of Philadelphia’s Chiddy Bang). “The song was written about a generation that has uninspiring aspirations and believes material wealth is what happiness is,” V V says, adding that the song feels particularly topical given the summer riots in London. “You have to give people a voice,” she says. “Everyone has to be heard, because otherwise they will make themselves heard.” “Children” will be available for sale on all DSPs in the States on September 20th.

Travelling Like The Light was released in the U.K. in 2009, followed by digital and physical releases in the U.S. last year, which led to V V’s career-making performances on Ellen, Rachael Ray, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and The Late Show with David Letterman. V V’s other achievements include the album climbing to No. 1 on the French Digital Albums chart, performing a sold-out tour of the U.K., as well making appearances at several of the major European summer festivals, including Glastonbury. She also has the distinction of becoming the first black British woman to front an ad campaign for venerable British retailer Marks & Spencers thanks to her highly developed sense of personal style and stunning looks.

In March 2011, V V performed for HRH Prince Charles at the Princes Trust Celebrates Success Awards, which honors the achievements of young people and those who have played a part in supporting the work of The Trust.

- Read about VV Brown at UnRatedMagazine.com

Raquel Welch Talks Lindsay Lohan, Young Hollywood and More in AARP VIVA

2011-09-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

AARP VIVA - Cover Photo

Legendary sex symbol Raquel Welch made her mark on Hollywood swaddled in a doeskin bikini but surprisingly, the beauty is a self-proclaimed prude. Welch speaks exclusively with AARP VIVA in a revealing conversation about her sex-pot image and accepting her exotic looks. “I flipped my hair and put a bow in,” Welch says on trying to button up her appearance. “But at some point I said, I’m not going to fight it. This is what makes me different.”

Welch is reinventing herself with a new focus on family and entrepreneurial ventures and proving that age is nothing but a number with knock-out in-book photos that reveal her still-sexy-at-seventy physique.

Also available, is behind the scenes footage of the cover photo shoot, at www.aarp.org/viva. Embeddable video available here: http://bcove.me/252ddirg.

On writing Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage

“I felt like people had me on a pedestal, and they didn’t know there was this other person. They saw the poster but they didn’t know the story behind it.”

On trying to retire her sex-pot image

“I wasn’t getting the romantic, lovely parts. I was kind of exotic for this country, not the girl next door. I’d go up for a role and they’d say ‘Oh, no, you look so European. What are you anyway?’ I’d say, ‘Well my father is from Bolivia. ‘’Bolivia! Where is that?’”

On struggling as a single mom in Hollywood

“When I first came to Hollywood, other people may have thought, ‘You poor thing, you don’t have a car, you have two children, what possessed you?’ But it made me focus. I didn’t know if I did right to leave Jim and thought, ‘This thing better work for me, and I better really keep my eye on the ball and be careful.’”

On her involvement with Hair U Wear’s line of Raquel Welch Signature Collection

“When women go to the mirror and see their hair falling out, it’s like they see the cancer winning. If they don’t have to see themselves that way, it’s very helpful with morale.”

On sympathizing with Lindsay Lohan

“I’m the antidote to Lindsay Lohan. I know she misbehaves terribly, but sometimes it just seems like it’s open season on her.”

On young Hollywood

“’My self-esteem,’ my self-this,’ ‘my self-that.’ Believe me, I’ve been there—I’m an actress. At one point you just get nauseous with it and think, ‘I have to take my mind off myself!’”

On growing older

“I wasn’t impossible before then, but in the past 10 years I’ve made a concentrated effort to think about what I have to do for other people, what I woe, what my part is in whatever relationship or situation I find myself in. It’s getting older, I guess, that makes you think that way”

On trying to emulate Mary Tyler Moore

“I flipped my hair and put a bow in—to make myself look less exotic. But at some point I said, I’m not going to fight it. This is what makes me different.’”

On filming Myra Breckinridge

“I’d go into the bathroom and cry. John Huston knocked one time and said, ‘Now Raquel what seems to be the problem’” ‘I said, ‘ I’m worried we’re going to make a bad movie.’”

- Read the more at UnRatedMagazine.com

Anthrax – Worship Music

2011-09-07T11:09:00.000-05:00

Anthrax Worship Music

Megaforce Records - September 13, 2011
by Melanie Falina

The mistake I made in beginning to write a review for Anthrax's forthcoming release, Worship Music, was thinking I could give the album a quick, first listen before bedtime. That didn't happen - the following morning I had little conviction chastising myself through my yawns because it was beyond my control, I simply could not stop listing to the eagerly anticipated, new Anthrax material.

After eight long years since the release of Anthrax's previous studio album, I won't say that I was expecting Worship Music to sound similar to We've Come For You All - particularly after getting the sneak preview with the zombie-fighting anthem "Fight 'em 'Til You Can't" - but I still was not prepared for the new Anthrax songs.

There are two words I had not expected to be using in this review: "melodic" (in a metal kind of way, of course) and "groove" - yet both apply to parts of this record. People who aren't devoted Anthrax fans tend to think of them as simply a speed-metal/thrash band but frankly, they've never just been one of the many typical thrash bands out there, and now music enthusiasts are really going to have to rethink their impressions of this band once Worship Music hits the streets on September 13.

Stating that Anthrax has stood the test of time is an understatement - they've done far more than that in the past three decades. From an occasional revolving-door of band members to times of contemplating if they'd even continue on as a band - but they're endured.

With Worship Music, Anthrax not only showcases the fact that they're back - and more so than another other band I've ever said this about, they're back with a vengeance. But this album is also a mark on the wall showing just how much this band has grown in the last eight years since their last studio release, also since 1990's Persistence of Time; the band's last studio album with Joey Belladonna. Anthrax is still furious and aggressive; a driving force musically.

Kicking off with an intro called "Worship," this short, instrumental sets the stage for the album with a certain reverence that its title implies - but this is an Anthrax album after all and one can hear something more sinister lurking just behind the pulpit.

"Earth Is On Hell" lashes out with a fury while drummer Charlie Benante sounds as if he's about to break out of your stereo speakers - drumsticks in one bloodied hand, bare-fisted with the other.

Other take-no-prisoners tunes on this album are "Fight 'Em Til You Can't," "The Giant," and "Revolution Screams." Whereas "The Devil You Know" and "The Constant" have more of a groove-metal sound.

However, my favorite song on Worship Music, "In The End," is probably the hardest to describe and also the most unexpected song for an Anthrax album. Joey Belladonna's vocals are larger than life and authoritative, and yet the harmonies are haunting; "Crawl" has these qualities as well. "I'm Alive," and "Judas Priest." are other songs on this album which are simply solid metal tunes.

There's not a bad song, nor one unworthy beside the rest, on this album.

I've always viewed Anthrax as kind of a monster among bands - heavy, hard-hitting, and with a massive sound and a group of accomplished, musically perspicacious band members. Worship Music is a diverse yet well-orchestrated metal album - one that will be viewed as one of the band's greatest accomplishments.

- Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com

UnratedFilmMagazine at Comic-Con

2011-08-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

UnratedFilm Magazine was invited to go to the red carpet event at Chicago's Comic-Con. Here is a super brief video of the celebrities that we saw and were able to talk to.

Chicago Wizard World 2011 Comic Con
Rosemont, IL, USA
August 12, 2011

---Read more at UnRatedFilm.com

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

2011-08-23T21:22:00.000-05:00

Studio: Universal/Dreamworks
Theatrical Release: July 29, 2011
PG-13

Review by James Klein

With a summer movie season filled with superheroes, robots, pirates and some hungover men it is now time to throw in some cowboys and aliens into the mix. Actor/director Jon Favreau has had previous summer hits with the two Iron Man movies and now tries his hand once again at another comic book adaptation simply called Cowboys & Aliens. While I love the premise of mixing the western genre with the science fiction genre, Cowboys & Aliens just doesn’t quite live up to ones expectations. With a great cast and capable director, one can only wonder, “What happened?”

Daniel Craig stars as Jake Lonergan, a cowboy who wakes up in the middle of the western plains all beat up with no memory. All he has on his wrist is a metal contraption that turns out to be a laser gun once he learns how to use it. As Craig journeys into town trying to figure what is going on, he meets up with rich proprietor Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford taking on a supporting role for a change) whose spoiled son has been arrested for disturbing the peace and accidentally shooting an innocent bystander. Just as Dolarhyde and the sheriff are about to have it out, the town is quickly attacked by alien spaceships which shoot down these tentacles that pick up various townsfolk and take them away. With flashbacks starting to come back to Jake, he teams up with Dolarhyde and some of the townspeople including the beautiful but mysterious Alice (Abigail Spencer) to get back the missing towns people and put a stop to these aliens.

- Read the full review at UnRatedFilm.com

Wide Open (1974)

2011-08-23T21:17:00.000-05:00

Studio: Impulse Pictures/CAV
DVD Release: August 9, 2011
Not Rated

Review by Craig Sorensen

There’s something that I love about a film that begins with a picture of someone’s ass. Or I guess maybe I should say want to love. This film is a mess, but at times it’s an enjoyable one.

It starts off well enough with some stylish opening credits. A picture of a woman’s butt is superimposed over some horse races while the credits roll. It’s an strange credit sequence and put me in the mood for some odd, mod & Swedish comedy. We first meet Ollie (played by Âke Fridell) who is obviously drunk. He’s picked up by his son Paul (Kent-Arne Dahlgren), who happens to be working as a cab driver. They obviously have a strained relationship as Ollie doesn’t seem to recognize his son at first. Paul drives his father back to his apartment to sleep off his intoxication and of course Paul’s girlfriend Marianne (Solveig Andersson) just happens to be wandering around completely nude.

Later that night Marianne and Paul go to a party and meet Marianne’s sister Beryl (Gunilla Larsson). At the party they view a generically pretentious art film starring Beryl, who later gets depressingly drunk because she thinks she was terrible in it. Marianne walks in on Paul fucking some other woman and then there is some dancing and Paul, Marianne and Beryl all go home.
At this point the movie shifts to focus on Beryl and her misadventures. She runs into her friend Eva (Christina Lindberg) and they go to a photographer’s studio to have nudie pictures taken. Then she gets picked up by a bald guy who locks her up and tries to whip her. She escapes and steals a fur coat that has dope sown into the lining for some reason. Of course some gangsters then show up looking for said coat. And then the movie gets really crazy and ends with the girls doing a dance at gunpoint.

- Read the full review at UnRatedFilm.com