The end of the search for Earth is near for the crew of the Galactica on season four of Battlestar Galactica.  Admiral Adama and his crew (along with the fleet) have had a long journey throughout the course of this surprise hit drama.  Through the course of its previous three seasons, Battlestar Galactica has quietly become a hit that no one saw coming.  Even those people who may not have been (or may not be) sci-fi fans have admitted that the show has grown on them, for one reason or another.  Now, in the countdown to the end of the search, Admiral ADama and the final five come to terms on a possible truce.  The problem:  There are those who don’t like the thought of a truce.  To make things even more complicated,  the rebels have now become separate from the rest of the Cylons, leading to what will likely be a final showdown in one of the final episodes.

The potential showdown between the Cylons, and the tension between the Cylon rebels and the crew of the Galactica aren’t the only factors that make this season of Galactica so riveting.  Fans find out in this season that apparently, everyone’s favorite Viper jockey, Starbuck, perhaps didn’t die after all at the end of season three.  We see her return, only to cause increased tension within the crew itself.  Her return, after what looked like her demise at the end of season three, has led many to believe that Starbuck is one of the Cylons—perhaps even the fifth Cylon.

The final two episodes of Season four are probably the most gripping of the entire season, as they are the perfect setup to the final ten episodes of this standout show.  The audience sees the crew of the Galactica forced to team up with the final five in order to destroy the Resurrection Hub so that the Cylons can no longer download into new bodies.  The one thing to remember about the hub, though, is that who is to say that the hub is the only one

There are so many factors thave have led to the sucess of Battlestar Galactica during its run.  Among them is the outstanding cominbation of CG and live action.  The acting of the cast is another factor that has made this show so enjoyable.  It is a sad thing that a show taht has so quietly become such a hit is going to end after such a short time.  But thankfully, it is a show that sci-fi fans needed to show just how impressive a sci-fi show can be.  It is a show that has brought in even those show are not fans of the genre.  That ability is rare in a television program in this day and age.  Thankfully, despite the show’s impending ending, Battlestar fans have a spinoff to look forward to in Caprica.  In the meantime, though, those fans who may have not gotten to see all of the episodes from season four now have the entire season to catch up on whenever they want.

Warner Brothers has released yet another pair of fun-filled adventures from America’s most loveable loser, Charlie Brown.  This time, Charlie takes off on an off-road motocross race, and a track and field competition at his school.  Amazingly enough, Charlie actually comes out the victor in both episodes, but only for a short time.  And longtime Peanuts fans get to meet one of Snoopy’s alter-egos in The Masked Marvel in both adventures.

The newly remastered release of You’re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown is not the most standout release from the Peanuts vault.  But it is still a fun family movie.  Yes, it’s a short movie.  And the included bonus adventure, “You’re The Greatest, Charlie Brown” is roughly the same length as the main feature.  That makes for roughly an hour of enjoyment.  But animation as this style is next to impossible to find anymore, what with the surplus of CG-based animated cartoons and movies currently flooding the world, today. 

The animation is not the only factor that makes this re-issue worth the time and money.  In a time when even many current “G”-rated movies have started walking the line of decency for young audiences, the Peanuts gang has always been, and always will be good, wholesome family entertainment.  There is no foul language to speak of, even in this feature.  And there is no violence either.  The worst of the violence comes in the form of poor Charlie Brown falling on his back yet again when he tries to kick the football from Lucy yet again.  That determination is something that is discussed in the bonus featurette included in the new re-issue of this special.

The bonus featurette delves into the past of Craig Schulz—Charles Schulz’s son—and his interest in motorcross.  It is interesting to note that at the time of this special’s original creation, motorcross had not yet been invented.  So it was, in its own way, a very original story, making for even more reason to watch.  Another thought provoking item discussed in the bonus featurette is directly linked to Lucy constantly pulling away the footabll before Charlie Brown can kick it.  That, and his determination despite what happens at the end of the special, is a statement that Schulaz wanted to make to his audiences.  This is pointed out in the discussions of the special.

Charlie Brown, and the Peanuts gang have always presented family friendly entertainment with original stories, and in some cases, positive messages, such as in this special.  As minor as these factors may be, they are what make the Peanuts movies—this special included—among the best entertainment of any generation.

It took five long years, countless legal issues, and altered release dates, but Peter Cincotti’s third release, ‘East of Angel Town’ has finally seen the light of day on Western shores.  The album, which is a complete departure from his previous two releases, is amazingly impressive.  That is even for a pop record.  Cincotti and his bandmates show that while they started out as jazz artists, they are just as good in the world of mainstream pop on this record.  The only real links that this album has to Cincotti’s past two releases lie in “Always Watching You” and the album’s opener, “Angel Town.“  Other than that, the rest of the album is a continuation of the direction that Cincotti had started to take on his sophomore release, ‘On The Moon.‘

Cincotti’s fans in the U.S. have had to wait five years for this album to see the light of day in the states.  But those in Europe didn’t have to wait nearly as long.  Cincotti’s U.S. fans have actually been slightly rewarded for their patience with this release.  The U.S. edition of the album sports a pair of bonus tracks that are not included in the European edition.  The first of those two bonus tracks is one of the prime examples of how much Cincotti has branched out.  “Love is Gone” is, a song about lost love.  But the angle it takes is different from other love songs.  It starts out, leading on listeners.  It makes listeners think that it will be a typical oh-woe-is-me type of song.  But then out of nowehere, the song kicks into an up-tempo, semi-techno type of piece that is anything but sad and depressing.  It kicks a person in the backside and tells them to stop feeling sorry for himself or herself.  “Come Tomorrow”—the second of the bonus tracks—is more of a reminiscing piece.  It is a person thinking of of the past, and looking to the future as a result of the past.  One could almost argue that it is introspective.  But it is a nice piece to close out an album that has plenty of ups and downs throughout.

The ups and downs of the album are not good and bad ups and downs per se.  Rather, Cincotti and his team of producers sequenced the album in a way that takes listeners from upbeat to slower back and forth throughout the album.  It manages, in its own peculiar way, to keep listeners’ attention because of this.  Among the best of the more upbeat tracks of the album are the likes of “Be Careful”, “Make It Out Alive”, “U B U” and “Angel Town.“  The standout slower tracks of the album come in the form of:  “December Boys”, “Another Falling Star”, and the semi-bluesy, “Always Watching You.“  Likely the best overall piece on the entire album, though, is “Make It Out Alive.“  The song is about a man breaking out of jail, and the police coming after him.  The percussive nature of the song—whether from drummer Obed Calvaire, or from Cincotti himself on piano—has a certain energy to it that makes a person want to listen again and again.  Forget the lyrics.  The simple feel of the song makes it one that will likely be played over and over again in any listener’s cd player, iPod, Zune, etc.

Cincotti has never made a full mention on his official website, Myspace Page, Facebook page, etc, as to what caused the constant pushback of this album.  But after five years, Warner Brothers has finally released it to audiences in the West.  It’s anyone’s guess as to why it took so long for U.S. audiences to get their hands on this album.  And despite the wait—and the fact that this album is anything but Cincotti’s jazz stylings—it is an album that was well worth the wait.  Who knows.  Perhaps as a result of the whole debacle, fans worldwide won’t have to wait as long as they did for his most recent opus.

Stuck Mojo has always been known as a straight outright political band. The band, started by guitarist/vocalist Rich Ward, was around even before Rage Against The Machine. However, on the band’s sixth full length studio release, Ward and his now not so new bandmates have released an album that is a complete departure from what Mojo’s fans have come to expect. That applies to both the lyrical and musical content.

One listen to this album, and any true Mojo Disciple will be able to tell a difference. Instead of politics, the band has gone down a more general route of social commentary. The album is full of perfect examples of this departure. Some of the best examples come in the form of “15 Minutes of Fame”, “Friends”, “Invincible” and “Now That You’re All Alone” (which sounds lyically similar to Hatebreed’s “Defeatist” off of their most recent release, ‘Supremacy.‘ Ward and Lord Nelson make no bones about the subject matter here, going after people who are so caught up in trying to be big time stars, and the consequences brought on by that desire to be a star. “Friends” is one of the best examples of the band’s departure from its past. This one, like every other song on the album is straight forward lyrically. It is actually quite the positive song that is simply about, well, friends, and the positive impact of having good friends. “Invincible” is along the same lines of positivity as “Friends.“

Musically, Stuck Mojo has made a valid attempt to maintain the sound that made the band so popular, and such a groundbreaking band, even before the likes of Rage Against The Machine showed their faces. But despite that attempt, the band has changed its sound quite a bit throughout the album. Take for example, “The Flood”, “Now That You’re All Alone”, “Invincible”, “Superstar Part I and II” and even the semi-cover of “Country Road.“ The music is just as focused as on the band’s previous albums. But overall, the album is far from being as heavy as the band’s previous works. This album doesn’t have that same piercing edge as the band’s past works. But perhaps that is good to an extent.

If Rich Ward is truly intending to take Stuck Mojo in a more positive direction, then perhaps that could help the band’s marketability. Then again, this could simply be a one time deal, with fans seeing Stuck Mojo returning to its old lyrical and musical ways after this album. Only time will tell. Nonetheless, regardless of which direction Stuck Mojo may (or may not—hopefully may) go in after this album, ‘The Great Revival’ is one more exceptional chapter in the history of one of rock’s best unknown bands.

Take one part blues.  Mix it with one part funk and one part afro-cuban music and what do you get?  You get what is one of the most talked about bands in music today in The Derek Trucks Band.  Trucks—who is both a guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, and nephew of Allman brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks—and his bandmates are back with their sixth full length studio release.

Trucks and company have released yet another oustanding record full of songs perfect for a warm day, whether going on a road trip, cleaning one’s home, or simply having it as background noise when having a get-together.  2009 is still young, but ‘Already Free’ is already an easy candidate for one of the best general records of the year.  Take your pick of songs on this release.  The entire collection, especially with its sequencing, makes for an album that is a very easy listen.  Part of what makes this album (like the band’s previous albums) so enjoyable is that while the band carries Trucks’s name, Trucks himself makes it clear that he is not the star of the band.  He proves his abilities again and again as a guitarist on every album—this one included—but he lets the rest of the band really take the spotlight. He shows that he knows he is only one part of a whole musical machine.  That understanding and respect is perhaps what makes this album as easy on the ears as the band’s previous recordings.

That understanding and respect may also be linked to what Trucks calls the “Seven Creative Virtues.“  Yes, this sounds rather Buddhist-esque.  But in reading through the virtues, it is no wonder that yet again DTB has created such a standout record.  Whether it is in life, or in music, every meneber of the band has practiced, and shown the effect of practicing the virtues.  For those who may be confused, “The Seven Creative Virtues” are fully outlined in the liner notes of this album.  They are just one more part of what makes for an overall enjoyable experience.

Speaking of the liner notes.  So many countless albums from countless musicians and bands alike are nothing more than liner notes with thank you’s and what not.  ‘Already Free’ is one of those extremely rare examples of an album whose liner notes are actually just as important as the music itself.  No, there is no lyrics sheet included with the album.  That would have been a nice inclusion.  But in reading through the comments by journalist/NPR contributor Ahsley Kahn, one begins to get a much clearer picture of just what ‘Already Free’ is all about.  Kahn offers a thorough summary of the album that will most definitely help any listener appreciate the music and musicianship from start to finish.  This kind of inclusion is what more musical acts need with their releases.  This way, it would leave little to no doubt about the point of each song.

Whether it is the liner notes, the overall effect of the music, or some other aspect of the album, The Derek Trucks Band has crafted yet another album that will find itself a staple in the library of any fan of real music for years to come.

‘Tennessee Pusher’ is only the fourth album from an up-and-coming country/bluegrass band—Many people don’t know about the band’s 2001 debut record, ‘Eutaw’—But is an impressive album nonetheless. This is an album that will help Old Crow Medicine Show become as well known as the likes of Rascal Flatts, Shooer Jennings, or the alaredy famous Zac Brown Band—which has only released one album.

‘Tennessee Pusher’ is such an impressive album in that lyrically, it manages to stay away from the realm of old-school country. The only real links to old-school country style on this album comes from"The Greatest Hustler of All” and “Next Go Round.“ The rest of the album is quite diverse. For example how many bands, musicians, etc. have taken the time to write a song honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? OCMS has done that with “Motel in Memphis.“ It sucessflly manages to exemplify the national pain felt at the death of one of the greaest spritual and social leaders America has ever known. Vocalist Kevin Secor sings in this song, “Were you there when the man from Atlanta was murdered in Memphis?...If you were there, you would have sworn it was more than a man who died.“ Whether or not it was intential, the line “Were you there” harkens back to the old hymn, by the same name. That aside, this song alone makes OCMS worthy of applause on this album.

That is not the only song that helps make ‘Tennessee Pusher’ such an impressive album. The album also delves into the realm of drug use in “Alabama High-Test, and “Methamphetamine.“ Neither of these songs glorify drug use. Rather, they tell about the dangers of drug use. On a side note, “Alabama High-Test” soudns like Shooter Jennings’ song, “Busted in Baylor County.“

For those who want a more straight forward coutnry/bluegrass style both musically and lyrically, OCMS provides there, too, in “Evening Sun”, “Caroline”, “Humdinger”, and a handful of others.

It has been seven years since Old Crow Medicine Show was first introduced to the world. In that time, the band has already put out a trio of albums and toured the world. Now, OCMS has added one more notch to its resume. ‘Tennessee Pusher’ is an album that may take a few listens for some . But with a few listens, it is an album that will grow on most audiences.

The odd couple of the 21st Century is back yet again with another season chock full of laughs, and enough man jokes to give even single men reason to stay home one night a week. The 2007 Peoples Choice Award for Favorite Comedy brings fans laughs galore in every episode. This season also brings fans what is likely one of the best episodes of the series so far in “Mr. McGlue’s Feedbag.“ This episode sees Charlie taking young Jake to the horsetrack instead of helping him with his book report. Jake ends up winning a very large amount of money. This leads to a semi-Abbott & Costello moment on their drive back from the track.

Season four starts right up where the third season left off. Alan is now going through a divorce with the young Candy, who is slowly written out of the show. Rose, Charlie’s stalker is also written out. She leaves for London late in the season as she finally realizes Charlie has no interest in her. The irony here is that Charlie actually ends up missing Rose, and goes to London after her later.

Jake is also growing up more in this season. This leads fans to wonder just how much longer Two and a Half Men will last in its current run on air. He’s a third wheel, but without Jake, there really is no “half-a-man.“ So a lot of the writing for this show rests on the future of Jake. Thankfully for fans, the show’s writers have manged to keep him involved so far. But that can only last for so long. In the meantime, fans of this outstanding show now have four full seasons to enjoy, and more to come in the future.

Spongebob Squarepants has become one of the most incredible phenomenoms that Nickelodeon and cable tv have ever seen. What started out as an inane little cartoon about an undersea sponge living in a pineapple has become one of the most successful animated shows that Nickelodeon has ever had. Next to Spongebob, probably the only other equally sucessful cartoon Nickelodeon has ever had was The Rugrats. The Rugrats, of course, still have yet to see the light of day on DVD box set. Spongebob on the other hand is seeing success both on tv, and in the now five full seasons on DVD.

Season 5: Volume 2 of Spongebob Squarepants sees consumers being ripped off again, a la Fox’s Family Guy. Season 5 marks the second time that Spongebob fans have had to spend exorbitant amounts of money for a complete season of this family friendly favorite. The same thing was done with the show’s fourth season as well. This time around, many parents, and younger fans may be hitting themselves, as this half of Season 5 contains three of the specials that have also ben released as single disc releases. Those three specials are: “Atlantis Squarepantis”, “Pest of The West”, and “What Ever Happened To Spongebob?“ (Otherwise known as the special, “Whobob Whatpants?“ Now, those parents, and fans who have impatiently bought those DVD’s will ahve to get rid of them as there’s no reason to have them by themselves.

The specials aside, the second half of Season 5 keeps the laughs coming for the whole family. There are plenty of laughs from episodes such as: “Picture Day”, The Two Faces of Squidward”, and “Spongehenge.“ There are plenty of laughs from the other episodes on this half of Season 5, but these are mong the best episodes on this box set. The “music videos”—if you want to call them that—are fun little additions to the box set. They are really nothing special. But they are fun nonetheless.

Nickelodeon has obviously fallen into the realm of Fox, and other companies that are milking fans of its shows. It’s sad that this has happened. But at least this time around—unlike with The Rugrats, which fans are still awaiting over a decade later—Nickelodeon is going ahead and giving the fans what they want. And hopefully they will continue to do so as long as Spongebob is on the air.

Christopher Nolan and company have done it again. When they first resurrected Batman in Batman Begins, he was touted as one of the saviors of both comic book based movies, and of Hollywood itself. Now, they have returned again to create a movie that more than lived up to the hype that led to sellouts nationwide when it opened in theaters. It would be no surprise if the movie tops sales numbers now that it is on DVD, despite a stumbling economy.

Christian Bale solidified his place in movie history with this movie, starring alongside Aaron Eckhart and the late Heath Ledger. The movie was originally touted as an action movie. But thanks to the portrayal of the Joker by Ledger, it is far more than an action movie. It is a very deep, psychological crime drama. Ledger is absolutely disturbing as The Joker. He took Jack Nicholson’s Joker, and turned it up by a factor of ten. His portrayal was so impressive that rumors of a posthumous Oscar have been thrown around. While the rumors are justified, that portrayal has also caused some problems for the movie. Parents have complained that thanks to Ledger’s role, the movie is “too dark.“ Batman has always been a very dark, psychological, character in himself. To that extent, parents have no roomto complain. But Hollywood is just as much to blame, as it sold Dark Knight toys to little children, thus making those same kids want to see the movie. But, back to the movie itself.

The Dark Knight is just as good on DVD as it was in theaters. However, those looking to buy this dvd should stop and compare the single and double disc editions. The double disc touts a digital copy of the movie that can be put onto an iPod, or other MP3 player. But the bonus features are not the greatest of motivations. What’s more those who buy the single disc edition of The Dark Knight are given the option to buy and download the digital copy of the movie if so moved. Given, the double-disc edition gives viewers the digital copy for free. But not everyone cares about a digital copy. With that in mind, those on a budget would not be losing anything in buying the single disc edition of The Dark Knight. It is still just as impressive by itself as with any bonus features.

Rumors are still running rampant about the fate of Batman after this second movie. That is because director Christopher Nolan has allegedly stayed very mum about whether he would return to helm a third installmen of the “big black bat” (name that reference). Regardless of that—and of which edition one buys—those who have not yet seen The Dark Knight would definitely enjoy this installment of the world’s most famed caped crusader.

Frank Caliendo is a gifted comedian. There is little other way to explain him. There are many people out there who only know his work on Fox’s Sunday NFL program. The problem with that work is that it limits his ability to fully potray his abilities. But those who give Caliendo’s work a chance will find quite the impressive introduction to another side of Frank Caliendo. On this, his newest release, Frank Caliendo is definitely all over the place. He goes from one voice to another so quickly that he seems like a schizophrenic mental patient who also suffers from multiple personality syndrome. Yet, his multiple personalities are absolutely hilarious.

Most people who know of Frank Caliendo know of his impressions of George W. Bush. Bush is obviously his primary cash cow impersonation. But in listening to this new release, fans who have never heard Caliendo’s full abilities will be impressed to hear his impressions of Robin Williams, Bill Clinton, Frank Oz, and a near perfect impression of one Adam Sandler among others. Those listeners who hear this impersonation without knowing it was Frank Caliendo would swear it was Adam Sandler himself. His impersonations of Scooby Doo and Shaggy are just as impressive. There is even one fan on the recording who while he did like the noted impersonations, it may have been purely a drunken enjoyment. Frank’s back-and-forth with this fan is just as funny as his impersonation of Shaggy and Scooby.

Frank Caliendo is a comedian all his own. Yes, there are people out there who do impersonations. Robin Williams is the godfather of this brand of comedy. But there are no comedians out there as funny as Frank Caliendo in this vein of comedy today. Those who may be unsure about his true abilities would be encouraged to at least listen to this most recent performance. After a couple listens those who were doubtful will likely change their tunes, and become the newest fans of one of America’s new leading comedians.