Page 13 January 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

PANTHER POST

A Britney-styled comeback [I St5

Pop-princess of the 90s aims to reinvigorate her fame with latest album

In an attempt to rebound from her high- ly publicized personal and professional ruination of the past two years Britney Spears has followed up. her poorly re- corded “Blackout” with an album that is supposed to be her glorious return to the industry.

Although many discerning music fans out there would prefer to see the weave clad princess's success pale into

the indecorous history of music's past .

that was the pop explosion of the late nineties, she has made her return with Circus.

Produced under a milieu of industry mavens, Circus is a typical Britney al- bum, blending catchy synth beats of mass appeal with biographical lyrics. The first single, Womanizer, is an easy option for release and is also the first pop gem to be heard on the album.

A wise choice by her pup- peteers as this dancy num- ber is probably the strongest song on the album in terms of catchiness. Following the release of Womanizer is the title track and future Velvet Underground classic, Circus, which is most reminiscent of Britney's less aspersive past.

Despite the fact that her first two releases present an elec- tro-danceable sensibility, the rest of Circus deviates from that notion resulting in a fractured collection of tracks. Some songs are easily recog- nized as being about her past exploits with vices such as drugs, alcohol and paparazzi in her ever-so cleverly titled track If U Seek Amy along with Blur and Kill The Lights. The former two belonging in the freak show element of Circus along with the Sein-

feld intro inspired Lace and Leather and the creepy Electra-complex lyrics of Mmm Papi. _

Itis in the incongruous range of sounds and lyrical themes that this album goes astray but then again if Circus is to be a reflection of Brit's life then the end result is fitting.

Although it appears to be a patchwork of a record, lacking any solid direction, fans of the pop princess can find solace

in the fact that her vocal performance .

is strong and consistent.

Brit may not have achieved the mas- sive comeback expected from her days of head shaving and Federline loving but one this is for sure she's still got the voice and a future in mainstream music.

Internet

The Post welcomes a new feature, educating us on what to look forward to in books, music and movies

Books to read

Flutter- A collection of poems that touch on the interactions of human beings in our world and those origins. Written by Nova Scotia author Alice Burdick this work was influenced by rural landscapes and involves some heavy interpretation for some pieces. Something that should be explored as we all need a little more metrical composition in our lives.

Born-Again Vintage - For those penny pinching fashionistas that frequent local castoff retail outlets such as Value Village, The Green Man or Lou Lou this is the book for you. Compiled by Bridgett Ar- tise and Jen Karetnick, this book bestows a wealth of knowledge on how to craftily update those recycled gems.

Watchmen - A classic superhero comic creation by Alan Moore

‘and Dave Gibbons. If you haven’t

read it already then pick it up and if you are a long time lover of this graphic novel then refresh your memory because the long awaited film adaptation is in theatres March 3.

Music to hear

Animal Collective - This New York City based experimental indie band is about release their ninth studio album on January 20th. Titled Merriweather Post Pavillion, it has already been leaked onto the information super highway, but be a peach and check it out for yourself upon release.

Razorlight - Although their popularity is just beginning to emerge on this side of the pond

the Anglo-Swedish indie rock band’s third studio album Slipway Fires is gaining momentum.

Check out the video for their new release Hostage of Love on youtube.

Fleet Foxes - If you haven’t heard of them yet then quit be- ing idle as this five piece Seattle wonder band’s latest self-titled album and EP Sun Giant topped Pitchfork’s best album of 2008 list. Combining folk, rock and pop Fleet Foxes are sure to grow in popularity in coming years.

Films to see

Wendy and Lucy - Coming out January 23 this film heralded the majority of the buzz at the 2008 Toronto film festival. If not for the critical acclaim then at least use Michelle Williams’ return to film as an excuse to get out to this one.

Miroir Noir - If you’ve been going through Arcade Fire with- drawl then check out the latest from these indie mavericks with their first rock documentary. An intimate look at this Canadian music phenomenon, it was filmed and directed by friends of the band and covers studio time and on the road footage while promot- ing Neon Bible.

Fifty Dead Men Walking - For all those Irish history buffs out there this is a crime thriller film adaptation directed by Canadian Kari Skogland. Set in Belfast the plot follows a young street hustler in the 1980s who becomes an in- formant for the city police, spying on the IRA.

You can catch this one at City Cinema, starting January 9th run- ning to the 18th.