Previewing Hawthorne

It seems every new television season there is a new show about doctors (or five) it is surprising it took so long for networks to deviate and have a medical show focusing on nurses. Now in the span of four months, we get three new shows that revolve around RN’s. Last week saw the debut of Nurse Jackie on Showtime, the fall sees NBC’s foray into the profession with Mercy, while TNT premieres Hawthorne which sets itself apart by having the lead have RN in her name. But really not much else.

Jada Pinkett Smith (Reign Over Me) is said title character who is the head nurse at Richmond Trinity and the show picks up on the one year anniversary of the death of her husband. We are not that privy as to how it happen, just bits and pieces leak out in the first couple episodes on how he died. But naturally it causes some strain between her and her daughter and mother-law (Joanna Cassidy; yes, the white one) as it did happen at the hospital.

Other staffers include Michael Vartan (Monster-in-Law) who is just as wooden as ever, not that the female patrons will care much as the Chief of Surgery. Smith’s right hand woman is Suleka Mather (The Net) who self proclaimed damaged good (we do get to find out why she thinks that in a did that really just happened moment). David Julian Hirsh (Lovebites) is your comic relief, which is kind of sexist being the lone male nurse on staff.

Rounding out the cast is Christina Moore (Mad TV) whose main purpose apparently is just there to be the object of Hirsh’s affection. In fact Vanessa Lengies (American Dreams) isn’t officially in the cast but gets much more screen time, and better storylines, in the first couple episodes than Moore as a rookie nurse. It did look like Moore was going to be a nurse that gives her patients a little too much TLC, but that seemed to be quickly dropped after first alluded to.

The show does start to be more entertaining during the second episode thanks to some infusion of humor and a pair of guest stars. Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Listen Up) is admitted after a brain aneurism who mistakes Smith as his wife. And Cloris Leachman (Dancing with the Star) as a cantankerous patient that newbie Lengies has to deal with.

Hawthorne airs Tuesdays at 9:00 on TNT. The show is preceded by The Wedding Day at 8:00 and followed by Saving Grace at 10:00. Check out a preview below:

Lyrics Quiz: Summer Songs

Summer officially starts next week so I thought I would break out some “Summer” themed songs for this month’s lyrics quiz. As usual, place your guesses in the comment (or e-mail me), both artist and song title, and if you are correct I will un-bold the lyric. Now onto the quiz:

1. Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach. I feel it in the air. (The Boys of Summer - Don Henley; guessed by Tony)
2. Around about this time the telephone blew its horn across the room. Scared little Annie clean out of her mind and I tell ya.
3. Man we were killing time, we were young and restless. We needed to unwind. I guess nothing lasts forever. (Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams; guessed by Tony)
4. When you’re on a holiday, you can’t find the words to say all the things that come to you. And I want to feel it too. (Island in the Sun - Weezer; guessed by Tony)
5. Wandered through the valley of the shadow of the dead stumbled round this old sundial, there these words I read.
6. The weather is hot and girls are dressing less and checking out the fellas to tell them who’s best. (Summertime - D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince; guessed by Rebekah)
7. Two peas in the same pod, yes we are. Or have I read too much fiction?
8. Blowing through the jasmine in mind. (Summer Breeze - Seals and Croft; guessed by Rebekah)
9. The Midwest farmer’s daughters really make you feel alright. (California Girls - The Beach Boys; guessed by Tony)
10. When I’m a walking, I strut my stuff. (Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes; guessed by Tony)
11. In the shade of willow tree, creeps are crawling over me. Over me and over you. (Staring at the Sun - U2; guessed by Rebekah)
12. You come from Georgia where the peaches grow. They drink lemonade and speak real slow.
13. Well she’s deceiving me, it cuts my security. She’s got control of me. (Sunglasses at Night - Corey Hart; guessed by Tony)
14. Whenever I’m with him something inside is still burning and I’m filled with desire.
15. Twenty-five years ago they spoke out and they broke out of recession and oppression.
16. See me once, see the way I feel. Don’t discard me just because you think I mean you harm. (Don't Let the Sun go Down on Me - Elton John; guessed by Tony)
17. My friends the communist holds meeting in his office. I can’t afford his gas. So I’m stuck here watching TV.
(Soak up the Sun - Sheyrl Crow; guessed by Rebekah)
18. Well the streetlights shine down on Blessing Avenue. Lovers they walk by, holding hands two by two. (Girls in Their Summer Clothes - Bruce Springsteen; guessed by Tony)
19. It’s the morning and just we two. I’ll stay with you darling now, I’ll stay with you till my seas are dried up. (Sunshine of Your Love - Cream; guessed by Rebekah)
20. When the weather’s right you got women, you got women on your mind. Have a drink, hav a drive, go out and see what you can find. (In the Summertime - Mungo Jerry; guessed by Rebekah)
21. Little darling, their smiles are returning to their faces. (Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles; guessed by Rebekah)
22. Now every time I go for the mailbox I have to hold myself down. (Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves; guessed by Rebekah)
23. All around, people looking half dead. Walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head. (Summer in the City - The Lovin' Spoonful; guessed by Rebekah)
24. The shadows are on the darker side. Behind those doors, it's a wilder ride.
25. Making love out by the lake to our favorite song. Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking about tomorrow. (All Summer Long - Kid Rock; guessed by Tony)

Previewing Saving Grace

Last season of Saving Grace ended with the shocking execution of Leon Cooley despite Grace’s decision to help try to help clear his name. Equally shocking was, much like when Grace got a second chance when she killed Cooley, she herself was a victim of someone who ended up getting a second chance for themselves so instead it ended up being just a dream for Grace, and for some reason Rhetta.

The third season opens up with Grace trying to get in contact with the person from the dream who naturally is into something bad that Grace and her boys investigate. There is also a subplot with Grace and Ham getting caught in a precarious position which leads to a pretty funny scene at the end of the episode.

Later this season F. Murray Abraham shows up as a co-worker of Earl who conspicuously always wears black and arrives with a bolt of lightning and tries to poach Grace for his cliental when Grace runs into one of his former assignments. For a preview of tonight’s episode, check out the clip below:



Saving Grace airs Tuesdays at 10:00 on TNT and is preceeded by new shows Wedding Day at 8:00 and Hawthorne at 9:00 (check back later for a preview of the series). You can stream current episodes of the show over at TNT.tv. You can also download Saving Grace on iTunes or on Amazon Video on Demand (see below):

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. LXXXIV

Quote of the Week: Hey, my boobs are awesome. (Rebecca Logan, Greek)

Song of the Week: Does anyone know what song was played at the end of Rescue Me?

Big News of the Week: Digital Conversion Finally Happened: After almost a year of postponements, the digital conversion finally happened last night so hopefully you can still get all your channels today. I’m just glad we don’t have to sit through all those reminders.

I would also like to point out this week I took part in a survey over at TV Blips who asked TV Bloggers their thoughts on the recent cancelations and renewal for next fall. Head over there to read my thoughts.

Coalition Links of the Week:
So, Futurama is back. Buzz wonders: Is this cause for celebration — or just puzzlement? (BuzzSugar)

This past week was a lot of fun. Jimmy Fallon & his guests had us laughing. Top Chef Masters returned to make us hungry. And our favorite reality show, So You Think You Can Dance, made us want to dance. (Give Me My Remote)

Not even a pretty face and an English accent can save the hyper-mediocre new show Mental. (TiFaux)

Vance thought it was such a strong first week Top 20 performance, that he doesn't know who to love right now on So You Think You Can Dance!(Tapeworthy)

This week, Jace reviewed the first four episodes of Season Two of True Blood, talked to Alan Ball about what to expect this season, and had a candid interview with Virtuality co-creator Michael Taylor about the upcoming FOX airing of the two-hour pilot. (Televisionary)

This week, the TV Addict shone the spotlight on the Broadway invasion that is upon us when the new slate of shows premiere this Fall 2009. (The TV Addict)

The more he reads about various Flash Forward characters, the more excited Matt gets about this show. (TV Fanatic)


Pushing Daisies: Holy Fred Williamson sighting! And he gets his head twisted off! It is depressing that tonight is the last episode ever. Or at least for ten years when networks try to recycle ideas from the ’00. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com.



I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Did they just have the relatives of everyone involved on standby? First Rod Blagoavich isn’t allowed to leave the country so his wife goes instead. The first time Heidi and Spencer bolt, they bring in another Baldwin and the second time it is Heidi’s sister that joins the show. And why are they still adding people? I thought this was only going on three weeks, but they are adding more people then are getting voted off. You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.com.

Greek: Aw, homecoming, one of only two days of the year when it is socially acceptable to start drinking before noon. You can stream current episodes over at ABCFamily.com. You can also download Greek on iTunes.

Rescue Me: Yeah, Tommy drinking again is not going to end well. And with White Shawn off having surgery, is Black Shawn going to be the new Dumb to Mike’s Dumber? Them trying to keep from telling Tommy’s cousin he was drinking again was pretty funny. You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.



Free Download of the Week: Royal Pains in HD (iTunes): Last week I previewed the new USA show Royal Pains and now you can download the extended pilot for free.

Deal of the Week: More Great Blu-ray Hits for Dads (Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy, Lost, Remember the Titans)

Video of the Week: Oh that wacky Chris Hansen and his undercover cameras. This time Hansen heads to Sin City to catch pimps. As seen by the clip below, one alleged pimp is happy that the he hasn’t been caught by Hansen for his most famous Dateline NBC segment. Dude apparently is such a fan of To Catch a Predator he looks to get an autograph (see clip below). Dateline NBC: Vegas Undercover airs Monday at 10:00 on NBC.



Next Week Pick of the Week: Greek, Monday at 8:00 on ABC Family: The description for the season finale of Greek says that Dale and Calvin make a purity pledge together. Really anything that Dale and Calvin pledge to do together will result in hilarity.

Around the Tubes vol. IX

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Hammertime, Raising the Bar, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, The United States of Tara, America: Wild and Wacky, Wedding Day, World’s Toughest Fixes and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

- Step up MC Hammer, you’re the latest has been to get their own reality show. The show premieres this Sunday at 10:00 on A&E. If you cannot wait that long, you can download the first ten minutes of Hammertime on iTunes. I will give the show props for creating the vial video below:

Hammer Pants Dance (HD)


- Hammertime isn’t the only show going with a flash mob for promotion as this “mystery clip” instead goes with the hall and Oats classic You Make My Dreams Come True for their promotion. Of course it is not such a mystery to who put on the clip because the show’s logo is not so subleably shown. But anyways.

"You Make My Dreams Come True" at Mall of America


- You may remember during my preview of Raising the Bar, I mentioned Zach Morris has a run in with a new judge, here is a first look at his courtroom from Monday’s episode:



- I am still working my way through season three of Weeds, but apparently they just premiered the fifth one. Thoughout the season, Andy will be sharing some his knowledge at they newly opened University of Andy like Surviving a Bear Attack, Starting a Band and Holding Your Liquor (see below):



- In other Showtime news, they must have really been impressed with Nurse Jackie because they have already renewed it for a second season. But then again they like renewing their shows early. Much like The United States of Tara who will see Academy Award nominee Viola Davis (Doubt) show up for seven episodes when the show returns.

- Out of the 1000 channels I have, I don’t think The Smithsonian Channel is one of them. But if you do, on July 5 at 4:00 they will be celebrating the seventy-second birthday of Spam on America: Wild and Wacky.

As altruistic as it sounds, as a dude, I think I will pass on Wedding Date, the new reality series from Mark Burnett where they give deserving couple a wedding they deserve. To keep with that altruistic theme, for those that take the subways in New York City, you may just get a free cab ride next Monday as a collection of 25 dressed-up brides will stand in front Grand Central Terminal (8 a.m. to noon), and Penn Station (3-6 p.m.) to direct cab riders to specially outfitted Wedding Day taxis for a free ride. Also, TNT will be screening the first episode on the CNN board in Times Square at approximately 8:00 p.m.

- If you tuned into Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last week to see the Dave Matthews Band perform, you may have seen Fallon interview World’s Toughest Fixes host Sean Riley. You can find behind the scene photos over at NationalGeographic.com and check out the interview below:

I Want My Music Television vol. LIII

There have been a couple of videos that have caught my eye lately so I thought I’d give them some love since the death of Musical Television left a void for a forum on the art form. If you are interested in buying the video through iTunes, click the title link (where available). If you are interested in buying the song, look for a link in the analysis.


Funny the Way It Is - Dave Matthews Band

Somewhat reminiscent of their last video Eh Hee with Dave Matthews getting abused with the camera doing weird speed effects. Well, at least the song is great. A Dustland Fairytale - The Killers Nothing more unintentionally funny then when The Killers try to go for an epic video. But all I could think when watching it is the Enrique Iglesias video Hero (with Mickey Rourke and Jennifer Love Hewitt). Crack a Bottle – Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent Crack a Bottle was really the only party song on Relapse, but leave it to Eminem to make a video that is as creepy as the rest of the album. Under My Bed – Meiko Meikohad me at ninjas hiding under her bed. And holy Abe Lincoln sighting!

Musings From the Back 9: Music Edition XI

Have you ever wondered what The Fray would sound like if there were fronted by Adam Levine of Maroon 5? Well if so you will want to check out The Script. Lead singer Danny O'Donoghue does his best blue eyed soul over the melodic music. But much like The Fray (or Maroon 5 to a lesser extent), their self-titled album is mostly mediocre with throwaway tracks a plenty. But also like The Fray, they are able to crank out one or two tracks that hit an emotional chord and on The Script, that song is The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, a song that follows a guy who hoped to reunite with a past love by camping out at the place where their first met.

The Script gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.


Mat Kearney busted on the scene three years ago thanks to some helpful television placements and a quirky half sung, half spoken word type delivery. The rapping Chris Martin set him apart from the other Coldplay wannabes that scattered the landscape during the middle of this decade. Which makes you wonder why he dropped all the spoken word delivery for his sophomore album City of Black & White. The result is none of the songs here really stand out especially after realizing Fire & Rain isn’t a James Taylor cover.

City of Black & White gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.


There is nothing better in music than a great blues song. Even blues that isn’t that great is still pretty good and that is where the Blues Caravan: Guitars and Feathers falls into. The main problem with the album is most of the songs are nondescript and it is sometimes hard to distinguish one from another. Most songs are originals from Deborah Colman, Candye Kane and Dani Wilde with a couple covers thrown in from Ray Charles and Willie Dixon. But if you have some hankering for some blues, this disk will certainly be sufficient.

Blues Caravan: Guitars and Feathers gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.

Previewing Explorer: Easter Island Underworld

You don’t become one of the Seven Wonders of the World by chance and the giant heads of Easter Island made the list thanks to the size and number of them spread throughout the island. An like many of their companions on the list, one is quick to ask “why and how?” But unlike some of the other wonders, there were not that many original inhabitants around to answer such questions.

Ever since Easter Sunday on 1722 when the Dutch discovered the most remote island in the world, archeologist have been puzzled by these mysteries and science has started to piece the puzzles together which is featured on the most recent episode of Explorer: Easter Island Underworld premiering tonight at 10:00 on the National Geographic Channel. Thanks to science we know think we know where the original inhabitants came from, how they died out, why they build the heads and why. You can check out a clip of the show below:

Previewing The Closer 5.x

With the wedding out of the way, the fifth season of The Closer starts up with no bells and whistles, just Brenda Leigh trying to figure out a family of four. Naturally the investigation quickly turns to the father who wasn’t around when the bodies of his wife, two kids and mother in law were found. Once tracked down, Brenda tries to worker her magic to solve the case. And an unexpected run in with the FBI complicates the case.

With a ring on her finger, it looks like there will be more change on the horizon for Brenda as Kyra Sedgwick says the theme of this season is change. And that seems to hit home in the first episode with someone close to her becoming gravely sick. Series creator James Duff adds to that change theme, “After four seasons of really getting to know these characters, the fifth season marks a great time to see how they react to major changes both inside and outside the squad room. We’re very excited about where we’re taking Brenda and her squad in the coming year. Check below for a preview clip:



The Closer airs Mondays at 9:00 on TNT and is directly followed by Raising the Bar at 10:00 (see my Preview here). You can stream recent episodes on TNT.tv. You can also download The Closer on iTunes or on Amazon Video on Demand (see below):

Previewing Raising the Bar 2.x

The main reason for watching the first season of Raising the Bar was because of Zach Morris’s hair. It was memorizing in how a lawyer would walk into a courtroom with a caveman mane. So it came to much of a shock when the promotional photos for the second season were released and Zach Morris was back to his Zach Morris locks (albeit a little darker). Did they not learn anything from the story of Samson? Will the second season be as watchable with having to stare at the long hair?

Luckily as the season premiere starts up tomorrow at 10:00 on TNT, we still get to see Zach in all his hairy glory before he finally goes under the scissors (while defending a barber at that). Aside from the haircut, not much has changed, Lindsay Warner is going through with her divorce while still hoping for a Bayside reunion with Zach and an inevitable love triangle is finally looking to solidify its side with the district attorney he was shacking up with in the pilot.

And to answer the question, will the show still be watchable after Zach lopped of his hair: yes. Mostly thanks to John Michael Higgins (Best in Show) who shows up as an anal retentive judge who butts heads with Zach over the rules of his court to plenty of laughs. We even learn what happens when a lawyer doesn’t wave the readings, something I have wondered about since first hearing it. Also this season, the lawyers go at each other on cases ranging from drug dealing, child pornography, and hate crimes. Check out the clip below for a preview:



And for one last time, Zach Morris in olden times (cue up It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday):



Raising the Bar airs at 10:00 on TNT and is preceded by a new season of The Closer at 9:00. You can stream episodes after they air over at TNT.tv. You can also download episodes of Raising the Bar on iTunes.

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. LXXXIII

Quote of the Week: I like it; it makes you sound like a comic book villain. So what’s the deal, why don’t you trust me Evan Chambers? (Cappie, Greek)

Song of the Week: Hello – Lionel Richie (as sung by Olive Snook; Pushing Daisies)

Big News of the Week: I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Returns: A couple months ago I interviewed John Lehr about his show 10 Items or Less and made sure to ask him about his stint as the host of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! And John basically ripped the show to shreds (click here to see the interview) and low and behold, about a month later NBC decided to resurrected the show.

I spent most of the week trying to avoid the show, but sadly caught a few minutes and feel worse for it. This go around seems to be the Heidi and Spencer show as in a week span they have quit the show multiple times and tried to come back both times in a sequence that seems as spontaneous as the Eminem/Bruno incident. The first time they used the befuddling excuse that their cast mates weren’t famous enough for them to hang with. Seriously, they are third from the bottom in terms of Q ratings on the show after the VH1 hosts and Blagoavich’s wife. And for those who want to know who was first to get the boot, check out the video below (now if you excuse me, I need to take a shower):



Coalition Links of the Week:
Buzz gathered up her favorite quotes from the TV season in a mega "Who Said That Line?" quiz. How many do you remember? (BuzzSugar)

This week, Sandie got a chance to interview Stephen Moyer who plays Bill on HBO's True Blood. (Daemon's TV)

Vance chats about the newly announced Season 5 Top 20 So You Think You Can Dance dancers with his new bsytycdff LowResJoe, TwoP Lauren S and ABChau. YAY! It's STARTING!!! (Tapeworthy)

This week, Jace offered advance reviews for the first six episodes of Showtime's Nurse Jackie and the first three episodes of Weeds and reviewed the pilots for CW's Melrose Place and ABC's The Middle. (Televisionary)


Pushing Daisies: It is really weird watching this episode after such a long layoff. It almost too me the whole episode to get back into the world of Ned the Piemaker. Or at least it took until Olive broke out singing. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com.



Greek: I could see why Cappie and Evan would fight over Casey, but the chick from their secret society? Not so much. You can stream current episodes over at ABCFamily.com. You can also download Greek on iTunes.

Rescue Me: I think I missed the boat on Conner, I guess it is a hallucination so anything goes, but I don’t get why he is so old and why and how he has a kid. And Tommy is back to shacking up with two woman again. Must be nice to star in a show you produce. You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.



Free Download of the Week: Sugarfoot – Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears (Amazon MP3) – If they handed out awards for most infectious songs, this song would definitely snag it for 2009. And not only can you grab Sugarfoot for free at Amazon MP3, you can also grab the video on iTunes, just click the banner at right (if the picture isn’t of Black Joe Lewis, you are too late).

Deal of the Week: Save up to 44% in the June DVD Blowout Sale (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Arrested Development, Wonderfalls)

Video of the Week: Last night was the second season premiere of Whale Wars on Animal Planet with The Sea Shepherd crew continuing their fight against Japanese whaling. If you missed it, here is a sneak peak at the new season:

Whale Wars Season 2 Preview


Next Week Pick of the Week: Pushing Daisies, Saturday at 10:00 on ABC: The show just returned last week and just like that, the series finale is next week. Here’s hoping for a satisfying ending.

Previewing Home

It seems like new holidays dedicated to the Earth pop up every month these days and today apparently is World Environmental Day. Who knew? But anyway. In honor of that holiday, filmmaker Yann Arthus-Bertrand is launching his latest film Home on every format: in theaters, on DVD/Blu-Ray and on television, for those of in the United States that will be on the National Geographic (for foreigners, check your local listings because it is premiering all over the globe today in its first of its kind global premiere).

The film is narrated by Glenn Close and is one of those movies with awe inspiring visuals (which are most likely even better in high definition) that’s to the scenes that were filmed in fifty-four different countries and 120 locations over 217 days, all shot from the air looking down on the Earth. There is even an accompanying book Home: A Hymn to the Planet and Humanity that puts those amazing visuals into a single frames surrounded by much of Close’s script put to page.

The film starts off with a half hour of those awe inspiring images set to an inspirational message delivered by Close. But where the movie goes bad is when we first get a look at fire and then for the next hour, the movie turns into Al Gore type tedium with facts we have all heard before. It isn’t until the final fifteen minutes does the film get back on track with a message of hope and words on how we should go from here and stops dwelling on all the bad things that we have done since the discovery of coal. Check out a clip below:

Previewing Royal Pains

As everyone’s pocketbook shrinks, USA is banking on that most of America will sit in their air conditioned suburbs or apartments to see how the rich spend their summers in their new show Royal Pains airs tonight with a seventy-five minute limited commercial premiere at 10:00 (the premiere will be preceded by the season premiere of Burn Notice at 9:00 and Casino Royaleat 6:00). The show centers on a doctor (Mark Feuerstein, Good Morning Miami) who gets fired for caring as much for an average Joe as he does the benefactor of the hospital he works at when the latter dies in his care.

Naturally a slump ensues, and that is where his brother Paulo Costanzo (Road Trip) comes in and takes Feuerstein to the Hamptons to in order to crash some big wig parties. His doctor abilities come in handy when he saves the life a model which leads one of the bigger wigs to offer him up his guest house so he will be is very on concierge doctor. Of course considering he recently lost a job because he cared equally for the middle class as he did for the uber-rich, this working relationship could create some ethical grey areas.

The need for a personal doctor steams from the inadequacies of the lone hospital on the island (which begs the question why don’t all the rich people dig a million dollars each out of their cushions and build a better facility?) which just happens to be the employer of resident hottie Jill Flint (Gossip Girl). Also along for the ride is Reshma Shetty (30 Rock) who tries to get hired by Feuerstein after word gets out he is the new hot doctor.

The problem with Royal Pains is Feuerstein whose character makes it pretty hard to be likeable as he sulks for most of the premiere to the point where you will be prone to yell at your television for him to man up. Luckily the supporting cast saves the day. Costanzo steals most of his scenes as a likeable cad and there already seems to be a good back and forth between him and Shetty. And there is also the easy on the eyes Flint. At its best, the show could be something of a reverse Doc Hollywood with a doctor getting stuck with the rich instead of the boonies (and sadly without any “You can blink now” moments). If in future episodes Feuerstein stops his sulking, Royal Pains could turn into a watchable summer excursion.

Royal Pains airs Thursdays at 10:00 on USA and will be preceded by a new season of Burn Notice at 9:00.

Previewing World's Toughest Fixes

World’s Toughest Fixes is one of those shows you know that there are going to succeed in whatever the task is at hands, but you can’t help but going “there is no what that is going to happen.” Like when the host, Sean Riley, says he is going to move a fully formed five lane highway bridge over a mile you cannot help but think to yourself, “no way.” The show, if anything, lives up to its acronym.

The new season premieres this Thursday at 9:00 on the National Geographic Channel with Sean trying to launch a $250 million communications satellite from the French Guiana jungle. Without a new satellite many of us could be without cell phone or internet service. Scary, I know. And as Sean puts it on the chances of success, “Either this rocket is going to launch … or it’s going to be one hell of a show.” Check out the bottom of the post for a clip of the episode.

Also this season Sean will be looking to fix an Alaskan Pipe Line that could cause a oil spill (6/11), a Giant Wind Turbine that will produce years of clean energy (6/18), a 50-Ton Rudder to move a 100,000-pound beast under 60 feet of water (6/25), move a 300-ton Mississippi River Barge that crashed a levee (7/2). And at a later date look for episodes where Sean tries to position a fully functioning commercial solar energy field; fix a broken dam holding back nearly 2 million pounds of water near Portland, Ore.; replace one of the most powerful magnets ever built in the “atomic racetrack,” a 17-mile-long nuclear research tunnel in Geneva, Switzerland; and the previously mentioned episode with the five lane bridge.

Somebody's Broken Heart Become Your Favorite Song

After four albums that didn’t stray very far from their signature sound all produced by Steve Lillywhite (for the sake of this argument, I am including The Lillywhite Session, which would later become Busted Stuff, in this group), this decade, the Dave Matthews Band has teamed up with a new producer for each new album leading to a deviation in their sound. In 2001 they brought in Glen Ballard for Everyday that was very pop oriented. For 2005’s Stand Up they teamed up with Dr. Dre collaborator Mark Batson for a funkier album. For their last studio album of the decade (presumably) Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, they signed up Rob Cavallo, best known for his work with Green Day, as producer leading to some of the heavier work that band has done since Halloween.

But the biggest change for the band since their last album was the death of founding member LeRoi Moore who died during pre-production. Moore opens the album that is named after him but it is unsure on which other tracks where he plays or if it is his stand in on the saxophone Jeff Coffin of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Also joining the band on the album for the first time Rashawn Ross on, who has been touring with the band in recent years, trumpet and for the first time since Before These Crowded longtime collaborator Tim Reynolds adds some electric guitar.

Aside from the extra rock vibe Cavallo brought, recording the album in New Orleans definitely brings out some Cajun flavor in which you can spot before you even press play just by looking at the cover of the album. But that still holds true as the opening with Moore’s sax highlighted with just some drums to accompany it on Grux. As the gut of the album starts with Shake Me Like a Monkey, Rosson’s brass extends that vibe, but it is Cavallo that gets Carter Beauford to bang on his drums maybe harder than he ever has and Matthews gruff voice that makes the track into a rock song.

In what seems to be a tradition for every album, there in another song where Matthews likes to get his freak on and this album Matthews gets over affectionate on Spaceman (certainly not to be confused by the recent The Killers song as DMB’s title character is just trying to get laid). Other highlights on the album and the epic Squirm, a song that just screams to be heard done by the band live. Then there is Alligator Pie that sounds like a leftover from Stand Up, but still is better than most songs on that set and is Matthews at his best incoherent. And it isn’t all rock, Baby Blue may be the sweetest song the band ever recorded.

Though we don’t know the extent of Moore’s involvement in the album, his presence is felt throughout the album. Matthews claims he is still dancing with the GrooGrux King and will see in heaven or hell when his time is up on Why I Am. And it could be deduce that the line from Funny the Way it Is, “Somebody’s heart is broken and it becomes your favorite song” is about Matthews and his fans when it comes to this album. While You & Me is a fitting end to the album that is in full that was a tribute to their fellow comrade.

Song to Download - Spaceman

Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.

Love, You Drive Me to Distraction

Tomorrow sees the release of the first Dave Matthews Band album in four years and Hulu is celebrating by bringing you a streaming concert starting at 8:00 tonight. I am on the other hand is celebrating by induction another one of their albums into the Scooter Hall of Fame, their third time in. This time around the album at the height of their popularity, Crash, gets the honor.

Most of that popularity culls from the smash single Crash into Me which has disturbing been the soundtrack first dance at a few weddings I have attended of my peers. Of course most of the public mistook the ode to a stalker as some sort of love letter. That is not to say there isn’t any truly romantic songs on Crash as the twelve plus minutes where #41 bleeds into Say Goodbye should help anyone get into the mood and even provides you with a good suggestion starter in, “tomorrow, let’s go back to being friends.”

#41 not only is the romantic high on the album, it is the musical high where each five members are given equal moments to shine on the track. The bridge between the two songs even shows that not only is LeRoi Moore is proficient on all four types of saxophones, but he can even bring out a flute when needed.

Crash showed that they could appeal equally to the pop crowd as well as those drawn into the jam band quality. Aside from Crash into Me, So Much to Say and Too Much were quicker and more accessible to the masses than most on the major label debut. On the other hand, songs Two Step and Lie in Our Graves were sprawling epics that even become grander at their live shows usually going well over ten minutes. The disk also featured crowd favorite Tripping Billies that dated back to their independent releases.

If it is 9:00 or later on the east coast, you can watch the previously mentioned Dave Matthews Band concert below.

I Take Rappers on a Field Trip any Day

Looking at the track list on Troubadour you see your typically “featuring” guests like Chubb Rock, Damian Marley, Adam Levine, Mos Def and, wait, Kirk Hammett? Okay, so K’Naan may not be your typical rapper as seen by his biography: Somalia by way of Canada (insert your Snow jokes here). With those roots, K’naan has managed to make an African influenced rap album that actually works that is full with A Tribe Called Quest and The Pharcyde references to satisfy old school fans.

As for the Kirk Hammett appearance, it seems like every time a rapper tries mixing the genre with hard rock, they fail miserably or just come off cheesy (just ask Puff Daddy), but If Rap Gets Jealous actually can appeal to hip hop purists and metal heads the same. Oddly, he follows up that song with his most mellow song on the disk, Wavin’ Flag, a marching song that could do well as a nation anthem somewhere.

For those looking for a club banger, turn to the Adam Levine assisted Bang Bang where K’Naan takes a break from the political themes of the rest of the album, but still doesn’t sound tired like most rap songs on the radio. Other standout tracks are the album opener T.I.A., the shout and stomp along anthem and ABC’s that brings out Chubb Rock out of obscurity for a Jamaican themed jam.

Song to Download – If Rap Gets Jealous

Troubadour gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.