Film And Vinyl
by Amy RobinsonMore Magic, More Analysis, More
Music From Big Name Brits Hit The Charts
SECRETS AND SHRINKS
Sequels are the order of the month, and even our third pick (left)
is a remake of a classic.
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the
second book in J.K. Rowling's series, all of the characters return
to Hogwarts for their second year, and as expected, Harry's
infamous first year has earned him celebrity status. When the
school is again in peril, the students turn to Harry for help. The
addition of Kenneth Branagh to the cast as the new Professor of
Defense Against the Dark Arts adds to this witty and entertaining
film.
Analyze That brings psychiatrist Ben Sobel (Billy
Crystal) and his former patient, mob boss Paul Vitti (Robert De
Niro), together again when Vitti is granted a conditional release
from prison into Sobel's care and custody. Crystal and De Niro (at
right) play wonderfully off of one another and their chemistry is
what makes an implausible plot and characters seem downright
reasonable.
-
ERIC CLAPTON
One More Car, One More Rider (Reprise)
Recorded in L.A. and Tokyo during his 2001 tour for Reptile, the 19
songs here cover a vast wealth of material that does nothing short
of proving that Slowhand's best work is done on stage. Bending his
classic blues-infused licks to the breaking point, Sir Eric
switches between acoustic ("Bell Bottom Blues," "Tears in Heaven")
and electric ("Father's Eyes," "She's Gone") guitar solos with
equal ease including both electric and acoustic renditions of
crowd-pleaser "Layla." Pick up the special three-disc package that
includes a DVD, and you're that much closer to having your holiday
shopping done.
PHIL COLLINS
Testify (Atlantic)
When we last heard from Collins, he was busy picking up a Grammy, a
Golden Globe, and an Oscar for his work on the 1999 Disney
soundtrack Tarzan. Today, he's promoting his first solo album in
six years. Even as Collins is moving forward on lyrics that reflect
where he's currently at in his life, there are still nods to the
former Genesis frontman's past. The driving bass line on the opener
("Wake Up Call") is reminiscent of "Abacab," and "Come with Me"
hints at "Follow You Follow Me." Collins also returns to his throne
behind the kit on several songs, including "Don't Get Me Started"
and "Through My Eyes," where his signature drum rolls still sound
like exclamation points.
DAVID BOWIE
Best of Bowie (Virgin) David Bowie has never been an artist who
stays in one place where his music, or fashion for that matter, is
concerned. True to form, there are several twists and turns on this
latest greatest-hits package - for one, listeners have the option
of a double (39 tracks) or single (20) disc. But the truly
impressive alterations are the 16 different versions of the album
being released around the world all with different track listings
and designs. Can you say ch-ch-ch-ch-changes? A DVD "best of"
catalog that captures Bowie in all of his colorful glory hits the
shelves this month as well.
- JAMES E. MAYFIELD
Share Your Comments