December 2008 Archives

It's not often that Christmas albums feature original songs as the majority. Most artists rehash Christmas classics, maybe trying their hand at one or two tracks of their own crafting. But the latest EP from The Maine finds the Tempe-based power pop quintet caroling three-quarters original holiday tunes.

From the moment he performed "Love Lockdown" to close this year's VMAs, Kanye West's "new sound" has drawn mixed reaction. While "Lockdown" -- highlighted by emphatic drums and digitized vocals -- played in heavy rotation on radio stations people continued to wonder if West's forthcoming record would continue in the style set by its lead single.

All the wondering was put to rest on November 24, when 808's & Heartbreak, West's fourth studio album, hit the street. Released just over a year after 2007's multi-platinum Graduation, Heartbreak, proves a substantial departure for West. But if you look past his liberal use of Auto-Tune, you'll find West's most focused, cohesive record yet.

For some families, the post-holiday-gathering movie is a tradition, for others its an anomaly, but whether or not a trip to the cinema is part of your festivities, there's always a deluge of flicks aimed at those looking to escape their families for a couple hours.

Leading this year's class of "everyone-is-watching-football-so-let's-get-out-of-here" flicks is "Four Christmases," which opened nationwide November 26, starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon.