MELLOW KATIE MELUA

YOU’s Pressplay team caught up with the artist with the angelic voice who recently visited SA and performed in packed venues.

In spite of her success Katie Melua (24) says she didn’t plan on being a singer. “When I was younger I wanted to become a historian. I loved history and I’d still like to do a course. Not a politician though,” she says, laughing. “When I was 15 I got a computer. It was very basic but I became obsessed with writing music.”

Some of her favourite artists are Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchell. “When I discovered Joni Mitchell and The Beatles I couldn’t believe music could be that powerful. I was struck by Eva’s simple production and emotional voice.”

The singer who was born in Georgia and raised in Northern Ireland has a powerful voice and has released three albums so far: 2004’s Call Off the Search, 2006’s Piece by Piece and 2007’s Pictures.

Her third album includes a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s song In My Secret Life. “I’m a huge Leonard Cohen fan and always wanted to sing one of his songs but felt too immature for it. I love the song’s central message - the relationship between how you view yourself and the world views you. And how when you’re young you want to change the world and then you grow up and start to conform.”

And how does she feel about visiting SA? “My memories of the country are steeped in its beautiful nature. And I love the audiences.”

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MUSIC NEWS

ALBUM OF THE MONTH
Rockferry by Duffy
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Edna Isaacs
The 24-year-old Welsh singer’s debut studio album has sold more than three million copies so far and it’s easy to hear why once you listen to it. The smash hit Mercy is popular but this is certainly not a one-hit-wonder album.

Other outstanding tracks are Warwick Avenue, Stepping Stone and Distant Dreamer. Duffy has said the songs Mercy and Stepping Stone are autobiographical. “Mercy is about sexual liberty and not doing something somebody else wants you to do.” Stepping Stone is about not expressing her feelings to a person she fell in love with. If you buy only one album this year make sure it’s this one.

MORE CD REVIEWS
One of the Boys by Katy Perry
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
If you haven’t yet heard the catchy I Kissed a Girl you’ve been living under a rock. Good news for fans of the quirky Perry is that the rest of the album is just as good. The songs are melodramatic and sometimes downright angry but always with an infectious beat - think Mika crossed with early-era Pink and you have Katy in a nutshell.

Homebrew Hits Volume 1 by Various Artists
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
At last, a definitive compilation of South African hit songs. The Homebrew show of 94.7 Highveld Stereo has compiled a who’s who of local pop and rock on 36 tracks. All the big names and their most recent hits are there: Tasha Baxter, Loyiso, Arno Carstens, HHP, Karen Zoid, The Parlotones, Freshlyground, Seether and Louise Carver. Get it now!

HOT WEBSITES
- www.deezer.com offers the latest news and music clips on a host of musicians and music genres. Registration is free and you can create and access your own playlist.

- Visit 5fm.co.za for info on the latest gigs of SA’s hottest bands and DJs. If you register you can enter competitions, e-mail DJs and start your own blogs and you’ll receive a weekly 5FM newsletter to keep abreast of all things cool and funky.

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THE TING TINGS ON OUR RADAR

The British duo behind the hit single That’s Not My Name introduce a new electro-indie-pop sound with their debut album, We Started Nothing.

Formed in November 2006 the group is made up of Katie White (vocals, guitar, bass, drum) and Jules De Martino (drums, guitar, vocals).

Their single That’s Not My Name hit the No 1 spot on UK charts and it’s moving up the charts in South Africa.

The Ting Tings want to start a pop revival. “We write and produce our own music so we’re not a poppy band on paper because we don’t even work with producers. We do it all ourselves and you don’t get many pop bands like that,” Jules says.

Where does their unusual name come from? “When we formed in 2006 I was working in a boutique with a Chinese girl called Ting Ting, which I thought was lovely. It can also refer to the sound of innovation, like the ‘ting’ you hear when you get an idea,” Katie explains.

They’re surprised about the success of their first album. “It’s basically quite an annoying record to start with but by the end it all fits into place. We thought nobody would want to work with us so we just messed around,” Katie says.

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DVD REVIEWS MEET BILL

MEET BILL
Comedy/drama. 2007. 89 min. With Aaron Eckhart, Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Alba. Directors: Bernie Goldmann and Melisa Wallack. 13PGL.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Willem Möller

Bill (Eckhart) hates his life: he’s financially dependent on a dead-end job at his father-in-law’s company where he’s given menial tasks to do, his smug brother-in-law treats him like dirt and his wife (Banks) is cheating on him with a minor celebrity. To top it all he’s developing a boep thanks to a chocolate addiction.

Then he’s ordered to mentor a precocious 15-year-old boy (Logan Lerman) from his old high school. But The Kid (as he’s known) takes a liking to Bill and - along with his friend, a cute lingerie salesgirl (Alba) - decides to bring some light into his life. Slowly Bill gains the confidence to set out on his own.

This enjoyable comedy with dark undertones is held together by an excellent performance from Eckhart, who brings an understanding, laced with humour, to his portrayal of a man in the throes of a midlife crisis. It’s (almost) on a par with Kevin Spacey’s Oscar-winning turn in American Beauty, and if you liked that film this is a must-see.

THE NANNY DIARIES
Drama/comedy. 2007. 101 min. With Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney and Nicholas Reese Art. Directors: Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman. PGL.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Haidee Muller

Recently graduated Annie Braddock (Johansson) is considering a career in anthropology when she meets a yuppie from Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Mrs X (Linney), who offers her a job as a nanny.

In this film version of the book by former nannies Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, four-year-old livewire Grayer (Reese Art) gives Annie uphill while his mom shops and eats in fancy restaurants. He gets even less attention from his businessman dad (Paul Giamatti) - to the Xes Grayer is no more than just another designer item.

Although this light-hearted flick is rather predictable the cute kid tugs at the heartstrings. And check out the costume party - Condoleezza Rice has a miniature George W Bush on her arm.

PLANET TERROR
Horror/comedy. 2007. 98 min. With Rose McGowan, Josh Brolin and Marley Shelton. Director: Robert Rodriguez. 18VL.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Luke Stone

This film was originally released with Tarantino’s Death Proof as Grindhouse - a double-feature tribute to ’70s B-movies. Whereas Death Proof focused on car chases Planet Terror tackles another popular theme: flesh-eating zombies. But as in Death Proof the heroes are female, scantily dressed - and deadly. Of course the zombies aren’t really scary: even the most horrific scenes are full of humour, the dialogue is a hoot and to make the fleapit experience authentic the films look scratched and the reels are mixed up.

If you have nostalgic memories of a misspent youth hanging around dodgy cinemas rent both films and watch them in sequence.

Special features: lots, including one of Rodriguez’s Ten-Minute Film School doccies.

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GAME: ATV OFFROAD FURY PRO

PLUS DOWNLOAD GAMES AND WALLPAPERS FOR YOUR PHONE
We review a new PSP game release below. Or click here to visit YOU’s download site for cellphone games and wallpapers.

ATV OFFROAD FURY PRO
PSP. 2008. 3+
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Ryan Petersen

If you’re an adrenaline junkie and your energy drink isn’t giving you a kick try this, one of the most exciting offroad racing games ever. You can compete to become the champ in ATV, bike, truck and snowmobile races. Or create your own racing tracks and ramps. With a brilliant soundtrack which includes hot rock music the game will blow you away in every respect. The graphics are brilliant and there are plenty of features that make it a must-have.

IT’S TIME FOR CAMP ROCK

Rising Hollywood stars DEMI LOVATO and the JONAS BROTHERS join forces for one of this year’s most anticipated movies. Before you rush off to see it Hey YOU! has inside info for you. Plus hampers and posters to be won.

THIS ONE TIME AT BAND CAMP . . .
Demi Lovato (16) plays Mitchie, an aspiring singer who works in a kitchen so she can spend her holiday at a rock camp she’s desperate to attend. While singing one day she’s overheard by rock star Shane Gray (Joe Jonas). Needless to say they hit it off and the camp becomes a trip to remember.

Demi had loads of fun working with the Jonas Brothers - especially Joe, who she’s rumoured to be dating off-screen. “The brothers are awesome, really classy - exactly what you’d expect from rock stars. Like Joe, you’d expect him to be this typical heart-throb guy because he has so many fans but he’s actually quite a dork and is always just doing these funny, random things.”

THE BROTHERS ON THE BIG SCREEN
They’ve taken to the stage and broken hearts all over the world and now Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas make their movie debut in Camp Rock

“It was strange for us to be acting but in a good way of course. With acting they say ‘cut’ and you have to do a scene again. You can’t do that on stage so it was really interesting for us,” Joe says.

“About two years ago we were selling T-shirts at a gas station to keep going. Now we’re honoured and blessed to be given an opportunity like this,” Nick adds.

POPCORN FACTS
- While the cast were on location in a remote area of Canada their favourite hangout spot was the hotel lobby because it was the only place they could get cellphone reception.

- Each night after dinner Kevin chauffeured the girls back to their rooms in the lodge’s golf carts.

- It took more than two hours to straighten Kevin’s curly hair.

- Joe’s favourite snack during filming was bacon drizzled in syrup wrapped in a slice of white bread.

- Disney has confirmed a script is being written for Camp Rock 2. A release date has been set for June 2009 and it’s rumoured to bring back the same stars.

WIN!
Hey YOU! and The Disney Channel are giving away Camp Rock hampers to 25 readers. Each contains the movie soundtrack and branded armbands, magnets and key rings. For a chance to win SMS the word CAMP followed by your name, surname and street address to 34922 before 22 October.
Five readers will also each win a signed poster of the Jonas Brothers. For a chance to win SMS the word JONAS, followed by your name, surname and street address to 34922 before 22 October.
Each SMS costs R2.

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JAX PANIK ON OUR RADAR

South African online music star JAX PANIK has been getting well-deserved radio airplay for his single Cigarettes and Cinnamon. He’s planning a full-length album soon.

- Jax (25) was born on 17 February 1983 in Cape Town and named Jacobus Johannes van Heerden.

- He records music online because he has a fear of crowds. “The thought of being on stage really freaks me out. I can’t even go to the gym regularly. I’d rather hang out and dance in my lounge to Depeche Mode!”

- He owns a company that makes music for local TV ads and has made ad music for Cell C, BP, Shell and Old Mutual.

- His friends are the inspiration behind the name Jax Panik. “My nickname has always been Jax and I got the idea for ‘Panik’ from friends who think I stress too much.”

- He finds the attention he gets as a music star fascinating. “Some people recognise me. I don’t know how but kids will come up to me and say, ‘Hey man, I love your music!’ ”

- He’s single and loving it. “When I’m in a relationship the women just seem to move. My previous girlfriend upped and left for New York. But it would also be tough to fit a lady into my schedule at the moment so maybe it’s a blessing in disguise,” he says.

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THE WEEK’S FAVOURITE CDs

SAM SPARRO by Sam Sparro
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

He reminds you of Jamiroquai with his catchy electrofunk/pop tunes but this Aussie singer is no imitation. His hit single Black and Gold off his debut album is receiving considerable airplay on local radio stations - and deservedly so. The album delights with hit after hit including Too Many Questions and 21st Century Life. Sparro is a welcome addition to the pop/funk scene.

THE SCRIPT by The Script
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Judging by the catchy lyrics and singer Danny O’Donoghue’s fresh and feisty vocals on The Script’s self-titled debut album these Irish rockers will be around for a long time to come. This is one of those rare albums where every track is a gem worth listening to and We Cry deserves to go down in the annals of rock history.

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PRESSPLAY

MOST DOWNLOADED TUNE THIS WEEK: WHATEVER YOU LIKE by T.I.
Site: www.itunes.com (US chart)
The song is the first single off the American rapper’s new album, Paper Trail. This is his sixth album and he worked on it while under house arrest pending gun possession charges. His rep says the album title was inspired by the paper on which T.I. wrote his lyrics. The King of the South, as T.I. calls himself, completed 50 tracks but liked only about 16. Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Usher and Fall Out Boy are some of the big names who appear on the album.

KARAOKE MUST-HAVE
This one goes to all karaoke fans out there! Be sure to check out the new Griffin iKaraoke. You can now send your music straight from your iPod to your sound system without the lead vocals, thanks to its built-in FM transmitter. You can pause, fast-forward and rewind tracks and restore the vocals when you need to find your place. It even includes sound-effects to pump up your performance and the best is you can sing in the comfort of your home. The price tag is even cooler - only R349. Check it out at www.jump.co.za.

DID YOU KNOW?
Usher’s younger brother, James Lackey or JLack, is making waves in the music industry. He produced hits such as Ne-Yo’s Crazy and Chris Brown’s Ready 4 Love.

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MOVIE REVIEW: HOUSE BUNNY

Teen comedy/drama. With ANNA FARIS, Colin Hanks and Hugh Hefner. Director: Fred Wolf. 13L. Opens 26 September.
Rating: 2/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A woman with more bust than brains is kicked out of Hugh Hefner’s Playboy mansion and ends up with seven geeky students who’re doing so badly at university they’re about to lose their lodgings. Our heroine uses her sizeable assets to help them out.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
If you like looking at women parading around in G-strings and shorts this film will make you forget about your popcorn. The storyline is as transparent as the outfits but some probably won’t have a problem with the iffy excuse for a plot; this is strictly eye candy and chewing gum for the brain. There are the odd moments of mirth and you may even giggle for a second or two but it’s not a comedy you’ll remember.

You could wait for DVD - you can use your DVD player’s pause button to appreciate every moment of the carwash scene, or simply stare at the women doing their thing in Hefner’s house. But if you prefer something more substantial you’ll have to look elsewhere.

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WHY WE LOVE SASSY SELENA

She sings, she dances, she acts - no wonder she’s going places fast. Oh, and she refuses to be called the next Miley Cyrus. Here’s why we simply adore Selena Gomez.

SHE HAS WORKED HER WAY TO THE TOP
Before striking it big with a lead role in Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place as Alex Russo Selena (16) made her television debut in Barney & Friends when she was 10. She has since appeared on TV shows such as The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Hannah Montana. “I love acting; it’s my passion. I would love to do more movies.”

SHE’S TOO BIG FOR THE SMALL SCREEN
Being a TV teen queen is clearly not enough for this ambitious girl and she’ll soon star in several movies. She had small roles in Spy Kids: Game Over and was the voice of Helga in Horton Hears a Who! But now she’s ready to take on bigger and better roles. Her next role is in the musical comedy, Another Cinderella Story, a sequel to A Cinderella Story which starred Hilary Duff. She’s also filming Princess Protection Program, an adventure movie starring her best friend, actress Demi Lovato.

SHE WANTS TO ROCK THE MUSIC WORLD
Selena has contributed to several soundtracks, including Everything Is Not What It Seems from Wizards of Waverly Place as well as three songs in her upcoming movie, Another Cinderella Story. There’s a song called Tell Me Something I Don’t Know - check out the cute video on YouTube.

HER AIM?
“I’m not so excited about going solo. I’d rather be part of a band - like Paramore.” Rumour has it she’ll soon release her debut album. “I’ve been working on something where I sing and I’m learning drums and playing electric guitar,” she says. “I basically want to make music that’s fun and that parents and kids can jump around to and have a good time too.”

SHE’S DATING A JONAS
Since appearing in the Jonas Brothers’ music video for their song Burnin’ Up Selena has been romantically linked to Nick Jonas (he’s Miley’s ex by the way). They deny having a relationship but insiders say they want to keep things private even though they have huge crushes on each other. “They have inside jokes and Nick’s totally in love with her smile,” a source says. Aw, sweet.

SHE’S SAVING HERSELF FOR MARRIAGE
“I’ve had a promise ring since I was 12 which was blessed in a church. I’m trying to set an example for other kids,” she says. “I’m trying to be the best role model I can be.”

SHE’S BIG ON EDUCATING HERSELF ABOUT WORLD ISSUES
Selena is serious about keeping abreast of world news. “I’m a big sponsor of Urvotes.com, which educates teens about what’s going on with the world regarding everything from the economy to global warming,” she says. “It’s important because we are the next generation.” Could she be the next Angelina Jolie?

- Season One of Wizards of Waverly Place is on Disney Channel weekdays at 6.30 pm.

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HELLBOY IS BACK

HELLBOY 2: THE GOLDEN ARMY
Action drama. With Ron Perlman, Selma Blair and Doug Jones. Director: Guillermo del Toro. 10LV. Opens 19 September.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

In this sequel to Hellboy a whole army of monsters are awakened and try to take over the world - but first they have to get past Hellboy, the hero with the thickest skin ever. But the evil Prince Nuada has other plans.

Anyone who danced kung fu moves of joy in the aisles after seeing the original Hellboy will enjoy this movie. Wow! The red-hot comic-book hero with sawn-off horns and bouncing biceps is supercool, especially in this impressively styled version by Pan’s Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro.

The story of Hellboy’s sojourn through the underworld is told in brilliant colour yet in neurotic, dramatic style. The machines and monsters become more human than the humans in most recent flicks, while Hellboy’s titanic fights make The Mummy 3 look like Humpty Dumpty falling off a wall. Highly recommended for horror junkies and comic book fans.

Don’t wait for DVD! As with The Dark Knight you simply have to see this devastating yet brilliant adventure on the big screen. For youngsters it will be the junkfood-on-steroids movie of the week. Actions fans also can’t ask for a more realistic feast than this over-the-top version of the comic book. Some of the creatures such as the forest god must be among the most dangerous movie monsters ever yet you’ll feel compassion for them. Get to a cinema now!

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TYLER HOECHLIN ON OUR RADAR

He has made a movie with Tom Hanks but he really caught our eye playing cute, sweet-natured Martin Brewer, a guy who accidently becomes part of the ever-expanding Camden family in the popular TV series 7th Heaven.

- Born Tyler Lee Hoechlin on 11 September 1987 in Corona, California, USA. Tyler’s lucky break came when he was chosen out of more than 2 000 hopefuls to play Tom Hanks’ son in the 2002 drama Road to Perdition.
- He auditioned for the role of Max in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle but lost out to Tranformers’ Shia LaBeouf.

- Tyler (21) is a keen baseball player and played for two national teams in the US.

- Like his character in 7th Heaven, Tyler is a staunch Christian. He and his three siblings were home-schooled.

- Catch 7th Heaven on SABC2 every Saturday at 8pm.

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MUSIC REVIEWS

HIP HOP HITS 5 by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

The album has been dubbed The 2008 Collection and features some of the hottest hip-hop hits of the year. Highlights include Janet Jackson’s Feedback, Lupe Fiasco’s Superstar and Snoop Dogg’s Sensual Seduction. It’s odd to hear Fergie’s Clumsy and the Gwen Stefani/Akon collaboration The Sweet Escape here but this is definitely a compilation for hip-hop fans.

MAMMA MIA! by various artists
Rating: 2/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Although all Abba’s most recognisable hits appear on the soundtrack (such as Dancing Queen, SOS and I Have a Dream) the truth is the cast can’t sing very well - with the exception of Christine Baranski. Abba lovers will hate listening to actors butchering these classics. If you really want to experience Abba magic rather buy Abba Gold as it has just been re-released.

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HAIL THE DEATH CAB

US rockers Death Cab for Cutie have released their sixth album and say it’s like nothing they’ve come up with before. Expect more grit and grime from the sensational group’s new album, Narrow Stairs.

NICHOLAS HARMER, BASSIST
Nic came up with the title Narrow Stairs. “It lends itself to a lot of the lyrical content, he says. “It doesn’t imply descension or ascension and I think that by giving it some physical limitations in describing it as narrow it leaves a lot more open to interpretation.”

He doesn’t like rock stars with attitude. “I marvel at people who call themselves rock stars. It’s an insult. You can roll into town and try to be the biggest rock star and it’s like, ‘I don’t care who you are, man, your coffee still costs $3’.”

JASON MCGERR, DRUMMER
In his spare time Jason teaches drumming at the Seattle Drum School to 50 students aged between four and 60. He’s clear about his role in Death Cab for Cutie. “I tend to be the most optimistic one. I have a hard time picking things apart, where other people in the band are real good at that. I’m just appreciative and a cheerleader really,” he says.

CHRISTOPHER WALLA, GUITARIST
He has a solo indie rock album called Field Manual which was leaked onto the internet in January. Chris also has his own recording studio in Oregon called the Hall of Justice.

He loves reading and one of his favourite books is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis. “It’s perfect. My favourite part is the dedication - I can’t think of a sweeter way to send off such a gorgeous labour of love.”

BENJAMIN GIBBARD, LEAD SINGER
Ben is also the front man of an electronic pop band called The Postal Service. He is a vegan and a huge supporter of animal rights. “I actually slipped off the vegetarian train with seafood last year. I’ve been eating fish sparingly here and there but still no ‘meat-meat’.” He’ll make his film debut in the upcoming Brief Interviews with Hideous Men about a student who copes with a break-up by interviewing various men.

WIN
Hey YOU! and Gallo Music are giving away 10 copies of Narrow Stairs. For a chance to win SMS the word CAB, followed by your name, surname and street address to 34922 before 24 September. Each SMS costs R2.