"Them Crooked Vultures"
by Them Crooked Vultures

So-called “supergroups” are always a bone of contention with me. Just because you throw a bunch of big names together, it doesn’t mean it will work as a whole. Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) are Them Crooked Vultures, and this is one time that it really works. The music is tight, and you can really hear the influences from all three original bands. And what a treat it is to hear Dave Grohl on the drums again.  As far as supergroups go, consider it more Traveling Wilburys than Chickenfoot.

CD: VRN 200747

"Shaka Rock"
by Jet

This album snuck up on me.  As a big Jet fan, I was surprised to hear about a new album until it actually showed up on the release date.  I popped it in and on the first listen, I was already a fan.  Shaka Rock is full of the great rock tunes that Jet has become known for, and is a collection of delicious summer music.  I'm shocked that this record came out so late in the year because it is an ideal choice for driving in the summer sun with the windows down and the music blaring.

Highlights include the track Black Hearts (On Fire), and the first single, She's a Genius, which may end up being the My Sharona for a new generation.

CD: VRN 195973

"Sports Night: 10th Anniversary Edition" 

Long before Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip or The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin was producing some of the best television in history with this fantastic series set in the world of a cable sports program.  Aside from the crisp writing, biting satire, and hilarious humour, Sports Night served as a launching pad for future stars like Peter Krause and Felicity Huffman.  The show only lasted two seasons, but every episode is contained in this DVD collection, along with lots of extras, including commentaries and interviews. 

DVD: VRN 188056

"Memphis Blues Barbeque House, The Cookbook: Bringin' Southern Barbeque Home"
by George Siu and Park Heffelfinger

Ron Stadnik took me to Memphis Blues Barbeque House is Vancouver for the first time in 2004.  I was hooked.  After years of mouth-watering anticipation for the next trip to the West, I can now make my own ribs, brisket, and pulled pork with the new cookbook from Memphis Blues.  With over 100 recipes, beautiful photography, and the full backstory of the restaurant's owners and creators, this is a great addition to any food library.

Paperback : ISBN 1552859142 / 9781552859148
LBN # 567103 / Price $29.95

"Konk"
by The Kooks 

Here's a recipe for you...

Take a heaping helping of the Kaiser Chiefs, mix in a healthy portion of Blur, add some of the Killers, and finally, a splash of The Cure.  Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes and out pops Konk, the sophomore album from British Indie band The Kooks.  Debuting at #1 in the UK, this album is ready to hit the mainstream in North America.  You may have already heard the single "Always Where I Need To Be", but if upbeat, guitar-driven music is what you're after, make sure to check out "Do You Wanna", it's a classic.  Also, stick around after the final track for a bonus hidden track.

CD - VRN 170667
Price $16.98

"Danny Michel And The Black Tornados Live"

I'll never forget the first time I watched this DVD.  Very few musicians have the combination of talent and charisma that singer-songwriter Danny Michel possess, and this Juno-nominated DVD truly captures the atmosphere of being at one of his live shows.  Featuring 18 songs recorded in 2007 in Toronto, including favourites like "Midnight Train" and "Perfect", the DVD is also interspersed with vignettes from Danny and his band on their cross-country tour.  The package also comes with a bonus CD of 20 of his songs, recorded acoustically from his couch.  Only the omission of the song "Two Hearts" kept this DVD from being classified as 10 out of 10, but it still gets a solid 9.5!  www.dannymichel.com

DVD/CD - VRN 171221
Price $21.99

"Cabin Pressure: One Man's Desperate Attempt To Recapture His Youth As A Camp Counselor"
by Josh Wolk

At the age of 33, and getting ready for his upcoming wedding, Entertainment Weekly writer Josh Wolk decided to return to the scene of his greatest memories--Camp Eastwind, where he had spent eight summers as a camper, and then counselor.  Never mind that it had been 12 years since he had been there, or that he and his fiancée were in the middle of planning a wedding, this was going to be Josh's final dance with his adolescent memories.  Only two chapters in, I was wiping tears of laughter from my eyes.  Rarely does a book have me laughing out loud as hard as this one did...it is refreshingly hilarious.

Hardcover : ISBN 1401302602 / 9781401302603
LBN # 535980 / Price $28.95 / Pub Date: July 2007