entertainment reviews Boys Noize Out of the Black Boys Noize Records While the name sounds like the opening act on a One Direction tour, Boys Noize gets huge cool points for making a Monster Magnet “Space Lord” dance remix one of his first releases in 2004. Alex Ridha, the German-born DJ making all the Noize, is now an international star with a new full-length album, Out of the Black. Sounds range from digitized guitar and live drum sounds (“Rocky 2”) to new wave-disco hybrids with a native percussion breakdown (“Conchord”), all driven by pounding electro-synth grooves. Tracks like “Circus Full of Clowns” come across as album filler, but EDM fans can cherry pick the standouts like the euphoric “XTC,” the bouncy “Ich R U” and the dynamic, energy-building opener, “What You Want.” Hopefully rap radio will embrace the album closer, “Got It,” which has Snoop Dogg throwing down like he’s trying to bring ’93 back. (David Jenison)
Cannabis Sativa: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains Vol. 2 S.T. Oner Green Candy Press Not content to let the world continue with only one authoritative guide to sativa strains, the ganja geniuses over at Green Candy Press cultivated yet another voluminous volume dedicated to providing a comprehensive overview of the best of the best. If you’re a connoisseur, Cannabis Sativa Vol. 2 should prove to be instructive reading for those with a deep interest in the heaviest and bushiest of marijuana strains (Krane Damage, Nebula, etc.). Genetics-minded patients will find rock-solid lineage descriptions of popular phenos such as Cannatonic and Sour OG. Coming straight from the minds of breeders and growers, Vol. 2’s information is unsurpassed . . . but at the same time not overly technical—often the weakness of some marijuana books. The photos are drool-worthy, but the information—and adroit wit—will keep you coming back. A great stocking stuffer for the patient hungry for colorful and accurate information. (Matt Tapia)
Twisted Sister A Twisted X-mas – Live in Las Vegas Eagle Rock Entertainment A Twisted Christmas, a 2006 collection of metalized holiday standards, became Twisted Sister’s bestselling album since the Reagan years. The band released a live Christmas DVD the next year, but unlike Ghost Rider, this bad boy deserved a sequel. A Twisted Xmas - Live in Las Vegas features Sin City theatrics, Steel Panther-like nostalgia and Radio City Christmas Spectacular production with holiday-adorned strippers replacing the Rockettes. The concert took place at the Vegas Hilton, a.k.a. the house Elvis built in the theater Barry Manilow ruled. Sure, Manilow covered many of the same classics on his Christmas albums, but he didn’t dress like a tranny or radically reimagine songs like Twister Sister’s “12 Days of Christmas” (spoiler alert: they don’t ask for turtle doves). Complete with colorful costumes, fake snow and amped-up arrangements, A Twisted Xmas is a sick holiday treat! (David Jenison)
98 CULTURE • DECEMBER 2012
Kevin Smith
We owe so much to Kevin Smith. Without him, we would be lost in a purple haze without the wise cracks of Jay and Silent Bob to guide us to gutbusting laughter. While Smith hasn’t made a lot of movies since Clerks 2 a couple years ago, he’s been making up for it by going straight to the masses, dropping podcasts left and right and performing live. He’s brought along actor and buddy Ralph Garman (of KROQ fame) for the ride, where they hang out and talk about basically anything that comes to mind—especially anything that ends with “Kardashian.” The random assortment will probably have takes on pop culture, past filming experiences, the state of the comic book industry and Smith’s life as a proud pothead. If you’ve ever quoted any of his movies (don’t lie, you have and you don’t know it) you should probably stop by Universal CityWalk and be prepared to laugh your ass off at some good Southwest jokes. (Joe Martone)
IF YOU GO
What: Hollywood Babble-On w/ Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman. When/Where: Dec. 15 & 22 at The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, 1000 Universal Studios Blvd., Los Angeles. Info: Tickets $20. Go to thejonlovitzcomedyclub.com or call (818) 824-6545.
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