Final choices revealed in Canadian Song Quest

CBC Radio 2 has revealed the Canadian locations that are to be immortalized in song and the singers who are to write about them in its Great Canadian Song Quest.

Canadians voted for their favourite places online, choosing the final 13 locations that were revealed Monday.

Among the wonders to be immortalized are the Tuktoyaktuk Pingos, small cone-shaped hills caused by permafrost in the Northwest Territories; Singing Sand Beach, a P.E.I. beach whose sands squeak as you walk along them; and Alberta's Badlands, a carved prairie landscape where dinosaur bones have been found.

There are also two great wilderness parks on the list — Algonquin in Ontario and Gros Morne in Newfoundland.

Canadians also helped choose the 13 singer-songwriters who will write songs about these places over the next four weeks, winnowing it down from a list of 65 Canadian artists.

The places and the singers who will write about them are:

Tofino, B.C, by alt-country singer, Oh Susanna.

Hoodoos/Badlands of Alberta, by alt-country singer Jay Sparrow.

Good Time Charlie's at The Plains, Sask., by acoustic group The Deep Dark Woods.

Waskada, Man., by singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk.

Algonquin Park, Ont., by rock-hip hop artist Hawksley Workman.

The Black Sheep Inn, Quebec, by singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright.

Hopewell Rocks of New Brunswick, by jazz-folk artist David Myles.

Singing Sand Beach, P.E.I., by singer-songwriter Catherine MacLellan.

The Cabot Trail, N.S., by rocker Joel Plaskett.

Gros Morne National Park, N.L., by alt-rockers Hey Rosetta!

Tuktoyaktuk Pingos, N.W.T., by blues-roots singer Dana Sipos.

Dawson City, Yukon., by singer-songwriter Kim Barlow.

The Road to Nowhere, Nunavut, by rocker Lucie Idlout.

On Nov. 23, all 13 new original songs will be revealed on Radio 2 Morning and Drive on CBC Radio 2.

Springsteen cancels show after roadie's death

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Bruce Springsteen canceled a performance in Kansas City after his cousin and road crew member died.

The death of 36-year-old Lenny Sullivan was announced in a statement on Springsteen's Web site.

Sullivan was found dead at Kansas City's Intercontinental Hotel hours before Springsteen and the E Street Band were to take the stage Monday night.

Kansas City police spokesman Capt. Rich Lockhart said officers were investigating the death, although he said it was not suspicious.

The Sprint Center arena said tickets would be refunded.

Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes

After stand-out guest appearances at several recent award shows, Ricky Gervais is going to try his hand as host of the Golden Globes in January.

The Golden Globes have not had a host since 1995, but Gervais will oversee the 2010 ceremony, which NBC will be airing live from coast-to-coast on Sunday, January 17 from the Beverly Hilton.

"Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host. I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down," Gervais explains in NBC's press release.

Indeed, Gervais' name has regularly been tossed out as a possible host for both the Emmys and Oscars in recent years after successful presenting stints on both shows.

"We are delighted to have Ricky Gervais as the host on our show," says Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. "He'll bring his unique brand of humor and charm to what will continue to be a fast paced award show."

Gervais won a Golden Globe in 2004 for his work on the original British "The Office" and picked up a second nod in 2008 for "Extras." He has Emmy wins for "Extras" and in his capacity as executive producer on the American "Office." On the big screen Gervais recently starred in "The Invention of Lying," which also marked his feature debut as a writer-director.

"Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet and has provided some of the most hilarious and memorable awards show moments in recent memory," states Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "His unique comedic style will enhance the only awards show that brings together television and film stars to celebrate entertainment's biggest night of the year."

Nominations for the 67th Annual Golden Globes will be announced at 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday, December 15.

The Couch Potato Report - October 24th, 2009

This week The Couch Potato Report peels the first film that I ever saw, a great television show, and some dead snow.

I don't think I have ever really talked about this before, but the very first film I ever saw was WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.

At the time, I didn't know that it was a movie based on Roald Dahl's classic book CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE factory, I just knew that my sister got to do something I didn't, and so I wanted to go to the movies too!!

I was six.

The film showed at The Odeon Theatre in Trenton, Ontario, a theatre that is still open...although it is called The Centre theatre now.

I sat in that theatre and watched the film that day, and loved it. To this day I still love it!

This week, I was able to see it clearer than I ever had before, as it is now available on Blu-ray, in high definition.

So, come with me, won't you, and I'll review a movie for you...a movie, about pure imagination.

WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY was first released in 1971 and it stars Gene Wilder in the title role of a candy man who rarely ventures out in public.

Then - one day - he surprises everyone by announcing that he will be opening his factory to five lucky winners who find golden tickets inside his candy.

Charlie Bucket is a boy from a poor family who finds a ticket and decides to take his Grandpa Joe on the tour with him.

WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY features superb visuals, a fun story with some interesting lessons, and some great characters and songs.

It remains one of my favourite movies of all time, and I am sure I will always love it. After all, they say you never forget your first.

Yes, WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY was the first film I ever saw, and the first comic book superhero that I ever read featured Batman...and Superman was in the second one.

I only bring that up because the two heroes are on screen together these days in a brand new film called SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES.

This animated release is based on the six-issue comic-book arc by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness and finds the two on the run from the law with a bounty on their heads...after they are framed by Lex Luthor...who is now the President of the United States.

SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES is a very faithful adaptation of the comic books, and it is pretty good. The primary audience is for people who like the comic books, so if that isn't you, stay away.

If it is...enjoy!!

Up next is a spectacular 16-DVD-Box Set for a television show that ran from 1986 to 1990.

Folks, IT'S GARRY SHANDLING'S SHOW!

This show was never a mainstream hit, and probably won't be now either, with the entire series available on one big box set.

However, if you remember it, enjoyed THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW or just love the comedy of Garry Shandling, then this set is a must have!

IT'S GARRY SHANDLING'S SHOW is about a single man who is a comedian, but it set itself apart from traditional sitcoms because Garry would break the fourth wall to include the studio audience and the viewers at home in on the storylines and the making of the show itself.

In addition to the 72 episodes of the show, IT'S GARRY SHANDLING'S SHOW - THE COMPLETE SERIES also features some great bonus materials.

There are six Featurettes With Cast, Crew and Writers, Episode Outtakes, Promos, Commentaries and much more!!

This is a great set for a great show, and I am very happy that it is now available on DVD!!

Up next this week is a film called DEAD SNOW that is absurd fun!

It is a movie from Norway, and the studio's synopsis says it all...so I will just read it to you:

"A ski vacation turns horrific for a group of medical students, as they find themselves confronted by an unimaginable menace: Nazi zombies."

Yes, zombie nazi's!!

DEAD SNOW is a 100% guilty pleasure, and really only for zombie movie fans only, but if that is you...enjoy this one my friend!

Enjoy!!

From nazi zombies, let's move now to NATURAL BORN KILLERS as THE BLU RAY BEACON shine's it's light this week on THE DIRECTOR'S CUT of Oliver Stone's 1994 film.

Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis play traveling serial killers who become television celebrities when a tabloid journalist played by Robert Downey Jr. begins to focus on them.

I think NATURAL BORN KILLERS is a great film, and the DIRECTOR'S CUT is my preferred version...and in High Definition on Blu-ray it also comes with some spectacular retrospective features...and so now this is my preferred way to watch it.

Finally this week, a very entertaining semi-documentary that actually features natural born killers...dinosaurs!

DINOSAURS ALIVE! is a great family film that allows us to follow some paleontologists as they uncover some dinosaur finds in the dunes of the Gobi Desert and along the sandstone buttes of New Mexico.

The film uses animation to re-create the dinosaurs along with documentary footage of the people searching for their fossils and it is all narrated by Michael Douglas.

DINOSAURS ALIVE is a very entertaining release and I highly recommend it.

DINOSAURS ALIVE!, THE DIRECTOR'S CUT of NATURAL BORN KILLERS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES and WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY are available on Blu-ray and DVD.

DEAD SNOW and IT'S GARY SHANDLING'S SHOW - THE COMPLETE SERIES are both available now only on DVD.

Coming up on the next Couch Potato Report…IT'S HALLOWEEN!!

So I will tell you about some horror, suspence and thrillers that are out there for us all to enjoy!

Like THE HANNIBAL LECTER COLLECTION, MISERY, NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, TRICK R TREAT, AUDITION, WRONG TURN, MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN, THE CRAFT, ORPHAN and CHILD'S PLAY.

I'm Dan Reynish. I'll have more on those, and some other releases, in seven days...and all the latest new releases on DVD and Blu-ray again in eight days.

For now, that's this week's COUCH POTATO REPORT.

Enjoy the movies and I'll see you back here next time on The Couch!

Goodfellas Returning to Blu-ray

Warner Home Video is prepping a 20th Anniversary Edition of Goodfellas for Blu-ray Disc with a February 16, 2010 release date per Home Media Magazine.

The revered mobster drama starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino was originally released January 17, 2007 on Blu-ray Disc. This new edition comes just over 3 years later.

The anniversary upgrade will see a bump up to Digibook packaging with a 34-page booklet and the following bonus features:

- Commentary with Martin Scorsese
- Commentary with ex-gangster Henry Hill and ex-FBI agent Edward McDonald
- Public Enemies: The Golden Age of the Gangster Film documentary
- Three cast and crew documentaries
- Trailers
- Four Warner Bros. mob-themed cartoons

Goodfellas: 20th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray has an SRP of $34.99. Pre-order information and cover art will be available in the near future.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs announced already!

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has already announced a release date for the animated movie Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, bringin the film to DVD in January.

“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” tells the story of an eccentric wannabe scientist, Flint Lockwood. His latest contraption is a miraculous device designed to solve the world hunger crisis. But when Flint bites off more than he can chew, he sets in motion a global disaster of epic proportions. Based on the #1 best-selling book by Judi and Ron Barrett.

Arriving as a 2-disc DVD set, the release will feature an anamorphic widescreen presentation of the movie,with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. The release will contain a Commentary Track with Bill Hader as well as the Featurettes ”A Recipe for Success: The Making of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” and ”Key Ingredients: The Voices of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs”. Also look for Extended Scenes and Early Development Scenes, as well as Progression Reels with Introductions by Visual Effects Supervisor Rob Bredow.

The release will further come with a Sing-A-Long for "Raining Sunshine", as well as the “Raining Sunshine” Music Video and a Behind the Scenes Featurette of Miranda Cosgrove's "Raining Sunshine" Music Video. The DVD set is rounded out by Flint's Food Fight Game.

“Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” will be in stores on January 5 for $34.95. A blu-Ray version has not yet been announced but wil most likely become available around the same time. We will keep you posted, of course, as new information comes in.

U2 returns to Toronto July 3

More U2 shows are on the horizon for North American fans.

With their current tour set to wrap up on Wednesday in Vancouver, the Irish rockers have announced another stadium trek in 2010.

The band will hit Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium on June 23 and Toronto's Rogers Centre on July 3.

U2 will also perform in Montreal on July 16, with the venue still to be determined.

The band is touring in support of "No Line on the Horizon," which has been certified double platinum in Canada since its February release.

Tickets go on sale for the shows in Toronto and Edmonton on Nov. 2.

New CD Releases, Oct. 27: R.E.M., Tegan & Sara, The Swell Season, Brian McKnight, Pink Martini and more.

R.E.M. "Live at the Olympia" (Warner Bros.)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame act follows last year's acclaimed studio set "Accelerate" with a live offering. "Live at Olympia" is the second official concert release of the Athens, GA, band's nearly 30-year career--the first was 2007's "R.E.M. Live." Oddly, both albums were recorded in Dublin, Ireland.

Culled from a five-night residency at the Irish theater in 2007, "Live at the Olympia" features 39 tracks and is available as both a double-CD and as a CD/DVD combo (complete with concert and backstage footage). At that small-venue stand, R.E.M. was road-testing material for "Accelerate"--thus it's no surprise that many of the "Accelerate" tracks make the cut on "Live at the Olympia."

The set also includes two new songs not included on "Accelerate"--"On the Fly" and "Staring Down the Barrel of the Middle Distance." The rest of the track listing is made up of songs from earlier R.E.M. albums, including "Murmur," "Reckoning" and "Life's Rich Pageant."

In related R.E.M. news, a 60-minute documentary film of the band's same run in Ireland--titled "This Is Not A Show: Live at the Olympia in Dublin"--is being screened in select towns across the US through Nov. 5. A complete list of screening dates can be found at R.E.M.'s website (www.remhq.com).

* * *
Tegan and Sara "Sainthood" (Sire)

Canada's twin-sister singer/songwriters are set to release their sixth studio album, which follows 2007's "The Con." "Sainthood" was produced by Howard Redekopp and Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, and its first single is the track "Hell."

The sisters will support "Sainthood" with a 25-date North American tour that kicks off early next year and runs into early April. The group also has album-release shows set in Los Angeles (10/26) and New York City (10/30-31).

Tegan and Sara also plan to release a three-book set, titled "On, In, At," in conjunction with "Sainthood." The books chronicle different time periods from the band members' lives: the 2008 US national tour, the 2009 Australian tour and a joint writing session in New Orleans for "Sainthood."

* * *
The Swell Season "Strict Joy" (Anti)

The Oscar-winning outfit, which claimed the Academy Award for Best Original Song for its track "Falling Slowly" in 2008, is back with its third album. The duo--Frames frontman Glen Hansard and Czech vocalist/pianist Marketa Irglova--was last heard on the gold-certified 2007 set "Once," the soundtrack for the indie film of the same name that featured the pair acting opposite one another in the lead roles. That was also the soundtrack that produced "Falling Slowly."

The Swell Season will support "Strict Joy" with a month-long headlining jaunt through North America. The 25-city trek kicks off with a Nov. 1 performance in Milwaukee, WI, and concludes with a Dec. 5 concert in Minneapolis, MN.

* * *
Brian McKnight "Evolution of a Man" (Koch)

The R&B star, whose previous outing was the 2008 holiday offering "I'll Be Home for Christmas," is back with "Evolution of a Man." The disc, produced by McKnight, features collaborations with Jill Scott and Stevie Wonder. The first single from "Evolution of a Man" is the track "What I've Been Waiting For."

* * *
Pink Martini "Splendor in the Grass" (Heinz)

The Portland, OR-based lounge-music ensemble--a self-described "little orchestra"--returns with a follow-up to 2007's "Hey Eugene!" The 12-member group, which includes vocalist China Forbes and is led by artistic director/pianist Thomas Lauderdale, also released a concert DVD, "Discover the World: Live in Concert," earlier this year.

* * *
More new releases:
The Blind Boys of Alabama, "Duets" (Time Life)
Gorgoroth, "Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt" (Regain)
Euge Groove, "Sunday Morning" (Shanachie)
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family, "Go Waggaloo" (Smithsonian)
Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, "Infernal Machines" (New Amsterdam)
Stan Kenton, "Kenton Rarities" (DRG)
B.B. King, Albert King, Earl King, Freddie King, "The Four Kings of Blues Guitar" (Great American)
Chuck Prophet, "Let Freedom Ring" (Yep Roc)
R.A. The Rugged Man, "Legendary Classics, Vol. 1" (Green Street)
Kenny Rogers, "The Greatest Duets" (Time Life)
Stephen Stills, "Live at Shepherd's Bush" (Rhino)
Tech N9ne, "k.o.d." (Strange Music)
Various Artists, "Putumayo Presents: Jazz Around the World" (Putumayo)
Z-Ro, "Cocaine" (Asylum)

Actor Lou Jacobi has died at the age of 95.

The Canadian star - real name Louis Harold Jacobovitch - passed away in his home in Manhattan, New York on Friday, reports the Associated Press.

Jacobi made his debut on Broadway in 1955 with a role in The Diary of Anne Frank before starring in nine other Broadway plays, including 1959's Tenth Man and Neil Simon's Come Blow Your Horn in 1961.

He also starred in a number of movies, including Arthur with Dudley Moore, Woody Allen's Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex * (*But Were Afraid To Ask), and I.Q. alongside Meg Ryan and Tim Robbins.

Jacobi is survived by his brother, Rabbi Avrom Jacobovitch, as well as sister Rae Gold.

Stallone planning Rocky 7

Sylvester Stallone appears close to making another Rocky film.

Yes, just when you thought Rocky Balboa would see the character shuffling off into a well-earned, punch-free retirement, Sly is looking into his return.

"I know I'll probably make a fool of myself if I make another Rocky film after turning 60," he told Germany's Tele5.

"I also know there's gonna be a lot of criticism. Even my wife says, 'Don't do it. You're embarrassing the kids'. But I told her, 'If I don't try I'll be a really unhappy man.' You have to do it. Artists like me have to go through the dark over and over again."

But does he have to bring the rest of us with him? Rocky Balboa was a decent capper to Rocky's career - maybe it's really time to let him go.

After all, Rambo is still up and running, with the fifth installment set to shoot next year and likely to feature the trained killer going up against something even more lethal than himself.