Tower Blog

Cannes You Dig It?

Romy — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:37:51 +0000

It’s official – Cannes 2008 has started and promises to showcase this year’s best up-and-coming films. This year started with Blindness, by Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles who directed the incredible City of God (2004) and Constant Gardner (2006). The film is an adaptation of the book of the same name, which is about a world where everyone loses their sight, and in this case actors Gael Garcia Bernal, Sandra Oh and Mark Ruffalo are forced to re-imagine a world without vision. This “white blindness” caused by an unknown virus creates a terrifying world, and makes us think of our own reliance on this sense.

Speaking of Gael Garcia Bernal…

How can we ever forget his role as Che in Motorcycle Diaries? Well, this year Steven Soderbergh tries this very feat with Che. This time, Benicio Del Toro plays the infamous Cuban Revolution hero – the film starts where Bernal left off. For more information on Che check out this book, this biography or this new book: My Life With Che.

Out of the ‘Cannes Competition’ are films like Barry Levinson’s What Just Happened? with Robert De Niro, Sean Penn and Bruce Willis about a faded movie producer trying to figure out his life amongst ex-wives, Los Angeles and a teenage daughter.

Also, there’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Woody Allen’s latest film with his muse Scarlett Johansson, and the beautiful Penelope Cruz about a painter who simultaneously starts relationships with two American tourists in Spain.

Eat a croissant today and a café au lait in honor of the 61^st Cannes Film Fest!

Achin’ for Clay Aiken?

Romy — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:32:31 +0000

It’s no secret that American Idol fever has hit! With the last two David’s left in the competition, maybe it’s reminding us of our favorite male American Idol singer, Clay Aiken whose 4^th studio album, On My Way Here is storming the charts.

Clay’s been busy this year in Monty Python’s Broadway musical, Spamalot which just ended in New York. Of course, this timing is perfect for Aiken to take his new album on the road to his beloved fans.

This new album does not disappoint – it works as a reminder for why we voted him as our American Idol in 2003. Songs like “On My Way Here” and “The Real Me” are sure to become songs for your summer soundtrack!

Check out On My Way Here today!

On the Tube This Week! May 12-May 16, 2008

Romy — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:37:52 +0000

Monday, May 12

David Letterman: Shia LaBeouf, N.E.R.D.

Jay Leno: Jack Black, Clay Aiken

Late Late Show: John Stamos

Conan O’Brien: Jimmy Fallon, William Shatner, Gary Vaynerchuk

Ellen DeGeneres: Hugh Laurie

Tavis Smiley: Kelsey Grammer

Tuesday, May 13

David Letterman: Regis Philbin, Death Cab for Cutie

Jay Leno: Evangeline Lilly, Switchfoot

Late Late Show: John Cusack

Conan O’Brien: Steve Carell, Alyson Hannigan, Duffy

Daily Show: Bill Moyers

Regis and Kelly: Mario Lopez, Jimmy Buffett, Duffy

Ellen DeGeneres: Hilary Duff, Kevin Nealon

Martha Stewart: Joan Rivers

Wednesday, May 14

David Letterman: Jack Hanna, Kid Rock

Jay Leno: Rainn Wilson, Howard Dean, Kate Nash

Late Late Show: Tony Danza

Conan O’Brien: Gene Hackman, the Black Keys

Colbert Report: Grover Norquist

Jimmy Kimmel: Evangeline Lilly, Ben Barnes, Joe Jackson

The View: Sara Ramirez, Tony and Marc Danza

Thursday, May 15

David Letterman: America Ferrera, Russell Brand, Terry Fator

Jay Leno: Dana Delany, Hulk Hogan, Dwight Yoakam

Late Late Show: David Boreanaz, Carrot Top

Conan O’Brien: Carlos Mencia, MGMT

Last Call: Christina Ricci, Steve Byrne, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Daily Show: Denis Leary

Colbert Report: Andrei Cherny

Jimmy Kimmel: Josh Holloway, Brad Williams, Dierks Bentley

The View: Patrick Stewart, Kristen Alderson, Brandon Buddy, Robyn

Ellen DeGeneres: John Stamos, Bobby Flay

Friday, May 16

David Letterman: Teri Hatcher, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Jay Leno: Matthew Fox, Kathleen Edwards

Late Late Show: Reba McEntire, Vinnie Jones

Conan O’Brien: John Cena, Everest

Jimmy Kimmel: Ryan Seacrest, Clay Aiken, Kate Nash

The View: Teri Hatcher, Bernadette Peters

Ellen DeGeneres: Justin Timberlake, Duffy

Are You Breathing? If the Answer is Yes: Read these Books!

Romy — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:02:05 +0000

Well, it’s official! Sex and the City month of madness has officially started! If you were lucky enough to catch the crew on Oprah talking about the much hyped movie coming out May 30^thyou know what I’m talking about! Obviously I’ll talk more about that as the time gets closer, but what I’m excited about is the super cute, super lovable Harry (Charlotte’s little lawyer hubby) who is played by actor Evan Handler has a brand new book out called It’s Only Temporary: The Good New and the Bad News About Being Alive where his true charisma shines through. In the book he talks about his incredibly miraculous fight with leukemia in his twenties. More than anyone, it would seem that Handler has a true and hilarious grasp on what it means to be alive. All too often, perhaps some of us take this whole life thing a little too seriously, or worse still we take it for granted. Through hilarious and charming stories, like when Handel talks about his various relationship experiences, this book is truly valuable to anyone who breathes. Seriously!

Coincidently, there’s another book hitting the charts by storm. The incredible story of a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, who after being diagnosed with terminal cancer decided that he would give his “Last Lecture.” Much to the surprise of everyone who showed up, and even the professor Randy Pausch, hundreds of people showed up for his talk. The talk was so well received and so incredible, that a book entitled, Last Lecture was released in April as a means of documenting this lecture and his work for Pausch’s most important audience – his young children. This book is a memoir for his family, and for others who are looking for inspiration and perspective on this little, and magical thing we call life.

Learn more about the books discussed in this post:

It’s Only Temporary by Evan Handler

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

On the Tube This Week! April 28-May 2, 2008

Romy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:41:52 +0000

Monday, April 28

Late Late Show: Ewan McGregor, Morrissey
David Letterman: Gwyneth Paltrow
Conan O’Brien: Marisa Tomei, Santogold
Colbert Report: Feist
Regis and Kelly: Robert Downey Jr., Hillary Duff

Tuesday, April 29

Conan O’Brien: The Kills
Daily Show: Newt Gingrich
Regis and Kelly: Patrick Dempsey, Terrence Howard
Ellen DeGeneres: Helen Hunt, Def Leppard

Wednesday, April 30

David Letterman: Matthew Broderick, Josh Groban
Ellen DeGeneres: Felicity Huffman

Thursday, May 1

David Letterman: John Goodman, Robyn
Jay Leno: Robin Williams, Avril Lavigne
The View: Uma Thurman, Gloria & Emilio Estefan
Regis and Kelly: Matthew Broderick

Friday, May 2

Jay Leno: Sally Field, Jesse Ventura, Sleepercar
Late Late Show: Helen Hunt, Kal Penn
Jimmy Kimmel: Estelle
The View: Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr.
Regis and Kelly: Jeff Probst, Carly Simon

Clash of the Titans: Madonna and Mariah Fight for #1

Romy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:24:11 +0000

Next week is gonna be exciting! On Tuesday, Madonna releases Hard Candy her 11^th album, while Mariah Carey may have to fight to keep her top selling album, also her 11^th album, E=MC² at #1.

If you’ve heard Madonna’s single “4 Minutes” the song she sings with Justin Timberlake you just know that this album is going to be HUGE! She collaborated with JT, Timbaland and Pharrall Williams, just to name a few.

Of course, Mariah has got her reasons to boast too. Her first single “Touch My Body” is #1 and since it’s the 18^th time she’s managed to do that, she’s beat out Elvis and now holds the #2 spot for the most singles to reach #1 in the Rock era category. Now she just has to beat The Beatles who are currently at #1 with 21 hits.

Order both of the new albums and judge for yourself who is the ULTIMATE Diva!

Madonna - Hard Candy

Mariah Carey - E=MC2

Carly Smithson Says Goodbye on Idol this Week

Romy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:02:00 +0000

My favorite American Idol was voted off this week – that’s right, the Irish and tattooed Carly Smithson was eliminated in this round. This Dublin-born singer was so gracious about exiting the show, it just reminded me why I liked her so much! Everyone seems to remember her because of the controversy this season when it was discovered that she had released a record under her maiden name Carly Hennessy on MCA back in 2001, but it’s not like she’s the only Idol contestant to ever have achieved some form of success before the show!

This week I want to remember all the Irish singers that I love as a tribute to my favorite Idol this season. My very favorite Irish songstress is Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries. Of course, it’s a close tie with Sinead O’Connor and Kate Bush.

There are also Irish bands like that little band no one knows, U2 or The Chieftains or even the soundtrack to the amazing movie The Commitments!

So long, Carly, we’ll miss you!

This Week on the Tube: Rock’s First Lady Voted off Dancing With the Stars

Romy — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:18:10 +0000

Well one thing’s certain – all of America’s watching Dancing with the Stars this season! With contestants like Marlee Matlin, Kristi Yamaguchi, Adam Carolla, Steve Guttenberg, Monica Seles and Priscilla Presley every week seems to bring new drama and better dance moves! Speaking of dance moves – I was so inspired by the workout this show offers I just had to order this Dancing With the Stars DVD. Just for a balanced workout, I check out Denise Austin’s dance work out DVD Fat Burning Dance Mix.

If you were one of the few who didn’t watch the show this week – let it be known that Rock n’ Roll’s first lady – the gorgeous 62 year-old Priscilla Presley - was voted off this week for her bad salsa moves. She was very gracious about leaving, and said the show was a life-changing experience. Speaking of Priscilla’s life experiences – have you read: Elvis and Me or Elvis By the Presleys? Two great books about the King and Priscilla.

Dresden Dolls Contest Announcement! Enter to Win a Signed Toy Grand Piano!

Romy — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:33:31 +0000

Tower Records is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated upcoming CD release from Punk Cabaret Rock Band, The Dresden Dolls, No, Virginia, has officially hit the Tower pre-order charts!!

For anyone not familiar with the Dolls, they are one of the most exciting rock groups in music today. Their style has been described as a mixture of punk rock, classic alternative and Brechtian Cabaret and their live shows are world famous for being among the best concert experiences and live stage shows!

No, Virginia is the musical continuation of the Dolls’ previous record, Yes, Virginia, and contains demos and rare outtakes, in addition to brand new tracks.

But why pre-order when you can pre-order AND win? Order the album today from Tower Records and enter for your chance to win a toy grand piano SIGNED by the Dresden Dolls!

Click Here for Details:

And click the album below to visit the product detail page:

The Dresden Dolls - No, Virginia

Want more Dolls?

Check out their amazing website: http://www.dresdendolls.com

On the Tube This Week!

Romy — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:41:39 +0000

Monday, April 14

David Letterman: Al Pacino
Late Late Show: John Waters
Jimmy Kimmel: Naomi Watts

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

David Letterman: Kelsey Grammer, Rogue Wave
Late Late Show: Julie Andrews
Colbert Report: The Roots
Jimmy Kimmel: America Ferrera
Regis and Kelly: Jordin Sparks

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

David Letterman: Uma Thurman, The Gossip
Jimmy Kimmel: Minnie Driver, Milo Ventimiglia

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Jay Leno: Ewan McGregor, John Cho and Kal Penn, Seether
Late Late Show: Alyssa Milano, Henry Winkler
The View: Kim Cattrall, Jenna Jameson

Friday, April 18, 2008

David Letterman: Amy Poehler, Jason Segel
Jay Leno: Jenna Fischer, Flogging Molly
Late Late Show: Morrissey
Jimmy Kimmel: Judd Apatow, Lyrics Born