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Year in review 2006 offered top-notch music, film by Joshua Maloni
It’s the end of the year as we know it, and I feel fine, thanks to this lineup of entertainment from the past year. Deep breath and drum roll, please. Most Impressive Local Performer: Alison Pipitone What makes Alison Pipitone a great talent is her quirky lyrics, catchy voice and quality guitar work. What makes her a role model for every other local artist is that, even as she’s working steadfastly to land gigs and produce terrific albums, she makes the entire process look effortless. Add that to a resume which includes back-to-back shows at “Tuesday in the Park” and “Thursday at the Square” this past summer, and you find an artist worthy of national fame and fortune. Of course, everybody secretly hopes that doesn’t happen, because the Buffalo music scene would lose considerable luster without Pipitone’s presence. Best Area Venue: Artpark Sunsets, a spectacular view of the Niagara River, top-notch sound and lighting. Plus, there’s no admission fee, it never rains, and there are plenty of activities for children. What band wouldn’t want to perform at “Tuesday in the Park?” More to the point, what music fan could resist catching a headlining act or local artist perform at the Lewiston venue? Top Slightly-out-of-the-area Concert: Billy Joel Watching the Piano Man tap the keys for an hour is a treat in and of itself. Watching the cast of television’s “American Choppers” deliver Billy Joel a custom built motorcycle in the middle of the singer’s second half performance (which, oh by the way, was filled with almost two hours of consecutive hit songs) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. March’s Carrier Dome show was an instant sellout. For reasons unknown – perhaps its location, perhaps Joel’s invitation to speak at commencement – tickets were priced lower than at other locations. Album of the year: ‘Eye to the Telescope’ by KT Tunstall
To say KT Tunstall created a perfect album would be a stretch, but there is a reason why her songs were featured on just about every television show this year. The 31-year-old Scottish multi-hyphenate (singer-songwriter-guitarist-backing band) wrote relatable, mature songs; layered her lyrics with hip hop-tinged drums, flavorful percussion and spirited guitars; and created a hip alternative to adult contemporary. Coupled with her ethereal voice, Tunstall has entered the narrow realm of artists whose music will be relevant in 10 years. Though “Eye to the Telescope” was an instant success in Europe, the album took a while to catch on in the states. After “American Idol” runner-up Katharine McPhee covered Tunstall’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” for an audience of nearly 30 million in May, domestic sales soon soared. Ultimately, while television helped, it was Tunstall’s plucky songs and sassy-chick-meets-girl-next-door persona that warmed her to U.S. audiences. Best Motion Picture of the Year: ‘Superman Returns’ While this writer is an avid fan of “Superman,” not everyone loves the mild-mannered reporter/superhero. Consider this: After more than a decade of uninterested and incapable directors (Tim Burton, McG), poor script pitches (“Superman vs. Batman”) and inconceivable leads (Nicholas Cage? Seriously?), the “Superman” movie franchise was dead. Then one day, like a ship crashing to Earth from Krypton, film distributor Warner Bros. was struck with lighting. Claw-handed, telepathic mutant lightning. “X-Men” helmer Bryan Singer left his successful franchise to try and bring the Man of Steel back to life. He cast a relative unknown (25-year-old Brandon Routh) to don the cape, and 23-year-old Kate Bosworth – better known for surfing in “Blue Crush” and her ability to “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!” – to portray newspaper superjournalist Lois Lane. The pairing worked, as the leads replicated the chemistry once portrayed by Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. Moreover, the struggle between Superman and Lex Luther (Kevin Spacey) was exciting and the inner conflict Superman faced was heartfelt and relevant. Despite a somewhat limited opening, thanks to a run on IMAX screens (some in 3-D, adding considerably to the experience), the film raked in more than $200 million at the box office, making it the highest grossing “Superman.” More importantly, it gave fans hope that the series could continue without the late, great Reeve. A “Superman Returns” sequel is planned. Top Television Show of the Year: ‘24’ Kiefer Sutherland was once known more for being dumped by Julia Roberts than for his career on film. In fact, we’ll call that period the ‘90s. However, thanks to five edge-of-your-seat, fingernail-biting years as counter terrorist unit agent Jack Bauer on Fox’s “24,” he will be remembered as one of the best actors in one of the most gripping television shows ever broadcast into our living rooms. The Emmy-winning fifth season was the high point for the series thus far. Bauer, who faked his own death in season four to escape retaliation from the Chinese government, returned to face both a corrupt president and competing bands of terrorists. At the end of the day (really, “24” is shot in 24 one-hour, real-time episodes), Bauer saved the world, got the girl … and was kidnapped and left for dead. Season six of “24” premieres Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007. |
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