Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
After the success of his bandmate Justin Timberlake’s solo CD “Justified,” JC Chasez had his work cut out for him. But thanks to controversial songs like “All Day Long I Dream About Sex” and “Some Girls (Dance with Women),” Chasez seems to be doing just fine himself. The other ‘N Sync heartthrob phoned from Los Angeles on his way to rehearsal to chat about his solo album “Schizophrenic,” Clay Aiken and his love for classic rock.
With the amount of time they spend together, you wouldn’t think the characters on “Friends” would have a spare moment to even think about hooking up with anyone else. While they couldn’t compete with, say, Samantha Jones, when it comes to the sheer number of romantic conquests, these six friendly New Yorkers have had their share of relationships.
Just as “I know you are, but what am I?” became equated with Pee-wee Herman, and “Yeah, that’s the ticket,” is instantly associated with Jon Lovitz’s “Liar” character on “Saturday Night Live,” “How you doin?” has become the cheesy pickup line everyone can laugh at, thanks to a clueless but lovable Joey Tribbiani.
Even if you don’t know much about “Friends,” chances are you remember “The Rachel.” Jennifer Aniston’s hair took on a life of its own a few episodes into the show’s debut season, when her character showed up with a striking new hairstyle: Gone were her long, semicurly locks. In their place was a fluffy, layered ‘do — a modified shag.
For a show that’s not really about fashion, “Friends” has had its share of, um, eye-catching looks. From Chandler’s hair (yes, Chandler’s — not Rachel’s) to Joey’s eyebrows to Ross’s armadillo suit, the $1 million-an-episode stars have been willing to appear in getups that are unconventional, unflattering and sometimes just plain goofy
By Jae-Ha Kim Chicago Sun-Times April 26, 2004 It’s a cold, cruel world out there when you’re not getting paid $1 million per episode anymore. As our favorite “Friends” prepare for their final episode this […]
Denmark isn’t exactly England when it comes to producing rock ‘n’ roll bands, but it has a nice little start with the Raveonettes. Comprised of Sharin Foo and Sune Rose Wagner, the group is touring to promote its latest album, “Chain Gang of Love.” The Raveonettes rock, but their love of pop also is evident in their melodies and wry sense of humor.
The Parisian duo of JB Dunckel and Nicolas Godin are better known as Air. Atmospheric, moody and deliciously memorable, the meticulously crafted pop songs set the mood for a cozy evening in. With its latest album, “Talkie Walkie,” Air gets a chance to really breathe.
Since making its mark on the New York music scene 14 years ago, Versus has been a staple in the rock community. Led by brothers James and Richard Baluyut, the band is known for their gorgeous harmonies, tight rhythm section and wicked sense of humor. James Baluyut took a breather from rehearsal to chat with us about the Cubs, the Gallagher brothers and his guilty pleasure.
By Jae-Ha Kim Chicago Sun-Times March 22, 2004
David Parsons is just a nice Midwestern boy who happens to have his own dance company. Founded in 1987, the Parsons Dance Company will present five world premieres: “Too Many Cooks!” “Rise and Fall,” “Slow Dance, “Swing Shift” and “Takademe” at the Centre East Theatre in Skokie on Saturday night. Parsons, who grew up in Rockford, also will perform his solo piece, “Caught.”
They’re not as famous as U2, the Corrs or Sinead O’Connor, but Ireland’s Saw Doctors had one of the biggest singles in their homeland with a little ditty called “I Useta Lover.” Refreshingly down to earth, the band is touring the United States to promote its latest CD/DVD, “The Saw Doctors Live in Galway” (Shamtown Records, in stores Tuesday).
It’s rather obvious Hamilton Leithauser has a cold. Yes, he often sounds hoarse when he’s fronting the hot New York band the Walkmen. But this afternoon, Leithauser is particularly wheezy and congested. Not that this will prevent his band from going on with the show.
Let’s face it. We’re not a society that recognizes No. 2 — except when it comes to Clay Aiken. The runner up in last year’s “American Idol” contest has proved to be the little Southern boy who could. His debut album, “Measure of a Man,” easily outsold first-place winner Ruben Studdard’s effort. And Aiken’s the one headlining a tour with Kelly Clarkson, the first “American Idol” winner.
If anyone is in on the joke, it’s Richard Marx. Grammy Award winner, hot producer-songwriter and all-around good guy, the Chicago native knows why some people don’t like him. “Nobody gets the joke more than me,” says Marx, who resides on the North Shore with his wife, dancer-actress-singer Cynthia Rhodes, and their three boys. “When I first started out, I had credibility because my songs were played on rock radio and Joe Walsh was playing guitar on it. Then within a year, I became the anti-Christ.”
It’s not often an actor buys his co-star. But then again, Viggo Mortensen isn’t your average actor. And come to think of it, the co-star isn’t some hot young filly — it’s a real horse. “I just fell in love with him [on the set of ‘Hidalgo’],” Mortensen says. “He doesn’t live with me [in Venice, Calif.]. He stays at a friend’s house, and I go over to ride him as much as I can.”
Singer-songwriter Michael Tolcher is sated. After enjoying a nice sushi meal, the singer is ready to chat about his debut album, “I Am” (Octone Records), which will be in stores on April 6. He’s already opened for Maroon 5 and Gavin DeGraw and is anxious to get back on the road — even if that means climbing back into a cramped van. Tolcher phoned from his hometown of Atlanta to talk about the record-release shindig he’s planning, what he does to relax and why he’ll always have fond memories of Chicago.
It will be a bittersweet Valentine’s Day for Joseph Shabalala when his band Ladysmith Black Mambazo plays a sold-out show at the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory in west suburban Batavia. Touring to support the group’s recently released album “Raise Your Spirit Higher,” Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be performing many songs that Shabalala wrote for his wife, Nellie, who was murdered outside a church in South Africa two years ago.
Marc Maron is 40. Or, as he likes to say, 37 in show-biz years. Funny and sarcastic, he’ll be in Chicago this weekend to sign copies of his book, Jerusalem Syndrome: My Life as a Reluctant Messiah (Broadway, $12.95), at 6 tonight at Borders in Evanston (847-773-8852). And the comedian also will perform Saturday night at Skokie’s Centre East Theatre.
Ask Jonny Lang about his favorite book or film and he’ll be hard-pressed to come up with an answer. But ask him about his favorite music and the guitarist-singer-songwriter can go on forever.