HAUTE HIGHLIGHTS
News of the Week:
Britney Spears did it again
It doesn’t seem to matter what crazy things American sweetheart Britney Spear does in her personal life. She’s as popular as ever. Her newest album, Femme Fatale, landed her the No. 1 spot on the Billboard chart, which gives her the title of first female to boast six No. 1 album debuts. Apparently, once you find a secure place in pop music listeners’ hearts, it’s hard to lose everlasting fame.
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Event of the Week:
Art in the Streets, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
The self-proclaimed “first major U.S. museum exhibition of the history of graffiti and street art,” this exhibition highlights the growing popularity of street art. Artists include Shepard Fairey, Swoon, Mister Cartoon and, rumor has it, Banksy. Whether or not you believe graffiti is true art and should be displayed in the museum, this is your chance to be a part of a historic event in the art world and to see what street art is all about. This Saturday, the museum will have a swank opening party that is $25 for non-members. Otherwise, you can visit the museum at the low student cost of $5 — just remember to bring your ID.
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Movie of the Week:
The newest installation to Wes Craven’s Scream chronology, which started back in 1996, tries to braid the older generation with the younger with appearances by starlets Hayden Panattiere and Anna Paquin, as well as more seasoned stars like Courteney Cox, Selma Blair and even comedian Anthony Anderson.
With some blatantly awkward and funny scenes mixed with the cheap thrills of the ridiculous and familiar mask that likes to jump out of random corners, Scream 4 seems willing to admit the story cannot be horror anymore. If anything, go see it more for the sheer comedy of the cheesy lines and the possibility of jumping out of your seat once or twice.
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Song of the Week:
“I Wrote the Book” — Beth Ditto
Beth Ditto, known for being the frontwoman for band Gossip, is not afraid to show off her strong vocals. Though “I Wrote the Book” is a little tamer than her Gossip tracks, her vocal chops are still obvious and are blended in a very ’80s, Madonna-esque sound. A club-friendly song that will likely see many remixes, the song is a good sign of the strength of Ditto’s solo work. The track is available for free on iTunes this week.