After checking out the following music and game reviews, I know what I'm giving this holiday season. For my mom, there's Tony Bennett's highly touted Duets II. Though it may not fit in his stocking, Gears of War 3 has my son's name all over it. And how about a little something for me? I'd love to find Blondie's Panic of Girls under the Christmas tree. Or better yet, at my library...
Panic of Girls, Blondie (AIS)
This is Blondie's ninth studio album and its first since 2003. Even though the band recorded about 35 tracks in the studio, only 11 have been released on this album. The album is great because it's a wonderful mix of Blondie's different styles and sounds over the years-almost like a "greatest hits" release, but with new tracks. Opening tracks like "D-Day," "Mother," and "What I Heard" are reminiscent of the punk/new wave sound of late '70s.
There are tracks like "The End, The End" that reflect a more '80s pop sound, but since Blondie is an urban band, a lot of the album reflects that influence as well. Check out the Latin beat in "Wipe Off My Sweat," the French lyrics in "Le Bleu," and the reggae sound in "Girlie Girlie." Panic of Girls shows how Debbie Harry can glance backward and move forward all at the same time. True Blondie fans will enjoy this one.—Maureen L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Duets II, Tony Bennett (Columbia)
Tony Bennett is as timeless as they come, and Duets II is a brilliant compilation of this generation's talent. Unlike his first Duets album, which featured artists of an older generation, this time he collaborates with younger singers such as Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Queen Latifah, John Mayer, and the late Amy Winehouse. The key here is the fact that Bennett does each track live with his partner rather than editing digital files. This makes the experience more flirty, intimate, and spontaneous. Definitely check out the powerful "Body and Soul" track, where Winehouse gives a memorable performance. On "Blue Velvet," Bennett and k.d. lang are perfectly matched. The harmonizing on "Speak Low" with Norah Jones is beautiful and the playful banter with Lady Gaga on "The Lady Is a Tramp" is classic. Overall this is a charming album that shows that at age 85, Bennett still has what it takes.—Will P., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Gears of War 3 (Epic)
Gears of War 3 picks up right where the first two installments left off. In this postapocalyptic world that was dominated by the Locust 17 years before, Marcus Fenix and his Coalition of Organized Governments forces were forced to destroy the last major city on the planet. This was done to try and stop the Lambent, mutated Locust creatures, from spreading. Marcus learns that his father is still alive and has information that's necessary to change the tide of the war. The gameplay is of the take-cover, pop-up, pick-off-your-enemies approach.
You choose four weapons from an assortment of pistols, grenades, rifles, etc. A health meter monitors a player's lifeline and thankfully, if you're careful and cautious, it recharges quickly. New to Gears 3 is the ability to tag enemies and swap weapons and ammunition. Experience levels are earned through special types of kills, reviving and aiding teammates. The multiplayer mode brings Gears to a whole new level, giving you many play options, such as Deathmatch, Horde, Beast, or an all new stereoscopic mode for 3DTV. Gears of Wars 3 will give you hours of high-powered adventure full of intense action. Rating: M for mature. Platform: Xbox 360.—Andrew B., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
This article originally appeared in School Library Journal's enewsletter SLJTeen. Subscribe here.
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