Music
JILL SCOTT
“Beautifully Human…”
Sony Music
A-
Scott’s butter smooth voice melts across this record asshe pontificates on everything from light bills to family barbecuesto drugs. She has crafted the ideal soul album covering mundanetopics with thick grooves, bouncing along through up-beat dancejams to slower lush love songs. Her voice lulls listeners intoextreme relaxation and submission, then brings them back to thedance floor. Scott is the reigning queen of the neo-soul movementand everyone needs to bow to her majesty.  - K.MOREAU
Mofro
“Lochloosa”R
Swampland Records
A-
These boys from North Florida have perfected theirsouthern-soaked groove. Lead singer JJ Grey has that deep and dirtyvoice that makes an audience squint their eyes in bliss, whileslide guitarist Daryl Hance adds restrained touches at just theright moments. Add in some wailing, angelic organ and a tightarrangement and the result is song-writing that genuinely cries forits homeland in songs like “Fireflies,” “Pray ForRain” and the stellar title track. – O.LEGENDRE
Ray Charles
“Genius Loves Company”
Concord Records
A-
This collaboration between Brother Ray and some of the mostprolific artists ever demands not only attention, but respect andadmiration. The soulful sounds of Norah Jones are perfectlycomplemented by Charles, while his folk and gospel roots are liftedby B.B. King’s guitar wailing, not to mention the musicalfinesse of Elton John, Willie Nelson and Gladys Knight.The albumgives a glimpse into the musical depth that was Ray Charles, andwhat genius can do with a little “company.”  -Z.BROUSSARD
Movies
“The Cookout”
Lions Gate Films
C-
Queen Latifah, Ja Rule and Eve, featured in this new flick,should probably consider sticking to their music careers instead ofacting. The story unfolds as main character, Todd Anderson, getsdrafted into the NBA, but struggles to make a smooth transitioninto his newfound wealth without alienating his family or peers.The excruciatingly boring plot is as predictable as the sun risingin the morning. Although the “rags to riches” theme isentertaining, laughs are few and far between. – R.HANEY
“Resident Evil:  Apocalypse”
Sony Pictures
F-
With no attempts at wit, sex appeal or special effects, thisfilm fails miserably. The plot is mearly random clips of thereal-life video game thrown together without any explanation.Somehow, the zombie-like creatures that died in the premier filmare alive, lurking Raccoon City like drunken hobos. Andmiraculously, Umbrella Corp. manages an enormous profit althoughtheir featured elixir plagues the entire city. Resembling a93-minute “Thriller” remake, this film is the reasonmovie theaters refuse to give refunds – .H.PHILLIPS
TV
“Joey”
NBC Television
C+
Without his “Friends,” Matt Leblanc takes hischaracter, Joey, to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. Inthis spin-off, Joey takes on the west coast alongside his neurotic,sultry sister and her prodigy 20-year-old son. Leblanc successfullymaintains the dim-witted and lovable character in a newenvironment, but the writers weigh too heavily on Joey’sdense mentality. Despite some laughs and a few heartfelt moments,the show will need more substance to survive in the shadow of”Friends.”  - C.JOHNS
Editor’s Pick
Ray Lamontagne
“Trouble”
RCA Records
Book it: this will be one of the “best albums of theyear” everyone should talk about, but no one will. What isspecial about Lamontagne? He’s a strong singer-songwriterthat rocks the foundation of contemporary music, but pays homage tothose before him. Like the album art suggests, Lamontagne’ssoul dances with the devil and makes a deal that causes anythingbut “Trouble.” M.BONNER
FOR FANS OF:
Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith, Neil Young, Van Morrison, DamienRice