Bardem the Magnificent

http://www.looseleafreport.com/bardem-the-magnificent.html

Weighing In On Body Fascism

http://www.looseleafreport.com/weighing-in-on-body-fascism.html

Bolshoi Means ‘Big’…

http://www.looseleafreport.com/bolshoi-means-‘big’….html

Tango: The Dance of Obsessive Love

http://www.looseleafreport.com/tango-the-dance-of-obsessive-love.html

What She Is

Edie Brickell and friend. Photo by Miss McGillicuddy.

By Mary Lyn Maiscott

On the eve of Edie Brickell’s release of two new CDs, Edie Brickell and The Gaddabouts (January 11 and 25, respectively), I interviewed the singer—still best known for her early hit “What I Am”—for Vanity Fair’s Web site. Brickell, who still speaks with a Texas drawl, had a lot to say, not only about the unusual CD double-drop, but about, among other things, rock’s two iconic Pauls, Lady Gaga’s “showmanship,” songwriting on the fly—and why religion is the smile on a dog. VanityFair.com published the highlights on its Daily Blog.

The Dude Abides

http://www.looseleafreport.com/the-dude-abides.html

Actress’s Daughter

By Mary Lyn Maiscott

I found Gwyneth Paltrow’s rendition of “Country Strong” (the theme from her upcoming movie of the same name) on the CMA awards a couple of months ago rather endearing. She was obviously nervous—despite, according to a quote in the press, having a Guinness beforehand, which she called her “new ritual”—which seemed, in a way, humble of her. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was a good idea for her to accompany herself on guitar (there was at least one other guitarist), but if she made any mistakes they weren’t audible, and her singing was just fine, if not spectacular in that big-voiced way of so many female country stars. (I didn’t think her magenta sky-high booties worked, but maybe that’s me.)

So in tribute to Paltrow’s upcoming role as Kelly Canter, apparently a kind of Faith Hill–meets–Britney Spears, here’s a sneak preview of what’s rumored to be (at least around TLR) Paltrow’s new country song, which is perhaps a bit closer to home for NYC’s “Gwynnie.”

O, Blog Divine: Ring Out the Old, Bring On the New

http://www.looseleafreport.com/o-blog-divine-ring-out-the-old-bring-on-the-new.html