Last year, the ASUCD Entertainment Council brought everything from Islands, (500) Days of Summer and Art Brut. A new year and a new quarter bring new events to campus.

Their plans? After successfully screening Zombieland during fall quarter, the EC plans to screen the film Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. in 123 Science Lecture Hall and twice more at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 in Chemistry 194. And it’s only a dollar for students.

The pre-screening of Zombieland at the Varsity Theatre was limited in the amount of seats available last year and many students were disappointed to have not been able to watch the film. The EC has then worked to bring Zombieland to campus.

“To get a screening, we go through the distribution company who is in charge of the rights, reserve a room and publicize the event,” said Cinema intern Laura Kroeger. “We all help each other out. Campus Cinema, the promotions team – everybody kind of pitches in. It takes a number of people to make sure it goes off smoothly.”

Along with screenings organized by Campus Cinema, as well as the International Film Week held later this quarter where movies of all different genres are showcased on campus, the EC has planned a comedy show.

“A new event that I’ve been working on this quarter with the student group Comedy and Consciousness is Davis Comedy Jam,” said EC director, Thongxy Phansopha. “I’m really looking forward to this event because Davis rarely has any stand-up comedy shows.”

“We’re working with about four other students groups for the Davis Comedy Jam [which includes] Black Student Union, Middle Eastern South Asian Leadership Council, Ethnic, Cultural Affairs Commission and Eritrean Student Association.” Phansopha said.

The Davis Comedy Jam will be held at the Art Annex from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 11. The event will feature comedians such as W. Kamau Bell, Hari Kondabolu and Janine Brito.

According to the Facebook event page, the comedians perform their acts centered on social justice themes.

With many firsts such as the comedy jam, there are also many returning events such as the Annual Singles Awareness Night that is scheduled for the night of Feb. 11.

“It’s a great night to party with most of ASUCD members who auction themselves to benefit Cal Aggie Camp,” Phansopha said.

“I think it’s really great that they’re bringing back Singles Awareness Night,” said senior biological science major Sylvia Kim. “With budget cuts, Cal Aggie Camp needs as much support as possible.”

Singles Awareness Night isn’t the only dance party this quarter. EC has scheduled The Hangover Dance Party for this upcoming Sunday. The dance party will feature Zion I, a hip-hop duo – producer and DJ AmpLive and emcee Zumbi – from Oakland.

“We decided to do the Zion I dance party because it’s the first weekend of school and students don’t really have too many obligations yet so why not fully enjoy the whole weekend,” Phansopha said.

The event will be held Jan. 10 at 9:30 p.m. at The Grad. The EC is offering the first hundred students to attend for free. The cover charge for students is $5 and $10 after 11 p.m.

“We want to give the student body what they want.” Kroeger said.

Many events are still tentative but if you are eager to know what to expect from the EC in the next couple of weeks, such as the Zombieland screening, The Hangover Dance Party and the EC volunteer meeting, join their Facebook group.

KAREN SONG can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

The UC Davis Design Museum is proud to present this winter’s exhibit entitled “From Our Land”, an interpretative traveling exhibition. The Japanese history of agriculture in this country from the 19th century to the present can be seen in Walker Hall from Jan. 11 to Mar. 7 every day from noon to 4 p.m. or noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays, free of charge.

This exhibit follows in line with the Design Museum’s theme this year, Asian roots in design. “From Our Land” specifically showcases several different kinds of Japanese farming expressions and history. The exhibit’s creators researched and dug for hidden treasures buried within our present culture.

They discovered riches that proved to provide an entire exhibit of work. Some of the most prized pieces in “From Our land” are photographs, donated by families from that time period.

Another fascinating aspect of the show is the interviews that the researchers conducted with families that donated or loaned their family heirlooms. The creators used extensive resources to procure authentic farming tools used in the 19th century by the Nikkei families during this time as well.

The Nikkei were a group of Japanese farmers that migrated to this country in the late 18th century and worked on farms. The showcase is a testament to their struggle to establish themselves in the United States, and carries on past the internment period during World War II.

Adele Zhang, the curator of the Design Museum said “these are stories of Japanese Nikkei and their agricultural experience and political struggles in California from the 1800s to the present.”

The Design Museum has been planning this event for over a year. It was through a mutual effort that “From Our Land” came to UC Davis, because the team wanted to introduce a more cultural aspect into the museum.

Although Zhang is the curator at the Museum, this exhibition has been brought to UC Davis through a guest curator, Yuki Nishinaka, who is also a guest lecturer currently teaching on campus.

Nishinaka originally worked on the exhibition at its previous location at the National Japanese American Historical Society Gallery in San Francisco and was funded by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program. After working with the NJAHS and the Design Museum here at Davis, she was able to schedule a tour at our museum.

However, “Communication was our biggest challenge with this particular exhibit. It was difficult to coordinate scheduling and time conflicts arose,” Zhang said.

Despite this, Nishinaka worked hard to collect enough books about this subject to add two tables worth of material to the display. This special addition can only be seen here at Davis, since it is not part of the original showcase.

Even though the museum admires and respects all their exhibits, this particular one holds a special place in the hearts of those working at the Design Museum. “It provides a stage for students to work,” Zhang said.

It is true – the museum and this exhibit offer several opportunities for Design interns to create labels, install the objects and organize the space.

The exhibit arrived by crate on Jan. 5, giving these crafty interns, Nashinaka and the museum team just enough time to set everything up for the opening.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this exhibit is that “From Our Land” especially inculcates one of the museums most emphasized missions: “to further our understanding of design and the contributions design makes to shaping our experiences, environment and culture.”

As Zhang puts it, “This is not a show for design objects, it is a show for understanding cultures.”

BRITTANY PEARLMAN can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

I wanted an iPod this past Christmas, but I didn’t get one. It’s a shame – my current one is old, has a broken screen and can’t fit much on it. I probably could have used the Christmas money I got instead toward a new iPod, but once money’s in my hand I’d rather just keep it. I’m sure Apple could sympathize with my reasoning.

As much as I’m fretting over the foregone iPod and unmet desires of more gigabyte capacity like a little baby, I’m pretty sure this Christmas convinced me I’m getting old. My reasoning: I added up the total value of all my gifts and realized that, for the first time ever, I spent more than I received this year.

I could try blaming the economy, but that wouldn’t work. My twin cousins woke up to multiple Wii games and toy helicopters. Really, I suffered a net loss in Christmas revenue this year because I’m basically an old man, and old men don’t get gifts for Christmas.

It’s easy to say I stopped caring about Christmas gifts years ago. I really did – ever since I started paying for public school it seemed ridiculous to ask for anything big. Students are kind of required to shed materialism, especially when I spend all my money on Nugget food and Sam’s lamb sandwiches. And apparently gifts, as of this year.

I also don’t really care because Christmas gifts can seem like, well, a total slap in the face. Certain members of my family, for instance, provide a perfect case in point.

Every Christmas day, my family gets together at my grandma’s house to exchange gifts and eat the same dry, cold turkey roast we’ve eaten for the past 15 years. Like usual, I lingered around the party drinking an obligatory you’re-21-now beer my aunt gave me and talking about my career goals as my grandma’s new Susan Boyle album played throughout the house. She’s a big Sarah Brightman fan, but I think she wanted a change in mood. I’m not sure which one I would have preferred.

The parents usually do a Secret Santa gift exchange sort of deal, where each family member is assigned another member to give a gift to. This usually leaves someone short-changed. Generosity is never uniform with Secret Santa gift exchanges.

For some reason, one of my uncles is always assigned to buy a gift for my mom or dad. And if he gets my dad, his wife will be assigned my mom. This year, he gave my dad a plastic lucky cat as his Secret Santa gift – the kind you usually see next to cashiers at Asian restaurants. It had a corroded battery and fell apart in a few minutes.

My uncle’s wife gave my mom a TEMPUR-pedic headrest. While it looked great in the bag, it was really dilapidated, stained and flaccid piece of fabric-covered foam that never folded out into its intended shape. Somewhere, in someone’s closet, the pillow racked up years of dust and neglect.

If it’s really the thought that counts, my uncle would have been better off getting more discount self-improvement books from the front of Borders like he did last year. But whatever. I know my uncle probably found the pillow in his closet and had a bright idea; that his wife probably spent a dollar on the cat when she bought herself her latest Rolex watch. I know he probably ran out of creative ideas for my brother and I, too – I got a walking stick as my gift. Maybe he agrees with my old age revelation.

Right now, my dad’s plastic cat is currently sitting in my wastebasket, riddled with BB bullet holes. My mom’s limp pillow propped up the cat as my brother shot the corroded battery through its chest with his PVC-pipe air gun.

I’m glad I’m not really getting old.

JUSTIN T. HO’s favorite gift this year was a bell that looks like a crab, which currently sits on his desk begging for a purpose. E-mail him with suggestions as to how to use the crab bell at arts@theaggie.org.

ART / GALLERY

“Recent Acquisitions,” 2007- 2009 Opening Reception

Today, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free

Nelson gallery

To kick off the UC Davis Fine Arts Collection that will continue on until Mar. 7, the opening reception will introduce works from artists, alumni and the community collected and donated for the past 35 years. More specifically, pop artist Robert Arneson’s drawings as well as other pieces that were donated will be featured.

Entryway GalleryToday, Jan. 7 to Mar. 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free

Nelson gallery

Works by Edward Weston, Roy De Forest and Wayne Thiebaud will be showcased in this intimate gallery.

A Seed Planted: A Tribute to Robert Arneson

Friday, Jan. 8 to Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free

Davis Art Center, Tsao Gallery

In Davis Art Center’s celebration of its 50th anniversary, there will be an amazing show that will focus on Arneson-inspired pieces celebrating Robert Arneson himself. Don’t forget to check out his other pieces at The Nelson Gallery!

Academic Inclusion: UNdoing Marginalization

Monday, Jan. 11 to Feb. 9, free

MU Art Lounge

A month long art exhibit – organized by Sumer Seiki, graduate student in the school of education – will express students’ experiences with the most recent UC budget cuts and fee hikes through the aesthetics. The art exhibit will showcase this marginalization through paintings, quotes and even photos.

From Our LandMonday, Jan. 11 to Mar. 12 to 4 p.m., free

Design Museum, 145 Walker

From Our Land is an installation in the Design Museum that speaks about the early Californian agriculture amidst the 20th century specifically through the perspective of the Japanese Nikkei people. An exhibition brochure will guide you through the political struggle of the Japanese Nikkei people from WWII to today.

AT THE MOVIES

Pre-Home Screening of Zombieland

Monday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m., $1

123 Science Lecture Hall

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., $1

Chemistry 194

After the big turn out last quarter in the pre-screening of Zombieland, many students will have a second, third and even fourth chance to watch the comedic take to a horror genre. If the title doesn’t give it away already, the film is about Zombies. For only a dollar (which will make very many college students’ wallets happy) you will be able to watch the film before it hits DVD and Blockbusters. To know more about what the Entertainment Council will bring to campus this quarter, check out the article in Muse.

MUSIC

Marissa Moriel Live In-Store!

Today, 5 to 7 p.m., free

Armadillo Music

Live music in an authentic music venue will surely make for a personal and intimate night. R.I.P. to Olive Drive but Marissa Moriel is still alive and well and singing at Armadillo.

KDVS Presents: Silver Pines, Pure Ecstasy and Mother McKenzie

Friday, 8 p.m., donations accepted

Poolhouse: 724 Sycamore ln., Davis

Expected to be a party that goes “well into the morning hours,” this event will involve BBQ, music and lots of happy drinks! For more information about the happenings of this event, check out the KDVS Facebook page.

A Night of Blues

Saturday, 6 p.m., free

Veterans Memorial Theatre

The Community Services Department is hosting a Night of Blues that will feature local blues artists the Bill Scholer Blues Band, D.S.G. and the Hucklebucks.

KDVS Presents: Your Yellow Dress, All Blood, Nellie Fitzgerald, and Neil Ruud

Sunday, 8 to 10:30 p.m., free

Hospice of French Rude Solace

Each performance of the evening will showcase the talent of promising musicians. From Indie, folk and acoustic, the blend of genres will offer an eventful night.

The Hangover Dance Party w/ Zion I

Sunday, 9:30 p.m., $5

The Grad

I know all of you are anticipating this event, hosted by the EC, but there are a few things you should know about the event. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. and will be free for the first 100 students at the door. Also, if you happen to be the 101st student and beyond, the cover charge is $10 at the door after 11 PM, but $5 if you come before then so make sure you arrive early!

KAREN SONG can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

Ah, the budget cuts. Where else can we put all the pain and misery other than channeling it through a little artwork?

Next week, the Student Recruitment and Retention Center (SRRC) and the Teaching Resources Center (TRC) will be co-hosting Academic Inclusion: Undoing Marginalization, an art exhibit that attempts to portray the different ways the UC community has been affected by the budget cuts.

The art exhibit, held at the Memorial Union Art Lounge, will run from Jan. 11 to Feb. 9. It will feature poems, paintings, quotes and posters from protest events.

Sumer Seiki, a graduate student from the School of Education, is the head coordinator for this project. “I felt inspired after hearing people’s personal stories,” she said. “I wanted to contribute to the issue in a way that best represented me and my voice.”

“I want to send my kids to a UC someday, and I realize that with the fee hikes, I may not be able to afford it,” she said. “We need to think about why California has chosen not to invest in its students, and decide collectively if we think this is best for the next generation.”

The exhibit combines aural and visual stimuli to humanize the issues regarding the budget cuts on a more personal level.

“It’s important that we provide information on the mechanism by which it happened. It will help to tell a side of the story that is not heard,” Seiki said.

The featured artwork will also discuss topics such as why we need state money, whether or not privatization is the answer to making up for the loss of state funds, where we can receive funds and how we – as a community – can take action.

One major funder of this event is the SRRC, a student run center that focuses on political and cultural awareness among students.”

“Our main goal is to address educational equity,” said program consultant Mayra Llamas. “We thought it would be a great fit to address the budget cuts and how that affects educational access to under-represented students. The exhibit may be able to demonstrate the inequalities that these students face day to day

In order to be considered as a featured artist at the exhibit, there were no restrictions. Anybody who felt directly affected by the budget cuts was able to submit their work to be chosen.

Anthropology professor Karen Ann Watson-Gegeo is contributing her poetry to the exhibit. Her main goal is to encourage students to focus on how macro level policies affect us on a micro scale.

“The UC budget situation represents a critical moment in UC history,” Watson-Gegeo said. “It deeply impacts students’ ability to stay in school or begin school at UC Davis, due to higher tuition, program cuts and faculty cuts.”

She said that students need to be aware of what is occurring, and that there couldn’t have been a better way to explain it than through art itself.

“It’s important that these issues be expressed in different ways, so that the information can speak to each person visiting the exhibit. Art is powerful in reaching parts of human understanding that words and numbers alone cannot reach,” she said.

Academic Inclusion: Undoing Marginalization may make you laugh, cry or want to throw a rock at someone. But it will certainly leave you with a feeling of empowerment and greater insight. Just remember that budget cuts affect us all, so come and share the experiences – we’re here for you.

VANNA LE can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

Although Davis is reputable for its small town ambiance, the spirit and inspiration of its residents have greatly impacted the overall attitude and conventions of thinking in the art world. Robert Arneson was one of these individuals.

From Jan. 8 to Feb. 5, the Davis Arts Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a tribute exhibit for the late Arneson at the Tsao Gallery. A Seed Planted: A Tribute to Robert Arneson will feature Arneson’s original pieces from the Davis Art Center and the Nelson Gallery’s permanent collections.

“In this exhibit, we are exploring how the seed of inspiration grows and spreads,” said Katie Bolich, vice president of the Davis Arts Center board and curator of the exhibit. “Anchored by the Arneson pieces from our permanent collection, we are showcasing the depth and breadth of Arneson’s influence in our community and beyond.”

Arneson, who taught ceramics in the UC Davis art department for three decades, was greatly known for his satirical style and ceramic funk art – a ’60s movement that utilized everyday objects to make a statement. More importantly, Arneson was a great and influential colleague and mentor for many in the Davis art community.

“Arneson’s contribution to the art world is multifaceted – it is personal and unique to each individual,” Bolich said. “For some it was his irreverence and his use of irony and humor, for others it was his teaching style of pushing and challenging his student. And for others, it was about technique and contradicting the more formal traditions previously associated with ceramics.”

Tony Natsoulas, sculptor and contributor to the exhibit, studied under Arneson during his senior year in high school and while achieving his own Masters of Fine Arts. Natsoulas, who does humorous figurative ceramic sculptures and post funk art, was greatly influenced by Arneson as a mentor.

Along with over 30 other artists, of which more than half were Arneson’s former students, Natsoulas will feature his artwork juxtaposed with Arneson’s original artwork to capture the spirit and heart of Arneson’s contribution to the art world even decades later.

“Bob was very tough. He did not let you get away with any laziness,” Natsoulas said. “He always made us think about the importance of what we were doing. He was more interested in teaching us about getting a concept rather than teaching us how to build something or how to glaze something.”

But aside from being a mentor and art instructor, Arneson was influential as a member of the community, colleague and friend. David Hollowell, a painter, worked alongside Arneson upon joining the UC Davis art department in 1984.

“When he was retiring, he was talking to me as a friend, [and] said something that really stood out to me,” Hollowell said. “He said, ‘You know Dave, I’ve been making and selling my work. I have been making art for survival. But I’ve got a whole bunch of sketchbooks I’ve forgotten because of other conditions in my life. I’m going to retire, close the door and work on my work.'”

“Arneson was one of the more perceptive purveyors of the visual language that I’ve ever met,” Hollowell said. “His clarity to art was second to none.”

In addition to the tribute exhibit to Arneson, George Grant – Arneson’s studio assistant and close friends of many years-will be teaching a “Make a Brick or Bust” workshop open to all students. The workshop allows students to explore Arneson’s favorite forms, the brick and the bust. Grant’s workshop will take place on Jan. 9.

UYEN CAO can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

AT THE MOVIES

Shutter Island (Feb. 19)

What is the hype with blood, cannibalism and a need to sadistically torture people in movies these days? What happened to the smart and suspenseful thriller flicks that actually made you think and left you speechless at some insane psychological twist in the end? Fortunately, Martin Scorsese’s upcoming thriller Shutter Island looks to be just that.

Based on a book by Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island takes place at an eerie mental institution where detective Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned a case to investigate the disappearance of a patient. During so, Daniel begins to question his own sanity as many unfortunate twists and turns take place.

With Scorsese and DiCaprio teaming up for the fourth time, there’s no denying the movie magic that is bound to happen once again. This time around, someone get DiCaprio an Oscar!

– Uyen Cao

Alice in Wonderland (Mar. 5)

It seems as though everyone is on the “Alice in Wonderland” bandwagon. Macy’s, Apple and Tom Binns are all advertising Tim Burton’s version of Lewis Carroll’s “children” story (though we all know the drug references are more frequent then the white rabbit appears).

The classic is transformed from the beloved, sweet Disney tale into a stark, gothic Burton-esque sequel. I just hope that the film doesn’t lose focus on Alice’s adventure through the name-dropping cast. The 3-D trailer is promising and hauntingly dark – nothing short of what we should expect from Burton.

– Karen Song

Date Night (Apr. 9)

Date Night, starring Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Mark Wahlberg, could be the comedy hit of 2010 – that is if neither Amy Poehler nor Kristen Wiig make cameos. Longstanding comedians Fey and Carell are stars of Golden Globe and Emmy-winning shows “30 Rock” and “The Office” respectively and graduates of Chicago’s Second City Comedy Club. Though Carell starred in a fair share of comedy flops, Fey’s wit-drenched humor will hopefully make Date Night as entertaining and impressive as its all-star cast.

The plot begins when the Fosters (Carell and Fey) pretend to be the Triplehorns in order to secure a reservation at a swanky local restaurant, mistakenly accosted by two thugs and accused of stealing from Joe Miletto – so begins the comedy action thriller.

Simone Wahng

Iron Man 2 (May 7)

Comic book fans rejoice – the John Favreau-directed sequel to 2008 mega-hit Iron Man is finally labeled as “in Post-Production.” Robert Downey Jr. makes a triumphant return to the role that propelled him from his C-list status to marquee topping leading man in Iron Man 2. The film shows Tony Stark dealing with the aftermath of his decision to reveal his double identity to the world. As the government pressures him to share his technology with the military, new foes and allies emerge from the least likely places.

The thrilling thing about the sequel is the reemergence of S.H.I.E.L.D. operative Nick Fury (played by the charismatic Samuel L. Jackson) who tries to keep Stark in check. One can also expect more devious debauchery delivered with a tongue-in-cheek smugness that not only exemplifies Tony Stark but also makes for amusing interactions between him and his co-stars. Perhaps the most exciting thing about Iron Man 2 is that it brings The Avengers movie closer to reality.

– Anastasia Zhuravleva

Toy Story 3 (June 18)

Woody and the gang are back to light up the screen with their loveable escapades. Now, after ten years of separation from our beloved cowboy and strapping spaceman, we must wait no longer – Toy Story 3 has arrived. Andy is now in college, leaving the toys behind at a local daycare center. Dopey Rex, sardonic Ham, cute Slinky Dog, demure Lil’ Bo Beep and our favorite heroes Buzz and Woody must once again band together and form an escape plan.

More so than in the last two films, the toys will also come to life, thanks to new 3-D technology. 3-D glasses? Check. A reappearance from Wheezy, the penguin with the broken squeaker? Check. Tim Allen speaking fluent Spanish? Check. And if a feature-length 3-D extravaganza doesn’t sound cool enough by itself, Pixar will present its usual animated short film prior to the movie. Yee-haw!

Eleni Stephanides

Inception (July 16)

Fans of The Matrix, rejoice: After over half a decade, Hollywood looks to have finally produced a new sci-fi thriller that promises both jaw-dropping imagery and a seriously mind-twisting story. While precious few details have been revealed about the film’s plot, it is rumored to follow the exploits of a corporation that enters people’s dreams to uncover potentially threatening “ideas.” A new trailer offers glimpses of such extraordinary concepts as a cityscape bending over on itself, water flowing upwards, and the idea that the mind can be manipulated – all completely breathtaking and totally unique.

Inception also boasts direction by The Dark Knight’s Christopher Nolan and an all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

– Robin Migdol

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (Nov. 19)

The seventh installment proves to be the most anticipated movie yet of the eight. Although it is not scheduled to be released until November of this year, the trailer has already been distributed by Warner Bros. on the release of the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on DVD. This created a dangerously high fever among fans for such an early stage in production.

The seventh movie will begin the end of the series in a fast paced, passionate and twisting plot with all of our favorite people! In addition to familiar faces, the returning director promises new sets in a myriad of non-Hogwarts locations. Like its precedents, the new movie will delve into the mystery of Harry and his friends’ past to finally unravel the mystery of the Deathly Hallows.

– Brittany Pearlman

MUSIC

Vampire Weekend – Contra (Jan. 11)

It has been a long two years since Vampire Weekend has release its self-titled debut album, Vampire Weekend. With a pop-indie take on rock and a hint of reggae, the band had made it beyond the internet blogospheres and into the stereos of teenage scenesters everywhere.

But we aren’t sure of what to expect from Vampire Weekend’s Contra, especially since this young band doesn’t have much history to begin with. Whatever direction they choose to take with Contra, we hope that the apple doesn’t fall too far from their two successful EPs released since their first debut.

– Karen Song

The Eels – End Times (Jan. 19)

The Eels make music that fits perfectly in movie soundtracks because each track tells a story. It’s this story-telling quality they possess (song titles ranging from “Jehovah’s Witness” to “I Like Birds”), alongside their ability to pen humorous and ironic lyrics, that make the Eels’ lyrics so memorable. They incorporate a variety of instrumentals into their music but never let synthesizers and backbeats overpower the verses. End Times is sure to deliver more diverse tracks, each one telling a story. Who knows what movie the band will crop up in next?

Eleni Stephanides

Lady Antebellum – Need You Now (Jan. 26)

The fans definitely need and want Need You Now. This newest album of Lady Antebellum already has fans going crazy for their second record release.

The few songs that have been released so far have offered an even better collection of hits than its predecessor. This album promises to produce even more acoustic pleasures with more introversive content. Most of the songs off the first album were generic attempts to make it to the top of the charts, but the trio have developed and grown as musicians. They have the flexibility to take it one step edgier with this newest record.

– Brittany Pearlman

Rogue Wave – Permalight (Mar. 2)

Three years since their last record Asleep at Heaven’s Gate in 2007, Oakland-based indie rock band Rogue Wave is releasing a long anticipated album titled Permalight. Produced by Dennis Herring (who has also produced for artists such as Elvis Costello, Counting Crows and Modest Mouse), Permalight is directing Rogue Wave towards a new direction and sound.

“This record sounds, for lack of a better word, fun,” said frontman Zach Rogue. Let’s certainly hope so.

With a soothing voice and melodic sound similar to The Shins, Rogue wave is surely to produce great tracks perfect for a sunny spring road trip or easy listening for a rainy and mellow day indoors.

Uyen Cao

Klaxons – TBA

British progressive rock band Klaxons began working on their second album in late 2007 shortly after the release of their Mercury Prize-winning debut album Myths of the Near Future on Rinse Records, a sub label of Polydor Records. Early last year, Polydor rejected a tentative album that the foursome created with producer James Ford, suggesting the music was too psychedelic and experimental to be released. This sent Klaxons back to the studio.

Since then, the band re-wrote previously written tracks, composed new songs and is currently selecting an official track listing from roughly thirty songs accumulated over the past two years. Recently, the band resumed recording – this time with post-hardcore producer Ross Robinson, who typically works with bands such as Norma Jean, Slipknot, Korn and Limp Bizkit. The release title and date for the record have not yet been set.

Simone Wahng

Britney Spears – Untitled (June)

With thriving dance tracks such as “Womanizer,” “Circus” and “3,” Britney Spears proved in 2009 that she still had what it takes to be pop star, despite her less-than-stellar public image following reports of lip-synching and mental breakdowns. All kidding aside, the girl has always gotten us grooving on the dance floor, thanks to high-energy beats and hummable – though admittedly inane – lyrics. Yet her next album, tentatively scheduled for release in June, is poised to test the staying power of Britney’s musical prowess. After a full decade of such iconic tunes as “Oops! I Did It Again,” “Toxic” and “If U Seek Amy,” do we really need (or want) more Britney Spears songs? The answer, and the future of Britney Spears, will be decided in 2010.

– Robin Migdol

Erykah Badu – New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh (TBA)

Erykah Badu, whose music is haunting, upbeat, retro and funky with a contemporary spin, will be releasing the sequel to the 2008 album New Amerykah: 4th World War later this year. Badu’s bluesy grit has made her a Grammy winning multi-platinum recording artist, and still manages to leave fans and industry critics scratching their heads.

New Amerykah provided that ultra glamorous music that no imitation divas, bland crooners and phony “neo soulsters” could imitate. The release of the much-anticipated Return of the Ankh has been set to be a mix up of things left on the cutting room floor from the first New Amerykah. With production from 9th Wonder, James Poyser, J. Dilla, Madlib, Georgia Anne Muldrow and many others, the new album will be a surefire hit. Badu’s powerful MC style will provide more chart topping hits.

– Anastasia Zhuravleva