US – Thursday, March 11

Best of The Word

The week's releases

Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.

Is nothing in her life real anymore?

When we first read that Heidi Pratt was firing husband Spencer Pratt as her manager, we thought, “Yay! Heidi’s new face is finally doing something right!” But then we found out that although she did fire Spencer, it seems like she’s replacing him with psychic Aiden Chase to take the reigns on her “career” — and then we got scared.

A Mission of diplomacy

Last week Mission Hill returned to Boston after having spent the last six weeks as the resident band at the new Hard Rock Cafe in, —wait for it — Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The mistrial minstrel show fails to balance

Clearly John Kander and the late Fred Ebb, creators of musical classics such as “Cabaret” and “Chicago,” knew how to spin cynicism into theatrical gold. And that talent is very much in evidence in “The Scottsboro Boys” at the Vineyard Theatre, which combines hard-boiled skepticism with tuneful razzle-dazzle to often entertaining effect. Yet despite its clever story-telling, “Scottsboro” fails to find its balance. It should take your breath away but barely elicits a sigh.

An ‘Ugly’ farewell and a role in a ‘Wedding’

It’s time to say so long to “Ugly Betty” as America Ferrera returns to the big screen this month with “Our Family Wedding,” a culture-clash comedy about a Mexican-American law student (Ferrera) who brings her African-American fiancé (Lance Gross) home to meet her caught-off-guard family. It’s the actress’ first film since the announcement that her 4-year-old ABC comedy won’t be returning in the fall.

Published 22:30, February the 8th, 2010

Stern

Stern

Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M

Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.

“They’d have to pay me a ton of dough because I already make a ton of dough,” Stern said. “Yeah I would do that show for $100 million.”

Question: Isn’t it odd to have Stern even in the running? There’s something to be said for “Idol” judges and their ability to detect real singing ability. What does Stern know about talent? The only people he’s made into stars are midgets and strippers. If he came aboard, would “Idol” change its name to “Topless Women Singing”?

The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.