Have We Lost Our Voice? Lament the Dismemberment Plan.

Perhaps our voice is Eminem (chilling). Perhaps it's Coldplay (yawn). Perhap's it's Conor Oberst (drunkard). But, if you ask me our generation missed it's spokesperson (or at least it's spokes-band). The Dismemberment band were an indie rock band seemingly always on the verge of break through. They broke up amicably and with great fanfair from certain corners of the cultural fringe. I fear however, in their break up ou genreation was striped of it's unifying voice. Perhaps the band's semi-rabid indiependentness kept them from this possition. All I know is when I listen to the songs on 'Emergency and I' and 'Change' they feel like anthems. They're just emo enough to get the emo kids, hip enough to get the hip kids, catchy enough to be pop hits, and yet none of this accured. It's sad to thyink our generation will likely never have Bob Dylan or Kurt Cobain, But at least we could've had Travis Morrison (and no solo-Travis Morrison is no substitute. DP RIP

Let The Oscar Race Begin

In what is sure to be the most pivotal weekend in this year's Oscar race, 'Dukes of Hazzard' is going up against 'Broken Flowers' at your local multiplex. Well not really ya see 'Broken Flowers' is only opening in 18 markets, but ya know. 'Broken Flowers' for those who aren't aware is a roudy roller coaster ride directed by indie snob Jim Jarmusc and staring Bill Murray, the film appears to be filled with lots of car chases and sexually egregious content straight from the eighties television show upon which the film is based.

'Dukes of Hazzard' couldn't be more different. Johnny Knoxville puts in another still and nuanced performance reminasent of his Oscar nominated turn in the sleeper hit 'Jackass: the Movie.' Jessica Simpson also proves that you don't have to be older than 35 to be an arresting presence on screne.

Which of these films will rain supreme at the Box Office? Which will rain supreme with the critics? By Sunday evening all these and more questions shal be answered.