The James Logan Courier

By Carmen Shiu, Courier Entertainment Editor

Elliott Yamin may very well be the next best-selling American Idol 5 finalist next to Daughtry (selling 1.9 million copies thus far). Fans of Yamin and Daughtry should actually be thankful that they were not the top two finalists of American Idol's season five. This factor enabled them to record an album better suited for them by allowing more input from themselves rather than the
pressure and demands of 19 Management, the record label finalists are signed to. Yamin's self-titled debut album was released on Tuesday. Apart from the show, Yamin demonstrated growth and talent on this 11-track album.

The Philadelphia Inquirer (MCT)

Pop:
MODEST MOUSE "We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank" (Epic, 2 stars)
With quaint titles, moaning lyrics and an overall slow twitchiness as its sonic calling card, Modest Mouse has become a brand whose principle product is a yawn. "Fourteen years of yawp" could be Mouse CEO Issac Brock's motto.

But a good number of people find this their favorite cup of tedium. Mouse's ruminations are exquisite in their enervation. Not since Morrissey has repudiation sounded as sexy as it does through the sashaying "Missed the Boat." Maybe that's why Brock recruited Moz's ex, former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, for this CD.

Barnard-White Middle School's production of "Aladdin" opens Thursday night on the BWMS Cafeteria Stage. The curtain goes up at 7:30. An encore performance is scheduled Friday night, also starting at 7:30.

Next week, "Aladdin" goes on the road, to The Little Theater at James Logan High School, for 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday, March 29, and Friday, March 30.

Admission to all performances is $5.