The only seasons we have here in Singapore are the hot-as-hell season, and the rainy (and still as hot) season, but who cares? If you’ve managed to score a couple of days off work, lay your head back in one of Singapore’s many cineplexes and watch a movie, make like a lounge lizard and lap up the hottest tunes or bury your nose deep in a book (no, not a notebook computer but an honest-to-goodness paperback!). We have ... let’s see ... Christopher Nolan’s futuristic thriller Inception, Richard Dawkin’s insightful The Greatest Show On Earth, The Chemical Brothers’s new album Further ... Kylie Minogue’s much-anticipated new dance extravaganza Aphrodite (move over Lady Gaga) ... this summer’s releases are nothing but hot, hot, hot!

Listen Up

Download it, download it legally or buy the CD. We don’t care how you do it just as long as you let your ears in on these freshest cuts.

1. American Idiot by Green Day and The Original Broadway Cast | Available Now
What is it: Green Day’s addictive alternative sound with the rich, multi-vocal harmonies and orchestral arrangements of Broadway.
Why listen: These kids can sing and the symphonic arrangements give great emotional depth to the album.

2. Aphrodite by Kylie Minogue | June/July
What is it: This sexy pop dynamo’s 11th studio album features contributions from artistes like Scissor Sistors and Calvin Harris.
Why listen: There’s that single which triggered several different sensations (shivers down our spine, aches in our … oh never mind).

3. Barbara by We Are Scientists | Jun 14
What is it: Three of the most creative people on Earth come together to produce a monster rock album.
Why listen: We loved their debut With Love and Squalor and we’re pretty sure you’ll love this one.

4. Bionic by Christina Aguilera | Jun 7
What is it: Aguilera works with producers and musicians across a span of genres. If you thought pop was mainstream, you won’t now.
Why listen: You’d have thought becoming a wife, mother and actress would slow her down—but the album’s blazing.

5. Blood Like Lemonade by Morcheeba | Jun 7
What is it: Singer Skye Edwards reunites with Ross and Paul Godfrey to produce the inimitable laidback charm that is Morcheeba.
Why listen: The exotic soundscapes created by the sitar and folk guitar and Edwards’ soulful vocals.

6. The Boxer by Kele | Jun 21
What is it: Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke has been reborn “Kele,” dancehall extraordinaire.
Why listen: He’s really come into his own with his wicked blend of grimy synths and haunting (albeit female-sounding) vocals.

7. Dark Night of the Soul by Danger Mouse | June/July
What is it: What seems to be a somewhat cursed collaboration between Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse.
Why listen: Because we’re thankful we’re going to get to hear promised collaborative work featuring Iggy Pop and Flaming Lips.

8. Diamond Eyes by Deftones | June/July
What is it: Diamond Eyes was recorded after bassist Chi Cheng’s debilitating brain injury and features songs relating to the incident.
Why listen: This promises to be one of Deftones’s more emotive and the best sounding albums.

9. Further by The Chemical Brothers | June/July
What is it: The boys’ seventh studio album is further (no pun intended) proof of their tenacity as a progressive electronic force and creators of “Chemical Beats.”
Why listen: The snare and bass drums will make you feel like you’ve just launched headfirst into space.

10. Memoirs by Rox | Jun 7
What is it: A timeless classic compilation of Rox’s powerful vocals that spin an emotional tale; complete with distinct reggae, soul and jazz influences.
Why listen: Touted as HMV’s “Next Big Thing,” this 21-year-old half-Jamaican-half-Iranian has got us grooving along to her hip-swaying feel-good tracks.

11. M. I. A. by M.I.A. | Jun 29
What is it: The album title is still open to suggestion but M.I.A. continues to push electronic boundaries with this one.
Why listen: Time magazine named her one of the World’s Most Influential People. And she's insane!

12. Sea of Cowards by The Dead Weather (A Jack White Project) | June/July
What is it: Sea of Cowards lives up to the Nashville foursome’s signature blend of rock and the blues, guitar screeches and unique vocals.
Why listen: Alison Mosshart from The Kills along with Jack White produce a heavier edge to this sophomore album.

13. The Sellout by Macy Gray | Jun 22
What is it: The Sellout tells Gray’s story of having almost lost
herself in 2007.
Why listen: 10 years after “I Try,” she’s still going strong. And so is her voice, which is a surprise because last time we heard her, it was barely there.

14. Stone Temple Pilots by Stone Temple Pilots | June/July
What is it: The rock band’s first all-new collection in over
a decade.
Why listen: Chris Lord-Alge weaves his charm into a mix of classic rock riffs and pop hooks that you can dance to.

15. United Nations of Sound by United Nations of Sound (Richard Ashcroft) | June/July
What is it: Since The Verve’s former frontman Richard Ashcroft first announced the formation of his new band early this year, we’ve been (sort of) waiting for something to happen, and this is it.
Why listen: There’s a bit of Oasis and a hint of Suede in this one, which is always good.

Big, Bold and Badass

We all love movies and the summer is full of promise with big-budgeted blockbusters and eye-popping spectaculars.

1. The A-Team | Jun 10
What is it: Based on the 80s television series, a group of former Special Forces soldiers fight for the right to be exonerated of a crime they did not commit.
Why watch it: The impressive Liam Neeson (Taken) looks like a scruffy FILF. Sizzling!

2. I Love You Philip Morris | Jul 29
What is it: Jim Carrey plays a con-man who lands himself in prison, and falls for his cell mate Philip Morris (Ewan McGregor) in the process. When Morris is released, Jim Carrey embarks on a series of escape attempts.
Why watch it: Disturbing or not, this film is original, novel and so-very-gay.

3. Inception |  Jul 15
What is it: Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) spearheads this sci-fi thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a skilled thief with the ability to rob people of their secrets when they’re in dream state.
Why watch it: If Shutter Island left you unsatisfied, allow DiCaprio to make it up to you with Nolan’s sci-fi psychological thriller.

4. Killers | Jun 3
What is it: Jennifer (Katherine Heigl) meets Spencer (Ashton Kutcher) while on vacation and falls in love with him—not knowing that her lover is actually an agent.
Why watch it: If you’re a couple and find yourselves in a boring slump, this might give you some ideas for late night role playing.

5. Knight and Day | Jun 21
What is it: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz play a fugitive couple racing across the globe in search of the truth.
Why watch it: Post-Mission Impossible Tom Cruise and post-Charlie’s Angels Cameron Diaz make for cheap thrills and eye candy.

6. Ong Bak 3 | Jul 22
What is it: After losing his martial art skills, Tien (Tony Jaa) manages to recuperate fully for a massive showdown with his rivals. Tony Jaa is like the Jet Li of Thailand—only better looking and with a more defined torso. And how can we not forget his kick-ass Muay Thai moves.
Why watch it: If you’ve been hankering to kick some ass, this movie will get you in the mood to sign up for a class at your local community center.

7. Precious | Jul 1
What is it: A hit at both the Sundance and Cannes film festivals, this inspiring tale tells the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Oscar-nominated Gabourey Sidibe) who is raped and impregnated at the age of 16.
Why watch it: Life is criminal and dishonest, which is why you need Sidibe’s fearless performance to give you hope to carry on.

8. Predators | Jul 8
What is it: A group of eight humans are released on an alien planet for one purpose only—to be hunted by the aggressive monsters.
Why watch it: No matter how many franchises or spin-offs this title has spawned, watching aliens beat the crap out of humans or vice versa never gets boring.

9. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time | Now Showing
What is it: A rogue prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) unwillingly teams up with a mysterious princess (Gemma Arterton) to stop the bad guys from obtaining “The Sands of Time” device.
Why watch it: If you’re a player of the game, let producer Bruckheimer wow you with his CGI adaptation.

10. Repo Man | Jun 3
What is it: Jude Law plays a repo man with Forest Whitaker as his partner, Jake. Their job: To repossess organs from patients who can’t keep up with the hefty monthly payments.
Why watch it: Sci-fi geeks and Jude Law freaks listen up. The plot is believable, the set design excellent and Jude in a uniform never falls to impress. This thriller-cutie combination will work for both boys and girls.

11. Salt | Aug 5
What is it: An action thriller in which CIA officer, Evelyn Salt’s (Angelina Jolie) loyalty is tested as she goes on the run.
Why watch it: Angelina Jolie’s black locks, amazing body and bee-stung lips. Oh and of course, Liev Schreiber.

12. Sex and the City 2 | Now Showing
What is it: The fabulous four leave The Big Apple for an exotic escapade—taking a break from their hectic lives of marriage and motherhood.
Why watch it: If you’re a cougar-in-waiting or a wanna-be-Carrie, this film is perfect for you and will leave you with a smile on your beautiful face.

13. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice | Jul 22
What is it: Blake (Nicholas Cage) recruits Stutler (Jay Baruchel)—an average Joe—as his reluctant protégé; to defend Manhattan city from evil. Jerry Bruckheimer is the king of big-budged blockbuster films so you know you’re in for a cinematic trip.
Why watch it: Great effects with New York City as the backdrop, this modern fantasy is every bedroom wizard’s dream come true.

14. Toy Story 3 | Jun 17
What is it: It’s Woody to the rescue when our favorite gang of toys mistakenly gets shipped off to a day care center.
Why watch it: With voices by Tom Hanks, Michael Keaton and Joan Cusack, this 3D animated film promises to be a thrill ride.

15. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse | Jul 1
What is it: Bella must deal with more mysterious killings in town and make the most important decision of her life—choosing between vampire Edward and wolfman Jacob.
Why watch it: Too many decisions to make in life? Leave your troubles at the door and pretend you’re Bella for an hour.

Lean Literature

Everyone deserves a good read, which is why we’re giving you books of every possible genre to put your noses in.

1. The Advanced Genius Theory by Jason Hartley | May
What is it: This is the Freakonomics of pop culture—don’t you want to know why George Lucas created Jar Jar Binks or why Stanley Kubrick was fascinated with coffee commercials?
Why read it: If you’re looking for rational answers to irrational questions.

2. Bodily Harm by Robert Dugoni | May
What is it: Because “John Grisham move over …” has been used to describe this true master of the legal thriller genre. That said, we still love Grisham.
Why read it: If you need a reason not to to be disturbed.

3. Dust of Dreams by Steven Erikson | May
What is it: Don’t be gung-ho and start picking up and reading this book without exploring the previous titles. Erikson is a master of tales; and like fine wine—you want to savor it word for word.
Why read it: Anyone who wants a fine read on a lazy rainy Sunday afternoon.

4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson | May
What is it: The final story in the Millennium Trilogy was, like its prequels, found in Larsson’s manuscripts after his death. The series has become a publishing sensation, and saw Larsson becoming the world’s second top-selling author in 2008.
Why read it: Perfect for aspiring secret intelligence agents.

5. The Greatest Show On Earth by Richard Dawkins |  May
What is it: If you have read his most successful book—The God Delusion—you’ll know Dawkins as an advocate for science and not religion; thus earning the name of “Darwin’s Bulldog.”
Why read it: If you love science then this book might just answer some of your burning questions.

6. I’ll Mature When I’m Dead: Dave Barry’s Amazing Tales of Adulthood by Dave Barry | May
What is it: This is a tremendous account of one’s exploration of adulthood by funny man, Pulitzer Prize-winning Dave Barry.
Why read it: Perfect for anyone who thinks this line is funny: “There is absolutely no reason to be afraid of a vasectomy, except that: THEY CUT A HOLE IN YOUR SCROTUM.”

7. Private Life by Jane Smiley | May
What is it: The Pulitzer Prize-winning author offers a look into the marriage of two intense personalities; Margaret Mayfield and Captain Andrew during the unpredictable period of World War II.
Why read it: If you enjoy intense drama.

8. Put on Your Crown by Queen Latifah |  May
What is it: Yeah, you read it right. The hearty lady Queen Latifah is on a mission with this one: To help young women build a strong sense of self-esteem. If it’s not obvious enough, Latifah is a fine example of a confident, beautiful woman who won’t compromise just so she can fit into the (unhealthy) Hollywood ideal.
Why read it: It’s not by Oprah but it might still change your life.

9. Real Food Has Curves by Bruce Weinstein | May
What is it: A seven-step journey to appreciating the food you eat and the body that it sustains.
Why read it: If you’re dissatisfied about your overall health.

10. Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music by Greg Kot | May
What is it: Kot documents the struggle of the music industry in the digital age.
Why read it: If you’re a victim or a leader of the phenomenon.

11. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer | July
What is it: A novella told from the point of “Tanner,” a character originally featured in Eclipse.
Why read it: Perfect for whoever’s downloading alternative endings to the Twilight saga. You know who you are.

12. So Much for That by Lionel Shriver | May
What is it: Many books attempt to tell a story about the inner workings of a marriage but few marries this with jabs at a country’s healthcare system.
Why read it: A good weep doesn’t come better than this one.

13. Sympathy for the Devil by Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Kelly Link, China Miéville, Michael Chabon and others | August
What is it: It’s an anthology of stories about the devil, written by respected horror/thriller authors—we’re shivering already.
Why read it: If you feel the need to be spooked.

14. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan | June
What is it: The synopsis for this novel by National Book Award nominee Jennifer Egan reads a little bit like the story of The Runaways, only this one’s about an aging former punk rocker-turned-record executive and his troubled employee.
Why read it: We like how the story goes back and forth between the pre-Internet nineties and a post-war future.

15. The Woman Who Fell From The Sky by Jennifer Steil | May
What is it: If you enjoy a no nonsense memoir and journalistic anecdotes of Middle Eastern culture, Steil’s someone you won’t want to pass up on.
Why read it: You will discover that journalism is hard but even harder in a Middle Eastern country.

Culture Compass

Where to go and what to do for a quickie media fix:

BooksActually
Come here for a varied insight into prized literature pieces and non-fiction titles. Owners Kenny and Karen also are known for their hand-stitched notebook range, Birds & Co. There are also poetry reading sessions and dialogue series. 86 Club St., 6222-9195.

gramophone
With branches (nine and counting) springing out faster than the number of Gaga downloads online, expect each to specialize in their own music genres. Coupled with great bargains on used CDs and older titles starting from $1, this is still one of the best media outlets in town. We recommend the main store at #01-21 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, 6235-3105.

HMV
HMV is still the place for music lovers to catch up on the latest chart-toppers and indie hits, as well as a wide selection of movies. Did we mention that they bring in books at dead-low prices too? #04-23/24 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd, 6733-1822.

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This bookstore is a great alternative fix to your usual mainstream haunts. Prologue essentially is an alternative books and stationery haven for avid readers. A wide variety of educational reference guides, cute stationery and gift products is available here. We love their in-house chill-out space, JAMS Café. #04-16 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6465-1477.