As any chef knows, fresh spices can make all the difference. That dusty jug of nutmeg you bought at Costco five years ago may not be your best bet for french toast on Sunday morning. But what about the musical equivalent -- the Spice Girls? It's been more than a decade since they took the pop music world by storm, then disappeared like a summer breeze a few years later.

They're back, more Spice Moms than Spice Girls, but ready to give a generation of twenty-somethings a nostalgia trip. Tonight, it's the TD Banknorth Garden that hosts the reunion tour. I can't imagine there'd be more than a handful of tweens and teens at the show -- you really had to be there to truly understand the phenomena. It'll be like trying to explain the Hannah Montana thing fifteen years from now.

I must admit I do have a soft spot for the Spice Girls. My daughter was in elementary school when Spice-mania hit our shores -- she loved the whole Girl Power thing. I remember thinking, "I hope the whole fashion thing doesn't take hold" -- but the music was pure bubblegum fun. These 5 Brits had a little something for every taste -- you knew the act couldn't sustain itself for very long, but you went along for the ride anyway.

So, it's victory lap time for the Spice Girls. Older, wiser, and in Victoria Beckham's case, certainly richer. If you're going tonight, just let it all go for a couple of hours. If the gals meant a lot to you in your younger days, show 'em some love. The music may be dated -- but memories are timeless.

"Lost" returns this Thursday -- can somebody give me an Amen! With the exception of "Pushing Daisies" it's been a pretty lean television season so far. Of course the ongoing writers strike has a lot to do with it. Most current shows have run out of new episodes, "Lost" has a few in the can so we can all take an Island vacation in February. Pray for a strike settlement though, or a Sopranos-esque hiatus may kill any momentum the new season builds up.

I know "Lost" has totally left my system when I stop calling people "brother" -- a la Desmond -- all the time. He's still my favorite character on the show, the romantic with a self-destructive streak. Desmond can be exasperating, but his yearning for Penny -- his lost love -- is keenly felt. Jack, Kate, Sawyer, and Locke have more complex and contemporary backstories -- Desmond is like a medieval knight on quest for redemption.

http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=index

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Let's stick with redemption as a theme, because the Drive-By Truckers have just released a new CD. This one's called "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" and though the guitar assault has been toned down, the passion for hard scrabble country rock has not. Patterson Hood is still the keeper of the Trucker's southern rock flame. His songs have the most grit and authenticity -- but he's willing to share the spotlight with bandmates Mike Cooley and Shonna Tucker. Over the course of 19 tracks you get a whole lot of different styles and textures. It doesn't all work, but on songs like "Daddy Needs A Drink", "The Opening Act", and "The Man I Shot" the power of the Truckers comes through -- full throttle.

http://www.drivebytruckers.com/

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Finally, a shout out to everyone in the town of Westford who gives their time, talent and devotion to Westford Academy Theatre Arts. The high school is currently in mid-run of the Stephen Sondheim musical "Into The Woods." You don't tackle Sondheim at this level unless you are blessed with talent of an exceptional nature -- talent that flourishes in these "Woods." The cast beautifully handles a show that demands wide-eyed innocence at one moment -- hard-boiled reality the next. It's demanding, witty, dynamic stuff and nailing a performance of ITW is no small feat. These young performers do it masterfully.

You've got three more chances to check it out for yourself, there's a show Friday night (February 1) at 7:30 PM -- a matinee and an evening performance on Saturday (February 2). There's a link below for tickets.

http://www.mktix.com/mktixrun/shared/mknporun?dir=mvedc.MKT-24&page=mkeventlistfrm.jsp&DisplayType=detail&Parent=WATA-E8410

So, pass the brie Chaz, Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals has picked their Man and Woman of the Year. And not just some vulgar street performers Bev, a couple of Oscar winners.

Yes, actress Charlize Theron is the Woman of the Year -- yawn.

Christopher Walken is the Man of the Year -- smile.

They'll get their pudding pots, and face time with cross-dressing preppies next month. It can be a lot of fun -- with Walken I'm sure it will be. He's so weird and wonderful. After his work in the movie "Hairspray" he knows a little bit about working with guys in drag too! Walken is a gamer and will revel in the highfalutin cheese of it all (see, I earned that earlier fromage reference).

Theron could surprise, but I doubt it. She'll be tall, beautiful and dull. She's always struck me as someone who's desperate for artistic validation. Relax girl, you're good -- but it's show biz, get over yourself.

A day before Charlize arrives, the bad boys and girls at the Harvard Lampoon will "honor" Paris Hilton with the "Hastiest Pudding of the Lampoon Award." Now that's funny. You know the "Paris on the Charles" story will trump the Charlize event.

That's a hard lesson, but hey -- it's Harvard.

As an actor Heath Ledger had chops. Fearless and subtle, brawny and gentle. He worked without a net, taking roles that both solidified his popularity and pushed his artistic limits. It didn't always work. The charm he radiated in "A Knight's Tale" felt forced in "The Brothers Grimm." But who would have guessed the wide-eyed innocent of "The Patriot" could so convincingly play the renowned womanizer Casanova?

"Brokeback Mountain" will be his legacy, and rightly so. Courage, integrity, and humanity.

Let's remember him that way.

RIP

Here's a link to the Boston Pops website if you're a high school student who'd like to take a shot at singing with the Boston Pops.


http://www.bso.org/bso/index.jsp;jsessionid=43LV4IGRWCDJWCTFQMGCFEQ?id=bcat5220105


Good luck, and let me know what you think of the idea. I'll have some thoughts in the weeks ahead.


Also, look for my review of the musical "Spamalot" in "The Mike Stand" tomorrow.

Heads up for fans of The Black Crowes. The brothers Robinson will bring their big sound to an intimate setting in March. The band plays the Somerville Theatre on Wednesday March 5. Tickets go on sale Friday, and they will go FAST. It's a very special show because it comes just a day after the release of the Crowes first studio album since 2001 -- it's called "Warpaint." Expect smokey grooves, and the distinct scent of herb in the air!

For an equally fine time (minus the hemp cloud) They Might Be Giants will take the stage at The Somerville Theatre on March 28. Tickets are already on sale for that one so don't delay.

For you old school rockers, the Levon Helm Band will play the Orpheum on Saturday March 1. Tickets go on sale Friday.

And, heck if you're just looking for something to do in late April, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo play the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on April 23. Tickets go on sale on -- oh, never mind, there should be plenty at the door!

Silly is in short supply in Boston right now. The winter's been rough, fuel prices are brutal, street parking has been reduced to an arctic version of the Hatfield/McCoy blood feud. Everyone really needs to lighten up -- enter "Spamalot."

And not a moment too soon!

This rousing, ridiculous, unholy mess of a musical dares you not to have a good time -- it's a battle, thankfully, you cannot win. The National Tour of the Tony Award winning show is charming the chain mail off of everyone who enters The Opera House.

This is old fashioned seltzer down your pants comedy. "Lovingly" ripped off from the movie, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" -- original Python member Eric Idle has shaped a musical out of the company's fractured take on the Arthurian legend. Nothing's sacred here, the Broadway musical is both celebrated and skewered with songs that cleverly stitch together the nonsensical narrative. Idle's partners in musical crime, John Du Prez and director Mike Nichols know how to pace a show that's based on much loved bits -- and serve them up hot and tangy.

And what bits there are, from the opening absurdity of the "Fisch Schlapping Song" to the Knights of Ni, the taunting French soldiers, and Tim the Enchanter -- they're all here. Throw in showgirls, ethnic jokes, sex jokes -- it's grown up fun in spades, but not too off the charts for grandma and the kids.

"Spamalot" is all about King Arthur, and in this production Michael Siberry absolutely rules in the role. Charming, bombastic, clueless and wise. He invites you in with his smile and wonderful baritone, and makes you want to sign on with him immediately. What a joy.

There's only one principal female role in "Spamalot" and that's the Lady of the Like. In the right hands this character can absolutely take over the show, and own it. Esther Stilwell doesn't quite get there. She inhabits the Lady, but she doesn't rule the stage. Stilwell's performance is certainly solid and enjoyable -- she's great in the "Find Your Grail" number -- but she doesn't quite have the maniacal streak to pull off "The Diva's Lament" in Act II.

Ben Davis is excellent as the matinee idol Sir Galahad, and equally hilarious as the bellowing father of Prince Herbert.

Patrick Heusinger is perfect as macho Sir Lancelot, and does a terrific job with his role's hilarious character shift. He's also incredibly versatile, going delightfully over the top as The French Taunter.

Beverly's own James Beaman checks in as Sir Robin. He's a lover not a fighter, and has a lot of fun with the "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" number. The company has a ball right along with him.

Nice work too from Jeff Dumas as Arthur's faithful servant, Patsy. "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" is sweetly delivered both with whimsy and gravitas.

You only have until January 27th to catch "Spamalot." I strongly advise you to take up the quest.

It's the Tuesday after a snowstorm, time to look around and appreciate the beauty of the snow fall ... before it all turns to grey crud! Hey! Great name for a punk rock band, Grey Crud.

Anyway, I've got some musical notes for you this morning. Tonight at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge, two excellent movies about two doomed frontmen. "Control" tells the story of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis ... "Kurt Cobain: About a Son" is pretty self explanatory. Make sure your head is in the right place if you're going, these are not happy stories, but like their subject matter, inspiring in their own way.

On the CD front "Distortion" by Magnetic Fields is getting a lot of ... well, buzz (sorry). Rolling Stone loves it, Joan Anderman of The Boston Globe is a fan too. I'm going to give it a shot. Ringo Starr has a new album called "Liverpool 8." I'll pass.

I know I'm a little late to the game on "Cease To Begin" by Band of Horses, but I really love it. The opening track "Is There a Ghost" is so simple on the surface, but so deep in performance. Great stuff. I finally picked up "Carnavas" by Silversun Pickups. It's pretty good ... extra points for the song title, "Well Thought Out Twinkles."

Lastly, American Idol returns to the tube tonight. The network cattle call is everything I love and hate about show business. I'll watch some of it, but when it gets mean, or someone starts singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" for the eight millionth time ... I'm out of there!

Just a few things to toss at you before you toss a few back watching the Patriots on Saturday.

See - "Perespolis" - a graphic novel turned into a feature length animated movie. Yes, you'll have to read subtitles, and No you shouldn't miss it.

Get - tickets to see Nada Surf at The Paradise on April 10th. These indie underdogs deserve a full house.

Read - Ben Brantley's review of the Broadway production of "The Little Mermaid" in today's New York Times. He brilliantly makes sushi out of Disney's latest theatrical behemoth.

Go - Pats!

There's talk that actress Katie Holmes will give the Boston Marathon a try this coming April. I'd take an excruciating climb up Heartbreak Hill over down time with Tom Cruise too! Seriously, she seems like a sweet kid, no threat to Meryl Streep's legacy, but a sweet kid. Why she ever hitched her wagon to that control freak I'll never know. We've all gotta make out choices.

Nutty as he is, T.C. does have talent. The same can't be said for Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The designated conservative on "The View" returned to the morning yak fest this week. Let's get this straight, her main professional accomplishment is being a popular contestant on "Survivor." That qualifies her for what exactly? I think someone who's given a daily national soapbox should bring a little more to the table.

That's my stand.

"Rent" returns to Boston tonight -- the brief run ends on Sunday. It's playing at the cavernous Wang Theatre which isn't the ideal location for a show that shines brightest during its more intimate moments. Still, if you've never seen it -- or are seeing it for the 10th time, in the hands of a dedicated cast Jonathan Larson's rock musical can't help but move you.

Much of the buzz for the touring company that's come to the Hub centers on a couple of "Idols" in the cast. Anwar Robinson, who did quite well in Season 4 of "American Idol" plays Collins -- Heinz Winckler, the winner of the South African version of "Idol" plays Roger. Say what you want about "Idol" at its core it really is all about talent. Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are now major players in the music world, but most participants tend to fade into the background after the intial blast of attention.

That means most ex-Idols have to pilot their own careers, and I have a lot of respect for the true musicians who are hitting the stage. There's nowhere to hide on the boards, you've either got it -- or you don't. Touring companies are stocked with players bursting with talent, and "Idol" credentials don't mean squat unless you can match the skill level of the company.

Robinson and Winckler are taking the leap, let's see what they can do.

Just for time stamp purposes, I'm writing this blog at 10:45 AM on Monday morning. Why is that important? Well, I'm about to give my prediction on whether the "Golden Globes" will be presented on Sunday night (January 13th). An official announcement is due this afternoon, but I'm telling you unless the writers strike is settled in the next few hours -- the Globes will not go on.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hosts the "Globes" is a shady organization to begin with. For years, this show was the sort of K-Mart Oscars, but when NBC began giving it the big time star treatment, the event started to thrive. The mix of TV and movie stars was cool, and the fact that the nominees were sitting at tables, with the bubbly freely flowing, made for some wacky moments. It was great publicity for the stars and their projects -- but nobody really cares if they win or lose (it's not the Oscar's folks). Everyone's there just to be seen -- and have a good time.

Without stars, however, there's no show. The writers will set up a picket line, and the stars, wisely, won't cross. You don't bite the hand that writes for you! If the show went on it would be like a food convention where they only showed you the menus! Not gonna happen. Oh, and the same deal goes for The Academy Awards too.

So, that's where I stand on this -- no settlement, no show. We'll know if I'm right in a few hours. Let's see what happens.

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Here's another time stamp for you, this item crossed the Associated Press wire at 6:40 PM on Monday January 7, 2008.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - "The Hollywood Foreign Press Association says
Sunday's traditional Golden Globe Awards ceremony has been canceled
and will be replaced with a news conference format."

Now if I could only predict lottery numbers!

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein's Hot Stove, Cool Music series hits the stage of The Paradise this weekend. Old Theo has proven himself to be one of the best minds in baseball -- John Henry's prodigious bank account hasn't hurt either -- and he's also an ardent backer of the local music scene. He's raised more than a million dollars for his Foundation To Be Named Later, a noble effort for a young man who actually wants to share his success. He walks the walk.

Anyway, Saturday night features an eclectic mix including Eli "Paperboy" Reed, Spookie Daly Pride and DeSol. The heavy hitters arrive on Sunday as Lori McKenna, Kay Hanley (mercifully freed from the Hannah Montana tour), Dear Leader and many more knock out some tunes. Theo, who knows his way around a Gibson SG and a Fender Strat, will also lay down a lick or two. Baseball guru Peter Gammons, another amazing ax man, will do the same.

I know Theo gets plenty of props for Hot Stove, Cool music -- and he gets to hang with visiting rock stars -- but the guy really does love music, and the important role it plays in a community. Drop by the Dise this weekend and show you support.

I consider restaurants a form of entertainment -- you remember a good dining experience like you remember a good movie or play. It's no secret why so many waiters and waitresses are actors -- it's performance art at a very intimate level. Instead of a script they have a menu, and it's their job to sell it.

So, I have to admit, I had a jaw dropping experience while reading Devra First's restaurant review in the Boston Globe "Calendar" section today. Her recommended appetizer at "La Voile" on Newbury Street -- Bone marrow served with toasted bread! Yeah, it's a fancy French restaurant and all -- but, bone marrow! There's a picture and everything -- big sections of beef bone, with what looks like parsley sticking out -- and a spoon! I know a certain Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Mia who would dig in without hesitation, but I'm not so sure.

Devra insists "the flavor is clean, like a gentle beef broth, not at all gamey." That's good new because it couldn't look more gamey! Yikes!

To be fair, the entree Devra recommends looks absolutely wonderful ... a roasted free-range chicken with a little cocotte of creamy mashed potatoes. I have no idea what a cocotte is, but it makes me feel like a real foodies writing it.

So, if I ever find myself sitting down at "La Voile" I'll be sure to order the chicken -- but not the marrow.

Do you think they have toasted ravioli?

The late night talk shows return to network TV tonight, with Andover's own Jay Leno truly going solo on The Tonight Show. The writers strike is nowhere near settled, and Jay has decided to go back behind the desk relying on his wit -- not skits. The thing is, Leno has proved convincingly over the years that he can go at it alone. He cut his comedy teeth in bars and restaurants throughout the Boston area -- and believe me he was working without a net. This guy can match wits with anyone from the heckler in the back of the club, to the candidates for president.

Jay will actually have one of the White House hopefuls on his show tonight, Republican Mike Huckabee. Remember that battle of wits I just spoke of? -- talk about a mismatch! Hopefully Huckabee will bring his bass guitar with him -- the less this guy talks, and the more he plays the better.

Just who follows Huckabee on the guest list will be interesting. The writers have set up a picket line outside the studio doors, and crossing that line is no small deal in Hollywood. A-list stars, no matter how much they have riding on a project, are unlikely to cross the line. That will leave Leno with only borderline options. Does he become a topic-based, rather than a guest-based show? He may have to. I mean if comes down to a show about what's hot in the world of motorcycles or a sit down with D-list comedian Any Dick -- bring on the bikes!

It's a very different picture in New York City with David Letterman. You see he owns The Late Show. His production company, Worldwide Pants, hammered out its own deal with the writers, and that agreement could have a pivotal affect on the battle for ratings. NBC owns The Tonight show so any agreement would have to cover the whole company, not just one program.

So let's cut to the chase. Letterman returns with Robin Williams as his first guest -- an A-lister all the way. Say what you want about some of Williams' film choices, in a free-form, late night setting he is nothing short of brilliant. And it just gets better for Dave in the days and weeks to come. With no picket lines to cross, or possible future ramifications, guests will beat down the door to the Ed Sullivan Theatre. There's only an upside to visiting The Late Show, and Letterman will not waste the opportunity.

If the strike lasts much longer, Jay could really take a big hit.