RICKY GERVAIS WELCOMED BACK TO GLOBES

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Florence Welch

RED HEADED WELCH -- With Florence + the Machine’s winning weekend appearance on Saturday Night Live, it seems more than the right time to talk about their just-released second album Ceremonials. It’s always a funny dynamic with an artist’s second album; especially when their debut was such a seismic occurrence as well a huge, huge critical success. Florence Welch’s voice is so ethereal (almost like a cross between Enya and Chrissie Hyne) it’s a bit off-putting at first. When her debut album Lungs was released, after a few listening, I couldn’t get enough. Her voice was irresistible; regal; and, the songs very edgy and the production just light years ahead of what you hear these days. More sonically pleasing then anything this side of Coldplay for sure. Songs like “Dogs Days Are Over,” “You Got The Love” and “Rabbit Heart” were literally eaten up by progressive and rock radio; it was quite the introduction. An appearance on SNL last year confirmed what everyone thought … a brilliant new star had risen on the horizon. Her new album Ceremonials … is basically more of the same. If you loved that first one, you’re going to adore this one. Just as Adele's second album had her defying the sophomore slump, so has Florence. Interestingly enough, Adele’s second album, and this one, both share writing and production from Paul Epworth. Could he be the next Mark Ronson? On SNL she performed “Shake It Out” from the new work, not my favorite so far, but its propulsive drumming is certainly spectacular. Truth be told, she has learned how to incorporate the harp (!!!) into her music and its resonance is rather breathtaking. She also performed “No Light No Light” which is among my faves, as is “What The Water Gave Me," "Lover To Lover"and the title track too. If you haven’t seen her yet, be prepared. She is as regal visually as her music. Just delightful. I’m looking forward to seeing her in person early next year. A Treat for sure. And, that red hair ... wow! SNL was up from last week's telecast hosted by Emma Stone with Coldplay. In the most-wanted demo, 18-49, SNL matched its best results this season; their October 12 edition hosted by Charlie Day, with Maroon 5.


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Aidan Quinn

UNDERWATER SUSPECT -- I’ve raged about Maria Belllo’s NBC Prime Suspect as being just out and out terrific, and the fact that the network officially shut down production last week; but, their new episode Thursday night, Underwater, was not only their best yet, but provocative and terrifically well acted. I couldn’t quite believe how strong the show was... all around. Truth be told, it was filmed weeks ago and the glaring problems of their first few episodes had long been corrected. Actors Aidan Quinn, Brian F. O’Byrne and Kirk Acevedo just did amazing turns! Curiously, the network said it shut down production …. but, not said, was that they were canceling it. Strange indeed … right? Their show is the best thing I’ve seen on the station in years. It’s a keeper for sure. Big problems over at NBC for sure.


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Patrick Wilson

A GIFTED WILSON -- I watched the last few episodes of CBS’ A Gifted Man, with Broadway’s Patrick Wilson (Angels In America/Hard Candy/Watchmen), over the weekend and marveled at the fact of how good this show has gotten. There’s a device that’s used … and, if you buy into it, it all fits. Wilson plays Michael Holt, who has visions of his wife, who has just passed. One episode (In Case of Exposure), had him about to operate on the man who confessed to maybe having done it; he did operate and there’s a terrific revelation afterward. The terrific Margo Martindale as his aide is just wonderful too. Also, Rhys Corio (Entourage) and Rachelle Lefevre are stand outs too. Here again is a show that has just gotten terrific. In the old days, some shows would take the full 22-episode season to build; today, it’s more like you have two shows to succeed. By the way: Wilson is just sensational; he jumps off the screen at you!


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The Rolling Stones

EAGLE & STONES -- Eagle Rock Entertainment has just released a Blu-Ray/DVD of The Rolling Stones Some Girls Live in Texas 1978. Capturing the group at the live best, the show was filmed at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas on July 18, on what many consider one of the group’s best tours ever. This was due to the band’s back to basics approach both musically and visually. As the shows were stripped back compared to their previous tours; harnessing the new punk attitude of the late 70’s. We were immediately brought back decades to witness some terrific performances, including “Miss You,” “Shattered,” “Brown Sugar,” “Happy,” “Respectable” and, one of our all-time favorites, “Tumbling Dice.” Also very compelling as well, is a recent interview with Mick Jagger, wherein he reflects about the tour some 30+ years ago. It’s a particularly candid interview; especially talking about the tour, the music and the times back then. We loved it!


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Ricky Gervais

RICKY BACK AS PREDICTED -- We told you so, but now it is official: Ricky Gervais, will be back for this January's Golden Globes broadcast. Apparently it wasn't a slam dunk; but, more members of the Hollywood Foreign Press wanted him back than not. Funnily enough, the comic said the main reason he made the decision, was to basically say FU to all the people who said he wouldn't be back. Odd, right? We love him and thought his stint last time was utterly priceless. From what we heard, the Hollywood cognoscenti felt the same way; from Tom Cruise and Will Smith on down. Let's face it, we heard for years that the HFP could be bought, sold … and, god knows what else; the show heaped praise on them with a terrific effort and the exploits were news fodder for weeks. Remember friends … nothing succeeds like success! Welcome home Ricky!

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FINAL REGIS --- Based on preliminary household ratings from NYC and Philadelphia, nearly one-third of TV viewers were tuned into his final TV-broadcast last Friday. The show scored an 8.7 for its last quarter in New York, nearly triple what the show averaged last November, according to Nielsen. After more than two decades hosting Live! - first with Kathie Lee Gifford since 1988, and with Kelly Ripa since 2001, Regis went out top!


Photos By: Sara De Boer/RD/Dziekan/Kenny/Orchon/Retna