Culture vulture

"He's Just Not That Into You": Feb. 6 There's no better way to bluntly emphasize he's just not that into you than by translating the bestselling book of the same name onto the big screen. Expected to debut in poorly-timed proximity to Valentine's Day, the film is set in Baltimore. Following themes from Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo's book, the film will justify how single women's excuses - from, "Maybe he doesn't want to ruin the friendship" to the ever-classic, "Maybe he's intimidated by me" - translate more simply: He's not into you. So much for a white horse and fairy tale romance. The knockout cast includes Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Connelly and Drew Barrymore.

The Fray, self-titled: Feb. 3 The Fray's highly-anticipated, eponymous sophomore effort has already gained momentum since the late-2008 release of its first single, "You Found Me." With songs titled "Happiness" and "Where the Story Ends," The Fray's album may very well strike the same evocative and heartfelt chords that propelled piano-driven ballads from their double-platinum 2005 release, like "How to Save a Life," up the Billboard charts. Judging by the emotionally charged first single, expect the same personal story lines on The Fray.

Van Morrison, Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Feb. 9 There are hardly any musicians who can orchestrate wistful nostalgia like Van Morrison. Nearly four decades since the 1968 debut of Astral Weeks, widely considered one of the greatest rock albums of its time, Morrison took to the Hollywood Bowl stage last November to resurrect its enigmatic content. Resonant with Morrison's distinguished, soulful croon, the collision of blues, jazz and country bring tracks like "Beside You" and "Sweet Thing" to life, proving that good music is timeless.

Dierks Bentley, Feel that Fire: Feb. 3 The fourth studio release from the man who branded lyrical expressions like "little white tank top." The title track puts a modern twist on love; Dierks Bentley delivers it like a plea to seduce the desirable, free-spirited independent woman, driven by the same energy harnessed on his previous album, Long Trip Alone. "Feel that Fire" is also Bentley's fastest-rising single to date. Expect the same guitar riffs; raw vocals; and tales of love and leaving that furnished Bentley's place in country music, from "Little Heartwrecker" to "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes."