H ere’s the AP’s list of the best albums of 2011: 1. “21,” Adele: A predictable choice, to be sure. But when an artist has delivered an album that is as close to perfection as “21,” where else would it fall? Inspired by heartbreak, Adele’s sophomore album stirs more than just melancholy: Songs such as […]

A ssociated Press reviewers Christy Lemire and David Germain saw the same films in 2011, but they clearly weren’t seeing the same pictures. They usually have a fair amount of overlap in their top 10 lists, but this time, they agreed on only one film. Here are their picks. Lemire’s top films 1. “Martha Marcy […]

Bob Marley plans new holiday show PORTLAND — Maine’s “Guinness World Record Holder” comedian Bob Marley returns to Merrill Auditorium with a brand new holiday show to wrap up 2011. The five shows will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 29, and 6:30 and 9 p.m. on both Dec. 30 and 31. Tickets are $48 […]

You might say that Lady Gaga’s year really began in an egg. That’s how she arrived at the Grammys in February, encased in a large, translucent pod carried by scantily clad dancers. When she “hatched” onstage, she effectively gave birth to “Born This Way,” performing the eponymous lead single of her second studio album and […]

PORTLAND — The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ will present “A Kotzschmar Christmas,” with Portland municipal organist Ray Cornils, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St. Other scheduled performers include the Choral Art Camerata, the Parish Ringers and Aaron Engebreth. Ticket prices range from $29 to $17. Student, senior and group discounts […]