1 Amid all the hoopla over Amy Chua's book about parenting the Chinese way comes a quiet, thoughtful young-adult novel that gives the kids' perspective. Cara Chow's "Bitter Melon" is the story of a high school senior in San Francisco whose traditional Chinese mother fiercely controls her every move, demanding academic excellence, planning her career. The daughter's idea of rebellion: She sneaks around to take part in speech/debate and secretly applies to a faraway college.
2 Partygoers at Friday's sixth anniversary for the Current (89.3 FM) at First Avenue went home with something better and more permanent than their hangovers: The station's first all-local compilation CD, "Local Current, Vol. 1." Culled from on-air performances, the 17 tracks range from unpolished acoustic gems by Charlie Parr and Trampled by Turtles to dramatic ballads by Dessa and the Twilight Hours to electrified balls of fire by Red Pens and Eyedea & Abilities. Available online at TheCurrent.org; in stores Jan. 31.
3 If you were shocked how far Ricky Gervais went at last Sunday's Golden Globes, then you probably haven't seen his new HBO comedy special, "Out of England 2." The "Office" maker delivers so many mean-spirited, taboo jokes (sample targets: obese people, Africa), you'll be numb by the time he gets to the best part: a rather harmless, long riff on a Noah's Ark book he owned as a kid.
4 Looking for a dance soundtrack for your next party? Try superstar French DJ David Guetta's budget-priced "One More Love," which features six of his triumphs from the past couple years (including a remix of Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling") and two hot new jams, "Memories" with Kid Cudi and "Who's That Chick?" with Rihanna. Dance, dance, dance. Out Tuesday.
5 James Franco's uncredited cameo in "The Green Hornet" is worth the price of admission -- well, at least half the price. Franco is a lock for an Oscar nod this week for his harrowing role in "127 Hours." But as he showed in "Pineapple Express," he has a future in ridiculous comedies, too. Playing a mouthy gangster in "Hornet," he essentially out-Waltzes rival thug Christoph Waltz (of "Inglourious Basterds" fame) in the opening scene.
