Spun by a ‘Cyclone’; in wonder

Yes, the new U2 is on its way. But you can also talk about: the new Neko Case album.

The New Pornographers singer’s “Middle Cyclone” brings out the sentimental side of Case, who previously said she didn’t like love songs. But here she is on NPR, telling “All Songs Considered” that her latest release is, in fact, “a bunch of love songs.” The radio program got a preview and called it “heartbreakingly beautiful.” Who else is glad she relented? (Tuesday)

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Will there be talk about: Halo Wars?

Yes, but listen up my young Halo fans. Read carefully: Halo Wars is not a first-person shooter game. This is not Halo 3. Halo Wars is a prequel set 20 years before 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved aimed at satisfying real-time strategy gamers. For the “high-minded” shoot’em-up player, if you will. (Tuesday)

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Purists will talk about: “Watchmen.”

Not Zack Snyder’s “Watchmen,” the special effects-laden action extravaganza hitting theaters Friday. No, real “Watchmen” fans will be debating “Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic,” a DVD that takes a sort-of narrated slide show approach to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ graphic novel. Tom Stechschulte voices all of the players, from Rorschach to Laurie. Yeah, we don’t know if Moore would be down with that, either. (Tuesday)

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I can’t wait to talk about: “Phoebe in Wonderland.” As an alternative to, you know, “Watchmen.”

In the whimsical “Phoebe,” Elle Fanning, the little sister of Dakota, plays a 9-year-old with obsessive-compulsive tendencies for whom the school production of “Alice in Wonderland” takes on new meaning. Sounds like the perfect antidote for last weekend’s doozy of a double-header: “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” (I had a friend in need, OK?) (Friday)

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Are you still talking about: “Nip/Tuck”?

This show fell off my TiVo a while ago, but news of this season’s finale has piqued my interest once again. Here’s why: Apparently, Christian is on the search for immortality because his cancer has spread and he’s going to die. What?! He’s also marrying gay anesthesiologist Liz. What?! Meanwhile, Sean’s dead brother comes back from the dead. Whaaat?! It’s all too ridiculous for me not to be interested. (Tuesday)

-- Denise Martin