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SMART LIST: Pop culture talking points (week of Dec. 7-13)

Confused that Kanye West went all singer-songwriter on his new album? Talk instead about: Common. Chicago's other prominent rapper is releasing his new album, "Universal Mind Control," this week. He goes in a new direction as well, embracing more electronic sounds, but he's still rapping better than ever. You could consider it his brand of Sasha Fierce. (Tuesday)

Confused that Kanye West went all singer-songwriter on his new album? Talk instead about: Common.

Chicago’s other prominent rapper is releasing his new album, “Universal Mind Control,” this week. He goes in a new direction as well, embracing more electronic sounds, but he’s still rapping better than ever. You could consider it his brand of Sasha Fierce.

(Tuesday)   (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

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Heath Ledger, Christian Bale

Don’t stop talking about:“The Dark Knight.”

It premiered back in July, but Christopher Nolan‘s masterful action film, the sequel to his almost-as-good “Batman Begins,” is deserving of continued respect into the thick of awards season. The opening bank heist sequence alone -- which should still look spectacular on the HD or Blu-ray DVD releases of the film -- deserves a nod.

(Tuesday)   (Stephen Vaughan / Associated Press)

Whitney Port

Sick of Lauren Conrad? You can still talk about: Whitney

Before MTV launches “The City,” its spinoff of “The Hills,” costar Whitney Port will bid adieu during a 90-minute look back at her time as Conrad’s venting board and as boss Kelly Cutrone’s model herder. It’s hard to tell what will pass the time. Footage of her asking Lauren question after question? With any luck, we’ll see all sorts of unaired footage, revealing exactly why Port’s behind-the-scenes drama will be enough to fuel her own reality show.

(Wednesday)  (Jeff Christensen / Associated Press)

Brandy

Remember her? Everyone used to talk about: Brandy

Speaking of pop star comebacks, Brandy’s is being overshadowed by Britney’s -- even though Brandy’s got a better track record with the critics, who loved her largely overlooked last album, 2004’s “Afrodisiac.” Now she just needs her new disc, “Human,” to get noticed.

(Tuesday)  (Chris Carlson / Associated Press)

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