Jill De Jong

Quick spins: Dolly Parton, Big Sean, Jill Scott

“Better Day”

The arrival of her 41st (!) studio album, “ Better Day ,” makes it clear: Dolly Parton is the closest science will ever come to an animatronic synthesis of Lady Gaga, Loretta Lynn and Hello Kitty.

“Better Day,” like Parton’s last disc, 2008’s “Backwoods Barbie,” is a restless jumble of styles weighted toward mainstream country. “Together You and I” is one of those jaunty, genre-less buddy songs that pop up on Pixar soundtracks; the bluesy, talk-sung title track is something only Dolly can get away with, if only just; likewise “In the Meantime,” a rejection of End Times doomsayers that, like so much of “Better Day,” would seem maddeningly facile if anybody else were doing it (“Drop this doomsday attitude,” chides Dolly, who is not going to tell you twice).

“Better Day” is only as great as it needs to be, existing mainly as a containment vehicle for Sassy Dollyisms such as “You don’t drink the water if you don’t dig the well,” “I’m quite content with who I am / And if you ain’t, well, kiss my ham,” etc. There’s such a formidable steeliness to songs like “Country Is as Country Does,” one of those traditional twang-fests Parton mixes in to shore up her base, it would seem only logical to send her to North Korea to negotiate with Kim Jong Il.

But even at her grittiest, Parton is the definition of effervescent adorableness, as irresistible as kittens or cupcakes or rainbows. She skirts self-parody throughout, and comes dangerously close to comparing herself to Jesus on the things-I-gave-up-for-fame weepie “The Sacrifice,” but it’s such a three-hankie cornball stunner, He probably wouldn’t mind.

— Allison Stewart

Recommended Tracks: “In the Meantime,” “Together You and I”

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Big Sean

“Finally Famous”

Detroit rapper Big Sean signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. label after an impromptu freestyle performance for the superstar back in 2005 and has been West’s alter ego and heir apparent ever since. Though the title of Sean’s long-marinating official debut, “ Finally Famous ,” sounds like a boast, Sean has actually been famous for a while, thanks to a series of widely circulated mix tapes.

Lori McCaw Hair: Model Jill De Jong and Three Dots Clothing

Here is the beautiful supermodel named Jill De Jong. Jill was the model on the Three Dots Fall 2011 look book photo shoot that took place at Siren Studios in Hollywood. I was honored to have been selected to do her hair for the 32 looks that were shot that day. It was a great team of people and the energy was fun with lots of laughter!! Jill has to be one of the sweetest models that I have ever worked with, so it made the day fly by. Once I get some images from the shoot I will upload them for all of you to see! If you want to see more pictures of her you can go to her website at: jillonline.com and for Three Dots clothing you can go to threedots.com Graduated from Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica, CA. Apprenticed with celebrity hair stylist Sean James and Frank Galasso who's clients included: Jamie Lee Curtis, Jamie Presley and Dylon and Cole from Disney's Zac and Cody. Worked on set styling hair for Valentino, People Magazine, William Rast Denim, Peoples Liberation, Antix Denim and Ashley Page Swimsuits. Worked in salons at both Michael Trujillo Salon in Redondo Beach from 2007-current. The Hive of Los Angeles from 2008-2010 and performed instructional training for the Australian brand Kevin Murphy from 2008-2010. My passion for hair, fashion, and the arts has allowed me to be creative and expand my knowledge of hair cutting, hair coloring, hair dressing and hair styling. Print and film work intensify my passion to expand and grow, but most important is my continued education which include: extensive human hair extension training, Brazilian Blowout, cutting and coloring courses. Call me at 310-619-0691 or e-mail me at lorimccaw@hotmail.

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