True Confession

Dear Orange County,

Hi. I know there's a certain amount of credibility I'm supposed to try to maintain as a writer. And for the most part, I'd like to think I do that. Look, I know Justin Timberlake isn't the most widely respected artist out there. And I know he used to be that nasal-voiced kid with the perm in 'N SYNC.

I know, I know.

You think I'm not a little embarrassed to tell people I listen to Justin Timberlake?

But I like his music. It's catchy. I can dance to it.

After he left behind his days as "the cute one" in the "band," posing with puppy dogs in matching all-white outfits for Tiger Beat, he shaved his notorious oil slick of a Jheri curl (debuted in the video for one of 'N SYNC's last singles, "Gone"—yes, I knew that off the top of the head, and yes, I am totally, totally ashamed) and debuted with a solo album that caught everyone by surprise. That bubbly "Bye Bye Bye" and "(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You" sound was gone, and he was now channeling the glory days of Michael Jackson and Prince. That album, Justified—quite possibly the worst title ever—turned out to be a naggingly infectious hybrid of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, thanks in part to top-notch producers such as Timbaland and the Neptunes.

Now, J.Timb (yes, J.Timb) is embarking on a club tour in correlation with the release of his second album, FutureSex/Love Sounds (what?). Okay, so I don't dig his new single, "Sexyback" (which sounds suspiciously like Benny Benassi's "Satisfaction"—just sayin') or his promise to save pop music so much. I've still got some underground pride, you know.

And I also don't like the fact he's charging $60 to $65 a pop for this here show of his.

Who the hell does he think he is? Justin Timberlake or something?

Justin Timberlake at the House of Blues, 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (714) 778-BLUE; www.hob.com/anaheim. Thurs., Aug. 10, 8 p.m. $60-$65. 21+.