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(04/18/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The ideal lakeside-relaxing album of the summer has come early this year. Between the enchanting electro-soul piano and piercingly crisp vocals, James Blake’s sophomore album, “Overgrown,” is nothing less than captivating. London-bred Blake is not new to musical success. His self-titled debut received high praise from critics. Many artists experience what is known as a “sophomore slump,” and due to Blake’s previous success, it was possible that “Overgrown” would fall into that category. However, his immense talent and clear growth on this album defy this stereotype. With the exception of “Digital Lion,” which was produced by Brian Eno, James Blake wrote, sang and produced the entire album. This impressive feat only further strengthens the notion that Blake is truly a brilliant musician. His music stretches the boundaries of genre, constantly balancing soul and electronic, with hints of operatic elements and pure pop lacing the album. “Take A Fall For Me” features RZA rapping about quid, fish and chips and painstaking love. RZA delivers a beautiful performance, with a pace reminiscent of beat poetry that showcases the Wu Tang member differently than we are used to hearing him. One of the most interesting aspects of Blake’s electronic heavy music is his use of repetition. He typically only uses one or two verses and a strong melodic line throughout his songs, giving a simplistic vibe to his music. Yet his use of repetition forces listeners to hear the complexity within his songs. Through every repetitive element, another layer is added on to the song. One of the most haunting lines is during the second track, “I Am Sold,” where he sings, “And we lay nocturnal, speculating what we feel” over and over again. The line itself is simple and powerful, and the entire song captures the emotion of lying in bed with a loved one, talking into the early morning hours. Its recurring presence throughout the song brings listeners to a higher awareness of listening. “Overgrown” is more than 10 songs thrown together on an album — it is art. The juxtaposition between the dark, spiraling sounds of the synthesizer and Blake’s emotive falsetto guides listeners into a blissful, transcendental musical experience. Whether you’re sitting on a dock, lying in bed or driving around town with the windows rolled down, “Overgrown” is sure to be one of your top-played albums of the summer.
(04/18/13 4:00am)
Weekend rates the latest from Miguel, The National, and Selena Gomez.
(03/28/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In television, business comes before pleasure. After all, it is called the entertainment business. Every few years a truly brilliant comedy television series is pitched, but after one or two seasons its constant battle between critics raving and ratings plummeting leads to a premature cancellation. Yet, not all is lost, for the age of the Internet means that we are able to access these classics again to rekindle our love. With the help of this short list, I hope you begin the journey into cult TV comedy classics.“Party Down” Before the world cooed at Ben’s proposal to Leslie on “Parks and Recreation,” Adam Scott played Henry Pollard on “Party Down, which follows the stories of struggling actors in Hollywood who work a catering job to pay the bills. Each episode features a different party they cater, from a sweet 16 to a pornography award ceremony. Lizzy Caplan, known for her role as Janice Ian in “Mean Girls,” Martin Starr, who played Bill in “Freaks and Geeks,” Megan Mullay and Jane Lynch all bring their hilarious talents to “Party Down.” This show tragically only lasted two seasons on Starz but has earned a permanent spot in my heart.“Freaks and Geeks” If you have seen a big-screen comedy in the past 10 years, you have probably seen the name Judd Apatow. As the executive producer of “Freaks and Geeks,” Apatow started the careers of James Franco, Seth Rogen and Jason Segel by casting them in this one-season wonder. Without the glamour but with all of the angst, family and relationship anxiety, this show is as close to real-life high school as television allows. The impressive cast, which also includes Lizzy Caplan, Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones, and Martin Starr, delivers big laughs and big ideas about high school life in the 1980s.“Arrested Development”This show’s cult following has grown tremendously since it was canceled in 2006. The cast, including a baby-faced Michael Cera and gut-busting David Cross, the writing and even the music in this show perfectly blend together to make one of the greatest shows in television history. It is so great it is being brought back to the little screen exclusively on Netflix for a fourth season, and a movie will be coming out within the year. If ever there were a reason for an “Arrested Development” marathon, now is the time.
(03/28/13 2:57am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Harmony Korine is not known for making mainstream film, and “Spring Breakers” is no exception. Although it stars ex-Disney stars Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens, as well as James Franco, this movie is far from being a spinoff of the “High School Musical” series or “Freaks and Geeks.” Korine wanted to make “Spring Breakers” a hallucinatory drug experience with additional girly themes such as Hello Kitty backpacks. This drug-infused idea led to many plot holes but also an interesting use of repetition throughout. The idea for the film began with an image of young girls in bikinis on the beach with pink ski masks on robbing fat tourists. Throw James Franco as a white gangster and Gucci Mane as his rival into the mix, and you have one of the most intriguing and disturbing films of the year.The story line follows four college girls whose desire to go to Florida for spring break leads to robbing a local chicken shack. Once in Florida, they rent scooters, drink excessively and constantly talk about “finding themselves.” Finding themselves also includes being arrested for cocaine and marijuana usage, only to be bailed out by Alien, played by James Franco, and becoming a part of his enterprise. On paper, this film could be commercially successful if done in the style of an action thriller. Yet Harmony Korine is more of a pop culture poet than he is a sellout. Watching “Spring Breakers” was watching a hyper-sexualized, over-the-top violent reality. The amount of scenes with nude breasts, keg stands and foreplay involving guns in this film are countless, but what is so fascinating about this film is that its exaggeration was still accessible and relatable. Wild Florida spring breaks are fantasized in American culture. This generation grew up watching MTV Spring Breaks live, grasping to the notion that one day they could also experience a vacation like that. Just as Andy Warhol made art about the conformity of American culture from the actual soup can, Harmony Korine created an art piece regarding the twisted obsession America has with sex and violence by using an obscene amount of sex and violence in “Spring Breakers.” The sheer absurdity of the film at times has the audience laughing and ends up leaving people with high energy and a lot to think about American culture.
(02/14/13 5:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Darwin Deez has the distinct talent of creating memorable pop songs by utilizing simplicity. When first playing his new album, “Songs for Imaginative People,” the listener immediately hears Deez’s familiar drum machine and rhythmic electric guitar. His voice blends well with the music — its light quality allows him to reach into a falsetto effortlessly. At first listen, an audience could hear the rhythm and voice of Deez and dance the entire album in sheer bliss. But upon further inspection, his bright music is darkened by his personal and often angry lyrics. The juxtaposition of his catchy tunes and therapeutic lyrics drives the album into a deeper level of emotion. Songs like “Chelsea’s Hotel” make you want to drive around with the windows down, whereas “Moonlit” sends you back to a 1980s dance club. This being said, although “Songs for Imaginative People” is a solidly fun and thought-provoking album, it shows little growth from Deez’s previous work.
(02/14/13 5:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>College is simultaneously the best and most distressing time to be in a relationship. Though we have the responsibilities of school and part-time jobs, we are at a beautiful junction of adult responsibilities and youthfulness that lets romance blossom with ease.But even in this state of quasi-adulthood, there is a looming expiration date that seems to infect every relationship. Whether that date is graduation, summer vacation or studying abroad, college relationships are inevitably stressful, because couples have to think very far ahead very early into their relationship. At what point are you simply having a great time in a relationship versus making the commitment to stay with someone you love? Do you move to the same city, trudge through long-distance stress or break up? Or do you just do what many of our parents did, and tie the knot for lack of a better option?At this age, for the first time, we have the capacity and maturity to truly be in love. College sets the scene for a relationship to grow, but it also puts couples through a rigorous test. In my opinion, regardless of the stresses they may cause, college relationships are well worth the struggle. They fill your college memories with hilarious, intimate and special moments that will shape your outlook on love and on yourself, and if they don’t last, at least they’ll leave you more prepared for any post-college relationships you may endure.
(01/31/13 5:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It still hasn’t hit me. The series finale of 30 Rock just aired, and it still hasn’t hit me. For seven years, Thursday night meant plopping down on the couch, tuning into NBC, and catching up with Liz, Jack, Jenna, Tracy, Kenneth, Lutz, and all the other characters I have grown to know and love. Thursday night meant learning new hip slang like, “nerds,” and “blurgh,” and memorizing timeless lines such as, “Live every week like it’s shark week.” Thursday night meant rocking out to the ridiculous songs performed by characters Tracy Jordan and Jenna Maroney, including, “Make a Pizza,” “Werewolf Bar-Mitzvah,” and “Muffin Top.” Thursday night meant 30 Rock.I know all is not lost, for the sacred night of NBC comedy lineup still includes the lovable Parks and Recreation and the return of Community. Yet this night will be missing a little something. It will be missing a little Lemon.In preparation for the series finale, I listened to 30 Rock (Original Television Soundtrack), and contemplated just what made this show so special to me. And truly, it all boils down to Tina Fey as Liz Lemon. I am a self proclaimed “Lemonite,” supporter and lover, from season one to rerun. As Liz Lemon, Tina Fey brought an intelligent, goofy, and hardworking woman to the small screen. Above all, Liz is a nerd. Not the sexualized nerd as Zooey Deschenal plays on New Girl, although that’s nice too. Liz Lemon is simply a nerd. She is the kind of woman who isn’t afraid to hang a framed picture of a hamburger and fries in her office or wear a Princess Leia costume as her wedding dress. And us Lemonites will always be thankful for that.And of course, there is Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy. His smoldering look, beautiful girlfriends, and wise business advice captivated both men and women alike. Despite, and maybe even because of, my immense love for 30 Rock, I was proud to know that the show was being canceled when Baldwin did not renew his contract. 30 Rock without Jack would be like a chocolate chip cookie without the chocolate chips, or The Office without Michael Scott – and we all know how that turned out. Yet even with Jack Donaghy on board, I must admit that this season has been difficult for me. There were times where it was so ridiculous that it lost the reality it was grounded on. It may have been the looming notion that the writers and audience knew the end was near, or they simply had done so much already that the only way to go was to go weird. The series finale may have been my favorite episode of the season. The entire hour-long episode was the characters struggling to say goodbye, but it was also full of self-referential material that made it that much harder to cry because of my laughter. It brought back old characters including Jack’s girlfriends Nancy and Elisa, the director of the Gossip Girl episode that Jenna was in during season four, Kathy Geiss, and Conan. We saw Liddy, Jack’s daughter, who has been absent during the majority of the season, the other girl writer spoke, and Lutz finally was able to order the cast Blimpie’s for lunch. Although this season has been strange, the series finale seemed to end the show perfectly. Liz has children and is still working in television, Jack has a brilliant idea better than his original Trivection oven, Kenneth is president, Tracy’s dad came back from buying cigarettes, and Jenna gave a rousing rendition of “Rural Juror.” And of course, the last scene solidifies the rumors of Kenneth living forever when he is seen agelessly continuing as president in the future. And now, if you will allow me, I would like to take you back into a time before season seven.I would like to reminisce on my favorite 30 Rock moments in a few run on sentences before bidding the show an official farewell. I will never forget when Jenna wasn’t crazy in the first season, the time Liz Lemon had “another successful interaction with a man,” or when she was putting on her night cheese. We must remember Floyd and Liz’s relationship, the amazing plane scene with Carole, the cappuccino machine Tracy brought to work, when Toofer found out his relatives were Confederates, when Frank was living with Liz, every Colleen moment, Gavin Volure, the fact that Donald Glover was a writer for 30 Rock, Bitch Hunter, Pete’s push pin release, the time Kenneth sang “Midnight Train to Georgia” and Gladys Knight made an appearance, the otter that looked like Tracy, all of Frank’s hats, anytime Brian Williams was on the show, Jack’s way of grieving for Don Geiss, Drew Baird’s hooks-for-hands, Paul when he dresses as Jenna, Jenna’s rage stroke, when James Franco had a thing with Liz Lemon, when Liz (thought she met) Oprah, Meatcat, and, of course, anytime Liz Lemon ate food.It has been an amazing seven years, and 30 Rock will never be forgotten. It has been called “TV’s smartest sitcom” by Rolling Stone, nominated for 145 awards, and won 39 to date. But, more importantly, it has sustained an audience that has loved it through and through. To all of my other Lemonites out there, it may have finally hit me. With this sad feeling settling in my gut, I have just one word for you: Blurgh! And with that, shut it down.
(01/30/13 12:33am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>For any “Girls” fan, Jan. 13 was an exciting night. Shortly after HBO’s “Girls” season two premiere aired, the writer/creator/director/star of the show, Lena Dunham, won the Golden Globe for best comedy actress and the show won for best comedy, signed to HBO for a third season. The season two premiere began with a familiar shot of two people intertwined in bed. But instead of revealing Marnie and Hannah as in last season’s premiere, it was Hannah and her gay ex-boyfriend, now roommate Elijah. This first scene explores how Hannah’s codependency has not dwindled and her use of recycled relationships may not be as healthy as she expects. The episode immediately propels audiences into the new situations and dynamics of Hannah, Marnie, Shoshana, Jessa and their surrounding friendships. Hannah seems to actually be “almost getting it together, kind of,” whereas her once put-together best friend Marnie is watching her life destabilize. As always, there is at least one uncomfortable sex scene, and the first episode provided one of the most intriguing scenes so far. The scene makes this episode arguably the most traditionally “sexy” Girls filmed even though it was between Marnie, a beautiful straight girl and Elijah, a classically handsome gay man. This scene provides another layer of social commentary on sex culture. The introduction of Donald Glover’s character, Sandy, addresses race issues that Girls was criticized for last season. In the second episode, Hannah tells Sandy that she hadn’t thought about the fact that he was black. Though audiences laugh at the line and its obvious falsity, it brings up the serious issue of racism in a way many television shows strive to ignore. “Girls” is an insight into a microcosm: the subculture of privileged white 20-something-year-olds. Hannah represents many people of our generation as she attempts to demolish racism by acting “colorblind.” Yet being “colorblind” isn’t affective, and Girls isn’t afraid to bring that to our attention. Race is a new topic for Girls to delve into in season two, but the other topics of sex, love and friendships as viewed by these characters – mirroring the similar thoughts and feelings of other people of this generation – are still as prevalent. Even if the topics don’t feel as relevant to you, watching the show to hear clips of amazing new music, i.e. Solange Knowles’ “Losing You” being played in the background of Hannah and Elijah’s party or just for the witty dialogue, “Girls” Season 2 is definitely one to put on your watch-list.
(07/18/12 11:56pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On July 17, the 2012 Polaris Music Prize Short List was released. Although this list is solely Canadian artists, many of our northern neighbors on the list have reached immense fame in the U.S. as well. The Polaris Music Prize is unique because it awards only one album that has been released within the past year, and the artist is awarded a cash prize. As long as an album is at least 30 minutes or eight songs long and is available for purchase or free download in stores or online, any album of any genre by a Canadian artist qualifies. That is quite a large pool of musical fish.Instead of declaring a winner from this pool on one occasion, the list shrinks in the course of four months. Besides building suspense, this process gives audiences a chance to listen to each album and decide who they think should win. Music journalists, bloggers, music programs and broadcasters narrow down the list to only 10 albums.This year, the Short List includes albums from Drake, Fucked Up, Grimes, Feist, Cadence Weapon, Cold Specks, Kathleen Edwards, Handsome Furs, Japandroids and Yamantaka//Sonic Titan. The fame and genres of each artist exist on wide spectrum. Genres stretch from electro-pop to psychedelic rock, bubbly indie music to hip-hop, and all have a fair chance of winning.While I am not familiar with each band, there was a surprising amount of artists that I did know. This weekend I saw Japandroids, Feist and Grimes at the Pitchfork Music Festival. Fucked Up is on Matador Records, while Handsome Furs is on Sub Pop Records. After listening to some of the other artists, including Cadence Weapon and Cold Specks, I have decided this jury is going to have a big job ahead of them.The gala, where the winner is announced, is on Sept. 24. Until then, I hope you will join me in taking some time to listen to these albums and decide on your own Polaris Music Prize winner. — bafinkel@indiana.edu
(07/04/12 11:04pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Warning: I really love Quentin Tarantino. Before writing the rest of this article, I felt that you should know that I find his films to be stimulating, exciting and incredibly smart. If you are like me, you will be overjoyed to know a new Tarantino film is on its way. Now, put Eli Roth into the mix. Besides his own films, including “Hostel,” he also has worked with Tarantino before making one of my favorite films of all time, “Inglourious Basterds.” In case you need a reminder of who Eli Roth is, YouTube search “They call me the Bear Jew” (I dare you to try not squealing at his entrance). Finally, let’s add another personality to take the film from a duet to a trio. Let’s add RZA. That’s correct, RZA, one of the members of Wu-Tang Clan. This is not the first time these three men have collaborated. RZA worked with Tarantino for the soundtrack to “Kill Bill: Vol. 1.” What also might not seem too surprising is the film they’re making.Tarantino, Roth and RZA are working together for a new kung fu film, guaranteeing America a movie full of sex, violence, great music and fantastic kung fu fight scenes. Tarantino’s excellent work with kung fu scenes in “Kill Bill” will have a new element in “The Man With The Iron Fists.” Although RZA is directing it, Tarantino is producing it, and one can see Tarantino’s iconic style just from watching the trailer (i.e. the blood streaming in loops slow motion from freshly cut victims and an eye being punched out of someone’s head). RZA co-wrote the screenplay with Eli Roth. The movie’s cast features the talents of Lucy Liu, Jamie Chung, RZA himself and Russell Crowe.Though RZA is exploring his film career by directing “The Man With The Iron Fists,” he is not leaving his music career behind. What makes this film stand out is that it will be a kung fu movie with a hip-hop soundtrack. From the trailer, the music not only fits, but also increases the intensity.The trailer and rumors give insight into what musicians will be on the soundtrack. Some of these musicians include Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West, Wu-Tang Clan and RZA. RZA has used kung fu movie samples in Wu-Tang songs. It is exciting to see RZA finally make this movie, and knowing that Tarantino and Roth are behind it make the anticipation for fans that much greater. — bafinkel@indiana.edu
(06/20/12 10:58pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Today, I write to you with excitement. For many friends and music lovers, this day was a dream, then a rumor, and finally, a reality.On June 14, St. Vincent and David Byrne released “Who,” their first collaborative single. I adore St. Vincent, and I am constantly impressed by her immense talent. Her version of pop music is refreshing, and it only makes sense that this collaboration between Vincent and Byrne has surfaced.Byrne, former front man of The Talking Heads, is known for gigantic suits, being quirky and making fantastic pop, avante-garde music. Vincent had been a fan of Byrne’s, and since both participated in the “Dark Was The Night” compilation in 2009, Byrne became a fan of hers. On “Dark,” Byrne worked with Dirty Projectors to create “Knotty Pine.” It seemed to feature Byrne more than it incorporated his musical influence. However, with “Who” there is only pure collaboration. With high expectations, I cautiously downloaded it, but when I pressed play my expectations were blown away. The beginning hook immediately catches your attention with its horns, leading to steady guitar and Byrne’s iconic voice. It meshes the two musicians’ styles without one overpowering the other. By combining forces, they created a new, incredible sound.As if this doesn’t get better, “Who” is only a single off an entire collaborative album, “Love This Giant,” which will be released Sept. 11, 2012. And folks —— they already have a tour planned across North America in the fall. If you are interested in hearing “Who,” you can download it for free on www.4ad.com, the website of the record label that will release the album. As much as I love summer, I also would love for September to approach a little earlier. — bafinkel@indiana.edu
(06/07/12 12:26am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As a child of the early 1990s, I knew the name Fiona Apple but barely understood it. Though her first hit “Criminal” was always recognizable, my young ears and eyes could not comprehend what everyone was making a big deal about. That is, until now. Fiona Apple practically disappeared from the music scene after her sophomore album, but she is back and howling her vocals with new singles like “Werewolf” and “Every Single Night.” Now, as a 20-year-old, I am able to look back on her previous songs, listen to the current beauty she is creating, and take a big bite of Apple’s music. To begin with, Apple has a sultry voice that carries intense words smoothly — its jazzy qualities work with the piano, empowering the complex riffs, and yet hiding behind them when necessary. Her music does not feel like a separation of instruments, voice and lyrics, but a blended whole. The mainstream media picked her up after hearing “Criminal” and seeing the risqué video, which included a young Apple in her underwear at a party. “Criminal” was a pop hit that even awarded her an MTV Award for Best New Artist in 1997. However, her speech, like her voice and music, was different. In front of the wide audience that MTV caters to, she said, “This world is bullshit, and you shouldn’t model your life on what we think is cool and what we’re wearing and what we’re saying.” Not your typical pop star. Though more than 10 years have passed, the quality of her voice and the profundity of her music have not changed. She is a refreshing artist to see returning because of the poetry of her lyrics and complete expression in her music. Before now, I was not a fan simply because I was unaware. Now, I am intrigued and fascinated by her chilling voice and honest lyrics. “Every Single Night,” one of the singles released for her new album, slithers through your head as a catchy song with minimalist piano and tribal-like chanting. Yet the lyrics explore the terror of being trapped by your own dark thoughts. To top it off, her voice trills at some points and then lowers down to a commanding, capturing sound.Without a doubt, I am excited for her fourth album “The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do,” set for a June 19 release. Yes, I am aware of the long and unusual title, but after all I just told you about Ms. Apple, would you expect anything less?— bafinkel@indiana.edu
(05/24/12 12:09am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Dear readers, yesterday was an exciting day. No, not because it was National Penny Day (although that is pretty exciting, too), but because it was my birthday. You might wonder, how is the birthday of this columnist exciting for me? The answer is simple: With the theme of birthdays on my mind, I am presenting to you a list of wonderful birthday songs. No longer will you have to simply sing the typical “Happy Birthday” song. Instead, you will have an entire playlist to play during a birthday party or maybe give to a friend as a wonderful present. I highly recommend the latter because your friend will love receiving it, and you have to put minimal effort in!As a 20 year old, I have officially left the teenage years behind me. I am fully embracing the knowledge that I have lived a full two decades, and as the baby of the family, I am sure my mother is trying to deny this fact. People often look down upon the 20th year because of its infamous association with being that much closer to being 21, while still not being 21. However, a birthday is the celebration of one’s existence. No celebration is complete without a good playlist. Here are some recommended birthday songs: WARNING: The titles of these songs might become tedious. 1. “Birthday” — The Beatles — “White Album”This was the first birthday song I ever knew other than the one sung after blowing out the candles. Therefore, it is near and dear to my heart, and its catchy riffs and screams of having a good time perfectly accompany a birthday mood.2. “Birthday” — Destiny’s Child — “Destiny’s Child”I have written about my love for Beyoncé before in this column, and Destiny’s Child is no exception. Combining Destiny’s Child with a birthday celebration is like a gift in itself. This song might slow things down a bit, so I suggest listening to it while in the post-cake-eating-food-coma.3. “The Birthday Party” — Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five — “Message From Beat Street: Best of Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel & The Furious Five”To speed things up a bit and get the people dancing, you need to have this song on your birthday playlist. This song expresses how fun birthdays should be, and it also includes each member saying his birthday. 4. “Happy Birthday” — Stevie Wonder — “Hotter Than July”Both of my favorite musicians have birthday songs, and one of them is “Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder. This song, like the previous song, is an upbeat exclamation of birthday enthusiasm. It will surely keep your party guests dancing and singing along! 5. “The Happy Birthday Song” — Andrew Bird — “Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs”As guests begin to tire and leave, playing this song will lull them into birthday bliss. I decided to finish this playlist with my other favorite musician, Andrew Bird. Hearing his soothing voice blend beautifully with the trills of his violin as he sings “Happy Birthday” truly tops this birthday cake with a cherry on top. There you have it, folks! A solid five songs to embed in any birthday playlist and assure that the ups and downs of any birthday will have a great soundtrack. Have a fantastic day, and to all those birthday buddies out there: Happy birthday!— bafinkel@indiana.edu
(05/10/12 12:36am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Whether you’re starting an internship, in summer school classes or working, there is no denying that summer is in the air. With a summer in Bloomington come many days and nights relaxing on friends’ porches, hiking around Brown County and lounging around the house. For me, summer means picking the music that best compliments the atmosphere of summer breezes and fresh fruit. Based on recent news and upcoming festivals, I have compiled a list of albums fit for a perfect summer day.“Brown Sugar” — D’AngeloNews — D’Angelo, one of the most prominent R&B singers of the 1990s, will play a show in America for the first time since 2000. He played his first show anywhere since 2000 in Stockholm earlier this year, which launched his European tour. The return of D’Angelo’s sultry voice to the stage is an exciting turn of events for 2012. To celebrate this feat, listen to “Brown Sugar” while relaxing on the porch on a quiet night.“Bitte Orca” — Dirty ProjectorsFestival Lookout — Dirty Projectors will play at Pitchfork Music Festival in July. With complex harmonies and guitar riffs that make your head cock to the side, Dirty Projectors form a strange and beautiful band. When the windows are rolled down and the wind is cooling you down, the Dirty Projectors seem like the only appropriate band to listen to.“Paul’s Boutique” — Beastie BoysNews — Last week Adam Yauch, aka MCA, of the Beastie Boys passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. Yauch was a member of one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, as well as a philanthropist and filmmaker. In remembrance of MCA, take a listen to “Paul’s Boutique” this summer.“Rodrigo y Gabriela” — Rodrigo y GabrielaFestival Lookout — Rodrigo y Gabriela are two guitarists whose fast, rhythmic Latin acoustic guitar music will be featured at Bonnaroo this summer. There, they will play with a larger brass band, C.U.B.A., which was featured on the duo’s latest album. Their music’s Latin flare perfectly aligns with a day of hanging out with friends, grilling or just lying outside to soak up the sun. Other great summer albums include:“Shallow Graves” — Tallest Man On Earth“The ArchAndroid” — Janelle Monae“People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” — A Tribe Called Quest Whether the soundtrack of your summer includes any of the albums above, I hope you are as surrounded by music as you are the sun, friends and a good porch. — bafinkel@indiana.edu
(04/24/12 1:02am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>At Coachella Music Festival, a not-so-typical musical guest made an appearance with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. It was so atypical that the guest did not actually appear in the flesh. Instead, there was a 2-D “hologram” projection of the deceased hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur. Not only did he perform at Coachella, but there are also rumors now that a full-fledged tour might arise.Tupac’s “performance” is not the first hologram to make it to the stage. In 2006, Gorillaz performed as their cartoon personas with Madonna through projection technology. It is no surprise that Japan, a country known for their anime culture, has Hatsune Miku, a projected anime singer that has “performed” live a handful of times. Yet there is a distinct difference between Coachella’s Tupac performance and those of Gorillaz and Hatsune Miku. The Gorillaz and Miku are cartoon characters depicted as cartoons onstage, whereas Tupac was a living man being “brought back to life” in this performance. The hologram Tupac came on stage at Coachella and said “What the fuck is up, Coachella?” — a sentence that, considering Coachella’s first concert was created after his death, the living Tupac never said. A simple, previously unspoken sentence such as that is the beginning of how I find the hologram unnerving.Tupac’s life and death deeply influenced hip-hop, and the culture surrounding whether he actually died remains a pop-culture topic 15 years after he was shot. Therefore, having him perform is not only marketable but also emotional for fans. Some fans may see the “resurrection” as a chance to see their beloved icon. That leaves people wondering, who’s next on the list? Will they “bring back” Elvis, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain? With this in mind, you have to reevaluate why people go to concerts.Concert going is primarily to see the musician perform live. This means hearing the grittiness of their music without the equipment of the studio, seeing their sweat as their energy propels their music on stage and experiencing their interactions with the audience. Though a hologram brings forth some of these elements, it does not match the experiences that a living person is capable of creating on stage. However, a concert is about the audience, as well as the performer. Listening to music in your bedroom alone is extremely different from hearing it live. Regardless of what genre, the experience is different. The energy of a crowd is one of the most irreplaceable feelings of excitement one can experience while listening to music. This is where I understand how Tupac’s hologram could be a new phenomenon. People do not necessarily go to see the hologram — although that technology is phenomenal — they also go to express their love for music with the only other people who understand it: the fans. This pro/con list that I continue to flip-flop between still seems to lean toward the cons of Tupac’s hologram. It all comes back to the fact that Tupac’s hologram is of a deceased man. If you watch the performance, you’ll see Snoop Dogg clearly confused as to how he should interact with “Tupac.” Although this performance might be a feat for technology, I do not believe holograms of a deceased artist have a place in concerts. — bfinkel@indiana.edu
(04/18/12 2:42am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Yesterday, Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” had two very special guests.Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of the Black Keys picked up Bourdain in an El Camino van and drove him to a barbecue joint. The Black Keys discussed eating while on the road, where they would limit themselves to $5 a day for food in the teaser trailer. I can only assume that Auerbach no longer needs to save his $5 to buy wonton soup. The Black Keys have become a huge success since their beginnings in 2002. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, this blues, rock drummer-and-guitarist duo has gone from playing basements to Madison Square Garden. As a fan of the Black Keys, I am enthralled by their popularity and newest installment on “No Reservations.”To my roommates and myself, bringing together food and music is nothing new. My roommate Erin is one of the greatest cooks I know, and as a disc-jockey at WIUX, she also happens to be a big music lover. Between the three of us, the smell of food and waves of music linger in our apartment constantly. Cooking is an art form, but what some people might not see is its direct relation with food. As you cook, you mix together and test different scents, tastes and textures to deliver a meal people want to consume. In a recording studio, you experiment with different sounds, layers and tempos to deliver a song people want to consume. It is not all selfless, either. Music and cooking are both expressions that form deep within one’s self. What food you make depends on your mood, and music can help fit the scene. But the importance of music and food’s relationship is highlighted while eating. Matching music to food can enhance the eating experience, turning a good meal into a great one. It allows the senses of taste and hearing to blend together in a deliciously rocking meal.This concept is one that Bourdain explores by having the Black Keys guest star on his show. Next time you’re cooking, think about what sounds complement the meal. It might even end up being the Black Keys.— bafinkel@indiana.edu
(04/10/12 1:10am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Drake fans were given a double dose of video pleasure last week. On the same day fans were anticipating the premiere of Drake and Rihanna’s music video “Take Care,” the music video for Drake and Lil Wayne’s “HYFR” was also released. “HYFR” begins with a home video of young Drake saying “mazel tov” to the camera. The next shot is a black screen with white letters reading, “On October 24th, 2011 Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham chose to get re-bar mitzvah’d as a re-commitment to the Jewish religion.” The video then continues with Drake and his posse standing outside a synagogue, Drake reading from the Torah in front of family and friends and then, of course, cameos of a huge, notorious bar mitzvah party.As a Jewish studies and journalism major with a music studies minor, I was all over this video. Drake’s desire to reconnect with his Judaism is inspiring, and that he did so in a public manner is even more exciting to me. Though the video is absolutely ridiculous, with lots of Manischewitz drinking and pans of the bagel- and gefilte fish-covered buffet table, the meaning behind it shines through. Drake’s video is the first of its kind.It is not to say that mainstream Jewish rappers have not existed before Drake, but they have only existed on the extremes. The Beastie Boys and Matisyahu are two mainstream Jewish hip-hop acts. However, the Beastie Boys barely identify with their Judaism, and Matisyahu is Orthodox. The majority of the American Jewish population is Conservative or Reform, meaning they are less observant to the traditional rabbinical commentary, though still religiously affiliated. There was a great lack of mainstream Jewish musicians — especially in hip-hop — that publicly fell in line with the majority of the American Jewish population, until Drake.Sure, Lil Wayne wearing a panda mask, and then nothing but pants, might not happen at every bar mitzvah, and true, the seductive dancing might seem a little outrageous (although you would be surprised how dirty 13-year-olds can dance). But the fact remains that Drake was not trying to show that he is extraordinarily pious. He was showing himself as he truly is — a modern Jew. The release of “HYFR” shows that you do not need to sing or rap about Judaism to represent your Jewish identity in music. The only appropriate way to finish this article seems to be: Mazel tov, Drake!— bfinkel@indiana.edu
(04/04/12 3:16am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>What the Tallest Man On Earth might lack in height, he makes up for in talent. Kristian Matsson, the Tallest Man On Earth, is a folk singer, songwriter who is ironically short and incredibly Swedish. He has finished recording for his new album, “There’s No Leaving Now,” and for now, fans must simply wait for a single to be released before the album drops on June 12. Equipped with only a guitar and his voice, Matsson creates powerful and meaningful songs. It seems impossible to read an article that does not compare him to Bob Dylan, including this one. It’s because the comparison is blatantly obvious. However, unlike his influence, his lyrics don’t discuss political topics. Most stay more personal, and carry symbolic lines that twist and turn, leaving you thinking and humming long after the song is finished. His guitar playing is intricate, often with open tuning and mesmerizing picking. He records most of his albums in his home rather than in a studio. His last EP, “Sometimes The Blues Is Just a Passing Bird,” utilizes the electric guitar, which is new for his fans to hear. I always find it exciting to hear musicians exploring their talents, even if it is simply from staying strictly acoustic to trying electric guitar. Though there are no confirmations, I am guessing that more electric guitar songs will be showcased on his newest album. Along with “There’s No Leaving Now,” Tallest Man On Earth will be going on a very small summer tour. Unless you live in Europe or New York City, the chances of catching him on this tour are limited.However, if you do have the chance to see him live, take advantage. As a senior in high school, I saw him perform, and it was one of the most charismatic performances I have seen. His music energized him and forced him to move with its resonating beauty.Tallest Man On Earth is signed to Dead Oceans, a Bloomington record labels. With his new album coming out in June, I encourage you to cross your fingers for Matsson to perform in town. — bafinkel@indiana.edu
(03/27/12 2:09am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Record Store Day list of releases was announced this past week. Though Record Store Day isn’t until April 21, excitement has already ensued. Desired lists of albums, singles and splits are being jotted down by anticipating customers. Don’t think of it as crazy. Think of it as a lot of nerdy music lovers making their presents list for a Christmas in April. Okay, maybe you can think of it as a little crazy. But the true essence of Record Store Day is something everyone should participate in and enjoy.Record Store Day is an official celebration of independent music stores and the culture that surrounds them. In a world of instant digital gratification, music stores have become an endangered species. Rather than walking to the nearby store and browsing its selection, the simplicity and convenience of Amazon, iTunes and illegal downloading have overwhelmed the music market. Though I indulge in online music consumption, whether through Amazon or listening on Spotify, I realize the damage it does to a suffering, and beautiful, forum. Having a day set aside biannually to celebrate the unique institution of independent record stores is a refreshing and exciting idea. Record Store Day began in 2007, and its quick growth has led to more than 700 independent record stores participating nationally this year. Another aspect of Record Store Day is that not only are the consumers celebrating, but the musicians, as well. Hundreds of artists release limited edition singles and splits specifically for Record Store Day. This year, that list includes a 10” LP of “Do Ya Thing” by André 3000, James Murphy and Gorillaz, a 7” 45 of St. Vincent’s “Krokodil” and a 7” 45 of “Rocky Ground” by Bruce Springsteen, all of whom are Sic of Elephants column alumni. Other artists’ releases range from Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding to Death Cab for Cutie and Neon Indian. Besides resulting in the products themselves, Record Store Day is a time when many record stores put on in-store performances and throw parties. Last year, Bloomington’s own Landlocked Music did just that. They served drinks, disc jockeys spun records and local bands such as Sleeping Bag performed. Record Store Day is a time for people to interact with fellow music lovers, hear new music and purchase awesome releases. Though Bloomington might not be a large city, we do have three independent record stores. Tracks, Landlocked Music and TD’s CDs and LPs will all be participating this year. On April 21, people all around the country will be lining up at their local record stores to rejoice on Record Store Day, and maybe this year, you could be one of them. — bfinkel@indiana.edu
(03/20/12 2:37am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Rolling atop fans in a hamster wheel, composing a 24-hour-long song and selling music in an edible gummy fetus: These are the workings of the Flaming Lips. With the band having such an eclectic history, it was only time before fans wondered: What will they do next? The answer has finally arrived. The Flaming Lips will debut a musical this year. The world premiere of “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” will be in November 2012, with the show continuing through December. The story encompasses music from multiple Flaming Lips albums, including “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots,” “The Soft Bulletin” and “At War with the Mystics.” The story revolves around Yoshimi, a Japanese girl, as the album’s familiar protagonist who must battle for life in a robotic world. “Yoshimi” was written by Des McAnuff, an artistic director who is no stranger to rock operas. McAnuff directed “The Who’s Tommy,” the 1993 Broadway show adapted from The Who’s 1969 album “Tommy,” as well as the more recent “Jersey Boys.” Rock operas based on albums are not a new phenomenon. The Who and Green Day have also had successful musicals. However, there is no doubt that “Yoshimi” will be different. “She Don’t Use Jelly” was the Flaming Lips’ only U.S. chart-topping hit, yet they are critically acclaimed, and their fame is beyond a number on the chart. Their psychedelic rock has a unique sound, but what sets them apart are their marketing and performance. Their live performances are extravagant, energetic and strange, just like them. Some lucky IU students experienced a Lips concert when Union Board brought them for Little 500 in 2010. The concerts feature costumes, including gigantic hands worn by frontman Wayne Coyne, balloons, confetti and elaborate lights. The group does not just perform its songs — it creates a heightened interactive experience. The stage of a theater is another outlet for the Flaming Lips’ presentation and creativity to flourish. For a band that has been around since 1983, it is logical to want to try a new format for its music to be heard. The idea of enhancing an audience’s experience through dramatic lights, props and costumes is nothing new to the band, yet the storyline and character development allow them to create an exciting and deep median to listen to its music. One can only hope that “Yoshimi” will receive positive reviews by Flaming Lips fans and theater critics alike. And, who knows, maybe they’ll even sell the tickets in edible chocolate puppies. — bfinkel@indiana.edu