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(07/22/13 1:11am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Colorful paw prints on the floor of Monroe County Public Library created paths to direct families from library entrances to the children’s section Saturday for a special event, Read to a Dog.Completely volunteer-based, the program happens roughly once a month at the public library. “The kids love it. The dogs love it,” library volunteer Mary Anne Ward said. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, children were given the opportunity to practice their reading skills by choosing a book, sitting down next to a dog and reading aloud. Ward estimated that 25-30 kids had the opportunity to read to a dog Saturday. She considered that to be a slow day. All dogs that took part in the program are Animal Reading Friend (ARF) certified. There were three dogs available Saturday, including a schnoodle—or schnauzer and poodle mix—named Zeus. While children took turns reading to the dogs, they remained calm and quiet. “Reading to a dog is just absolutely inspiring,” Bloomington resident Dagnija Berzins said. “The dogs don’t criticize.”Berzins said her granddaughter, Yverre, enjoyed her time at the library that morning. When she was finished reading her book out loud she gave multiple hugs to Henry, VIPaws Pet Partner volunteer Lori Shields’ dog.VIPaws is a Monroe County Humane Association program that organizes animal-assisted events around the Bloomington area. Training is required for all dogs and owners who volunteer for the program. Volunteers and their dogs spend time at schools, nursing homes and area events to provide the community with the benefits that bonding with an animal can provide. “We spend time on campus during finals week,” said Dale Steffey, Pet Partner volunteer and Zeus’s owner. “It gives the students a chance to relax.”
(01/10/13 6:37pm)
“Song Reader” is a twenty-song release- on sheet music. Twenty previously
unreleased, unrecorded songs written by Beck Hansen waiting to be
brought to life by your own interpretation.
(11/12/12 7:19pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Christianity, pregnancy, erections and sex are all song topics on “Daughter of Cloud.”A collection of previously unreleased B-sides, “Daughter of Cloud” is an interesting mix of Of Montreal’s work throughout the years that just seems to be piled into one release. A very full album at 17 tracks, you’re getting your money’s worth if you actually go out and buy the thing. Upbeat, energetic tracks such as “Our Love is Senile” and “Sails, Hermaphroditic” are scattered throughout the album, as well as more abstract songs like “Subtext Read, Nothing New” and “Georgie’s Lament.” By no means is this Of Montreal’s best release, but for die-hard fans who miss the 2007 Of Montreal when “Hissing Fauna Are You The Destroyer?” was all the rage, this album will flood your eardrums with nostalgia. By Steph Langan
(10/25/12 4:38pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Known for singing and songwriting in indie bands Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, front man Benjamin Gibbard has opted to go the solo route, at least for one album. “Former Lives” sounds fairly similar to the work he does with Death Cab for Cutie. However, Gibbard tries different styles of song, such as lullaby and mariachi, that add variety to the album. There are some very solid and enjoyable songs on “Former Lives” and some that probably could have been left off. Although Gibbard tried his luck using different styles of music as an influence, it doesn’t always work, specifically in the song “Something’s Rattling (Cowpoke)” in which the horns used to accompany Gibbard sound overbearing. On the other side of the spectrum, “Lily” is a simple, beautiful love song and works perfectly on the album. Although the songs are a bit hit or miss, “Former Lives” is a great first attempt at a solo release by Gibbard. His lyrics and voice are astounding, as always. By Steph Langan
(10/10/12 9:11pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Opening with cheerful “ooohs,” Matt & Kim’s fourth studio album “Lightning” remains bright and upbeat throughout. Opener and single “Let’s Go” does not disappoint as a worthy follow-up to past hit “Daylight.” Matt & Kim’s music stands apart from other pop because the majority of its songs have been created with only voices, drums and a keyboard.“Lightning” stays true to the band’s usual sound and, as expected, includes simple lyrics and catchy melodies and beats. Many songs on the album are reminiscent of the duo’s 2010 release “Sidewalks.”“Lightning” might leave die-hard fans wanting more since the album does not distinguish itself much from the band’s previous releases. However, it sounds like a solid effort on Matt & Kim’s part. There aren’t any real duds on “Lightning,” just fun, poppy tracks.By Steph Langan
(09/27/12 1:31am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Members of Bloomington band Murder by Death have been making music together since they were IU students. Their storytelling elements in lyrics and the use of cello make the band different than typical “indie” music. The band released their sixth studio album, “Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon,” Sept. 25. The band will play an album release show at the Bluebird Nightclub today, 9 p.m., with indie/math rock band Maps & Atlases. Adam Turla, lead singer of Murder by Death, talked with the IDS.IDS For people who aren’t familiar with Murder By Death’s music, how would you describe it?Adam Turla We tried to make something that was our own with the instruments that we have. The genre or style depends on what the song calls for.IDS What’s different about “Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon” than other albums?AT Scott (Brackett) joined the band. He plays eight instruments. We call him the utility guy. He’s the Swiss army knife of the band. He does backup vocals which we haven’t done before. It’s more lush sounding. IDS What do you like most about the new album?AT The diversity in the songs is really cool. There’s three different kinds of songs. There’s super-low downers and really upbeat songs and then there’s buffer songs in between. I’m a “variety’s the spice of life” kind of guy. It’s fun for playing shows. IDS How does your song writing process work?AT I try to develop a melody that evokes a feeling. I like really linear stories and songs, but then I write something obscure and random. Once again, I like variety. I like coming up with fun ways of presenting things.IDS Does the band have any traditions you do together before new albums come out?AT We get broke. We always make our money playing shows. You don’t get paid to write. It’s a feast or famine thing when you’re in a band. You learn not to freak out about it because we’ll hit the road again and we’ll be fine. IDS Do you have a favorite album you’ve ever worked on?AT It’s hard not to be the most excited about the one you just busted your butt on. We spent more time on this album than any other. The production is interesting. John Congleton, who produced St. Vincent and Explosions in the Sky albums produced this one. He makes some really edgy choices. He could really transform the sound. We recorded in his studio in Dallas, Texas.IDS What are you most excited for about the show with Maps & Atlases on Thursday?AT Just the feeling that it’s finally official. We’ve been recording since March of 2011 and finished in January 2012. Love it or hate it, it’s out.IDS What are your plans for the future?AT We’re gonna do a big tour this winter playing with Say Anything. We’re playing nice theaters in smaller towns like Pensacola (Fla.) instead of Orlando (Fla.)
(04/26/12 3:36am)
WEEKEND previews this summer's big upcoming albums
(04/26/12 3:06am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>More danceable than indie/math rock band Maps & Atlases’ previous albums, “Beware and Be Grateful” is not only entertaining but perfect for summertime. “Fever” and “Silver Self” are two of the most energetic songs on the album, and opening track “Old and Gray” shows the band’s ability to combine harmonization and syncopation to create exceptional music. Staying true to their roots, Maps & Atlases still has a very distinct sound. “Beware and Be Grateful” has a more polished, straight-from-the-studio feel, yet it is still very characteristic of the band’s sound.Lead singer Dave Davison’s distinctive voice shines throughout the album, and interesting percussion instruments are also thrown in. Fun and well composed, “Beware” would make an excellent addition to your music collection.
(03/07/12 9:42pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In comparison to previous albums, “The End of That” by Montreal band Plants and Animals is a bit dismal. Musically, the band sounds up to par, but lyrically, the album is unimpressive and a bit depressing. For example, the song “HC” only has three lines of lyrics: “Lonely, lonely, lonely days, bring me someone I can relate, only, only, only that way.”“Song for Love” and “Lightshow” are two of the most well-put-together tracks of the release, while “Crisis!” is one of the worst due to its unnecessary length of more than six minutes. “The End of That” is not a bad listen, but in terms of progression, third albums are typically more innovative and show how the band has grown. This release does not do Plants and Animals justice.
(02/29/12 12:05am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A circle of eight adults and nine toddlers lay on their backs on top of colored yoga mats, stretching their fingers out in the opposite direction of their toes. Kids and parents laugh simultaneously as they stretch together. It’s Friday morning at Bloomington Area Birth Services, and it’s time for toddler yoga class. “Reach, reach, reach!” yoga teacher Anastacia Corbit-Clarkson said. “How long can you make yourself?”Yoga classes designed for all ages are popping up across the country. In Bloomington, at least three locations provide yoga for children ages 13 and younger. Vibe Yoga Studio has story-time yoga for young ones and “tween” yoga on occasion. The Monroe County YMCA has a weekly class available for children ages 7 to 11. “It’s a growing trend,” said Erin Thomas, studio manager of Vibe Yoga. “People are recognizing the benefits of yoga, that it’s a life-changing, life-long activity.” Toddler yoga helps introduce the idea of quiet time to young children and also assists with developing attention spans. Toddler yoga is time for parents and children to spend laughing, singing and trying out different poses together.Malte Raff, 22-months-old, balances on his nanny Jasmin Besler’s back and smiles while the yoga group does different animal poses during class at BABS. Actual yoga moves, such as camel pose, elephant pose and downward-facing dog, are all included in the class, and instructors encourage the toddlers to pretend to be different animals. Making animal noises and letting the kids run in a circle to give them a break from sitting down helps break up the class. The kids are allowed to run around if they wish, play with toys or come back to singing and stretching with their parents or guardians. The parents are encouraged to remain peaceful throughout the session, and their kids will typically follow suit. BABS is a nonprofit dedicated to prenatal and postpartum care. In 1994, BABS opened its doors, and in 2009, toddler yoga was started.“Toddler yoga is healthy, fun bonding,” BABS owner Georg-Ann Cattelona said.BABS decided to start toddler yoga sessions to give the parents with kids who have gotten too old for postpartum mommy-and-me yoga a class to attend. The toddler class is designed for moms, dads and caretakers who want to get back into their yoga routine and bond with their kids at the same time.“I truly love teaching parent-tot yoga because it helps everyone, parents and caregivers and tots, be present in the moment and just let go and have fun,” said Samantha King McDonald, teacher of toddler yoga at BABS.Cattelona, who teaches prenatal yoga and has been doing yoga for about 25 years, said yoga is about mindfulness. “You want people to be in their bodies, paying attention to what they’re feeling,” Cattelona said. “If something starts to hurt, you should stop what you’re doing.”Currently, more than 20 million people in the United States practice yoga. Licensed psychologist Arnie Kozak said yoga provides a way to bring mindfulness into movement and eventually into the daily lives of yoga practicers. By incorporating a yoga practice early in life, people gain good exercise habits that have the possibility of becoming ingrained and can last into adulthood, giving children a healthy advantage from starting early, Kozak said in a ctwatchdog.com article. The toddler class at BABS starts to sing “You are my Sunshine,” and the class members sway together in unison. During this session, the class is focusing on love and emotions. “Where are we flying to? A pretty flower? That’s what butterflies do, right?” Corbit-Clarkson said with a big smile on her face. The parent-and-toddler combos sit on their yoga mats, knees bent, flapping their legs up and down like wings in the toddler yoga room at BABS. Corbit-Clarkson looks over at her son, 15-month-old Quinn, and he smiles back at her, eyes wide.
(02/23/12 3:44am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Although a bit more melancholy than the band’s previous release, “Young and Old” is still a good representation of the relaxing, dreamy music Tennis has become known for. A few upbeat tracks reminiscent of their debut album “Cape Dory” pop up here and there, such as “Traveling” and “Dreaming,” but this album tends to shy away from the sunny beach theme and takes on more of a gloomy aesthetic.More appropriate for wintertime listening than “Dory,” “Young and Old” is a perfect fit for the season.As far as sophomore albums go, this one is pretty impressive. Tennis incorporates more instruments and contemplative lyrics and somehow still pulls off a simple, soothing sound in a mature way. Go for a drive and bring “Young and Old” with you. You won’t be disappointed.
(01/26/12 3:14am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Indie/alternative artist Anthony Green expresses himself through a variety of musical styles in his latest solo album “Beautiful Things.”Whereas his first solo album featured mainly his acoustic work and had a calming flow to it, some of the songs on this album are more reminiscent of Green’s full-time gig in Circa Survive. Those who were fond of his first solo album might be disappointed by this new release.Lyrically, Green’s writing style hasn’t changed too much. Most of his songs are just about living life and his perspective on it. The final track of the album is titled “Lullaby,” which seems fitting due to the fact that Green has grown up, is married and has a kid. All in all, the album isn’t anything special, but if you’re a die-hard Green fan, “Beautiful Things” probably won’t disappoint.
(01/12/12 12:27am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Combining sexualized lyrics with a smooth voice and relaxing beats, “Echoes of Silence” by The Weeknd is straight-up baby-making music. Abel Tesfaye makes great use of synth and syncopated rhythms to develop his original sound, and the tracks flow one into another with ease, making it ideal to listen to the album straight through.The album opens with a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana”, which Tesfaye calls “D.D.,” that does not disappoint.Tesfaye’s wide vocal range is powerful and impressive, very much reminiscent of Jackson. “XO/The Host” and “The Fall” are the two most innovative tracks on the release in terms of lyrics and musical styling.However, “The Echoes of Silence,” the album’s title track and closer, is a letdown compared to the rest.“Echoes” ends on a whiny note, leaving the listener wanting more when there’s nothing left.
(11/10/11 1:11pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that this EP will not be long lived.
Throughout its career, Portland-based band The Decemberists have
experimented with different genres. Each album its created has had a
distinct sound to it, ranging from art rock to baroque pop. “Long
Live the King,” however, features songs that didn’t make it onto its
most recent full-length release, “The King is Dead,” and for good
reason.
The sound of the tracks on “Long Live the King” seems to have strayed
too far from the indie-folk path that The Decemberists have paved so
nicely for itself throughout the years. “Long Live the King” is full of
country twang and not much else. The EP’s opening song, “E. Watson,” is
perhaps the catchiest and best track of the album, while the cover of
the Grateful Dead’s “Row Jimmy” is probably the worst. All in all, The
Decemberists have produced much more innovative and enjoyable music in
the 11 years that its been together than this six-song EP.
(10/05/11 9:28pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Currently signed on for a total of eight seasons, the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” continues to generate laughs and cause viewers to perpetually ask themselves if they’ll ever actually meet the mother. Season six of the comedy was released on DVD last week and should not disappoint.To keep avid watchers interested, some twists were added to the story. As main character Ted Mosby continues to tell the tale of how he met his kids’ mother, new characters Zoey and Nora are introduced as potential love interests. Lily and Marshall spend their evenings trying to get pregnant, and Robin finds a new job.The show gets slightly dry at some points, as if the producers were scrambling to put material together. There are a few episodes throughout the season that leave a bit to be desired, but for the sixth season of a sitcom that has had the same ongoing theme throughout its entirety, it’s a solid installment to the series.