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Let’s debate ... the CPD

This year’s presidential and vice-presidential debates have been complete drivel. It’s hardly a new revelation that they leave viewers unsatisfied. Back in 1998, Walter Cronkite said “the debates are part of an unconscionable fraud that our political campaigns have become. ... The candidates participate only with the guarantee of a format that defies meaningful discourse.” It still rings true today. I sat watching the vice-presidential debate with the same intentions the few of you not playing drinking games had – to get information about our candidates. But I finished without any new information. Despite huge audiences, everyone’s mentioning how useless they think these debates are. Sadly, this has become as American as apple pie. 

Owning up

BEIJING – Around the age when we begin to ask where babies and presidents come from, we begin on a track of knowledge that eventually stalls in the realization that politicians are sometimes less than straightforward. Curiously enough, no one seems to ask why this is. Of course this observation is correct, but if the national commentary on the election is at all representative of what people really think, a politician who would only answer our prayers and give definite answers would surely be elected. The fact that no one chooses to do so indicates a problem with us, not them.

The vote stops here

It’s hard to imagine not seeing chalkings for Barack Obama or John McCain while walking to class at IU. And it’s certain the disappearance of clipboard-holding campaigners won’t happen until after Election Day. Across the state line, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign might be a politics-free zone after a five-year-old law prohibiting state employees from engaging in political activity is enforced. Originally designed to prohibit state workers from campaigning on state time or with state resources, the Governor’s Office of Executive Inspector General told the Chicago Tribune that this ban might also prohibit students from engaging in political activity on public university campuses.

Anberlin surrender all doubts

New Surrender combines the best of Anberlin’s previous two efforts. Present are the soaring hooks seen on 2005’s Never Take Friendship Personal, as well as the maturity present on 2007’s Cities.

No shuddering here

Bayside’s strength is in bombast and anthem, and Shudder doesn’t disappoint. The lyrics are especially strong and though at times it sounds like a rally for defeatists, Bayside find a way to be uplifting.

Morello again stars solo

The Fabled City shows Morello continuing his reign of fiery, politically-charged anthems. The material ranges from poignant ballads to angry folk-rock power, and fans who seek it out will not be disappointed.

Not dream worthy

And rather than jumping on the opportunities provided by her success, Hudson took time crafting her self-titled debut album. After such a long wait, the results are enjoyable, but nowhere near as sensational as her “Dreamgirls” performance suggested she could be.

Far from 'Normal'

Folds’ arrangements are pristine and catchy, and if he wrote more mature lyrics and caught up with his forward-thinking music, there’d be no stopping him.

How much caffeine is in your diet?

Consumed by caffeine

What the stimulant does to your body & brain

Covering music's best

Some fans dismiss their favorite musicians performing covers because they already know the original song too well or because the artist covering the song sways too far from their already-established sound. But instead of going the Bruce Springsteen route and simply putting his own stamp on a genre, fans of Taylor succeeds in making each song a “James Taylor song.”

The coffeehouse blend

Students get caffeinated to relax.

The coffeehouse blend

Strong signs on the trail

Self-proclaimed “king” T.I. once again delivers a strong and well-rounded album. Paper Trail should give fans enough substance to tide them over until he is once again a free man

The coffeehouse blend

Students get caffeinated to relax

Glass shattering pop

The Glass Passenger is many things. It’s an album for Something Corporate fans who have grown up. It’s an album for Beach Boys fans disgruntled by today’s music. But most importantly, it's the most enjoyable listen of 2008.

Understanding the labels on your coffee

A heroic effort

“Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” have catapulted the genre into the Oscar-contending stratosphere, and although “Iron Man” may not aspire to those heights, it’s a jewel in the genre’s crown due to Downey Jr.’s excellent performance and Favreau’s smirking sense of humor.

More than caffeine

Jenna Blumenfeld discusses the relationship between coffee culture and music.

The ethics of coffee

More and more people are becoming concerned about how their coffee is grown and sold. Are organic and fair trade products the solution?