Community Arts

Every guy's worst nightmare

By Alyson Brodsy and Michael Mellini · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:52 p.m.

If you thought Superman had father figure issues, Kal-El's got nothing on G-girl, the heroine of "My Super Ex-Girlfriend." A lack of fatherly affection at a young age is the only possible explanation for the insane way she lashes out at gentlemen callers. Luke Wilson plays Matt Saunders, an unsuccessful dater who takes a chance on asking out a stranger, Jenny Johnson, on a subway. Unbeknownst to Matt, Jenny is actually superhero, G-Girl (Uma Thurman). The two start to date and Matt gets to experience what it's like to be with someone who is, well, super. During the first hour the film's tone is kept quick and breezy. It actually manages to sneak in some good laughs about what it'd be like to date a super. And because it never really takes itself too seriously, it manages to be kind of fun. But it's all down hill once Matt dumps Jenny, and as G-Girl, she begins to make his life hell.

More filth than fun

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Grenn · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:50 p.m.

Who is the artist known as Peaches? She's got a mouth like a Red Fox record. She's honed minimal beats in the vein of Kraftwerk. She's a girl power rocker influenced by Joan Jett (we'll come back to her later). She's dirtier than Lil' Kim and Missy Elliot. The PMRC would have a heart attack if they heard this. Is it punk or disco, electronica or rap? Well, it's all of the above. Peaches brings the trashiness with her new album, Impeach My Bush. Sexual innuendo is included. It's always good to start a record off with the f-word. "Fuck or Kill" is a short punk anthem against our president with a sexual twist (or is it the other way around?). Things move right into a dance floor shaker. Straight up dirty synth and hand claps, "Tent In Your Pants" is basically raunchy electroclash trash.

Alt-Country supergroup returns

By Alyson Brodsy and Ty Schrock · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:49 p.m.

A conglomeration of members of the Jayhawks, Soul Asylum and Big Star, among others, the "supergroup" Golden Smog is now probably most notable for its most famous member, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. Another Fine Day, the group's first offering since 1998, is a mixed bag of an album that disappointingly yields mixed results. Tweedy, who is no stranger to side projects (Loose Fur, The Minus Five) contributes on fewer than half of the album's 15 tracks, and only has writing credits on two. Day reduces the rocking twang that most of the members' previous groups (and also the previous Smog albums) were known for, in favor of a slicker pop sound, which is much more of a hindrance than a breakthrough. Reportedly this whole project was started when director Guy Ritchie approached Smog and Jayhawk member Marc Perlman about writing a song for a Corvette commercial he was directing. The resulting song, "Corvette," which sounds like a lost Go-Go's track, is so cheap and cheesy that you can't even imagine these guys playing it without cringing. And in this slight direction goes about half of the album; modest and breezy Chilton-esque pop that sounds uninspired far too often. There are a few standouts, though. The driving piano of "You Make it Easy" opens the album with some bite, and "Cure For This," is an acoustic beauty, with Jayhawk Gary Louris trading bittersweet harmonies with guest vocalist Muni Camon. The Todd Rundgren-esque "Think About Yourself" closes the album with a rumination on egotism amid swirling organs and corkscrew guitar.

Not quite gravity defying

By Alyson Brodsy and Jeff O'Reilly · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:47 p.m.

In an interview with Ozric video jockey and lighting director Peter Berdovsky, Berdovsky told me one of the most important things he's learned from touring with the Ozric Tentacles is to change one's socks. Frequently. This bit of podiatric wisdom seems to aptly apply when documenting the evolution of Englishman Ed Wynne's psytrance rock outfit. For the better half of their 20-year history, the band has changed lineups as often as Berdovsky changes socks. The only constant in the equation has been Wynne, and the Ozric's 20+ albums reflect this. The Floor's Too Far Away finds the current incarnation of the Ozrics revisiting the already charted outer limits of electronic prog-rock, with their trademark Goa grooves and mastery of their respective instruments. Deliver something new it does not, but it certainly is a testament to Wynne's mastery of psychedelia.

What a day for a 'Daydream'

By Alyson Brodsy and Josh Milrod · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:42 p.m.

In 1988, the traditional rock lineup of two guitars, bass and drums was dead. At the tail end of this decade of hair metal excess, Sonic Youth came crashing into the forefront of the rock scene with the release of their magnum opus Daydream Nation. Instead of rock's prescribed roles of lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist, bassist and drummer, Sonic Youth opted for noise guitarist, noise guitarist, noise bassist and noise drummer. Utilizing alternate tunings and foreign objects jammed under the frets of the guitars, the band created lush textures never before heard in the world of popular rock music.

Legendary Band Shines On

By C. Warner Sills and Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:38 p.m.

The first adjective to come to mind when thinking about Pink Floyd is epic. Floyd is and always has been a pioneer of the grandiose. From its thick blankets of synthesized soundscapes to its often over-the-top visual spectacles and stage presence, Floyd is a master of crafting the magnificent. The "Pulse" concert was recorded/filmed at Earl's Court in London in 1994 circa the band's Division Bell tour. While the post-Wall, post-Roger Waters segment of Pink Floyds musical epoch is often considered the lowest point of the band's career, "Pulse" manages to step away from any of these misconceptions, instead showcasing a beautifully aged and matured Floyd who, despite being past their musical peak, continues to shine on with each awe-inspiring musical note.

Teen Flick Delivers

By Alyson Brodsky and Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:31 p.m.

Amanda Bynes is quite the teen queen and unlike rivals Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff, not only can Bynes act, but she is also funny, which is why she was able to make this movie such a success. Writers Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, of "10 Things I Hate About You" and "Legally Blonde", bring you "She's the Man" a story that is much like a modern day version of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." Amanda Bynes plays Viola, a tomboy whose life is soccer. Viola is the star on the girl's team at Cromwell Prep until the school cuts the girl's team from their sports program. And when both the coach and her (ex) boyfriend snub her from playing on the guy's team, Viola decides to disguise herself as her twin brother, Sebastian (James Kirk) and play on the team of Cromwell's rival school, Illyria. Since Sebastian just enrolled at Illryia and nobody knows him there, Viola decides the timing couldn't be more perfect, especially since Sebastian decides he is going to London for the next two weeks.

Old for his age

By Alyson Brodsy and David A. Nosko · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:25 p.m.

In the children's game of hopscotch a picture with several sections is scribbled onto the ground. Each player then takes turns tossing a rock to each section, jumping to the section on one leg, picking up the rock and tossing it onto the next section; so and so forth until one player completes the picture. As is the hopscotch life of folk musician Mike Younger, hopping from town to town on his 11 city tour. Younger is set to rock and roll Bloomington audiences Saturday, July 29 at 7 p.m. atop the Buskirk-Chumley Theater stage. Following the release of his second album, "Every Stone You Throw," Younger's trip to B-town is the second to last of the tour which has included his jamming at several clubs and on-air radio shows.

Hungry for Art

By Alyson Brodsy and David A. Nosko · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:14 p.m.

Art is often showcased and appreciated only in galleries, museums and other "official" artistic places like artisan studios. Acknowledging that art is all around us, Bloomington restaurants offer their wall space as a community canvas to further student and townie art expression. Never mind framed prints of Matisse, Monet or Picasso to attract customer dollars. Local eateries such as Tutto Bene, Lennie's Restaurant and Michael's Uptown Café and Bakery offer local artists the opportunity to exhibit their artwork in their business space for display-only or selling purposes. Although different local businesses fill their walls with art for different purposes, the common thread tying all local eateries displaying local art is a love for the Bloomington artisan community.

Why the world needs comic book movies

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Wisner · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:08 p.m.

Ashamed as I am to admit this dark secret from my past, for many years I had given up hope on comic books. From around age five I had become fascinated with comic books. Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, you name the superhero and I was either reading it or about to go pick it up. Yet by the time I reached the age of 12, just a mere year before teenager status, I went cold turkey. I was bored to death with comics -- the stories were either foolish or misguided, the heroes fought the same villains over and over, or some of them were even being killed off for good only to be brought back in four different forms, none of which were the real deal.

I am ready for some football

By Alyson Brodsy and K. A. MacDonald · Wednesday, July 26,2006 3:04 p.m.

There are two times each year when the credit card comes out without hesitation. At Christmas time, the latest version of "World Wide Soccer Manager" (formerly "Championship Manager") is released and in the dog days of summer, "NCAA Football" fills that need we have been feeling since 10 minutes after the Super Bowl ended. The 2007 version of "NCAA Football" is the best one yet. I know, I know, people say that every year, but then after a few days of playing, money plays are found and holes in the A.I. are exposed. But I think this time EA has actually fixed last year's problems, added new features and not broken anything. The biggest gameplay change from last year is the kicking meter. It is no longer a sure bet on a 50+ yarder. Even with a bit of practice, I can't consistently kick field goals longer than 35 yards. Oh, wait…either can most college kickers.

Cheung gets 'Clean' with Assayas

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Wisner · Wednesday, July 26,2006 2:57 p.m.

As I watched Olivier Assayas' "Clean," I felt there was much research that needed to be done. After their collaboration on the intricate "Irma Vep," Asian sensation Maggie Cheung and director Assayas were happily married before ending it all nearly three years later. He had written her part in "Clean" just for her and it was on set that they signed their divorce papers from one another. Months later Cheung took home the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Now doesn't all of that sound a bit ironic? Unlike the wealthy amount of Lifetime movies filled with melodramatic acting and moody music, "Clean" examines the life of a woman whose rock star husband dies of a heroin overdose, is sent to jail for possession, only to be released six months later with nothing. No money, no friends to turn to, and worst of all lost custody of her son Jay (played by first-timer James Dennis with natural authenticity).

Reports: Teen being questioned in highway shootings

Tuesday, July 25,2006 2:11 p.m.

A teenager was being questioned Tuesday in the sniper shootings along two Indiana interstates that killed one man and injured another, two television stations reported.

Lesson for the ladies: Why us men love sports oh so much

By Ryan Phillips · Tuesday, July 25,2006 12:09 p.m.

With the first week of college football in the books, the impending start to the NFL season and baseball pennant races heating up the brisk fall evenings, there will soon be legions of females asking the same question: "Why do guys love sports so much?"

A legend moves on

By Ryan Phillips · Tuesday, July 25,2006 12:07 p.m.

On Sept. 4, college football fans everywhere will say goodbye to a stalwart legend whose time has come. Rumors about his retirement had been swirling since the beginning of last season and yesterday it was confirmed. After a 16-year career, it was time to hang 'em up. Saturday night fans at the University of Texas will bid farewell to a beacon of stability who began his career in 1988, during the trying David McWilliams era. He stood by the program's side during the tumultuous years of coach John Mackovic and reveled in the program's resurrection under current coach Mack Brown.

Decisions, decisions

By Ryan Phillips · Tuesday, July 25,2006 12:05 p.m.

IU basketball is like a newly single guy; we just got out of a situation in which we really liked the girl, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Tragic end to a tragic tale

By Ryan Phillips · Tuesday, July 25,2006 12:04 p.m.

It's always hard when you see one of your heroes struggle in life. The sight of someone you once thought invincible struggling with a common problem is almost too much to bear sometimes. A hero of mine passed away this week. His tragic tale is a reminder that, though some people have exceptional gifts, they are still human.

My readers need an 'IU guy'

By Ryan Phillips · Tuesday, July 25,2006 12:02 p.m.

Honestly, there's nothing more to say about the Hoosiers' season. I've analyzed all their shortcomings and successes repeatedly in my columns and after their 71-68 road loss to Penn State, I'm really over it. I've become irritable to strangers, I snap at my friends, I can't concentrate on my work and I'm pretty sure I have an ulcer. So I've decided to stop dodging questions about my situation and come clean. I do not feel I can do my job effectively for the remainder of the season. I think the Hoosier fans out there deserve one of their own to provide analysis on this team. I mean, I'm from San Diego, what could I possibly know about Indiana basketball? Clearly the act that I've been positive lately, while providing in-depth analysis of the team and imploring fans to understand that the season doesn't end in February, has met with resistance from the Hoosier faithful.

Davis leaves with dignity fans need

By Ryan Phillips · Tuesday, July 25,2006 12 p.m.

Despite the circumstances and the rainy, overcast weather Thursday afternoon, the mood in the press room at Assembly Hall was anything but gloomy. That is, until the players had their turn to speak.

Beautifully played

By Ryan Phillips · Tuesday, July 25,2006 11:58 a.m.

While watching the World Cup last week at a sports bar in town, one of those "Joga Bonita" Nike commercials blared on the oversized flat screen in front of me. As I watched Brazil's Ronaldinho expertly knife his way through a group of helpless defenders I overheard a guy ask his buddies how anyone could consider soccer beautiful. He argued it was too boring and seemed pointless. "They kick a ball around, what's beautiful about that?" As I suppressed the urge to haul off and deck the jackass -- had his collar been popped there would have been no restraining me -- I pondered just how ignorant Americans are when it comes to the real football. On the whole, we simply don't get what it means to the rest of the world and probably never will. I'm here to try and bridge the gap and tell you why I love soccer and how I think it can change the world.