IUSA

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?

Sidetracked

Three WEEKEND reviewers analyze the newest tracks in music.

Creative blindness

The plot is tired, the characters are wafer-thin and the cinematography makes you want to vomit. Metaphor or not, this movie is an insult to the blind – and everyone else in the world.

No revival for western genre

Despite a decent cast, “Appaloosa” features sub-par acting with an equally weak story and dialogue. There’s obviously a reason not too many westerns are made nowadays.

‘Genius’ shows flashes of greatness

Although predictable and a little unoriginal, “Flash of Genius” is surprisingly deep. It’s definitely a satisfying morsel in a movie season lacking heartier fare.