Longform

John Mayer goes live

By Kristi Oloffson · Thursday, July 10,2008 4:24 p.m.

The thought of shelling out extra bucks for a live album when you already own most of an artist’s tracks seems silly. Absurd, even. But John Mayer’s Where the Light Is (like his previous double live album) is a brilliant exception.

Still lewd, crude and tattooed

By Chris Pickrell · Thursday, July 10,2008 4:22 p.m.

All in all the album is a stellar release from a band that has softened over the years, what with half the Crue having done Vh1 reality shows and one having written his memoirs. Saints of Los Angeles shows you why the Crue are gods of rock.

Ranger rock

By Tyler James Perry · Thursday, July 10,2008 4:20 p.m.

Hole In The Sun has an almost perfect mix of fast and slow songs; songs that interchangeably go from infectious guitar riffs to ardent melodies. They have clearly shown that they’re not afraid to go in a new direction, while still managing to retain the sound that made them one of the quintessential ’80s bands.

Alkaline Trio both evolves and degrades in Agony & Irony.

Growing up sucks

By Joe Livarchik · Thursday, July 10,2008 4:17 p.m.

The songs explore new effects and sounds, but hearing one exploding chorus after another gets a little tired as the album goes on. While the album’s stronger moments save Agony & Irony from being all for naught.

Relient K manages to expand and also stay true to its sound.

Birds, bees and everything in between

By Cory Barker · Thursday, July 10,2008 4:14 p.m.

The Bird and The Bee Sides delivers anything Relient K fans could ever ask for, especially the brand-new songs. Goofy title aside, the album sees the band continue to prove they’re one of the most consistent acts around.

Dare to dominate

By Amanda Lowry · Thursday, July 10,2008 4:09 p.m.

What Feelin’ Up comes down to is a 23-minute thrill ride of passion and insanity – and probably the best summertime album you’ll hear the whole season.

“Guru” fails to show what true talent it encompasses.

No love for 'Guru'

By Brent Williamson · Thursday, July 10,2008 4:07 p.m.

If you are a hard-core Myers fan, then go ahead and see this movie. You may enjoy yourself for a few moments. As for everyone else, feel free to skip this steaming pile of elephant dung in protest of movies that didn’t need to be made.

It’s Will Smith’s enjoyable acting that ultimately saves “Hancock” from superhero shame.

'Big Willie Style'

By Jacob Levin · Thursday, July 10,2008 4:03 p.m.

“Hancock” never meets the promise that its beginning foretells, and while it resolves strongly, if the film was braver and was willing to be darker, it might ultimately mean something more when it is done.

Man pleads not guilty to assisting criminal in barrel murder case

Thursday, July 10,2008 2:45 p.m.

A Bloomington man has pled not guilty to a charge of assisting a criminal, a class C felony, for taking part in a murder last September that involved killing two men and putting their remains in steel drums.

More than $22 million in loans approved for Indiana flood victims

Thursday, July 10,2008 12:39 p.m.

The Small Business Administration approved more than $22 million as of today for Indiana flood victims, said Richard Daigle, communications specialist.

Bloomington resident Steve Mascari, wearing a President George W. Bush mask, and members of MoveOn.org protest Wednesday evening at the corner of Rogers Street and Kirkwood Avenue. MoveOn.org was protesting against politicians they believe are responsible for high gas prices.

MoveOn.org protests on Kirkwood

By Nicky Purser · Thursday, July 10,2008 11:58 a.m.

Honking car horns and hearty yells bounced across the intersection of Rogers Street and Kirkwood Avenue during an hour-long rally Wednesday afternoon, next to the Circle K gas station.