Longform

I kissed a trend, and I liked it

This past summer, one could not escape the incessant wails of Katy Perry, whose hit single “I Kissed a Girl” sparked an emergence of cherry ChapStick and homoeroticism for heterosexual girls being cool. Now that autumn is upon us, we have recovered from the single and are wiser with newer, better musical choices. Yet despite the song’s short amount of time in the spotlight, one must realize the song’s historical moment in the larger cultural context and ask, is Katy Perry capable of artistic merit?

Teen mothers are all the rage

Teen mothers are all the rage

The Spears family has done it again. They have topped themselves on the ridiculous scale, and this time, Britney didn’t even have anything to do with it.

Bell, Slatkin concert tickets sold out in less than 3 hours

Leonard Slatkin, Joshua Bell and the IU Philharmonic Orchestra will kick off the Jacobs School of Music orchestral season with a sold-out concert on Sept. 17 at the IU Auditorium.

Gallery presents new Artist of the Month series

Proud is a word that hardly describes how Wandering Turtle Art Gallery & Gifts store manager Rachel DiGregorio feels about the gallery’s new Independent Artist of the Month series, which is devoted to promoting artists who are not signed with major record companies. Digregorio calls the project her “baby.”

Applaud like a professional for any performance

The accuracy of applause during classical performances is crucial. Savvy cheering will separate the barbarians from the civilized. To become an applauding ace, follow these simple rules.

Use proper etiquette at MAC shows

Braving those haughty, classical concerts can be intimidating, but what if your first time happens to be on a date? Don’t fret. Let these tips make your night impressive, and squash those hoity-toity, preconceived notions.

Candidates for County Council hold discussion

Three Monroe County Council democratic candidates addressed voters about environmental issues Wednesday night. Incumbent Warren Henegar, Geoff McKim and Julie Thomas talked for about 45 minutes about issues such as alternative transportation, Lake Monroe conservation and creating a green economy at Karst Farm Park.

Bloomington to hold 9/11 ceremony open to public

Politicians, firemen and police officers will be on hand for a morning ceremony to commemorate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks today.The ceremony is at 9 a.m. at the Showers Common at City Hall, and organizers are encouraging the public to attend, said Daniel Lopez, City of Bloomington communications director.

Election Board adjourns meeting without decision

A City of Bloomington Election Board meeting regarding the number of satellite absentee-voting sites was adjourned with no result Tuesday.

Crowell runs on sex

Sex & Gasoline contains his usual blend of country, folk, and blues, which should interest a nice array of fans. Although his painfully obvious impression of Bob Dylan is at first almost laughable, the aptitude he shows at crafting catchy and even thought-provoking songs demands the respect of the listener.

A sunny, trippy trip into the past

Apollo Sunshine’s psychedelic new album sends the listener to all sorts of places in time. They might be our last hope to resurrect the free spirit that made the ‘60s so awesome.

No longer hangin’ tough

After a 14-year long absence the five members have reunited and recorded their new album The Block. This latest album is a calculated attempt to break back into mainstream with a concentration on club anthems, but as can be expected The Block is just an example of five ex-stars who should have never made a comeback

Wilson celebrates living

 For those fixated on genre, That Lucky Old Sun unfolds with a combination of the pop songcraft and harmonies of the Beach Boys’ early hits with the aged wisdom of Wilson’s late 60’s compositions, without so much as a hint of the grandiosity that made Pet Sounds one of the best albums ever recorded

Robot rock

In the past two decades, few musical groups have reached the elite status among their peers and fans as Daft Punk. The group is as equally entrancing for their mystery as for their music. Daft Punk is known by many as just two French guys in robot suits who make great dance music, but they’ve been so much more than that.

Sidetracked

WEEKEND reviewers rate three of music's newest tracks.

The comedy here is not promotion-worthy

“The Promotion” is an average film. It leaves a feel-good taste in your mouth, but it goes away within an hour, because that’s as long as it takes to forget this movie.  

A shorter day at the office still delivers a work week full of laughs

“The Office” is easily one of the best comedies on TV, and even a weak season still trumps almost everything else.on the air.

Howard Shines

The deeper Howard digs and the louder he gets makes him sound all the much better, but the quiet moments on Shine Through It are very sexy. And this sexiness is riddled with Spanish tinged guitars, lustful background vocals and a singer who knows how to seduce women.