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Not quite gravity defying

By Alyson Brodsy and Jeff O'Reilly · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

Old for his age

By Alyson Brodsy and David A. Nosko · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

I am ready for some football

By Alyson Brodsy and K. A. MacDonald · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

Get these snakes off my plane!!

By Alyson Brodsy and Bethany Bannister-Andrews · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.m.

Buckle your seat belts ladies and gentlemen. There are snakes on this plane. Yet this is no ordinary snake-filled plane -- this is an airplane flying from Hawaii to Los Angeles with a ton of poisonous snakes, there to kill a mob witness and everyone on board. Unless federal agent Samuel L. Jackson, the owner of "motherfucking" movie lines, has his way. This upcoming movie, "Snakes on a Plane," hits theaters across the country August 18, with the first official teaser trailer premiering before X-Men 3: The Last Stand in May. Like many summer blockbusters, the anticipation leading up to its release is high, yet this film has a particularly unique following. It's rare that a movie like SoaP received such extensive parody before its release, and even before its official publicity started. Cult films like "Evil Dead," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Reefer Madness" didn't have massive amounts of followers until after their release, often years later. The "Star Wars" movies, particularly the original trilogy, and "Star Trek," in all its incarnations, have a dedicated fan culture that developed once audiences filled the theaters on and after opening day.

More filth than fun

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Grenn · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

Smith strikes back

By Alyson Brodsy and John Barnett · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.m.

When Kevin Smith misfires, he misfires big. When he hits his target, be prepared to laugh your silly ass off. With many of his fans still left with the sour taste of "Jersey Girl" and about half of "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" in their mouths, Smith returns to his roots with a sequel to the film that made him famous. Thankfully, "Clerks II" is an exercise in Smith firing on all cylinders in terms of both his writing and his direction of physical comedy. It's also his best movie since the original "Clerks."

Cheung gets 'Clean' with Assayas

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Wisner · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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).

What a day for a 'Daydream'

By Alyson Brodsy and Josh Milrod · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

Why the world needs comic book movies

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Wisner · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

Every guy's worst nightmare

By Alyson Brodsy and Michael Mellini · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

Teen Flick Delivers

By Alyson Brodsky and Alyson Brodsy · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

Alt-Country supergroup returns

By Alyson Brodsy and Ty Schrock · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

Hungry for Art

By Alyson Brodsy and David A. Nosko · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

NCAA 07 Xbox 360

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Freiberg · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.m.

NCAA 07 on the Xbox 360 is the hot drunk girl you pick up tailgating outside Memorial Stadium. Yeah she's fun for a night, maybe two, but what kind of future are you two really going to have? Where's the depth? The personality? This game is missing a lot of features present in the current gen version, like Race for the Heisman and Campus Challenge that while not necessary for a college game, at least give you more bang for your buck. There are three mini games available in this version (bowling is especially addictive), but you'll probably get tired of them after you get the achievement points from beating them. At least the action on the field doesn't disappoint with tight AI that will smoke you if you don't know your playbook.

Legendary Band Shines On

By C. Warner Sills and Alyson Brodsy · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.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.

'Lady' is a bore

By Alyson Brodsy and Matt McMullan · Thursday, July 27,2006 12 a.m.

M. Night Shyamalan is one pretentious son of a bitch, and his latest film, "Lady in the Water," sucks. There, I said it. That was hard for me. I am, admittedly, an M Night Shyamalaniac. I thought "The Sixth Sense" was entertaining. I enjoyed "Unbreakable" and "Signs." I even thought "The Village" was pretty boss. But sometimes things go too far. You trust someone to make a decent film, you welcome the guy into your home and readily defend his more questionable titles to people you assume are small-minded assholes. And the next thing you know there's money missing from the dresser and your daughter's knocked up; your trust has been abused.

Democrats say 'no' to I-69 toll road

By David A. Nosko · Wednesday, July 26,2006 8:32 p.m.

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels' Republican vision for State Road 37 includes repaving already paved land into an Interstate 69 extension toll road, but three local democratic leaders have drawn a political line in the sand, saying "a toll road will have profound negative effects on the residents of Monroe County." State House of Representatives Matt Pierce, D-61, and Peggy Welch, D-60, together with State Senator Vi Simpson, D-40, issued a letter to the Federal Highway Administration July 21 declaring no I-69 toll road is the only road they will accept besides an already taxpayer-funded State Road 37.

Dorm debris dumped illegally

By Julie Mahomed · Wednesday, July 26,2006 8:30 p.m.

A contractor has been caught illegally dumping debris from the demolition of the old Ashton Center at 10th and Union streets on a farm in rural Monroe County, officials said. Homrich Inc., the company handling the demolition of the Ashton residence hall complex, has been ordered to stop the illegal dumping and remove the materials, said Kirk White, IU director of community relations. The Monroe County Solid Waste Management District received an anonymous call July 14 reporting demolition debris dumping in the 3200 block of old Indiana 446. After witnessing the large amount of materials involved, district environmental enforcement director Tom McGlasson made the decision to call the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Teen arrested in sniper shooting

By Sarah Core · Wednesday, July 26,2006 8:30 p.m.

An Indiana teenager was arrested Tuesday afternoon in connection with the sniper attacks that put the state on high alert this weekend. Zachariah "Zach" Blanton, 17, of Gaston, Ind., allegedly confessed to the shootings that occurred on major highways in Delaware and Jackson Counties early Sunday morning, killing one man and injuring another. Both shootings occurred in the Seymour and Redkey areas of Interstates 65 and 69. Wednesday, Blanton pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder and three counts of criminal recklessness with a firearm at the Jackson County Courthouse. Circuit Judge William Vance set a tentative date of Dec. 13 for his trial.

Playing with Fire

By Kristi Oloffson · Wednesday, July 26,2006 8:14 p.m.

Pyro-kinetic artist Molly Block can belly dance while spinning fiery objects around her body. She can dance with a flaming sword and staff. She even does fire breathing. Although Block, known as Wyldfyre, has been practicing fire dancing for six years, she will be teaching the basic movement of a dance form known as poi, which she incorporates into her performance, at a workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St. Ann Shaffer of Dark Side Tribal, a belly-dancing group sponsoring the workshop, described poi as having two balls on chains or strings that one spins around him or herself. Cost for the workshop is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Attendees can bring their own poi equipment or purchase some at the workshop for $5 extra.