Spike Lee’s work has always been deeply concerned with issues of race and class. It’s most apparent in the acclaimed director’s iconic films like Do the Right Thing (1989) or Malcolm X (1992), which showcase the topics as their central themes, but he even manages to sneak them into ostensibly[Read More…]
Arts & Entertainment
Keep up to date on local art, new albums, and everything entertainment-related.
Album Review: Aphex Twin – Syro
In early September, Richard James, aka Aphex Twin, teased his eager fan base with the release of his new album’s first track, “minipops 67 [120.2].” The song’s resonant kick-drum harmony reminded me of Moderat’s crowd-pleasing 2009 single, “Rusty Nails,” which lead me to believe that Syro was going to be[Read More…]
Pop Rhetoric: Mysterious craze—Why the U2 hate has gone too far
Is there a more hated band in the world right now than U2?
20,000 Days on Earth: An artist finds fulfillment by losing himself
Like most projects Nick Cave pours his soul into, 20,000 Days On Earth is a gripping experience.
Edge of Eternity provides engrossing ending to historical trilogy
History has a bad rap for being a seemingly perfunctory field of study. As a history major, I certainly have gotten my fair share of skepticism when I profess my interest in our past. But history, more than almost any other subject, carries a certain humanity with it. It is[Read More…]
Album Review: Odesza – In Return
Having made names for themselves in their local electronic music scene, Seattle-based Catacombkid (aka Harrison Mills) and BeachesBeaches (aka Clayton Knight) brought their individual talents together to create ODESZA in 2012. Since then, the partnership has flourished, as demonstrated by the duo’s dynamic sophomore album, In Return. The record is[Read More…]
Deep Cuts: Forgotten gems from one-hit wonders
Lawyers, Guns, and Money Artist: Warren Zevon Album: Excitable Boy Released: January 18, 1978 Though you probably don’t know who Warren Zevon was, you’ve probably heard “Werewolves of London” before—though it’s likely more often associated with Halloween or being one of the samples on Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” than[Read More…]
Owen Pallett reveals expertise in vocals, violin
As far as entrances go, Owen Pallett’s first appearance on stage during his concert at the Corona Theatre last week was a humble one.
Album Review: Lights – Little Machines
Five years ago, the electronic music field looked vastly different than what it is today. Since then, La Roux proved a surprising newcomer with her hit single “Bulletproof,” Skrillex was the first electronic artist nominated for major Grammy awards, and Disclosure led the modern-day electronic charge into mainstream culture. The relatively[Read More…]
Album Review: Perfume Genius – Too Bright
Conveying emotion is difficult. Conveying emotion well—and allowing people to connect to it—is even harder. However, for American songwriter Mike Hadreas, otherwise known as Perfume Genius, emotional darkness and confessions are where he thrives. His first two albums tackle incredibly personal struggles: Sexuality, molestation, and relationships, which results in some[Read More…]
