Arts

Experience is the best teacher. It’s no wonder, then, that “Safe House,” released Feb. 10, suffers from the shortcomings of amateurs like director David Espinosa and writer David Guggenheim. However, the involvement of seasoned actors and a practiced cinematographer allow “Safe House” to overcompensate for its weaknesses and entertain audiences.
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“Star Wars Episode I: the Phantom Menace” is the film we thought was awesome when we were six years old. Ten years after its initial theatrical run and after the loss of innocence of the entire film-going generation that saw “Episode I” as kids, the film leaves a sour taste in the mouths of viewers upon its 3D re-release.
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When a five-course meal is run through the blender, it just won’t taste the same.
Neo-psychedelic pop band Of Montreal’s new album “Paralytic Stalks,” is brimming with ideas, most of which aren’t half-bad, but front man Kevin Barnes’ attempt to use them all at once results in an incoherent hodgepodge of conflicting musical styles. […]

When coming back from a musical hiatus, usually bands try to create a unique sound to draw in new listeners and old fans. The Fray, however, manage to stay close to their roots while experimenting with new sounds. “Scars & Stories” follows almost the same slow rock formula as the band’s previous albums with its piano ballads, distinct lyrics and melancholic sound. […]

In today’s music industry, success often varies and can be made off of an entire album or a single track. Many bands are met with great hardships in trying to gain this popularity.

Yet the band Dr. Dog has finally broken through these barriers and escalated higher in the musical world with the release of their new album. […]

By Zack Gill Arts Editor Awards season will culminate on Feb. 26 with the 84th annual Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will award Oscars to achievements in film, be it […]

Electronic musicians often struggle in the live forum. Fortunately, for Gonzales’ shoegaze-inspired brain-child, this was not the case. M83’s sold-out performance at Club Nokia on January 13 was a testament to showmanship and hard work: Anthony Gonzales appears to be among the most hardworking musicians in rock music right now. With a dazzling light display and comparable musical ability, M83 put on a show of epic proportion.
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Let’s face it; the Grammys are in their autumnal phase. With the rise of internet music blogs, music piracy and the free mix-tapes, the Grammys are simply struggling to stay current and relevant. […]