Over the past few years, folk music has been making a comeback — with a big change. Rock’s influence has added new guitar riffs and edgy vocals. The Avett Brothers thrive on this change. Only 13 months after the release of “The Carpenter,” they dropped “The Magpie and the Dandelion,” using songs they recorded in the same sessions as...
This brings me back. TLC’s “20” marks the 20-year anniversary of the group’s career. Music has made many shifts and changes, but one thing is clear: TLC still remains the top-selling all-girl group ever, and this collection reminds us why. This greatest hits collection features an eclectic mix from the group’s catalogue, ranging from breakup songs to songs of...
“The Fifth Estate” is not a masterful display of cinematographic execution, nor is it a nail-biting thriller. However, it is important because it presents a story that challenges the morality of its audience. The WikiLeaks movement has revolutionized the future of journalism and placed even further doubt in the transparency of the national government. The film’s writing and a...
“Beyond: Two Souls,” the second PlayStation 3 exclusive to come from French video game developer Quantic Dream, has yet again crafted a compelling and fascinating story. Quantic Dream already proved their ability to tell a story with the critically-acclaimed “Heavy Rain,” their first venture into PlayStation 3. Director David Cage did not disappoint with Quantic Dream’s newest installment, which...
After their return to the mainstream rock scene with the album “Save Rock and Roll,” Fall Out Boy is back six months later with an eight-song EP, “Pax Am Days.” In this release, the band strays away from their catchy, arena-rock sound for a raw, punk-rock roar.
Each song is a quick burst of energy, with seven of the eight...
Who would have thought that a 71-year-old man could sound so decidedly … indie? On Paul McCartney’s latest album, “New,” the music legend gives his unmistakable style a modern-indie rock feel, while never losing touch of what made him popular in his remarkable career, including his classic sound. The album as a whole has its ebbs and flows, but...
Since the release of their self-titled debut album back in 2011, a lot has happened to lead singer Madeline Follin and guitarist Brian Oblivion, who together make up Cults. After going their separate ways romantically, the two came back together musically for their second LP “Static.” The record chronicles the duo’s breakup, and the feelings and emotions that come...
When Tom Hanks is billed as a lead for an emotionally challenging film, it has generally been a recipe for success in the past two decades. When he was cast as Captain Richard Phillips in “Captain Phillips,” moviegoers couldn’t wait to break out the tissue box for another ride. Sadly, Hanks’ new project as the heroic captain falls flat...
It’s impossible to have heard nothing about Miley Cyrus lately, whether it’s regarding her half-naked routine at the VMAs or admitting that her songs are about drug use. Especially after several performances of her single “We Can’t Stop” this summer, most of the attention she’s been getting has been on her behavior, not her music.
“Bangerz” is Cyrus’ fourth album...
Cage the Elephant’s third LP “Melophobia” takes us on a journey into the mind of the band’s lead singer, Matthew Shultz. Known mainly for their chaotic combinations of punk, blues and garage rock, their latest album displays many different sides to the band, highlighted by experimental combinations of various elements and genres of music.
“Telescope” sees Shultz losing the role...