108 Magazine Spring 2005, Volume 2

Class Band Bios: pages 2-6 Features: pages 7-12 Reviews: pages 13- 17 Al Roker and the Tummy Tucks Weathering the Storm by Chris Samsen

ou already know tars, bass, and drums), and Y future of Al Roker and the course load. In addition, Al Roker and the Tummy none of extras that seem Tummy Tucks? The band the time and distance of Tucks from their debut to plague modern art rock hopes to stay together. In summer precludes any performance earlier this bands. fact, a slightly transformed major advancement of the semester, a cover of Johnny The name Al Roker and line-up played a concert on group. But we hope that Cash’s classic “Ghost Riders the Tummy Tucks may May 7th at Psi U on cam- they continue to provide in the Sky.” A new twist on seem an unusual name, pus. Wesleyan with a classic, a familiar song, it was cer- but looking at its origins is but innovative rock sound, tainly well received by a host After that, who knows? evidence of a more standard and I’m assured that their of music critics, specifically The effort that goes into a rock group name format, sophomore release will be the MUSC108 class. Now, band, as this foursome has derived from the names of learned, is almost prohibi- nothing but a success. as we await their sophomore many 50’s rock groups like tive in the face of a college effort into the realm of “Jerry and the Pacemakers.” music recording, let’s get a Commenting on the choice closer look at the band. of “Al Roker” as the lead The most pressing ques- man, Bill Kellogg says “he’s “He’s a jolly guy and a tion, of course, is “Who is a jolly guy and a fantastic fantastic meteorologist.” Al Roker?” To fill that role meteorologist.” Enough Enough said. is Alon Hafri on bass guitar. said. Alon, a sophomore here at Of course, the big risk Wesleyan, aspires to walk in of a second release is the footsteps of Al Roker, the “sophomore slump.” the jovial NBC weather- Alon and the gang aren’t man, much in the same way as concern about this. that Bob Dylan looked up to They’re looking forward Woody Guthrie in his early to a recording an original career. Of course, these song this time around, guys would rather play mu- possibly a more upbeat sic than point to a graphic dance number. They of a cloud… don’t believe they have The Tummy Tucks round very big shoes to fill after out the band (so to speak), their first release. How- with Bill Kellogg on guitar, ever, there was nothing Pat Wolf on guitar and but praise for their first vocals, and Alaia Zeno on effort, especially factoring drums (filling the unusual in time considerations, spot as a female drummer, a and the fact that they’re a la the Velvet Underground). brand new band, com- This band fits the mold of pared to some other vet- a classic rock band, with all eran bands of MUSC108. the essentials (vocals, gui- What’s in it for the To Live and To Die: The fall of the YY Black Heart Y by Ben Nissim Orchestra

It should be well known Passover Seder treats. When had belted out the melody for by now that the group The Passover came each year Ben, ‘A Whole New World’ could Y Black Heart Orchestra has Hans and Jonno would rush barely hit a ‘G’. My questions fallen apart. But while we do to every Kosher Kitchen east revolved around my mystery, know they are no more, we of the Mississippi and buy up but it quickly became clear do not know why. The trio the entire supply of kosher that his mind was so warped candy. On April 20th, the day from kosher chocolate treats that became famous for their est to reach yet. Leaving the of our meeting, Passover was that my leads would never rock cover of ‘A Whole New bathroom I marched confi- only a few short days away. I bring him to the end and the World’, off their self titled dently to his room. Acting hoped I was not too late. answers I wanted. Realizing debut quickly bowed to the confident is half the battle. I I was wasting my time, I left heavy burden of fame. For Arriving at Clark Hall knocked solidly on the door Ben to his Seder rants and a group that has inspired so I noticed an eerie silence. but was greeted with silence. matzo dreams. many, a clan that was at the Matzo boxes were strewn After going through the cycle apex of its musical genius haphazardly across the hall, As I left Ben’s room and of knocking and waiting to break apart so suddenly, sure signs of a binge. I was walked out into the hall, several times I threw open the I had to know why. So on worried about my friends, a shadow flashed into the door…to emptiness. April 20th I left on a journey but more worried about their bathroom. On a hunch and Disheartened I left the through darkness and light on hall mates. There is no telling deduction based on Ben’s room and slowly walked to Wesleyan University’s cam- what a man on a Matzo high condition I followed the study lounge window. It was pus, to discover the roots of will do. shadow into washroom. a beautiful day; the sun was the Black Heart Orchestra’s There, lying on his back kick- I high stepped through the shining through every crack disintegration. ing a ball playfully in the air scattered boxes I peered into and for all the students on the like a kitten, Jonno giggled to I had intended for my Ben’s door. He was passed hill, there was life. But stand- himself. There was something expedition to begin midday out, propped up on his bed, ing inside the dormitory with wrong here. Eight months in Clark Hall. I knew that the pieces of Jewish cracker the ruins of a Passover binge ago this brilliant drummer three members of the group dribbling onto his chest. His scattered on the floor all and arranger would never made their homes in the hall, lips were pressed into an around me, I knew why the have been caught dead on the and assumed that would be unnatural grin. After several Black Heart Orchestra had bathroom floor. Now there the best place to start. All attempts to jar him awake, I fallen. The band had found was no place he would have three members were enigmas; was finally able to revive the superstar status, but that was rather been. Discouraged, I had a long history with lead vocalist. It took several never what they played to I turned and left the room. them, but had no faith in my minutes and a few gummy reach They searched for an- There would be no answers ability to track them down. fruit slices to make him com- swers for their own questions, found in the lavatory. Much like Al Aronowitz, Bob prehensible, but eventually not to satisfy any others. They Dylan and the Beatles, I had his words rang true. The last man I had to find had found their American turned these rising stars onto was Hans Hsu. And I knew Dream. It was in a box of their drug of choice. Unfor- The man was a shell of his that this would be the hard- matzo and a bathroom floor. tunately their drug was Jewish former self. The baritone that Foxy Music You are no match for Eurofox by Brian Thorpe Eurofox. The name This sense of humor can members of another band, conjures mental imaginings be seen in Eurofox’s debut The Panthers. Lead vocal- of too-tight snakeskin pants, track, released in the first ist Rachel Kiel ’07 can be huge egos, the overbearingly academic quarter of this counted among the ranks masculine scent of musky year. The band forcibly of Wesleyan’s award-win- cologne and a level of sex- mashed two classic tracks ning, all-female a cap- ual bravado that makes the by the Phil Spector-pro- pella group, The Cardinal dirtiest copy of Hustler look duced ‘50s girl group, The Sinners. Drummer Victor like the Book of Mormon. Ronettes, into a Moreau- Vazquez is familiar to any Surely any band that would esque beast of a cover song. follower of campus bands as adopt such a moniker must “You Came, You Saw, You he is a multi-instrumentalist pay homage to the gods Conquered/Be My Baby” that can claim membership of ludicrous material in several different excess and indulgent groups, including La self-importance. Guitarist Nat Webb Spanka. New to the ‘06 once finished one Eurofox lineup for Upon meeting the the second quarter members of Eurofox, of his e-mails to me of MUSC108 is the however, one realizes by stating simply, talented bass playing that the group hasn’t of Miles Turner ’08. quite succumbed to “My cock looks huge the narcotic and sexual in leather trousers.” Eurofox’s next dependencies their project will be a live name implies. In fact, performance of an it quickly becomes obvious original composition. Ap- was so deliciously over-the- that this collection of goofy, propriate considering the top as to even feature an down-to-earth Wesleyan stu- group’s sense of humor, it interlude where Webb and dents never takes themselves will be over-the-top and fellow guitarist Jesse Young too seriously, yet enjoys the heavily influenced by funk. ’06 quickly banged out the humor in being satirically One band member said opening riff to AC/DC’s over-the-top. A tendency to expect their show to be “Back in Black” for good towards the ridiculous is “danceable like whoa.” measure. present in everything the With Vazquez and Turner band touches, from their However, do not mistake providing a thunderous name to their music to their the humor that defines rhythm section, Webb and e-mail correspondence with Eurofox as nothing more Young’s twin guitar attack, this journalist. (Guitarist Nat than a cover for lack of and Kiel’s expansive vocals, Webb ‘06 once finished one musical talent. Webb and it seems safe to say that of his e-mails to me by stat- Young are both distin- very few audience members ing simply, “My cock looks guished guitar celebrities will be sitting down when huge in leather trousers.”) on campus, being founding Eurofox hit the stage.

A Special Brew by Josh Tanz Changing Perceptions You may remember Special Brew for the hilarious lyrics of “Talkin’ Wesleyan comedic entertainment. Chris of great parties, students are will surely be enhanced by “a Blues.” The cover of Bob Gateman, the band’s vocalist forced to drink in their rooms few cases of Natty Light,” says Dylan’s “Talkin’ New York” and head writer, points out privately fearing punishment Franklin. is a commentary on the party that “although the song talked from Public Safety if they The band is excited about scene, or lack thereof, at our about partying, we did have venture outside. the possibility of performing school. From freshman to a political message hidden in For their next release it live. With a party sure to occur seniors to alum to professors, there, which seemed to [get] remains to be seen whether in conjunction with a concert, the song strikes a chord that lost in the shuffle.” In the song, there will be a message in the Special Brew will be a proac- everyone can relate to. Who Gateman asks, “Where did all music. No matter the decision, tive force in fixing the problem hasn’t been at a party that the parties go? North College the band cares much more they sing about in “Talkin’ Public Safety broke-up and is trying to keep us down.” about making people laugh Wesleyan Blues.” No matter been too lazy to walk to the The climate of Wesleyan then think. Although Special the quality of the music, if next party? “Sometimes creat- has changed over the years Brew hasn’t committed to the band can help students ing original lyrics that everyone and Public Safety and the anything yet for the final, they alter their perceptions—either can relate to is better than just administration have begun to are looking to include Tyler alcoholically or otherwise, then straight covering a song,” says suppress the party scene. The Franklin, the percussionist, on they are undoubtedly success- Tim Mcgee. new Quiet Houses on Home Ave. have prevented seniors the vocal track to complement ful. Special Brew’s jocular first Gateman’s folk style. Whatever from throwing the parties that release was not only pure used to be so popular. Instead they choose, the Brew’s writing The Three Amigos Former members of by Sam Astor Up Top, Down South tackle Hendrix gos experience is complete. guitar” and says any Hendrix fter the messy breakup This heightened level of A riffs are well within his grasps. of Up Top, Down South, musical achievement that the It is no wonder that The While Saxon has no officially Adam Rose, Andy Saxon, trio has realized is quite unex- Three Amigos’ agent, Jenn confirmed this follow-up proj- and Dan Reif knew that their pected from the trio’s previous Heinen, claimed in a press re- ect to Plush, his background in musical endeavors were not undertakings. Up Top, Down lease that “this album will rise acapella has shown his vocal finished. As they meandered South’s rendition of Conta- faster than The Three Amigos diversity and clear ability to through the paths of Wesleyan gious, despite reaching the top on a Viagra binge.” After cover Hendrix. Questions still looking for musical salvation, in the Music 108 pop chart, vomiting at that very thought, I remain on whether Adam they found something that had lacked the harmony that Saxon went out and heard the single. Rose can match Little Wing’s from the start- friendship and and Reif were capable of While I can’t clarify if Heinen’s graphic art, but inside sources the Spanish language that none achieving. statements are accurate, I can say he’s working hard clicking of them speak proficiently. tell you that Plush is a timeless The close relationship that a mouse somewhere. piece of art. The Three Amigos already the two share on and off stage Whether The Three Ami- have big plans. Their acoustic is quite apparent with their When asked if they had gos is the final stop for these version of “Plush”- originally frequent quarrels that can’t plans for a follow-up, Reif three...amigos, remains to be recorded by the Stone Temple help remind their followers of clandestinely revealed that they seen. After the bitter breakup Pilots- makes hardened con- Sonny and Cher. Nevertheless, had a project in mind. He of the previous band skepti- struction workers want to cry. when they find their common mentioned they were working cism abounds. However, with As a matter of fact, during our ground and start playing it on “Lil’” Wing, a remix of Jimi such fabulous music being interview around a construc- is an experience like nothing Hendrix’s Little Wing. Reif, churned out, there is really no tion site, we had to pause and else. When this combination is not known for his modesty time to stop and question the observe the entire group of paired with the album art of in the industry, eloquently future. masons cry. Adam Rose, The Three Ami- claimed “yo I’m mad good at The Long and Winding Road of by Eliot Nelson

The Butterfield B lounge Lukewarm Hai Hum,” says The Grocers is the current hot spot in the vi- bollywoodworld.com editor brant Central Connecticut club Akshay Rampal Morea, “but scene. Its several couches evoke then one day, you know, BAM. able, here was Professor Long- club hits. “Das Good!” hit the the Salvation Army look that It was the Max and Aishwarya hair taking me under his wing. German dance charts and has been so popular among the show.” You know what they called me? stayed there for 34 weeks. ‘Student Round-Coif.’ Wow.” Alphabet City contingent. It The attention was clearly “It was frustrating,” quips is no surprise, then, that the affecting the couple and after Horowitz’s renown brought Hill, “Most people just focused Grocers have convened at this weeks of a rumored breakup, him success and his string of on the pulsating bass line veritable New England Studio the two finally called it quits New Orleans piano albums and the Earth Wind and Fire 54 to write the follow up to after annulling their brief, 83 sold well. His Scratchin’ Like samples. They didn’t appre- their smash hit, “Produce Isle hour marriage. an’ Old Hound, The News ciate the underlying lyrical Blues.” from Basin Street, Piano condemnation of Coca-Cola’s “It’s just…it’s just,” says Gumbo and I Really, Really unrelenting stranglehold on “You couldn’t go anywhere Max with a pause to take a Like Scotch Sour are consid- the proletariat. I needed to get without hearing that song,” re- sip of his scotch sour, “it’s just ered classics of the genre. out.” calls Max Horowitz, the groups hard y’know?” now famous keyboardist. However things got stale Max then came across For Horowitz, it has been for Horowitz. “I just didn’t like the singer Cece Seiter who’s Horowitz has had a busy a long and oftentimes ardu- what I was doing anymore; I series of children’s albums are year. He just returned from ous journey from his humble needed a change of scene.” well known throughout New India where he spent several roots in New Orleans as a dock England. months studying the sitar with worker’s son. Max left New Orleans for Ravi Shankar. The trip was Berkshire County in Western “I’ve always been about the “My earliest memory of my supposed to be a retreat from Massachusetts where folk children’s music scene,” Brags father was hearing his stories the pressures of stardom—a artists like James Taylor have Horowitz, “Raffi, Sesame about seeing the Buddy Bolden way to remove himself from drawn their inspiration. Street, Pete Seeger, I love that Band live. He’d go and seem the celebrity brought on by stuff. So when I came across them every Saturday night “It gave me a totally new “Produce Isle’s” success. the ‘Cece sings sings’ series? I with the money he earned. If perspective. In the mornings However soon after his arrival knew I had found a singer. “ he had a little extra, he’d buy I’d wake up and take a walk he began a relationship with a scotch sour or two,” recalls amongst the evergreens. In the But now the band has put Indian film actress Aishwarya Max as he mixes himself his evening’s I’d go for a meal in the past behind them and is Rai and things got crazy. 12th scotch sour, “So you see, Stockbridge. It was great.” focused on the future. The couple was a tabloid this is really just a tribute.” This new world view had a “We’re going to continue magnet: within days of their By his 16th birthday Max clear influence on Horowitz’s our experimentation. With first public appearance the two was inspired enough by his next album which had a decid- Max just coming back from were the poster children of father’s tales of musicians to edly folksier feel. Autumnal India, we might just take a every Indian gossip page. set out on his own as a pianist. Touches was a complete de- more world music route.” Says “And here everyone was His career went nowhere fast. parture from his previous New Seiter. talking about the sparks flying After several years of playing Orleans sound and was panned Of their untitled new single, between Ritesh Deshmukh and debutante balls, brothels, and by critics. she says that although the mu- Isha Koppikar on the Hard Rock Cafes, Horowitz After a few more years sic may change, the message set of Kya was losing patience. relaxing in Massachusetts, Max remains the same, “We’re try- “I thought to my self, ‘you went to Connecticut where he ing to express the importance know what Max, met up with the people that of the grocery store.” fuck it.’” Yet Max’s would make up the Grocers. The single has been a long fortunes changed Max first met Grocer gui- time coming notes Hill, “Well when he was spotted tarist Albert Hill at a night club we were going for a prog rock by the legendary New in West Hartford. slash 100 piece orchestra sound Orleans pianist Professor Hill had been DJing at club but it just wasn’t practical. In- Longhair. The two soon Grinder for several years after stead it’s evolving into a dance became inseparable and an extended stay in Europe. folk combination.” Max’s status in the music Hill had been involved in the “Whatever,” cries Max as community skyrocketed, German trance scene and had he pours his 37th scotch sour, “It was fucking unbeliev- found success mixing several “We’ll bring it.” A Family Affair by Naomi Green When I set out to and lots of other early 90s polka for that matter (al- read the almost 90 musical rock bands. But Green day though I think for another autobiographies that Pro- came up over, and over, reason entirely). What fessor Charry handed me and over again. came up as a common from our History of Rock Finally, one student’s interest was ‘60s music, Whether someone’s and R&B class, I was ex- words crystallized it for me. classic rock and soul, and pecting chaos. How could He wrote: “I could make other music popular in our 90 people with 90 different my parents uncomfortable parents’ days. How did this mother taught them backgrounds and 90 differ- by listening to CDs with a music retain its popularity ent brains be viewed as a parental advisory sticker even today? cohesive whole? As is turns on them.” I remembered Here’s the key: our how to play an out, by having families. my own copy of Green parents are Baby Boom- Day’s Dookie and the A common thread run- ers, the most hulking mass instrument or their ning through most every explicit lyrics label that of Generation our nation biography was the way accompanied it, unlike has ever seen. The influ- people said their families a Nirvana or Pearl Jam ence they command over father played music had influenced their taste album. When teenagers American life and cul- in music from an early want to rebel from their ture is staggering, simply point in their lives. Wheth- parents’ music tastes, they because the rest of us puny tapes in the car, the er someone’s mother try to listen to things their Generations are too small taught them how to play parents would hate. For us, to stand up to them. Thus, an instrument or their it was often gangsta rap, they get to control popular music of our youth father played music tapes punk, or alternative rock tastes in many ways and in the car, the music of our that did the trick. Hence decide what gets attention youth seems to have been Green Day. and what gathers dust. was our parents’ our parents’ music. Of Once young people gain It comes down to the course, when we’re very more independence from fact that our families have young we have no choice their families by getting influenced our music music. over what we listen to—but a driver’s license or go- choices from the start, and most people looked back ing to college, it becomes we will probably always on the music their parents easier to develop their own have that in our minds. In shared with them in fond- tastes. That is what I found the end, music tastes come ness. people had done. We di- and go, but we’ll always But then something versified our palette of mu- have our families. happened to us. And it sic, but certain things still was….Green Day. Huh? I remained missing. Disco was confused at first, as I wasn’t very common, nor saw the obligatory admis- was 80s pop music, or The Story sion of young Nirvana obsession, but Green Day? Sure they were popular, of Our but so were Hole, Stone Musical Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Autobiographies Red Hot Chili Peppers American Idols: Reality Television Churns Out by Alice McKenney a New Generation of One-Hit Wonders

Music reality TV shows the worst and the best mov- A similar formula are huge right now. They ing on. The worst are only to American Idol aren’t a particularly new pushed towards the finals for was taken; with phenomenon (think back comedic value, where they contestants being to the Partridge Family and are torn to bits by one of the kicked off the the Monkees), but they have show’s judges, Simon Cow- show until only reemerged in recent years. ell. The other two judges five remained. Making the Band sought out are Paula Abdul and Randy Likewise, bro- new musicians via national Jackson. ken dreams audition, and American Idol The best singers are then and shat- claims to have the next big flown to LA, where they tered hopes pop star up its sleeve. compete to win a recording ensued. Why do we watch so many contract under the menac- People music reality TV shows? ing eyes of the three judges. seem to Currently on its fourth Each contestant’s outcome is crave season, American Idol has then up to the general public, seeing become the most popular of who vote via the internet and others these shows, with Making the cell phone text messaging. crash Band running in second. and burn! American Idol combines American Idol entices insults and heartbreak with But is that really why we thousands of young men and ultimate fame. Is this what watch these “made for TV isn’t bad. It is women to audition, and has a ‘reality’ show needs to musicians”? To revel in other definitely entertaining a huge following of viewers. become popular? It may peoples’ misfortunes? Pos- in many respects, and can be Over 34 million tuned in for seem like it. MTV’s Making sibly. Although there are worth listening to. But to a this season’s premiere! the Band from 2000 followed definitely other followings, certain extent, pop is a genre like children looking for role where its musicians have The basic idea behind the the creation of a boy band models, teenagers looking to fit a mold. These shows show is that thousands of that would later be called for someone to fawn with made-for-TV musicians people audition across the O’Town. over next week, or even surely exploit the easy sale country, with only adults just looking of pop music to the general for good entertain- population. ment. It’s not hard for companies to Though there is nothing capitalize on these outwardly wrong with them, target audiences. they should be viewed more Just bring in young for their entertainment value talented musicians instead of as predictors of and judges who the future of music. Some of throw out insults the stars may show talent, but like it’s nothing they will undoubtedly fade and you’ve got a away, just like O’Town or winning combi- Reuben Studdard (an Ameri- nation. can Idol winner). Made-for- TV musicians are truly the Pop music epitome of one hit wonders. Madonna:A History By Vincent Benevento entirely original, it successfully No woman over the last the charts for six weeks. Ma- With the success of Des- revitalized the image of the twenty years has had a more donna’s immediate ascension perately Seeking Susan came Hollywood Gold-digger of significant impact on pop- to stardom instilled in her a the release of A Certain the 1920’s and 1930’s. Once culture than Madonna. As unique confidence that allowed Sacrifice, a low-budget film in again, girls fell in love with the an artist, she has undergone her to take artistic risks. which Madonna had appeared idea that they had the power to numerous aesthetic makeovers Madonna’s early career in 1979. This erotic thriller manipulate a man and use him to her image and musical style. can be characterized as more landed Madonna much nega- for his wealth. She has managed to transcend provocative, sexy, and offensive tive press and made her name trend and age in order to pro- than that of most other artists. Later that year, Madonna a mainstay in tabloid head- duce successful music and con- By 1985, her life was encapsu- starred in her first feature film- lines. The bad press continued tinually redefine her persona lated by a whirlwind of media Desperately Seeking Susan. when Playboy and Penthouse and the way that Americans, in controversy. Her marriage to She was met with critical ac- published nude photos of the general, view sex. power-house Hollywood actor claim for her role and the film singer/actress from shoots that Madonna thrives upon Sean Penn received offensive flourished. While Madonna occurred in 1977. portrayed the glamour of the incorporating the duality of of Media coverage. At the Many critics felt that the the pure and innocent virgin poor publicity would affect in contrast with the sexually the artist’s sales. Nevertheless, promiscuous temptress as pri- when she turned out True Blue mary themes of her music and in 1986, the album sold over identity. Now as both a wife five million copies in the U.S. and mother, Madonna fulfills a alone. “Poppa Don’t Preach” domestic role. Whatever facet became her fourth number one of her identity she wishes to single. Thousands of teen- accentuate- be it singer, dancer, age girls continued to adopt actress, fashion icon, sexual her sexy appearance, dubbing revolutionary, or wife and themselves “Madonna Wan- mother- Madonna’s willing- nabees,” much to the chagrin ness to takes risks, coupled with of their parents, who were amazing social consciousness concerned with the controver- and business savvy allows her sial image of the artist. to expand an already iconic international celebrity. Madonna’s next significant cinematic success would not In the early 1980’s, Madon- come until she starred along- na was a well-known fixture in side Warren Beatty in Dick the international, underground Tracy in 1990. However, her club circuit. But the artist musical prosperity continued would not make her way into with the release of her 1988 the mainstream music scene “Thousands of teenage girls continued album You Can Dance. The until September of 1983. That to adopt her sexy appearance, dubbing record spawned three more month, she released a self-titled themselves “Madonna Wannabees,” number one singles: “Cher- debut album, which met with much to the chagrin of their parents.” ish,” “Keep it Together,” immediate national success. and “Express Yourself.” The The first single “Holiday,” video for “Like a Prayer” was broke into the Billboard Top criticized by the Vatican for 20. The follow up track, “Bor- its links between religion and derline,” became Madonna’s same time, “Material Girl” Hollywood starlet through the eroticism. As a result, Pepsi- a first top 10 hit. reached number two on the thematic content of her music, longtime sponsor of Ma- Steamrolling off the success charts, and on the heels of the she enjoyed the spotlight of donna- withdrew its corporate of the first record, Madonna success of the single, she began superstardom in reality. At this endorsement. Nevertheless, made Like a Virgin in 1984. her first world tour. point, Madonna’s career was the controversy only boosted thriving, but scandal accompa- sales again, making the work a The title single became her Though Madonna’s “Mate- nied this immense fame. global best-seller. first number one hit, topping rial Girl” persona was not After severing her ties to her and other celebrities posing portrayal of Peron. Madonna her classic dance-pop sound actor Sean Penn in late 1989, in the nude. Madonna always was rewarded at home as well for the late 1990’s. The album Madonna would reach the recognized the importance of for her efforts. She received the received uniformly excellent pinnacle of her career in 1990 sex appeal in image market- Golden Globe Award for Best reviews and generated a series and a new level of superstar- ing. This book was an effort Actress in a Comedy or Musi- of hit singles. dom. Accompanied by the to apply her own blend of cal. The soundtrack, which was Madonna’s most recent success of her movie, Ma- uniquely controversial sexuality released in 1996 and consisted work, Music, became a trans- donna unleashed the massive as a writer. Though the book entirely of ballads, showed Atlantic hit in 2000. She Blonde Ambition World Tour, did not sell as well as originally that Madonna could expand celebrated her success with which was met with outstand- anticipated, the accompanying herself stylistically and gear her marriage to English film- ing success. “Vogue” became a album Erotica sold over two her talents towards the mature maker Guy Ritchie, once again monster hit, driven by perfor- million copies. audience for which the film reclaiming tabloid headlines mances for sold out audiences was intended. Throughout the 1990’s, Ma- internationally. Together the worldwide. donna continued to produce Along with the release of two have a son, Rocco. Ma- The tour was commemo- successful musical and cin- Evita and its resulting acco- donna, using her international rated by the video documen- ematic works. 1993’s Bedtime lades in 1996 came the birth celebrity and motivated by tary Truth or Dare, which was Story was her seventh multi- of Madonna’s first child, her relationships with her two released in 1991. Despite its platinum. In 1995, Madonna Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon. young children, has managed emphasis on alternative means lobbied hard for the role of Her father, Carlos Leon, was to parlay her creativity and of sexuality and explicit sexual Eva Peron, the wife of Argen- her longtime boyfriend and love of children into numerous content, the film received both tinian dictator Juan Peron, in personal trainer. Though profitable business ventures, critical acclaim and main- the cinematic adaptation of their relationship soon strictly including a children’s clothing stream success at the box Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Broad- became a friendship, Madonna line and a series of best-selling office. Madonna, however, was way musical Evita. Madonna dedicated herself entirely to children’s books. In addition to not satisfied with the phenom- met with strong resistance from motherhood. Consequently, her motherly duties, Madonna enal success of her tour and the people of Argentina, where she took a seventeen-month today continues to perform, so- subsequent film. Before years the film was made. They were leave of absence from the liciting aid for various charities. end she released The This past January, Immaculate Collection, she headlined a a greatest hits album. It Who’s Who of contained two new songs musical icons in “Rescue Me,” and “Justi- raising money for fy My Love;” the former the victims of the was a number one hit Tsunami. and the latter became the Madonna is highest debuting single one of the most by a female artist in US powerful, wealthy, pop-chart history. The and influential year of 1990 exemplified people in the the kind of iconic celeb- world. She has rity status that Madonna continually rede- possesses. fined herself as In 1992, Madonna an icon of both made a clear effort to popular music take complete control of and culture by her career. She signed a altering her image multi-million dollar deal to fit the changing with Time-Warner guar- tastes of the times. anteeing the release of Madonna has con- albums, films, and books sistently fascinated by her own production both her fans and disgraced by the idea that a music industry. company, Maverick. This deal the media over the course of woman who was viewed as a gave her the artistic autonomy Madonna came back in full her long and illustrious career national hero would be played to tackle other realms and sub- force with the release of Ray and serves as the primary by someone with Madonna’s ject matter. She crossed over to of Light in 1998. She worked musical influence for a younger poor reputation. However, the literary sphere the previ- with producer William Orbit to generation of female stars who Madonna won over public ous year with her steel bound, create an album strongly influ- place a primary emphasis upon favor throughout the country soft-core, pornography book enced by electronica, techno, sexuality, namely Christina for her reverent and accurate {Sex}. It contained pictures of and hip-hop, thereby updating Aguilera and Britney Spears. How to be a By Jenn Heinen Rock Star’s Wife

We’ve all thought wives out there.* Take “Cynthia Plaster dard is that rock relation- Caster” for example. When about it, there’s no deny- First it’s important to ships aren’t exactly smooth given an assignment in ing…we’ve all wondered make sure you choose the sailing (full pun intended). art school to ““to make a what it would be like to right kind of rock star. You You’ve got to be prepared plaster cast of anything that marry a rock star, and I’ve don’t want to go marrying to take a few beer bottles to was solid enough to retain decided to make it my life a Vanilla Ice type or any- the face, maybe a domes- its shape” Cynthia, the ever goal. Ever the humanitar- thing…well, unless you’re tic abuse scandal or two, devoted rock star lover (it ian, I wouldn’t want to have lame. The coolest rock stars and definitely at least a few all started when she was all the rockin’ fun myself aren’t always necessarily public falling-outs (prefer- six--with Liberace, seriously) (plus I need someone to good looking, in fact their ably in an area with lots of decided to immortalize her hang out with while my raw animal-like appearances paparazzi around to capture rock star men’s little men. rock star’s on stage), so I’ve (long hair, crooked teeth, the drama). Take Pamela She really knew how to get decided to create a useful talons) just add to the sex Anderson and Tommy Lee ahead and her artistic inge- guide to all you other hope- appeal. Animals and rock for example, they’ve had nuity made her infamous in ful rock star’s stars have a lot in common three marriage ceremonies the rock n’ roll circles. She (“hungry like the wolf ”… and seem to be the king and was meeting, and plaster- coincidence? I think not) so queen of making public ing, rock stars left and right, you’re going to have to like scenes. even reaching the ranks of animals, but not too much. Jimi Hendrix and Led Zep- Finally, once you’ve Sharon Osbourne may love pelin. married your rock star you her puppies, but she still two will be responsible for stood by Ozzy when he bit The next hardest part is breeding future rock stars. the head off a bat (twice) putting up with your rock Don’t believe what the and flung twenty-five star. Lets’s face it, rockstars doctor’s may say, beer in pounds of pig intestines are demanding; Van Halen a bottle is really not that and calf livers at his demanded bowls of M&M’s bad, it will give your in- audience. backstage with all the brown fant a head start on future ones removed (on a joint The hardest part is alcoholism and drug abuse. tour with Van Halen the getting in the inner Teaching them to play an Rolling Stones once request- rock circles. Any girl instrument is optional, but ed all the brown M&M’s can call all the hotels teaching them to play the la- that Van Halen didn’t get). within a 100 mile dies is of essence. If you can Iggy Pop requested seven radius of the venue, make your child’s first words dwarves once. Kiss on the hide in the tour be something along the lines other hand, required blow bus bathroom, of “I’m a golden god” or up dolls of themselves in or strap herself “the greatest thing you’ll do their dressing room. to the back of with your life is sleep with a speaker but Luckily, being a rock me” you know your on the it takes some stars wife does not neces- right track. creative energy sarily mean meeting these *Not to be gender norma- to really leave demands, it means knowing tive…it is the firm belief of the a lasting how to make a scene. In author that any gender of rock impression. fact, I’d say that the stan- star partner is equally bad-ass. the story of The Band: By Joseph Feldblum How a Mostly-Canadian Quintet Embodied the American Dream After their tours with Joni Mitchell, Many people who know Dylan, they retired to a house Paul Butter- of The Band know them in Woodstock, New York, and field, Ringo only in passing, as a historical decided not to leave until they Starr, and footnote, the band that backed had completed an album. Van Mor- Bob Dylan on his first electric rison, among “Music from the Big Pink,” tours around the world. They others. entrancing as it was defying of are much more, however, than along with their second, epony- Although their music didn’t characterization. Rick Danko marginal players in momen- mous release are considered by sell very well originally, it was and Richard Manual had two tous musical events; they are many (those in the know) to be immediately accepted by the of the most soulful voices in the best band ever. two of the greatest albums of all time. Both feature a striking musicians of the time. rock and roll, but Manual sang The Band began forming mix of blues, folk, and other in a haunting falsetto that bal- Every member of the band in the late 50’s when Arkan- roots elements of American anced Danko’s voice perfectly. had charisma and personality, sas rocker Ronnie Hawkins music. It was a welcome Levon Helm infused his vocals and were equally important to recruited fellow Arkansonian, with the Southern soil of his eighteen-year-old Levon youth and his deep Southern Helms, to play drums for his roots in songs like “The Night backup band, the Hawks. they Drove Old Dixie Down.” Their touring took them all Of course, I can’t expect over the country, but eventu- anyone to believe me without ally Hawkins found that he hearing them first, but “Mu- could make the most money in sic from the Big Pink”, “The Toronto, where he developed a Band”, and “The Last Waltz” huge following. will make a believer out of all listeners. Their music has a Over time, other members timeless quality and connection of the Hawks left and Hawkins with the roots of American picked up local talent, eventu- music that has been lacking ally settling on Rick Danko on in music since before they bass, Garth Hudson on organ, change from psychadelia and The Band’s success. They all released their first album. Robbie Robertson on guitar, the British Invasion. played multiple instruments, and Richard Manual on piano. What they meant to music They were not opposed to and all sang but Robbie Rob- as a whole is enormous, as Soon the five split from the counterculture; they merely ertson and Garth Hudson. evidenced by the incredibly Hawkins, and toured some- had a different style. Robertson, however, diverse cast of artists playing what unsuccessfully as “The was lead guitarist and song- with them in their final con- Hawks” and “Levon and the So why are they the writer, and Hudson a classi- cert. Everyone can enjoy The Hawks”. best band ever? cally trained organist and horn Band because they transcend In ’65 and ‘66 their fa- First of all, they embody the player. During the band’s first genres or specific musical influ- mous break came when Dylan American dream, even though years, Garth had to make them ences. invited them to back him as he most of them were Canadian. all pay him ten dollars a week What sets them apart from “rocked” the folk community They worked their way up so he could pretend he was everyone else is the sheer feel- and music in general by going from nothing, touring relent- teaching them music and not ing of their music, the soul and electric. lessly in their early years. They playing in a rock band like his the emotion. It touches me used to have to steal food from parents feared. Their experiences play- every time I listen to them and supermarkets in the US under ing Chicago-style rhythm and The great thing about The has turned almost everyone their big Canadian coats, but blues with Hawkins and electri- Band’s music was that their I’ve known to listen to them by 76 they were so respected fied folk with Dylan forced The individualities and personalities into a diehard fan. This is why in the musical community that Band to expand musically, and came out on stage, and yet they they will remain immortally they played their final concert it showed in their debut release meshed together seamlessly etched in history as the best with Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, “Music from the Big Pink.” to form a sound that was as band of all time. Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Shinnai Comes to Wesleyan by Shamiso Mtangi

Of the millions of that of the lovers’ suicide. can banjo. In Shinnai there “Wakasanojo people that make up Japan’s In traditional Shinnai, the are traditionally two singers, population, less than a few lovers’ suicide is portrayed both of whom may play the hundred have been awarded and perceived as the ulti- shamisen as an accompani- is eleventh in the official title of Living mate show of romance and ment. For his performance National Treasure. Tsuruga devoutness. Similar to the at Wesleyan, Wakasanojo’s Wakasanojo XI is in this western story of Romeo and daughter assisted him on the a line of Shin- minority and displayed his Juliet, the Shinnai narrative shamisen, creating a layered mastery of the art of Shin- of lovers’ suicide includes sound that complemented nai—which garnered the two young lovers who are Wakasanojo’s singing. nai masters prestigious title for him—at denied the chance to be “Hearing the shamisen Wesleyan on April 13. Shin- together despite their love. was pretty cool because the nai, a form of traditional Because of the traditional sound is so distinctive. You who have up- Japanese music, is two hun- religious belief that puts two immediately associate its dred and fifty years old and people who die simultane- sound with Japanese music, had its beginning in Japan’s ously together in paradise, but most people don’t know held the ob- Edo era. Wakasanojo is the concept of dying at the its name or what it looks eleventh in a line of Shinnai same time as one’s lover like,” remarked audience masters who have upheld provides a somewhat happy member Elaine Lai. the obscure art and is cur- ending to the Shinnai story. scure art.” rently an artist-in-residence At the end of the night, Narratives in Shinnai at the University of Massa- reactions such as Lai’s almost always relate feelings chusetts at Amherst. were ultimately the goal of of pain, anger, grief, and the Wakasanojo’s performance. The event’s sponsors like. In an example Waka- Speaking through his trans- were proof of the broad, sanojo performed, a women lator, Wakasanojo com- interdisciplinary scope of confronts her husband’s mented that to ap- Shinnai – the Wesleyan Mu- mistress and pleads with her preciate Shinnai, all sic Department, Freeman to end the affair. Though that is needed is the Center for East Asian Stud- it is sung in Japanese and willingness to try it, ies, Center for the Arts, and therefore indecipherable to as though it were a the East Asian Languages non-Japanese audiences, new food one had Department all collaborated the emotions of the woman never tasted be- to bring the musician to the are translated through the fore. In this way, World Music Hall. Indeed, singing of the performer. In Wakasanojo’s the art of Shinnai draws high pitches, Wakasanojo Shinnai perfor- from different fields in order wailed mournfully at some mance was an to create a cohesive perfor- points while plucking the understated mance. Music is the means strings of his shamisen. meal that is through which a story is told The shamisen is often at once sat- in Shinnai, but the subject employed in various types isfying and matter and presentation are of traditional Japanese different. also relevant. song besides Shinnai, and A popular story often it creates a sound most sung in narrative form is comparable to the Ameri- Balamina: West African Fusion Thesis a Success by Joseph Feldblum I never expected the best True to the thesis, I never show I saw all year to be a once looked at it as anything senior thesis recital, but I more than good music. was wrong. Eric Herman’s He then went on to play a show was captivating, fun, few mostly acoustic songs, and eye-opening. My one accompanied by a friends and I experienced Bill Dixon: percussionist beating on a more than a concert; we an Unconventional Trumpeter hollow wooden hemisphere experienced great music, the with a microphone under- thrill of dancing, and the by Lorrae Doig neath. I felt Eric’s love of experience of Eric allowing the music most strongly at Bill Dixon is a legendary trumpeter who started his career us to feel his love and un- this point, when he per- in the 1960’s. As a jazz lover, I went to his concert due to his derstanding of West African formed a song he wrote for status as one of the best. music. his sick friend. Very rarely am I surprised by the concerts I hear. This con- Eric Herman’s thesis was cert proved to be an exception. The concert ended on a to show that African music string of upbeat danceable I thoroughly enjoyed his sounds and the suspense he cre- didn’t have to be an esoteric tunes that everyone actually ated with his trumpet. I was expecting to hear classic blues enjoyment, but could be in- danced to. I was swept up melodies but when he started playing I realized that I was tegrated into a form that ac- in a mass of crazy dancing completely wrong. centuates the commonalities Wesleyan kids. Bill Dixon would build you up with eerie wind-like sounds of West African music and and then would startle you with sharp screams from his trum- African American styles. When the dust cleared pet. His delivery drew you in because you never quite knew and the ushers were able He had studied under a what to expect from sound to sound. to make everyone sit down, Malian guitarist named Ali an African dance ensemble I could not find a particular melody and I don’t think any- Farka Toure, who he said one else did. This is what created the anticipation factor. went up onstage. was one of the greatest gui- I was so impressed with Bill Dixon because usually I am tar players in the world. He I was surprised after the moved by well composed music, but he moved me by sending picked up on a lot of what show to find that one of the my mind jogging, anticipating his next note. the man had to offer. songs he played was a cover of a Radiohead song. This He has perfected his craft by making use of not only his Eric played a variety of trumpet as an instrument but also his breath and the micro- was another validation of songs with a variety of ac- phone. his thesis, that the music of companiments. His first a weird band from England His performance completely drew me in and opened my few songs were up-tempo could be combined with eyes to the many uses of musical instruments. and powerful, but with an West African sensibilities to undeniable African feel. Although I was thoroughly engaged in Bill Dixon’s perfor- create a new and very listen- mance, I do not think I would buy a CD of his works simply After listening later to able result. because, in my opinion, it is not everyday listening. Ali Farka Toure, I realized The West African Fusion Nevertheless, I would go to another one of his concerts that Eric had an amazing concert turned me on to a because he captures the audience with his presence and sense of Ali’s music. Even whole new world of music musical delivery. during the concert I could that was lovingly crafted I would recommend this concert to everyone simply so that recognize the African feel by Herman into one of the they can experience a journey of sounds delivered in a non to the music from my brief best concerts I have ever conventional way. exposures to music from the attended. continent. La Spanka Moves On by Emily Einhorn Donielle Lemone’s senior recital features members of MUSC 108

The Crowell stage had played many shows at Wes- conversation that took place mance and had an undeniable never looked so much like a lit- leyan, including Zonker Harris between her and her father. chemistry. tle kids heaven; giant lollipops Day 2005. She told her dad that she want- Lemone is doing Teach for were created for the sides and ed to “be Bob Dylan, not like The show started off with America for the next two years stuffed animals were sprawled Bob Dylan.” She then started a song entitled “Grasshopper” and Concepcion is moving everywhere. The thing that set the 6th song of the night, Clue, whose chorus included lyrics back to Chicago. The band it apart from a play pen was a and played acoustic guitar and “I’ll make you an offer/ That’ll tentatively plans to reunite in drum set, microphones, amps, harmonica, Dylan-style. make you gyrate/ You just two years and move to the Bay and a projector screen ready gotta clear a space.” Donielle Trivial Pursuit, the next Area, where Vacquez is origi- to go. came out in a beautiful long song, was dedicated to George nally from. This was the set up for white dress. A video started Bush and included the chorus By putting La Spanka on Donielle Lemone’s senior playing on the projection “Don’t take it personally/ the Crowell stage, an interest- recital that took place Sunday screen that consisted of two Because you don’t matter you ing dynamic was created. Was April 10, 2005. Her band, La black males talking to each see/ We are not unique snow- this just like any other rock Spanka, played along with other, dressed all in white, in flakes/ Your footsteps don’t concert, or was something guest musicians from Wesleyan front of a checkered back- cause earthquakes.” more “high-class” going on including Shannon McIntyre, ground. From there, all sorts Many of their songs had that night? Justin Martinez, Jack Reilly, of other images were shown. a salsa reggae beat, especially Rene Wachner Solomon, Rock and roll has often The recital consisted of 14 “Magic Eye” that had the ad- Deborah Witkin, and Daniela been seen as low class and ur- different songs, all written by dition of a seemingly possessed Gesundheit. ban, compared to its predeces- Donielle except for “Postdeath- and livid Wachner-solo. sors from Tin Plan Alley. By La Spanka is made up of ray Bonehuff ” composed by Lemone’s voice seemed incorporating Donielle’s classi- members Donielle Lemone Vazquez, the sole Junior in La operatic at difference parts of cal training, operatic elements, on vocals and guitar, Nicole Spanka. the performance and Vaquez’s and the actual venue itself, the Concepcion on bass guitar, During the middle of the drumming was tight and magestic Crowell concert hall, and Victor Vazquez on drums. show, Donielle was on stage emotional. All performers rock and roll certainly had a They have been together for alone with her guitar and told were comfortable and smiling, cultural night. two and a half years and have the audience a story about a really enjoying their perfor-

Ryan Adams Disappoints in Concert by Emilia Burditt

Four songs into Ryan Adams’ April 27th set at the Calvin Theater in Northampton, Ryan Adams had us all fooled. After he and his new band, The Cardinals, ripped through the first few tunes, including a countrified funk version of the popular “New York, New York” and several songs from the soon-to-be-released album “Cold Roses”, everyone in the audience believed that he was there to play a rock show. The high energy was abruptly stopped at the announcement of a smoke break for the band. When they returned to the stage they never recovered. While the band was playing, they were extremely tight, and even managed to jam through an unrehearsed version of “The Rescue Blues” with little trouble. The set was hampered by guitars Adams claimed were out of tune or simply inappropriate for a particular song, Adams’ sore wrist flaring up, and simple indecision on Adams’ part as to which song he wanted to play. By the end of the night, one felt as if the band had spent more time standing around on stage than actually playing. It would be unfair to say that the night was entirely unentertaining. Adams, himself, was in a good mood and even calmed hecklers with humor rather than the hot temper he has a reputation for. Musical highlights included Adams’ solo acoustic “Oh My Sweet Carolina” and the unexpected driving jump given to “When the Stars Go Blue” during the second half of the set, which was bogged down by the fact that it consisted almost entirely of ballads. The superb moments served to highlight what an energy-packed, soulful set Adams could have delivered. He certainly has the songs to put on a consistent show, but seemed every time Adams gained momentum he lost it again due to a mystifyingly long break between songs or an imperfectly tuned guitar. This may have been acceptable, even considered “intimate” or “quirky,” at a small club filled with a hundred people. However, at $30 a ticket in a large concert hall, Adams should have delivered something a little more. Joseph Arthur Our Shadows Will Remain Zappa in New Haven by Aaron Smith by Emilia Burditt On April 5th, 2005, the Frank the Zappa classics “Dirty Love” and In Joseph Arthur’s sonic universe, it Zappa tribute ensemble, Project/Ob- “Dinah-Moe Humm.” These two is perpetually dusk. On Our Shadows ject, stopped in New Haven to play a tracks really turned up the energy level Will Remain, Arthur’s fourth full- gig at the legendary Toad’s Place as within the venue more so than any length album, every vocal melody is part of their Social Insecurity Spring others. Everyone was dancing and the tinged with ragged sorrow, and every Tour. Unlike previous Project/Ob- band just fed off that energy to keep guitar line acknowledges impending ject tours, these April dates feature their vibe flowing. darkness. two of the original members of Willis did an excellent job replacing Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, This is not to say that the disk is Zappa’s vocals on songs like “I’m the guitarist and vocalist Ike Willis and drab or dreary. On the contrary, Slime” and “Montana.” The quirky Napoleon Murphy Brock on saxo- Arthur’s twilight is full of intricately feel to the lyrics was not lost in Wil- phone. Willis, who recorded with layered vocal tracks, guitar loops, and lis’ translation at all. Let’s not forget Zappa from 1979-93 on albums like percussion that subtly add smatter- Brock, who also gave a stellar perfor- Joe’s Garage, gave the performance ings of indie rock (“Can’t Exist”), mance Tuesday night. He was given an extremely authentic sensation. new wave (“Puppets”), and industrial ample free space by Project/Object His soulful timbre and vocal hysterics (“I Am”) among other styles. Arthur’s to solo out in various songs through- perfectly matched the vocals on vari- gravelly voice is the element that out the night. Most memorable was ous Mothers studio albums. Brock, holds the album together. It injects an extended soulful jam that he laid who has since moved onto a solo the tracks with sober lyrics that are out towards the end of “Dinah-Moe career, also added to the authentic- unwavering in their sensitive reflec- Humm.” ity of the show with his Zappa-esque tion and frequently surprising in their licks and overall mastery of the The overall musicianship of the band optimism. saxophone. on Tuesday was phenomenal, as one “The world will make a dream and would expect from any Frank Zappa As their second night on tour, the a prayer out of our bones/To find tribute band. Particularly, I found band appropriately played the 1973 where we belong/Our shadows will Bassist Dave Johnsen, and drummer, Mothers album Over-Nite Sensation remain even after we are gone” he Glenn Leonard to have exceptional in its entirety, as well as a few other croons on “Even Tho”. The earnest, skill. The only unimpressive facet of original Zappa tunes. Criticized as weighty lyrics are contrasted with the show was its duration, as the band one of Zappa’s most commercial light drums, a simple bass groove just barely breeched the one and a albums, Over-Nite Sensation begins and an airy mix of guitar, piano and half hour marker. But who can argue with the country rock piece “Ca- strings. All this lies beneath pop with quality over quantity? marillo Brillo” and eventually leads hooks any Top 40 artist would kill to into more instrumental composi- Project/Object is usually copyright. tions like “Fifty-Fifty” and “Zombie Dave Johnsen on bass, Eric Svalgard The song Our Shadows Will Re- Wolf.” At Toad’s Place, however, the on keys, Glenn Leonard on drums, main is a fine example of what makes choice to play the album was every- and Andre Cholmondeley on guitar. this album so magnetic. Arthur’s thing but criticized. The intimate Check out the upcoming dates of their quirky melancholy makes the track crowd erupted at the first sounds of April 2005 tour at www.projectobject. even more seductive, and turns what com. might be a guilty pleasure track on any other album into a compelling his barest with only an acoustic guitar, felt delivery, hum-able melodies and and rewarding listen. It is a record piano, and back-up vocals accompany- off-beat production. It is virtually im- loaded with sounds, but Arthur is not ing his voice. It reveals that Arthur’s possible to describe Arthur’s sound by muddying his waters in order to ap- songwriting is strong without the comparing him to other artists, but if pear deep. Beneath the vocals, guitar dynamic production that accompanies one were to try it would go something loops, strings and percussion tracks most of the other tracks on the album. like this: Somewhere between Elliot Smith and the Velvet Underground, sit finely crafted melodies that make For the most part, Our Shadows Will Clinic and the Afghan Wigs, or Radio- up the albums core. The sparse “A Remain is grave lyrically, but Arthur is head and Pete Yorn lies Joseph Arthur, Smile That Explodes” finds Arthur at easy to take seriously due to his heart- in a sphere all of his own. Langerado Fest: A Return to Haight- Jeff Chang…the new Guru in Hip Hop? Ashbury Culture by Suzanne Tran by Ben Ansfield “My own feeling is that the idea of the Hip- has been at the forefront of various move- Hop Generation brings together time and ments in the capacity of community, labor The fall of the hippy era is an established race, place and polyculturalism, hot beats and student organizer. fact. It has turned into a cliché taught in and hybridity...” Chang continues to give back to the schools, lamented by lingering heads, and -Prelude to Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of community by serving as a board member glorified by punks and conservatives alike. the Hip- Hop Generation for numerous organizations promoting social The shattered remains of the counterculture change whether it is for media justice, the underwent an ontological Diaspora – some During spring break, I bought Jeff arts or hip- hop activism. retreated to communes, others surrendered Chang’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the I greatly anticipated this book. It is satisfy- to capitalism, and the most unfortunate Hip-Hop Generation. The publication was very ing to see someone who is on point about degenerated into dismal ghosts of the much much anticipated by Hip-Hop heads, the in- racial politics within the industry gain clout. exalted ‘60s. dustry, and the Asian American community. Chang who knows hip- hop and was being My parents were part of that counter- Chang compiled his 10 years of involve- recognized for it. His fieldwork is not being culture. I am too cognizant of the ease with ment with the Hip-Hop community into this discredited because he is Asian-American. which the grown-up counterculture compro- much-anticipated book. To Chang, hip- hop is not confined to just mised their core values. As I inherited this Chang hails from Hawaii. He has expe- rap music. As quoted on his website, www. explanation of the sixties, I became obsessed rienced the music scene in New York City, cantstopwontstop.com, “It offers a genera- with experiencing just a glimmer of the and now lives in California. Chang received tional worldview that encompasses the shoes much-hyped glory. Attending music festivals a bachelors degree from Cal and a masters you choose to wear, whether you’re inclined featuring the remains of broken sixties bands degree in Asian American Studies at UCLA. to vote or not to how you understand the soon exposed the commercial reality that was He started working as a hip- hop journal- issue of race. So I use this worldview to look the fate of the counterculture. This harsh ist in 1991. One can trace his writing in at the last three decades of the American disillusionment faced most of the generation, lesser known hip- hop magazines and in century”. especially the originators of the Haight-Ash- mainstream magazines like Vibe and Spin. Chang is tapping into the history of the bury scene who watched it disintegrate into His resume reads like a true hip- hop mo- Hip- Hop generation by going straight to the a shallow, drugged out, mainstream play- gul. He is a former Senior Editor/ Director sources: the people who helped create it, like ground after the Summer of Love. at Russell Simmons ‘360hiphop.com. He is Dj Kool Herc (who contributes the introduc- After ten years of searching for my also the cofounder and president of an in- tion to the publication). glimmer of an unadulterated version of fluential hip- hop indie label, SoleSides, now Chang is taking his knowledge to the the counterculture, I experienced the clos- Quannum Projects. Chang knows what it streets to illumine the voices that have been est thing to it at Langerado Music Festival takes to organize grassroots style; he helped misrepresented or ignored. Chang has joined during this past Spring Break. The two day put together the National Hip- Hop Political Serena Kim, Chuck D and Janet Tzou for festival, held annually in southeast Florida, Convention. panel discussions and appearances. was least contrived and commercial musical Do not be fooled, his interests are not “This is a nonfiction history of a fiction- experience I have ever experienced. limited to just Hip- Hop. Chang is a found- a history, some mystery and certainly no The most surprising characteristic of this ing editor of Color Lines magazine hailed prophecy. It’s but one version, this dub his- festival was its size—despite having top acts, as the nation’s leading periodical on race, tory- a gift from those who have illuminated the organizers capped its attendance at ten culture and organizing. Throughout the and inspired, all defects of which are my thousand. This is a major advantage over course of Chang’s career, Chang has written own”. This is Chang’s disclaimer to his book, larger festivals, like Bonnaroo, which shares comprehensively on race, culture, politics, but the man is making moves…he can’t stop many of the same bands, only with eighty- arts, music and anything in between. Chang and he won’t stop. thousand more people. The small size allows for a more personal experience, eliminates long lines, and gives everyone a chance to tive quality. After attending many music fes- Southern couple leave in disgust as Antibalas stand near the stage. tivals, this one easily stands out as having the Afrobeat Orchestra sang “Condoleeza Rice, The band lineup was impressive for its most organic, euphoric, and friendly crowd. Indictment!” Additionally, in the vendor eclecticism and ability to balance rising There were countless groups of hippies ex- area, multiple booths featured information artists with accomplished legends. Music hibiting Merry Prankster- or Hog Farm-style about various left-wing and environmental spanned across a dozen genres including antics, mixing stilts, hula-hoops, bubbles, and organizations. reggae, hiphop, bluegrass, soul, Afrobeat, animals with nudity, gymnastics, and contor- Despite the wonderful environment created electronic, and a fair deal of Dylan spin-offs. tion. Everyone was eager to engage in con- at the festival, it is impossible to overlook its During two days of pristine weather in a versation and share their food/chair/illicit pricetag. At $75 for two days, the price is 600-acre park, I stood thirty feet away from substance. It was impossible to look around extremely reasonable when compared to $50 Toots and the Maytals, De La Soul, Anti- without seeing a thousand smiles. for a three hour Bob Dylan concert. Yet free balas Afrobeat Orchestra, The Dirty Dozen The festival was also remarkable for its music was a cornerstone of the ‘60s coun- Brass Band, Medeski, Martin & Wood, the political undertones. Many artists not only terculture, which just solidifies my suspicion New Deal, and String Cheese Incident. featured topical songs, but briefly dis- that I will never wholly experience the Although seeing these bands was a phe- cussed local or national issues during song extolled and utopian atmosphere that baby nomenal experience in itself, the atmosphere breaks. One of the highlights of the festival boomers still eulogize. and mood of the show was the most distinc- was watching the only visible upper-class