B4 Graphic life & arts September 9, 2010
THOUGHTS The Black Keys create brotherhood OF DEVOTION By Nikki TorrieNTe last effort is finally paying blues and channels the HBO series “Hung.” They’ve Staff Writer off. “Brothers” is a culmina- melancholy tune for which been featured in commer- tion of all things Keys, 50s blues music is known. cials, countless bigbudget Ohio rock duo The Black which subsequently has Every song on this album is films, and hit television se- Keys’ sixth album proves given them another great worth listening to— The ries for years. “the Keys” are here to stay. throw-back album to the Black Keys can do no wrong. They’ve toured and By krisTiNa ferTala The album, released in days where rhythm and Somehow The Black Keys opened for Pearl Jam, Radio- May, fittingly titled “Broth- blues weren’t all about bling have been flying under the head, Beck and are cur- ers,” showcases best friends and cool dance moves, and public radar, but they have rently opening for the Kings and band mates vocalist/gui- rock was a little less pop. still managed to garner a big of Leon. And if their famous find God tarist Dan Auerbach and A 15-track album featur- set of loyal fans that have following cannot attest for drummer Patrick Carney’s ing Auerbach’s captivatingly steadily grown over their their talent and great sound, funky, eclectic sound and gritty croon surrounded by nine-year existence. And a music intervention is in in your their ever-present love of Carney’s hypnotizing per- with the bands “it’ll happen desperate need for the 50s blues music— and shows cussion beat and the steady when it happens” attitude, masses. they can play it just as well, new life guitar is reminiscent of the they can only move upward The Black Keys are a solid too. great blues legends such as from here. rock duo that knows what Formed in 2001 in Akron, A couple Sundays ago, my pastor Willie Dixon, Jimmy Reed With famous fans like the they like and what they are Ohio, The Black Keys posed a question to me, and for many and Muddy Waters. “Broth- Followill brothers from good at. They are not in it to formed as a last effort for reasons it left me with an unfamiliar, ers” is a little bit Fleetwood Kings of Leon, Thom Yorke, sell out, although they Auerback and Carney, who uncomfortable feeling. From that mo- Mac, a little bit blues leg- Kristen Stewart, Damon aren’t shunning success and were old high school band ment, a wheel of thoughts started rotat- ends, and all The Black Keys. Dash and Robert Plant, it’s a the monetary wealth that mates, to do something with ing in my mind, asking the question: “Tighten Up,” the album’s surprise they’ve been able to comes with it, but like all their lives. Thus, The Black Do I love God more than my old life? single, still encompasses the stay out of fame’s blinding good rock bands, they aren’t Keys were born. Their debut is question asks if I am truly Black Keys’ bluesy tune but spotlight. It might be a little afraid to talk back. album, “The Big Come Up,” happy and so in love with the Lord that takes it more in the direc- quieter over in the Keys They are reinventing rock which dropped in 2002, did no matter how much fun my old life tion of music innovators camp, but don’t doubt they music by bringing it back to surprisingly well for a indie- was, God is worth much, much more. like Gnarls Barkley and haven’t left their marks all the days where rock and rock band, and also began But I have had faith as a part of my life Thom Yorke. over the entertainment in- roll and blues were synony- their gradual climb up the for a long time, and so this question Its upbeat tune solidifies dustry. mous with each other. And industry’s ladder. confused me. The Black Keys as a versatile You might have heard “Brothers” definitely does Five albums and separate “I don’t have an old life apart from band. Another them on a movie sound- that. side projects later God,” I thought. But as I thought some song off their track called the (singer/guitarist Auerbach more, I realized that we all have an old album, “Never “Twilight Saga: life. An old life can be anything ranging released a solo album and g Gonna Give Eclipse,” or heard [email protected] drummer Carney released from the extreme of an addiction to lit- You Up,” is all their theme song an album with a side tle mental sins or acts based on self- rhythm and on the band), The Black Keys’ righteousness. I know I can look back on the past two years and place them in the category of my “old life”— the life that was much more comfortable for me compared to how I am living now. e comfort of my old life was con- trol: control over my body, control over my relationships, and attempted control over the direction of my life. Most of all, there were no surprises such as an undesirable body weight, a broken heart, or a failure that would make me feel uncomfortable and out of my con- trol. It is so desirable for us to live in the way that provides us with the most con- trol, as we constantly try to fill our thirsty hearts with what we feel is the best solution. But there it is: in that mo- ment, we are saying to God, “I love my old life more than you and I love having control over myself more than I love you, God.” It says in Matthew 6:24,“No one can serve two masters, for either He will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Although we do not need to despise our own lives to love God, we Café infus do need to love the life that God has es students with coffee, solitude given us and love Him knowing that By Casey DelGaDillo map for a few minutes, a kind and enthu- to wait for next time. His wisdom for our lives is above all. aSSiStant Life and artS editor siastic Santa Monica Ambassador named I opted for the iced Spanish latte while But why did that question make me Hershell approached us. He assured us of Shannon went with an ice-blended feel so uncomfortable? inking about Year after year, college students seek out the treasures Infuzion has to offer, and sent caramel latte. e uniqueness of the Span- it, I discovered that I still see parts of the Perfect Study Spot. For some, the cool us on our way in the right direction. ish latte comes from its accompaniment of my ‘old life’ appealing and desirable. quiet of a library meets the needs of the Infuzion Café is actually located just condensed milk, making it sweeter and When things get rough or frustrat- studier. For others, intellectual stimuli west of Wilshire Blvd, beyond ird Street creamier than a regular latte. I am not a ing, my first instinct is to think of a need to include relaxing music and the Promenade. Upon entering the café, we fan of coffee overpowered by sweetness, plan; how am I going to fix this prob- wafting scent of coffee. Usually, the battle were greeted warmly by both baristas be- and this drink hit the mark in that aspect. lem, what do I need to do to make my- is the same: e location must be secluded hind the counter. e store had an Asian In all fairness, it was a good latte, but it self feel better? And there I am, placing enough to actually allow for work to be influence about it, complete with one of wasn’t anything spectacular. myself right back where I was before, done, but not so isolated that the student those intricately decorated, red and gold Shannon’s caramel drink definitely trying to control my life and not allow- is left reenacting scenes from Castaway, cats that waved at us as we considered our caters to those who like coffee that tastes ing God to work in the ways that are partaking in one-sided conversations with drink options. more like ice cream. It was incredibly best for me. physics books and big pink erasers. For We spent a couple minutes examining sweet. We both appreciated the pulverized My old life was so full of worldly those students seeking a homework- the menu before asking for recommenda- texture of the drink— and no annoying CASEY DELGADILLO / ASSISTANT LIFE & ARTS EDITOR happiness, such as the size of my body friendly environment that is not the stan- tions. We glanced over the arrangement of ice chunks here. or the friends I thought would give me dard Starbucks, try hitting up Santa prepackaged cookies and sandwiches, but An eclectic collection of original art for being away from the normal Pepperdine what I needed— things that could Monica’s Infuzion Café. gave more attention to the drink menu. sale sprinkled the walls alongside a framed flow, without being too far from the nor- never fill my soul of what truly satisfies, Recently, I had the opportunity to We were given a brief rundown of their wedding photo that boasted the caption mal Wave stomping grounds. In order to because what truly satisfies is God’s love. enjoy Infuzion for the first time. My friend more popular drinks, which included a va- “We met in line at Infuzion Café!” fully enjoy this shop, it would probably be So, I’ll ask again: Do you love God Shannon is leaving for the Lausanne, riety of boba teas and ice-blended coffees, Most importantly, Infuzion Café offers best to visit on a weekend or free day to more than your old life? And to add to Switzerland overseas program this week, so smoothies and hot chocolates. We asked free wireless Internet with any purchase. make sure you do not fall victim to rush- that: Do you love God more than com- I thought it would be a good idea to bring about a Taro root drink, and were told it And the golden oldies music that floats hour traffic on the way to class. On our fort, more than control, and more than her along for this coffee date. We quickly has an “indescribable flavor.” But because from the speakers is low enough to be way out, the friendly owner ensured us this world? learned (so that you don’t have to) we we were both in need of the caffeine boost, blocked by your own headphones, should Pepperdine students are always welcome e life of loving God more than would not find Infuzion on the main we decided to go with something on the you prefer some modern tunes. at Infuzion. yourself is challenging and extremely Promenade. After standing at a directory coffee end— the Taro root drink will have Infuzion Café reaps the benefits of g[email protected] uncomfortable, but when all is said and done and we start depending on Him to fill our hurt and get us through our challenges, those are what make us feel The Weekend stronger in His love. When we look at our struggles as acts of love from God we can view our lives in a completely different perspective. He knows that a life loving Him first Friday Saturday Sunday will not be easy, and will not be com- fortable. I can stand as a witness to that statement and say that I struggle every- day with loving God more than my comfortable old life, but I also stand with the knowledge, that he will always 10 11 12 be there to pick me up. Each of us has our own struggles, our own hurts, and our own desires to Sheryl Crow kesha, b.o.b. cornucopia malibu live a comfortable life. It is something @ Greek Theater @ sunset house of blues farmers market that presses on our hearts each and ’ every day and we are faced with chal- @ Malibu library lenges and decisions. But we have a Terminator 2 “indiana Jones and the parking lot choice. We have free will given to us “ : Raiders of the Lost ark from our Lord to choose. You have the judgment day ” ” @ Devil’s Night Drive-in choice how you want to live your life. nuart theatre So what’s it going to be? Are you going @ to love God more than your old life?