ENTERTAINMENTpage 25 Technique • Friday, September 7, 2001 • 25 Fantasy worlds collide Face the ground head-on DragonCon 2001 invaded Atlanta Déjà Vu, Six Flags’ latest steel jewel ENTERTAINMENT with light sabers and other assorted plummets riders directly down at science fiction weapons. Page 26 speeds of up to 65 mph. Page 29 Technique • Friday, September 7, 2001 thrills Centennial Park crowd Free concert starts off Labor Day weekend right for Atlantans and Tech students in intimate open-air setting By Andrew Santelli ence for whom was a fa- the new CD. There’s only one Entertainment Editor vorite film. slow song on the , played Die-hard fans of the band by the band at the concert, and It was a hot and humid were in for a special treat as Smash even it merited the applause of evening, the kind typical of sum- Mouth continued into a mix of the fans in attendance. mer here in Georgia, and in one hits from and new This band definitely knows of the last few days of this sum- tracks off of their yet-to-be-re- how to fire up their crowd, even mer, the band Smash Mouth leased album which hits record the rather sparse one that gath- treated Atlanta to a free concert stores in November. The first ered amid the commemorative on the Great Lawn in Centen- of these they played is entitled bricks of Centennial Olympic nial Olympic Park, sponsored “The Fonz,” and proves to be Park. Harwell’s raspy vocals by VoiceStream Wireless (who proved to be attractive combined was celebrating their launch of with his accompaniment of gui- service in Atlanta) and Motoro- tars, a talented player manning la. The concert was reminiscent [Smash Mouth the drum set, and even adding of the summer “On The Bricks” frontman Steve] different percussion instruments concert series, and provided the like bongo drums. kind of atmosphere that makes Harwell’s raspy Much to the chagrin of the outdoor concerts so great. vocals proved to be Falcons faithful gathered in front Smash Mouth, whose big- attractive combined of the stage, Harwell admitted gest hit of late was their cover of his allegiances lie with the Pitts- ’ “I’m a Believer,” with his burgh Steelers, but this didn’t featured on the soundtrack to accompaniment. seem to dampen the crowd’s en- the movie Shrek, gave the small- thusiasm for him, his band, and er-than-expected crowd (most- his music. The crowd’s spirits ly filled with Falcons fans looking were not dampened even by the for entertainment prior to the classic Smash Mouth fare, up- light rain that fell at the begin- final preseason game with the beat in tempo with strong in- ning of the concert. Tampa Bay Buccaneers) a great strumentals as well as showcasing For fans of live music, fans of show. the talents of frontman Steve Smash Mouth, and fans of At- The band opened the show Harwell. lanta Falcons football (radio sta- with one of their first hits from For those Smash Mouth fans tion 99X was on hand, giving their bestselling album, Astro who are used to their hard-driv- out tall stacks of free game tick-

Lounge, “Then the Morning ing, fast-paced music reminis- ets), as well as those looking for By Robert Hill / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Comes.” They then played “I’m cent of classic rock and roll, you fun on a cheap budget, Centen- , lead vocalist of Smash Mouth, opened their August 31 Centennial a Believer,” much to the delight won’t be disappointed with the nial Olympic Park was the place Olympic Park concert with an old hit, “,” an older hit that of the younger fans in the audi- music that will be released on to be for a great evening. wasn’t their own, “I’m A Believer,” and a song that may end up a hit, “The Fonz.” Music Review Galactic Mark Wahlberg moves from being a pop star Musical madness now available to go to a movie star, now a full-fledged Rock Star By Alan Back By Brian Bonwich mesmerizes and excites his local Senior Staff Writer Contributing Writer audience with his impeccable imitations of Beers’ voice and Artist: Galactic MPAA rating: R presence. Album: We Love ’Em Tonight Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Jen- The other members of Blood Label: Volcano nifer Aniston Pollution however, are fed up Genre: Funk Director: Stephen Herek with Chris’s insistence that the Rating: tttt 1/2 Studio: Warner Bros. band remain only a tribute out- Rating: tt fit and not attempt anything orig- If you saw Galactic during their visit to inal, and in a violent severance the Tabernacle in February or their head- Remember Marky Mark and Chris is booted from Blood Pol- lining set at Music Midtown, you know the Funky Bunch? With a flip in lution. Emily subsequently re- how far this funky five-piece group will go musical genre from hip-hop to signs from her managerial to make people move. Once they get them- hard metal, Rock Star puts Mark position insisting, and rightful- selves set up and make sure there’s an extra Wahlberg in the center of the ly so, that dropping Chris stripped microphone on hand, it’s anybody’s guess screen and once again on center Blood Pollution of its only real as to what might happen during the rest of stage. The film is eighty percent talent. A devastated Chris is the night. drama and maybe ten percent shortly brought out of his de- Recorded live at Tipitina’s in their home- documentary. The other ten per- pression by a phone call that town of New Orleans, We Love ’Em To- cent is simply not there and may fulfills his ultimate dream. Kirk night neatly wraps up the unpredictable explain the film’s lack of depth Cuddy (Dominic West), the essentials of the show, with the exceptions and solidarity. guitarist for Steel Dragon is on of the gyrating bodies and questionable Chris Cole (Wahlberg) lives the phone asking to speak to behavior. with his parents and drives a Chris Cole. At first Chris slams The lead-off “Crazyhorse Mongoose” sputtering Dodge Dart to his down the phone thinking it’s a turns into a cheerful five-way tug of war, job as a copy-machine repair- cruel prank from one of his former with one player after another grabbing the man. Chris also happens to be band buddies. But shortly after melody away for a while before somebody an incredibly talented vocalist he picks up the phone for the else swipes it back. Richard Vogel and Ben with an insatiable love for mu- second time he realizes that it Ellman (keys and saxophone, respectively) sic. But more so than music, was no joke. Chris has been establish themselves as cornerstones of the Chris is in love with the image tapped to replace Bobby Beers group’s overall vibe, while guitarist Jeff Raines of Bobby Beers (Jason Flemyng as Steel Dragon’s vocalist. With bends notes all over the place as if his strings Snatch), the legendary front man an eerie naturalness and expedi- were made of Silly Putty. of the heavy metal rock band ency, Chris succeeds at the role The band isn’t above seizing other peo- Steel Dragon. In his small Penn- he’s prepared to play his entire ple’s tunes and turning them on their ear. sylvania town, Chris is the vo- life. He’s an instant superstar, Duke Ellington’s “Blue Pepper” gives both calist for Blood Pollution, a cover complete with all the privileges only, Steel Dragon tribute band, that come in result. But after Raines and Ellman a chance to mix a little Cover art courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures 12-bar into their solos, with the latter bringing managed by his longtime and the novelty wears off, Chris must After being a somewhat popular rap star, a famous Calvin Klein excessively supportive girlfriend model, and now a movie star with hits like Boogie Nights and See Galactic, page 32 Emily (Aniston). Chris easily See Star, page 30 Planet of the Apes, Mark Wahlberg debuts Rock Star today. 26 • Friday, September 7, 2001 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT DragonCon 2001, also known as “Who let the nerds out?” Hordes of freakishly dressed, odd individuals pack the streets of downtown Atlanta. There were also lots of people in town for a fantasy convention. By Gray Gunter and to the public, and for of dialogue. Granted, for the Living Legend Award. Assistant Focus Editor four days the overlooked and most part the core subjects Entertainment at the con- disregarded genres of written are matters of entertainment. vention centered on readings DragonCon, the premiere fiction, television and film However, in a time when so and discussions by writers, a science fiction, fantasy and dominate every discussion. many people live lives so iso- brutal wrestling exposition comic book convention in the Ground zero for Dragon- lated from their own neigh- and nightly concerts by a seem- Southeast, celebrated its 15th Con is the Hyatt on Peacht- bors it’s amazing to watch ingly endless parade of Goth anniversary this Labor Day ree downtown. The majority complete strangers talk, dis- bands. Thus completing the weekend. Like all 15-year-olds of invited guests and fans stay agree and try to understand three ‘R’ triumvirate of con- DragonCon is often awkward, at the Hyatt, as the core of each other (even if it is just vention success: ‘Riting, ‘Ras- rarely nice to look at, but al- the convention takes place in the Tolkien Card Gaming tling and Rock. All of this ways full of excitement and the small conference rooms panel). centered in the ballrooms and undeniably fun to be around. on the hotel’s lower levels. Besides interaction with smaller conference halls of the The concept is fairly sim- Here panel discussions are held other fans the other key ele- Hyatt. ple, as simple as cramming for the fans to focus on a spe- By Gray Gunter / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS ment of the convention is the DragonCon is an un- 20,000 people into two down- cific aspect of a larger topic as These three prove that DragonCon 2001 is truly a family list of invited artists. This year’s abashed assault on boredom. town hotels can be. First, in- moderated by one or more affair as they show off their best replica Star Wars threads. headlining guests included There’s an obvious desire by vite as many writers, artists, experts on a subject. Panels Harlan Ellison, literary leg- the organizers to constantly actors and models as possible are grouped by major catego- For half the day panels run unreleased footage added to end and regular on Political- keep the conventioneers busy. while staying in budget. Sec- ry, or track. New tracks come non-stop. Authors, artists, ex- upcoming Twin Peaks DVDs ly Incorrect, as the guest of If you’re sick of sitting in a ond, lure and organize doz- and go, but a few favorites perts, actors and fans scurry while the next room hosts a honor, as well as Alice Coo- panel debating why the X- ens of merchandise dealers to always remain, such as the from room to room to ob- debate about the effects of per, rock legend and all around Files is still on the air there the convention’s commercial Writing, Comic, Star Wars serve, to learn, and to be en- violence in written horror. spooky guy, who was in at- are gaming rooms available hall. Finally the doors of the and Star Trek discussion tertained. In one room What’s most remarkable tendance to receive the Inter- convention hall are opened groups. petitions are signed to have about these panels is the level national Horror Guild’s See Dragon, page 28 ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, September 7, 2001 • 27

50. A lad and ______(2 wds) 119. Mimic 60. ______Island Onward and Crossword Yeah...So? 51. Quench 120. Palliates, as pain 61. Nice eye? 52. HS student, usually 63. Make a smoothie 12345 6789 10111213 141516 53. SEE 1 ACROSS DOWN 64. Big dos 17 18 19 20 21 22 54. It can be noble or nox- 1. Lighters or pens 66. Not _____ (none) ious 2. “No right ______” (2 wds) 67. Greg’s sitcom partner 23 24 25 26 55. #1 on the charts 3. Travel by plane (2 wds) 68. 18-wheelers

27 28 29 30 31 56. Braun and Gabor 4. Causes hunger 69. Available (2 wds) 57. Refines, as ore 5. Have negative cash 70. Join forces 32 33 34 35 36 59. Reorge’s dog? 6. “______of Redwall” (by 74. U.S. 62. Egyptian God of the Dead Brian Jaques) 75. Keystone komedian 37 38 39 40 41 64. Merry man _____-A-Dale 7. Posthumous bios? 76. Big Blue 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 65. “Yeah…so?” (5 wds) 8. Actress Campbell 77. Nein + nein? 71. Sty cry 9. It’s usually 69 DOWN 78. Fragrant flower 50 51 52 53 72. Or partner 10. Recite 79. Tolkien tree

54 55 56 57 58 73. Famous letter-turner 11. Ogly looks? 83. Wheaton or Cordero 75. In a nice way 12. Eye, in odes 84. Scarf down 59 60 61 62 63 64 78. Letterman rival 13. Gets 7 DOWN, perhaps 85. Bomb shelter?

65 66 67 68 69 70 80. I love Latin! 14. Try a taste 86. Author Highsmith 81. Actor Curry 15. Forget the wedding, per- 88. Radishlike veggie 71 72 73 74 82. Reed instrument haps 89. Popeye’s tattoo site 83. Tire out 16. Alf, for one 90. Golfing faux pas 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 84. Goddess of Discord 20. Queen of mysteries 91. Let go, as a damsel 82 83 84 85 86 85. Unusual number of events 22. Estonia, once (abbr) 92. Peace sign 87. Afternoons (abbr) 24. Fish, in a way 93. With ‘off,’ swindled 87 88 89 90 88. Lean 25. Anna, in X-Men 94. Support beam

91 92 93 94 89. Emulates Emeril 31. French key? 95. Greek menu sights 90. Bum shelter? 33. With ‘out,’ freshens 96. Famous phantom’s locale 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 91. Throat dangler 35. They lose to tortoises 98. Domicile

102 103 104 105 106 107 93. Comic Rudner 38. Jacuzzi (2 wds) 99. John of tractors 94. Gold leaf 39. Plural of am? 100. Stuffs 108 109 110 111 112 95. Lost cause 41. Author Amy, of “The Joy 101. Spook-City 97. Hip Luck Club” 102. Over-acter 113 114 115 116 99. Pre-death do we part? 42. Epic 103. Porn, to conservatives 117 118 119 120 102. Dashes 43. Base for ecto- or cyto- 105. Abbr. sometimes after 104. Leave ajar, in verse 44. Not thought out RSVP 105. Flight prefix 45. Miracle worker 107. Matching pairs or trios By Kit FitzSimons 18. A death in the First Fam- 32. Amounts to take 106. Makes one see red 46. Iced drink 110. Sold-out abbr. Staff Writer ily? 34. “Gee!” 108. Type of rug 47. Mousse 111. “That’s a horse _____…” 19. Nest 36. Famous Degeneres 109. “Yeah…so?” (4 wds) 48. Tweety, to Granny (2 wds) ACROSS 21. “______Well That…” 37. Hank of Fox cartoon fame 113. Dawn time 49. Trebek’s ‘que.’ 112. Opry adj. 1. “Neat!” 23. “Yeah…so?” (5 wds) 38. Type of cuisine 114. Winner’s Circle cash 51. Jet rival 6. “Who’s the Boss?” charac- 26. Not so much in Paris 40. Nothing’s lovelier than it 115. Cabbie’s cash 52. Boob tube (2 wds) ter 27. It watches for 16 DOWN (2 wds) The answers to this week’s cross- 116. Restrict 53. African country 10. Drag one’s feet (abbr) 42. 12 DOWN, for one word puzzle can be found on 117. Blue 56. MacDonald’s motto? 14. Ocean 28. Eve, in ads 45. Achy page 30. As always, the Tech- 118. ______the line (went 57. ____-mo 17. End for mother or broth- 29. Bobby of hockey 46. Platter nique makes no apologies if you too far) 58. Albert of sportscasting get all the answers wrong. er (hyph) 30. Glass fairy tale accessory 47. Sch. stat 28 • Friday, September 7, 2001 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT

portunity to meet fans, sell original DragonCon 2001 Dragon from page 26 artwork and review the portfolios Science fiction enthusiasts of those hoping to get into the busi- attending DragonCon 2001 at multi-sided dice there are free mov- ness of creating comic books. The the Atlanta Hyatt Regency hotel ie screenings twenty-four hours a idea is to create a forum for creators around. For those without access to could entertain themselves with a for every role playing and card game day. As consistent as the movies are and fans to interact, as well as a variety of activities, including concerts where a number of deeply chance for the creators to attract shopping, discussion panels, film troubled bands are sing tunes guar- new readers. anteed to bring a frown to your The art exhibition allowed paint- screenings, various presentations, face. Finally, if all else fails , if even ers, multimedia artists, photogra- and many exhibitions of science the parade of Darth Vader look- phers and costume designers to fiction and fantasy parapherna- alikes doesn’t peak your interest, display and sell their works directly lia. The following is just a there’s always shopping. or at auction. Works range from sampling of the many interesting Next door the Marriott hosted images of dragons and strange worlds and exciting topics available to

the dealers’ room and art exhibi- to black and white photography of convention attendees: ○○○○ tion, featuring toys, posters, cloth- everyday urban life. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 2001 “Miss Klingon Empire” ing, vintage comics, videos, DVDs, For as much as DragonCon fol-

Beauty Pageant ○○○○ statues, trading cards and every other lows with the image of a comic book ○○○○○○○○○○○○○

A Klingon Wedding

○○○○ form of collectable entertainment. or fantasy convention with bizarre ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The dealers buy space from the con- costumes and autograph junkies it Discussion: “Is it too graphic vention managers for the opportu- also manages to break the mold with when the gore sloshes over my

nity to put their wares before music, film and genuine human in- boots?” ○○○○ thousands of potential customers. teraction. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Dragon Sex: Mating Flight The dealer’s room also hosted It is, at its heart, an event orga-

Etiquette ○○○○ Artist’s Alley, an entire section of nized and driven by fans to serve ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the hall where individual artists and fans. For four days this past week- Discussion: “What good is a

entire comic studios purchase space end these fans managed to come genetically engineered soldier?” ○○○○ By Gray Gunter / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS to display their work to the public. together as a true community, a ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ These two fantasy fans are decked out in the regalia of Destro and Cobra Robot Battles: “All your bots are

Here pencil-drawing artists, inkers, community with lots of guys dressed belong to us” ○○○○ Commander at the DragonCon science fiction convention last weekend. colorists and writers have the op- like storm troopers. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, September 7, 2001 • 29 Déjà Vu: Straight up, straight down, and looping all around By Andrew Santelli shoulder harness and a buckle which the ride adrenaline will be rushing Entertainment Editor holds the rider firmly in place. so fast that the 100-foot-plus heights This harness quickly became im- of these maneuvers will be merely Roller Coaster: Déjà Vu portant as the car pulled out of the an afterthought. Then, after com- Park: Six Flags Over Georgia station backwards and directly up. ing out of the loops, riders start Designer: Vekoma (Switzerland) At this point riders are facing the heading directly up another tower Height: 196 feet ground at that 90 degree angle and (known as Tower 2), and it appears Maximum Speed: 65 mph all body weight is resting on this that the car might just run out of Track Material: tubular steel harness, a sensation that isn’t dupli- track. Rating: ttttt cated on any other attraction. This Just before gravity kicks in, the harrowing view from 196 feet in cable lift pulls the car up the rest of This past weekend, Six Flags Over the way and drops you from maxi- Georgia opened their newest and mum height. (You didn’t think you’d most terrifying member of its roller get away that easily, did you?) coaster family, the blue-and-green This ride is really one The car now rushing backwards behemoth known as Déjà Vu. It is through the traditional loop and said to be the world’s tallest and of the best, and one the cobra roll, and again the adren- fastest suspended looping boomer- of the few rides that aline rush is too large to notice the ang coaster. Regardless of what world heights achieved. Riders get anoth- records it might hold, the new ride could really scare er look at the station as they speed takes the cake as the most thrilling even the most through it, almost as if the ride has new coaster built in recent memo- hit biological rewind. ry. seasoned of roller The car’s about to get pulled all Prior to the coaster’s official open- coaster veterans. the way up the original tower when ing, lucky members of the media it starts to fall and a brake kicks in, (including the Technique) and the dangling terrified patrons above the American Coaster Enthusiasts, a club ground again before easing back to filled with coaster freaks and geeks, the air doesn’t last long, as the first terra firma, although stomachs will to get a sneak peek of the new ride. drop brings riders straight down fast take some more time to get reac- There’s nothing quite like the eu- (65 miles per hour fast) and rushing quainted with their normal func- phoria of a new roller coaster, be- back through the station. tions. cause the upcoming thrills are totally After whizzing past those wait- When all’s said and done, this unexpected, and this was definitely ing in line for the next ride, the car ride is really one of the best, and one true of Déjà Vu. is immediately thrown into a cobra of the few rides that could really The seats are arranged in a stag- roll that thanks to the advanced com- scare even the most seasoned of roller gered formation, so the cab takes a puter design of the ride done by coaster veterans. The designers have slimmer profile and can achieve great- Vekoma of Switzerland, is as smooth done an excellent job of combining By Robb Cohen / ROBB D. COHEN PHOTOGRAPHY er speeds as well as a 90 degree drop. as silk. This cobra roll leads into a The new 196-foot-tall Déjà Vu roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia The safety system is an over-the- traditional loop, but at this point in See Déjà, page 32 debuted this past weekend to rave reviews from coaster enthusiasts.

Tired of hauling the paper around? Professor yelling at you to pay attention? Nique.net. All the papery goodness. None of the paper. 30 • Friday, September 7, 2001 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT

ed half the depth (no pun intended) carry him unnaturally through his Star from page 25 of the character he played in Boogie evolution. The end result manages Listen, my children, and go deaf Nights, the rags to riches celebrity to be both predictable and unrealis- face the possibility that everything Dirk Diggler. The backstage “rock- tic at the same time, which movie- CJ’S LANDING (270 Buckhead Ave.) EDDIE’S ATTIC (515-B N. McDonough St.) he ever wanted might not be enough. star lifestyle” depictions were nota- goers could consider to be a detriment (404) 237-7657 (404) 377-4976 The actual performance scenes bly well shot and directed, but the to this film. www.cjslanding.com www.eddiesattic.com in Rock Star (especially Chris’s first actual substance explored went no If we ignore solidarity for a 9/7—6 Against 7, Love Over Gravity, Chris 9/7—Diane Durrett, John McVey performance with Steel Dragon) are farther than the obvious rash indul- minute, Rock Star might be redeem- McCarty Band 9/8—Billy Pilgrim, Dede Vogt gence and some hasty and hokey able on a scene by scene basis. A 9/8—Gruvinhi, Rev 7, Fusebox 9/9—Dave Dault, Sue Witty, Melanie Hammett incidents of sexual confusion and 9/13—Ash Wednesday, Brian Doyle 9/12—Kelly Zullo, Mike Tichy, John M. ambiguity. These racy scenes might 9/14—Chad, Jeniphoria 9/13—Angela Motter, Mimi Holland, Claire help sell a few tickets but they won’t & Bain’s Maple Yum-Yum These scenes and the COTTON CLUB (152 Luckie St.) 9/14—Buddy O’Reilly Band landmark the film. Otherwise, not These racy scenes (404) 688-1193 ripping metal much more is to be found in Rock might help sell a few www.atlantaconcerts.com/cottonclub.asp MASQUERADE (695 North Ave.) soundtrack will make Star that isn’t available at a higher 9/7—Vynl, Acres, Mary’s Eyes, Magno (404) 577-2007 quality and cheaper price in Oliver tickets but they won’t 9/8—9 From 10, Kaizer Soze, Downplay, www.masq.com the film worthwhile for Stone’s classic film of this genre The landmark the film. Iris 9/8—Self Denial, IDD, Cauldron Born, those with a soft spot Doors. Moreover, The Doors has the 9/11—Howie Day Chronic M.D. advantage of a much clearer rela- Otherwise, not much 9/13—The Proclaimers, The Honeydogs 9/8—Metroscene for hard rock. tionship between the indulgent rock 9/14—Soundtribe Family 9/9—Castle Creeps, Level 01, Hustle more is to be found. 9/12—Method 51, Rantings of Eva, Odyssey, IPS star lifestyle and the individual who DARK HORSE TAVERN (816 N. Highland Ave.) 9/13—Against All Authority, Menace, Blind triumphs and suffers while entan- (404) 873-3607 Society, Glasseater quite well done, almost to a degree gled within it; a crucial depiction 9/7—Smugface, Drednot, Cringe, Waste where they make hair metal seem which is severely under handled in collection of significant talent is def- ROXY (3110 Roswell Rd.) Gate ROXY (3110 Roswell Rd.) cool again. The raw excitement of Rock Star. initely floating around in this film. 9/8—Supafuzz, Falling Up, Lights Out (404) 233-7699 Chris’s personal struggle is bare- It will be very surprising if a good 9/12—Nute, Subvoodoo www.atlantaconcerts.com/roxy.asp these scenes is procured by a num- ber of different factors, including ly developed into anything inter- many of this movie’s contributors, 9/13—Field Day, Echo 7, Guru 9/7—Dexter Freebish, Chrystina Lloree esting, but rather hacked through including director Stephen Herek, 9/14—Dropsonic, Operation Toes, 4 Souls director Stephen Herek’s conscien- carelessly by a series of haphazard don’t show moviegoers more work, SMITH’S OLDE BAR (1574 Piedmont Ave.) tious style, a supporting cast of ac- EARL (488 Flat Shoals Rd.) (404) 875-1522 tual heavy metal rock performers, coincidental encounters that bumpily as well as work of higher quality. (404) 522-3950 smithsoldebar.citysearch.com and an expectedly strong perfor- www.badearl.com 9/7—Soulhat, Tonohoney mance by Wahlberg. These scenes BOFFO MONA PLOD SEA 9/7—Oxes, The Remuxers, Slotracer 9/8—Bradley Cole Smith, Tommy and the ripping metal soundtrack INLAW ABEL AERI E ALLS 9/8—The Evils, El Caminos, Black Roses Thompson Band, Ultraphonic 9/9—Low End Theory 9/9—Clem Snide, Jason White Band, Cropduster will make the film worth while for CRYMEAR I VERREBEL MOI S 9/10—eX-Girl, High_Five_Bros., Alison 9/10—Zorki those with a soft spot for hard rock. SET I N I TE ORR SL I PPER An additional high point of the film Kendra Hunt 9/12—David Ryan Harris, Phil Pritchett DOSAGES GOSH EL LEN 9/13—American Dream, John Vanderslice, 9/13—Orville Davis, Spencer Kirkpatrick, is the debut of Dagmara Dominc- Twittering Machine Jerry Joseph zyk as Tania, former wife of former H I L L HAUT ATREE 9/14—Mastadon, Cream Abdul Babbar 9/14—Big Sky, Squat Steel Dragon front man Bobby Beers. SPHERE SORE TRAY GPA Tania is an unbearably spooky se- ALASS SATE TEEN KEEN EARTHLINK LIVE (1374 W. Peachtree St.) STAR BAR (437 Moreland Ave.) ductress who targets Chris quickly GAS H I T EVAS SMELTS (404) 885-1365 (404) 681-9018 upon his arrival into Steel Dragon. www.earthlinklive.com www.cloun.com/starbar.html ASTRO ANUB I S ALAN 9/7—Etta James, Bobby Murray 9/7—Bully, Hanging Francis, Poprocket Another perk of the film comes with MYHEARTBLEEDSFORYOU 9/14—The Outfield, Modern Hero 9/8—Countdown Quartet, Dry County Drunks the chemically active interactions 9/12—Gargantua between Wahlberg and Aniston, both OINK EITHER VANNA ECHO LOUNGE (551 Flat Shoals Rd.) of whom give performances that KINDLY LENO AMO T IM (404) 681-3600 TABERNACLE (152 Luckie St.) are stronger than their characters OBOE WI ND ER I S SPATE www.echostatic.com/echolounge (404) 659-9022 require. They work well together as 9/7—Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio, Selby www.tabernaclemusic.com they struggle to add meaning and PMS T I L T BAMS D I APER Tigers, Cave In, Thrice, Mike Park, The 9/14—Soundtribe Sector 9 energy to a film confined by its bland UVULA R I TA G I LT Eyeliners 9/8—Morning Glory, Cool for August VARIETY PLAYHOUSE (1099 Euclid Ave.) script. GONER CH I C D I VORCE 9/11—Azure Ray, Sun Ambulance (404) 521-1786 The core of the films problems HYPHENS OPE AERO I RES reside in the screenplay, the story 9/12—Starlight Mints, The Comas www.variety-playhouse.com AREA I MSUPPOSEDTOCARE 9/13—El Vez, Hot August Knights 9/8—Saffire: The Uppity Blues Women simply does not become interesting 9/14—Pontious Co-Pilot 9/14—Marcia Ball beyond it’s premise. Wahlberg’s MORN PURS E F ARE L I M I T character in this movie isn’t grant- SAD TOED APER EASES ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, September 7, 2001 • 31 ...0101010101010101010101010 ...Two Bits 10101010101010101...... Math. Calculus. Differential porcelain, be it from the north or with a face seeming to glow with reconnaissance I obtained blew my sense together. Equations. x y % ? ? ?… and so on. A from the south; they know that in a some sort of cosmic bliss, or it might mind and confirmed my deepest Something in the deepest fiber world of symbols and concepts em- world without tests, in a world with- be just oily, will tell you, get this, “I suspicions. The proof priests all meet of my being awakened while watch- ployed in the creation of a time and out Belabrakemen, in a world with like when the professor does proofs, in a discreet location (in the interest ing these unholy culprits of foul- culture transcending language that no men at all, they would still love it helps me understand more clearly of preserving my own life I can not ness. I was granted a vision from the sails on a steady stream of logic most their math skills, they know they how and why formulas work.” What and will not disclose the geographic forces beyond infinity that compel pure. That was a sentence fragment, want to marry their mad math “skiz- are you talking about? Are you cra- coordinates). It is a grand temple me to now beseech you my dear but who cares, math lives. Vive le ills” and have like a million babies. zily mad? Take these two bits. If with a height of six stories, and it’s good people, this must not contin- mathematique!! You know who you are you sick, proofs were really able to allow you stocked from top to bottom with ue. Let us cast off these yolks of Fact: math is more enjoyable sick, people. Okay, enough about to understand how and why formu- unholy scripture from which the slavery that the proof priests try to when you understand the concepts that, the Two Bits Man is gentle, las work, then why would we need proof priests research and keep record rule us with and let the common you are studying, when the back of formulas in the first place? Yet the man’s cry of “Just Give Me the the book reveals a confirmation of proof priests are immovable in their Formula!” be heard clear and abun- your ability rather than a declara- disposition, some of the bolder ones dant throughout lecture halls of ac- tion of your inadequacy. Ok, so if I speak now of the even claim that their ultimate goal The reconnaissance I ademia; an academia that will be it’s not “more enjoyable” it’s at least “proof priests,” a rare, is to “become a math professor.” ours once again. Oh yes. “more tolerable”. Some of us might What in Euclid’s twisted geometric obtained blew my Until then if you survive the rev- be too proud to admit it but there is elite, and pretentious universe is that all about? I mean, mind and confirmed olution, this is the Two Bits Man indeed a certain degree of nerd sat- species of mathgoer. that’s like trying to become God or giving a friendly reminder that there isfaction that comes with mastering something. It wasn’t long ago that I my deepest are few toilets in Korea (North or your Taylor polynomials, vectors, began to seriously wonder about suspicions. South), clarity however is quite abun- linear equations, long divisions, these strange and oddly reclusive dant. Remember to say you’re home- whole number additions, Pythagore- honest, and honorable, he is not proof priests. I would be quite un- work and finish your prayers. Vive an circumcisions etc. it’s true. The one to judge people. surprised if these blasphemers gath- le mathematique! overly image-cautious mathgoer Speaking of people, some peo- er amongst themselves and converse of each and every one of their dia- might be inclined to cover his inner ple are completely not at all right in about their dear proofs while snick- bolical schemes. While the Two Bits Man is legendary obsession by claiming “Yeah I’m the head. I speak now of the “proof ering at the formula-bound under- I suspect this structure is called for his unique take on life here at the satisfied, because if I understand priests,” a rare, elite, and preten- lings who can’t understand the secrets the Church of Proof (or possibly Institute and in general, the Tech- my math I won’t fail Belabrake- tious species of math goer. The av- behind their own universe. the C.O.P. in their code language) I nique is always looking for a fresh men’s crazy hard test.” As if that erage Joe Blow mathematière will Risking my life in the name of mean it, these people are messed up voice. If you are interested in being were the only reason. I grieve for tell you that proofs are what profes- journalism, I followed an unsus- and crazy blasphemers. Church of the Two Bits Man, email Entertain- these pride suppressing punks for sors use to put you to sleep in lec- pecting proof priest after my calcu- Proof …ridiculous, Church.. Proof.. ment Editor Andrew Santelli at they are as transparent as Korean tures. The enigmatic proof priest, lus class one day. And the those two words don’t even make [email protected]. 32 • Friday, September 7, 2001 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT

make his horns talk, but his speed into a solo that sounds as if Buddy the high adrenaline rushes it causes Galactic from page 25 gets the better of him once in a Rich had been reincarnated in the Déjà from page 29 right out of the station. while; he hits the right balance on Big Easy—and given a heavy dose There are some things that rid- his baritone sax to life as easily as his “Blue Pepper,” moving fast while of caffeine just before the show! many elements of different coast- ers should know before lowering tenor. The Black Sabbath rocker still letting each note be heard. “Shibuya” leans into honky-tonk ers, like the smooth suspension coast- the safety harness. The ride is defi- “Sweet Leaf” gets a Cajun-funk re- One trademark of a Galactic live thanks to the combined efforts of er design of Alpengeist at Busch nitely not for the faint of heart or telling with the help of singer and show is the tripped-out onstage jam, Raines and Ellman (now on har- Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., the those with a fear of heights. Other “permanent special guest” Theryl and this album includes no fewer monica) and builds itself up twice thrills of riding backwards of rides coasters have tall towers, but none de Clouet. (Four of the disc’s 13 than three of them. “Baker’s Doz- before reaching its peak. It’s when like Indiana Jones et le Temple du directly facing the ground. Also, tracks feature him, adding a bit of a en,” the first, starts with bassist Robert the band comes back for an encore Péril: à l’envers! (Indiana Jones and the smoother ride can be found the bluesy growl to his classic-soul vo- Mercurio and drummer Stanton that everything really flips. Moore the Temple of Peril: Backwards!) at further toward the front you sit. cals.) Moore laying down a dead-steady and Vogel trade a few figures to Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallée, Smaller riders in the back should There’s no denying that this groove before the others come in start “Two Clowns,” with the oth- France, the fast launch seen in many brace themselves for quite a jos- bunch knows the terrain, though above them and build it up, layer by ers starting in on the theme and rides like the Incredible Hulk at tling. The outer seats provide more they sometimes go racing across it layer, into an all-out sonic assault. gradually mutating it through free- Universal’s Islands of Adventure in thrills and a greater sensation of fly- so quickly that following them is a Riffs and phrases go flying all over form atonality into something com- Orlando, Florida (although this ing free then those closer to the tough job. Ellman knows how to the place before Moore launches pletely different. launch is induced by good old grav- middle, where the view is constrict- We Love ’Em Tonight is what a ity, not advanced technology mo- ed by the car ahead. live album should be: an entertain- tors or electromagnets), and the If you’re ready to search for thrills ing surprise that’s polished but not intense rates of speed on rides like taken to a new level, get over to Six slick. Strange things happen when the Phantom’s Revenge at Kenny- Flags and ride this incredible scream Galactic gets started, and this re- wood outside Pittsburgh, but Déjà machine, as this Déjà Vu is defi- cording shows it. Vu has a flavor all its own because of nitely worth having over again. ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, September 7, 2001 • 33 Californian indie group creates eclectic mix of sounds By Kimberly Rieck album is the variety of musical styles saxophones, guitars, flute, and strings Contributing Writer it pays homage to. The album bor- in background. The songs “Gene rows from R&B, hard rock, pop, Autry” and “I’ll be Your Lampshade” Album: The Coast is Never Clear classic rock, and big band music. have vocals similar to several of the Artist: Beulah The vocals of Miles Kurosky com- upbeat Beatles’ songs from the 1960s. Genre: Pop plement the intricate melodies and While “Burned by the Sun” has a Label: Velocette Records lyrics. His voice conveys the feel- tone and message that is reminis- Tracks: 12 ings and tones of each song, at times cent of a Beach Boys song. Rating: 4 stars it is melancholy as in “Popular Me- Some of the lyrics reflect the Cal- chanics for Lovers,” a song which ifornian beach mentality that the The band Beulah has come a expresses a man’s regret at losing a band grew up with. “Burned by the long way from their first album. loved one to another man, or light- sun” epitomizes the spirit of spend- The first album, Handsome Western hearted and playful in “Night is the ing a day relaxing in the sun with States, released in 1997 on Elephant Day Turned Inside Out.” In addi- the company of friends and loved 6 records, was a project made by ones. “What will you do when your Miles Kurosky and Bill Swan on suntan fades?” is a satiric take on the four and eight track machines. The way that some people devote pre- two recorded the album during a The album borrows cious hours of their time to baking period of sixteen months while on in the sun to achieve a fading tan. tour. The group recorded their 1999 from R&B, hard rock, While others such as “Silver Lin- album, While Your Heartstrings Break, pop, classic rock, and ing” detail the lead singer’s secret on the same independent label. Beu- passion for and other lah had planned on The Coast is big band music. types of music despite his band’s Never Clear being their first release reputation as a diverse pop act. from a major label, Capricorn “Popular Mechanics” has a more Records. However things turned out tion, Kurosky wrote each song while serious tone than most of the other differently than the band expected holed up in Japan; he also is the songs on the album. The song deals when a big company bought Capri- producer of the album. with the heartbreak of a man as he corn along with bands like 311. Beu- Another interesting component is watches his lover forsake him for lah was one of only a few bands not the lead-ins to songs which are ev- someone else. While “Hey Broth- sold. At one point it appeared that erything from a guitar solo found in er” serves in direct contrast to “Pop- The Coast is Never Clear would nev- “A Good Man is Easy to Kill” to ular Mechanics” as it is about a man Courtesy Velocette Records er be released at all. Luckily for Beu- string quartets and pianos on “Hel- stealing his dream girl away from These six musicians who hail from San Francisco form the orchestral pop lah, seven former employees of lo Resolven.” At times the album her boyfriend. band Beulah. Their CD, The Coast Is Never Clear, is released this Capricorn formed Velocette, a brand sounds incredibly fresh, modern and If you are in the mood to experi- Tuesday, and they hit the Echo Lounge here in Atlanta on October 1. new indie label. inventive, while at other times, it is ence a refreshing change from the The Coast is Never Clear is a as if you are listening to a throw- usual rock and pop songs that play follow up to Beulah’s 1999 album, back from the 1960s. “Gravity’s on the radio, you should find a copy ttttt When Your Heartstrings Break. A Bringing Us Down” is full of ener- of Beulah’s latest release the refreshing surprising aspect of the group’s new gy with a unique sound made from change you seek. The Technique rates films and music out of a possible five stars.