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VerThe Vanderbilt Hustler’s Arts su & Entertainment Magazine s OCTOBER 14—OCTOBER 20, 2009 VOL. 47, NO. 21

Backstreet’s back? The verdict: just all right. Check it out on page 7. Drummer Chris Culos chats with Psst: We know where to fi nd Versus about Nashville, touring the best cupcakes in town. moments and lasagna on page 9. Flip to page 3. Who’s that chick that’s rock- ing kicks? Find out on page 8. photos courtesy of PFA Media

PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 The Regulars

Deer Tick – The Basement Corey Smith – Cannery Ballroom Dane Cook – Sommet Center THE RUTLEDGE Despite what their MySpace might say, this is no “Christian Rap” A college-town favorite for as long as we can remember, Corey Smith Join funnyman Dane Cook when he makes a stop in Nashville as part 410 Fourth Ave. South 37201 group. Deer Tick is a four piece that plays tasteful with brings a smile, a beer, and some good stories to every show he plays. of his “Isolated Incident” tour. Having sold out venues such as Madison 782-6858 a feel. With catchy vocals and mellow instrumentals, Though every year he fi nds himself a bit further removed from Square Garden, this stand-up comedian will bring his high-octane this is a band of easy listening – perhaps an alternative to your usual the college scene, he never seems to fail to identify with our type, performance to the Sommet Center downtown. Ever since his Comedy THE MERCY LOUNGE/CANNERY Thursday night shenanigans. Deer Tick is currently on a massive making this a great option for a Friday night. He fi nds himself a midst Central Special exploded in popularity, Cook has been a tour-de-force BALLROOM college tour with this stop in Nashville sandwiched between Oxford, big names this weekend, but he’ll hold his own and likely draw a in the comedy world, selling out tours and appearing in numerous 1 Cannery Row 37203 MS and Athens, GA. (Ticket price not listed, 9 p.m.) signifi cant crowd ($18 advance, $23 day of, 9 p.m.) movies. “Combining energetic physical comedy, clever wordplay and 251-3020 trenchant observations about human behavior,” Cook’s sidesplitting show will be sure to leave you in tears. Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ – Exit/In – Sommet Center BLUEBIRD CAFE ($32.50, 62.50, 102.50, 8 p.m., 501 Broadway) This Atlanta born /southern rock band whose career has been This is the biggest act of a weekend, and is fi lled to the brim with great 4104 Hillsboro Road 37215 going for over 20 years fi nds itself back in the small club scene from music. The natives who are enjoying their ever-increasing 383-1461 which it came. Drivin’ n’ Cryin has had many members throughout national and international success will play on the biggest stage in Drummer & Royal Bangs – Mercy Lounge the years but ahs always been led by Kevin Kinney. The band went Nashville. Hits like “,” “,” and “Knocked Drummer is new side project of ’ drummer Patrick EXIT/IN back to the studio and laid down some tracks on wax for the fi rst time Up” can surely be expected. Unfortunately, remaining tickets are Carney. Recruiting four other drummers from various bands, Carney 2208 Elliston Place 37203 in 12 years and are currently touring “Whatever Happened To The scarce and expensive and anything decent will be going for well above fi nally had a complete roster for his new idea — a band comprised 321-3340 Great American Bubble Factory,” released this year. ($15, 9 p.m.) face value. ($33.50 - $43.50, 8 p.m.) only of drummers, playing every other instrument. From this idea comes the strikingly simple name — Drummer. With a mission to STATION INN Matt Kearney – Cannery Ballroom White Lies – Sommet Center make “feel good music,” the band has created a unique sound, a 402 12th Ave. South 37203 This Nashville native crooner has made big waves beyond Though just the opening act to Kings, White Lies deserves a line of hybrid of raq rock and shoegaze that is very unlike anything the 255-3307 the Music City and is making a home town return in the midst of a its own with respect to their show this Friday. Features editor Avery Black Keys have done. Drummer plays tonight at the Mercy Lounge massive coast to coast national tour. Kearney’s music is undeniably Spofford interviewed the band this past week. It is a group on the in support of their recent debut , “Feel Good Together,” released THE BASEMENT catchy (funny he has a song called undeniable) and substantive. This rise in the music scene and one that is well respected September 29th. 1604 Eighth Ave. South 37203 promises to be one of the better shows of the week, and that’s saying for their past accomplishments as well as for their future potential. ($10, 9 p.m., One Cannery Row) 254-1604 something. ($23, 8 p.m.) Seeing them would be a great show in itself so don’t get there late. ($33.50 - $43.50, 8 p.m.) Mirah – Mercy Lounge Fundamental Elements – The Basement F. SCOTT’S RESTAURANT AND On the other side of from Matt Kearny at the Cannery will In the dingy basement beneath Grimey’s New and Preloved Music, JAZZ BAR Timothy B. Schmit – The Basement 2210 Crestmoor Road 37215 be indie rocker Mirah. She will strum an acoustic and whisper Bassist and Timothy B. Schmit will make his way to the Saint Louis band Fundamental Elements takes the stage for an evening 269-5861 quiet, calming vocals as accompaniment. While a lot of indie rockers Basement on Friday as he tours his upcoming album “Expando” (Oct. of soul-fused pop music. With a sound that can be best described as a with this M.O. get lost in the crowd, Mirah will stand out with noticeable 20). Schmit is most well known for his work with the Eagles (he was on hybrid of Gavin Degraw and Marroon 5, Fundamental Elements have talent. Try “Don’t Die in Me” for a taste before the show. ($10, 9 the “Hotel ” tour) and since their break up has had a fairly mastered the art of crafting saccharine sweet, catchy pop songs, writing SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY p.m.) successful solo career. (Ticket Price not listed, 8 p.m.) about women, love, and loss, and everything in between. With catchy CENTER keyboards and organs, tight guitar work, and a danceable rhythm 1 Symphony Place 37201 Quake – Memorial Gym section, the Elements will be sure to get the crowd moving. 687-6500 The Vandy Music Group caught a lot of heat for the lineup this year, Off The Wagon – The Station Inn ($5, 9 p.m., 1604 8th Avenue S.) but now that we can all expect great things in November, it’s probably The self-proclaimed “World’s tallest bluegrass band” hits the historic 3RD AND LINDSLEY time to ease up and enjoy the music that most of us really do like stage of the Station Inn on a coveted Friday night slot. According to 818 Third Ave. South 37210 Monotonix – Exit/In 259-9891 anyway. If nothing else, O.A.R and Pitbull will make a combination their MySpace page “OFF THE WAGON delivers a hard driving, no Israeli rock band Monotonix take the stage at the Exit/In tonight for unlike many others, and both artist’s music will inspire a fun-fi lled nonsense brand of bluegrass music... the way it was meant to be an evening of absolute chaos. Legendarily banned from performing Thursday night. Embrace it and rock out. (Free for Vandy Students, played.” The Station Inn has a knack for scouting talent, and this at over half the live music venues in , perhaps the band could CAFE COCO 7:25 p.m.) should be no exception. ($10, 9 p.m.) best be described as “demented pandemonium,” with harsh vocals, 210 Louise Ave. 37203 loud, heavy , and thrashing drums. Their live show is not to be 321-2626 missed, especially as this is their last show on the North American tour before touring . Expect plenty of crowd surfi ng (even from the drummer himself) and crazed fans. ($12, 9 p.m., 2208 Elliston Place)

$ $ NOBODY HAS MORE HALLOWEEN FOR LESS off BRENTWOOD • 615-376-4141 off 1630 Galleria Boulevard At Cool Springs Pointe With Old Navy And Best Buy save save 10 NASHVILLE WEST • 615-354-1860 Any Purchase of $25.00 or More Any Purchase of $50.00 or More 6622 Charlotte Pike Front Of 5 *Coupon must be present at time of purchase. Offer not valid *Coupon must be present at time of purchase. Offer not valid Cosco With Staples And Pet Mart on sale or clearance items, and % off merchandise. May not on sale or clearance items, and % off merchandise. May not be combined with other %/$ off coupons, be combined with other %/$ off coupons, associate discount or organization discount. associate discount or organization discount. OPEN 7 DAYS One coupon per family. No reproductions. One coupon per family. No reproductions. & 6 NIGHTS Expires 10/31/09 Expires 10/31/09 IN THIS ISSUE Versus Bits & Pieces OCTOBER 14—OCTOBER 20, 2009 VOL. 47, NO. 21 • Lucky Star, 2 • Overheard at Vanderbilt, 2 Versus FROM THE EDITOR 2 • Words to live by in 17 syllables, 2 Magazine EDITORIAL BOARD Entertainment • Moore comes back for “Capitalism,” 4 Editor in Chief • ABC redefintes the “Family” sitcom, 4 Courtney Rogers • Looking back on a decade in film, 4

Opinion Editor Ryan Sullivan Music • Musicians of New Orleans, 6 Life Editor 3 • Austin City Limits, 6 Avery Spofford • Seriously, are back, 7 Culture Editor Holly Meehl Dear Readers, Entertainment Editor Culture, Fashion Charlie It’s time to chill out. You’ve already taken the fi rst step • Don’t stress, skate! 3 Kesslering by opening this week’s issue, and I want to reassure you • A furry situation, 8 that you deserve a break. It’s that point in the semester •Let’s get some shoes, 8 Music Editors that we’ve all been dreading since we got those brand Zac Hunter new syllabi: midterms. Our calendars are choked with Chris McDonald tests, quizzes and papers, and with every deadline that Feature approaches, things like sleep, sanity and fun tend to go by • Chatting with Chris Culos, 9 Fashion Editor the wayside. Nikky Okoro As important as it is to take our classes seriously, think 9 of this week’s issue as a manifesto in defense of fun. It’s so easy to hole up in your room or the Baseball Glove Lounge and forget that there’s a world out there that’s fi lled with more than organic chemistry or ancient drains. I’m not PIC OF THE WEEK Art Director saying you shouldn’t study, but sometimes you just need Matt Radford to know when to take a break. This week is homecoming, which of course brings with Designers it one of the most anticipated musical events of the Vandy Irene Hukkelhoven calendar, Commodore Quake. As we reported earlier, Kat Miller O.A.R., Pitbull and Asher Roth will be performing in Memorial Gymnasium tomorrow. We interviewed O.A.R.’s Marketing Director Chris Culos and asked his thoughts on everything from George Fischer his favorite performance moments to his favorite color. Of course, the fun doesn’t stop at there. In music, check Advertising Manager out our review of the Backstreet Boys new album and relive Carolyn Fisher those tween glory days. On page 3, we found some great stress relieving activities for your amusement. Whether VSC Director you’re into art, ice skating or even frozen yogurt, we’ve Chris Carroll got some great places for you to check out. Plus, cupcake fanatics, rejoice! We’ve got a comprehensive guide to the Assistant VSC best of the best for sugary treats. Directors Have a great week and please, don’t stress too much Jeff Breaux about those tests. Make it your goal to do something fun Paige Clancy for yourself and stick with it. Trust us, you’ve earned it. Journalism Fellow Erin Prah Later Alligator, Courtney Rogers NIKKY OKORO / VERSUS MAGAZINE BITS & PIECES HAIKUS Words to live by It’s all happening. in seventeen syllables

– Penny Lane My next book: If you Give a rush a natty, he’s Gonna ask for more.

I have decided H ROSCOPES To christen my fi rst born son VIRGO 8/23-9/22: Sleeping in twenty minute increments throughout the day does not add up to a full night’s sleep. Frugal MacDoogal.

LIBRA 9/23-10/22: will bring peace to your life this week. Just kidding. That prize was completely undeserved.

SCORPIO 10/23-11/21: If life gives you lemons, make a garnish. Put one sugar cube in a tumbler glass. Add three dashes of Angostura bitteres. Three shots bourbon. Voila, a delicious Old Fashioned. OVERHEARD SAGITTARIUS 11/22-12/21: We won’t judge if you decide to do a Some people on this campus just don’t think before happy dance around Rand after you fi nish the third midterm you’ve had in two days. they speak. Sometimes we are lucky enough to overhear what they say. CAPRICORN 12/22-1/19: If you are having trouble doing something well, just learn to enjoy doing it poorly. Compiled from the Facebook group “Overheard at Vanderbilt”

AQUARIUS 1/20-2/18: You think you’re hiding your hangover in Friday morning classes, but your professors will know what you were up to on Thursday. Guy texting his suitemate: Don’t turn on the PISCES 2/19-3/20: Don’t ride in vans with strangers, no matter how enticing their offers may be. oven... there may be a case of beer in there. ARIES 3/21-4/19: Be wary of squirrels this week. They are just as unhappy about the cold weather as you are, but much more Guy1: I’m not just some drunk jackass, I’m aggressive about it. THE drunk jackass! Guy 2: So, you’re saying you’re Tucker Max? TAURUS 4/20-5/20: You better go get that rash looked at. Like, now. Student: Did you know that there’s now a Ninja Restaurant in New York? GEMINI 5/21-6/21: Reading Versus this week will make you healthy, wealthy and wise. Professor: How did you find it?

Guy: I generally have bad gaydar, but even he CANCER 6/22-7/22: Tired of wating in the Randwich line? Try yelling, “I have swine fl u!” The line should move a little faster. made my needle move a little.

LEO 7/23-8/22: Watch out for mass texts this weekend.

PHOTOS: ickr.com Versus • October 14—October 20, 2009 • 3 CULTURE

It’s fun to have fun, but Field Trip Flashback to take part in it all, life when I began playing NIKKY OKORO yet the glimmer of the the “grown up card.” I get you have to know how Fashion Editor watercolors and shiny frustrated, because all I Surreal. It’s the only printmaking tools were all want to do is go back to It’s midterm time, which can only mean better way word that could describe too enticing. To the slight the days of one thing: stress. We drink a cup of a to relax your -Dr. Seuss my recent visit to the Frist dismay of my professor, re-runs and jump-rope coffee an hour, have flashcards glued to mind than by Center for the Visual Arts the entire class jumped on battles. But finally I stop our hands, and hide under baseball caps acting like a in downtown Nashville. the opportunity to be able and realize that by sitting to cover up our sleep deprived faces. kid again? Because, let’s face it, unlike As is expected from any to sketch and paint with around and worrying Basically, this time of year sucks and we us, kids don’t stress. So push the books gallery, there were classic tools too small for our about the past, I’m struggle through to the light at the end of aside and fall while ice skating, get paint pieces of fine art perfectly hands and on tables no obviously not living out my the tunnel that is Fall Break. But everyone on your fingers, and bite into something positioned on the walls bigger than our backs. It present. So if happiness needs a distraction from the insanity sweet. Be a kid for a few hours and your for the “Twilight Visions: was like a mental flashback comes in the form of a of college tests and papers and what brain will thank you later. Surrealism, Photography to an elementary art class, trivial watercolor print, and Paris Exhibit.” On with unlimited supplies then let it be; there’s a field trip visit with my and an entire room of nothing like getting dirty Digital Imaging class, I activities. Minutes into in the form of finger- was excited to witness it all, I stepped back and painting. With Thursday the highly acclaimed chuckled at the fact that and Friday nights free Chill out with friends at photographs of Man Ray I actually was intensely for college students, and Brassai and after taking my time to paper- the Frist is the perfect walking through all the mache a proper sunset spot to spend time and Centennial Sportsplex displays I was pleasantly with my Crayola glue reminisce. Most recently, surprised. The work stick in hand. Silly? Yes. I suggest checking out COURTNEY ROGERS goes, I would place myself better skaters on the rink, attained by the Frist Senseless? Never. the new Georgia O’Keeffe Versus Editor-in-Chief solidly in the middle. A but with the right attitude flawlessly fits together As a college student, I Exhibition of American skating school dropout you can have fun no matter and would gratify any constantly think back to Modernism. And if for Sometimes the best way somewhere along the ISI how good you are. Laughter photo buff looking for when I was younger and some reason you find to indulge your inner child testing chain, I can skate echoed off the walls as each their photo fix. Yet, there the things I used to do yourself “accidentally” is to schedule some time in forwards and backwards group wobbled along and still seemed to be some and the games I used to wandering towards the your inevitably busy day to do but my backwards even when I was struggling type of void left in me play. And then, I get upset upper level hall, then feel something completely random to master the art of spinning, and my fellow classmates, because I become fixated free to satisfy your urge and fun. Last week, a friend I couldn’t help but smile. something we still needed on trying to determine to print, paint and play and I took a short walk to Out on the ice, you feel to truly complete our trip. the point because there’s nothing Centennial Sportsplex for miles away from the And just as soon as we in my like being a kid the two-hour public skate at pressure of the Vandy rounded the corner to again. the ice rink. For eight dollars bubble. Though the end leave, we crossed paths (including skate rental), we of the public skate was with what turned out to both left our phones, upcoming Dreamstime.com sad because it meant that be the paramount of it all. tests and other dramatics on I had to get back to reality, We happened upon the the bench and skated off to do technique is not exactly meetings and studying, I Frist’s ArtQuest Gallery, something we hadn’t done in a textbook or graceful. Though felt so refreshed and happy an interactive center long time: goof off. I cannot do the fancy moves, that I was ready to conquer designed for family and The rink was not crowded I found that the easiest way the rest of the week. Even kids to actively participate on Wednesday afternoon to look like you know what if you don’t think skating is in creating and skill levels ranged from you’re doing on the ice is to your thing, give it a try the the very art total beginners, adults and do over-the-top arm motions next time you’re stressing hanging children alike, to people like whenever you try a spin. A out. Bring a friend and your around in my friend who effortlessly shameless effort to distract coziest winter sweater and the gallery. spun around and jumped the onlookers from my lack get ready to have some good Clearly, we all as though they were in the of technique? Guilty. clean fun. I’ll even let you were not in the Olympic trials. As skill level It was hard not to envy the wear leggings as pants. proper age range Crazy for cup- Naticakes: Sweet Cece’s: a fro- cakes? Your guide Another delectable yo lover’s paradise LAUREN MARGOLIS and the double-decker toppings to the perfect treat fl avor of Franklin Staff Writer bar puts Yogurt Oasis to shame. The world is split into two The giant selection makes you TORI WYCOFF LISA KARVELLAS groups: those who love frozen feel like a kid in a candy store — Staff Writer Staff Writer yogurt and those who rag on it there’s your standard chocolate as the college girl’s diet treat. If sauce, whipped cream and Delicately decorated, you’re part of the former group, sprinkles, but also cookie dough, charmingly portioned prepare for some exciting news; animal crackers, chocolate CUPCAKE COLLECTION: for one, and comprised if you’re one of the latter, well … covered almonds, gummy of the timeless cake/icing read on; you may be tempted to worms and more. If you’re erring Located in historic Germantown, this shop is inside marriage, cupcakes may throw your previous notions of on the healthy side, there’s also the home of the Francois family. As you walk into be one of the most perfect fro-yo out the window. Sweet a station with seasonal fruit like the bakery, which is located in their old living room, desserts ever invented, Cece’s is Nashville’s newest blueberries and diced kiwi (but you are greeted by warm, smiling faces that instantly and Naticakes may be the addition to the frozen yogurt don’t be afraid to put a little brighten your day. Mignon, the owner, stands next to most perfect place to eat scene, and it’s by far the closest sliced pound cake on the side.) the register and personally greets every guest. Daily them. The delicate crystal thing you’re going to get to The atmosphere of Sweet Cece’s flavors include my personal favorite, , with chandeliers, shabby chic New York’s beloved Pinkberry. gives credit to its name — pink many more flavors on rotation, all sold for $1.75. furniture, and vintage Those craving a taste of the New painted walls and white bar framed placards hanging York classic can  ll their cups stools fashion a charming little on the exposed brick wall Fortheloveofcupcakes.wordpress.com with tart yogurt, while those store. There are also a few tables GIGI’S: add a cozy charm, reminiscent of wanting something a little more outside to enjoy your dessert a storybook bakery. The lacy logo, “Naticakes, Making Life a Little adventurous can sample avors and gaze across the massive Every Vandy girl is aware of the little cupcake Sweeter,” invites you to indulge in one of the best cupcakes you’ll like pineapple or s’mores. It’s do- Publix parking lot. With so many haven located a couple blocks from campus on the ever taste. (Trust me, it’s worth the drive to beautiful Franklin.) it-yourself service, meaning you combinations awaiting your corner of 19th and Broadway. This cute shop is full of The menu boasts 35 avors total, most of which rotate daily. can mix and match any of the creation, you’ll be craving more colors and many different flavors of cupcakes piled There are, however some menu staples — and trust us, it’s eight ever-changing avors, and Cece’s in no time, so be sure to toweringly high with icing. Gigi’s conveniently posts a for a reason. Little girls love The Pretty Princess, a strawberry  ll your cup to the brim. Such pick up a frequent member’s daily menu online and sells their cupcakes for $3.00 cake  nished with uffy strawberry icing and sprinkled with possibilities undoubtedly outdo card on your way out to receive each. In my opinion, the best flavors are Top Hats and pink sugar, while young boys typically opt for the ‘Dirt and Tasti D’Lite’s limited options your 13th cup free.  Chocolate Malt, but Gigi’s offers a cupcake for every Worms’ with a glass of ice-cold milk. Undoubtedly, Naticakes taste bud ranging from Merry Margarita to Coconut passes the kid’s taste test, however it satis es the harder-to- Snowball. please adult palate as well by offering cappuccinos and lattes, along with avors like Chocolate Salted Caramel: devil’s food cake topped with Italian buttercream frosting, a soft sprinkle CAKES BY SHARA: of grey sea salt and dark chocolate shavings. Each cupcake has a light, yet dense cake, reminiscent of Shara Lunn, a graduate of the Gaylord Opryland pound cake, an exceptional  lling (that in the case of Dulce de Culinary Institute, sells her cupcakes at Fresh By Leche, takes up to four hours to make), and a light, airy and not- CarryAnn, a florist in nearby Mt. Juliet, Tenn. These too-sweet buttercream frosting that doesn’t overpower the cake, cupcakes are incredibly fresh and are topped with (a common mistake at most other cupcake joints.) COOLEST THING IN FITNESS! incredible buttercream icing. The only reason these are Although the cupcakes are divine, owner Nicole Sloan not ranked higher is simply because they are a bit hard to admits that the baking aspect of Naticakes was not the procure unless you want to place a special order. passion fueling her. Her real inspiration comes from her niece, Natalie (affectionately called Nati), who died suddenly at age two several years back. Since then, Nati’s DULCE DESSERTS: parents started the Natalie Wynn Carter Foundation that is “committed to improving the lives of children throughout This bakery is located close to Peabody on Villa the world.” So, yet again, Naticakes gets a little sweeter: 10% Place and they offer cupcakes, cakes and cookies. of all proceeds go to the foundation, as Sloan’s ultimate goal Dulce prides itself on using only real ingredients is for a piece of her niece to live on through Naticakes. without additives or shortening which makes for a So now instead of feeling guilty about housing that very rich cupcake. These delights are sold for $2.00 decadent treat in 30 seconds at, you can justify it knowing 2214 Elliston Place (1 Block from Campus) 615.321.8828 apiece, but there are only a few types in the store that you made a child’s life “a little sweeter.” Sign me up. since it is a full-scale bakery. www.HotYogaNashville.com 4 • October 14—October 20, 2009 • Versus entertainment A DECADE OF MOVIES Staff Writer Benjamin Ries kicks off his series, a look back at the most notable films of the past ten years, with a reminder of some cinematic tours-de-force.

Benjamin Ries with a lot of strangers.” Staff Writer I have witnessed a burst of spontaneous applause in the theater in this decade on only four occasions, and I have This may come as a shock, but the decade is coming to an to thank for three of them. Each entry in his end. Perhaps the reason so few people seem to have noticed adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” (2001- stems from the fact that nobody has been able to name it – 2003) provoked the same level of cheering in the audience. I’m using ‘the double-ohs.’ It’s easy to forget how far we’ve Jackson captured the majesty of Tolkien’s meticulously come since the corresponding decade of the twentieth detailed world without losing any of the wonder of his century, when silent movies delighted audiences as much as elaborately diverse cast of characters, accomplishing the today’s blockbusters. seemingly impossible task of pleasing die-hard fans and The first feature-length narrative film, the Australian general audiences alike. The result was beautiful: strangers production “The Story of the Kelly Gang,” premiered in late stood united. 1906. Heath Ledger and Orlando Bloom, two stars of the The fourth movie to achieve this feat was 2008’s “Slumdog double-ohs, stared in the loose remake “Ned Kelly” in 2003. Millionaire,” which I actually saw in Nashville as a high school starstore.com 1907’s “The Unwritten Law: A Thrilling Drama Based on the student visiting Vanderbilt. The theater was large and packed, Thaw-White Tragedy” related the true story of the murder and the clapping was universal. I worked at a movie theatre of Stanford White, the renowned architect responsible for in my hometown at the time, and, judging by the reactions of the design of Vanderbilt’s Peabody Campus. In the movie, the exiting audience members, three of whom took it upon a showgirl who created the love triangle leading to the themselves to tell me, “That was a great movie,” I think it’s murder played herself. And we thought the 21st Century was safe to say that Slumdog Millionaire created appreciative scandalous! applause from delighted fans across the world. I think the best place to start a series on the last decade of The double-ohs have brought us a wide variety of superb cinema is with the celebration of the irreplaceable moments films, but these live audience reactions are, for me, the true at the movie theatre where the members of the audience highlights. Who knows, as and the home entertainment reacted together to the film playing on the big screen. As Andy systems continue to promote private viewing, maybe the Rooney said in reference to the other audience members in films of our time will be studied in 2100 as relics from an a December 2006 “60 Minutes” segment, “You don’t know age where strangers in theatres experienced movies together them, but you laugh or cry when they laugh or cry. You bond and, on rare occasions, stood up and applauded.  danielmontgomery.wordpress.com.com “Get that well-dressed man!” ABC reinvents ‘Family’ sitcom

Alex Goldberg is the subject of ABC’s latest touching your heart. You will Staff Writer comedy, “Modern Family.” laugh when Phil talks to his Newest documentary leaves “Modern Family” takes daughter’s boyfriend like Jay, a grumpy grandfather, the mockumentary style he’s writing a text message marries a much younger and of comedy, proven to be and when Mitchell fills up viewers wanting Moore upbeat Columbian woman, so successful with “The three push carts during a Gloria, who has an 11-year- Office,” to . The quick trip to Costco to buy old son who turns all of his show is a celebration of diapers. emotions into a song. Claire, different cultures, lifestyles, But you can’t help but say Jay’s daughter, freaks out and parenting techniques, “aww” when Jay takes his every time her daughter’s capturing the reality of stepson to Disney World boyfriend comes over to the American family life today. or when he tells Phil and house while her husband, It is the return of Ed O’Neill, Cameron that he’s glad Phil, is too busy trying to be whose character Al Bundy they’ve become a part of his the “cool dad” to care that was a symbol of American family. “Modern Family” is his son is using his BB gun television throughout the a change of pace from the to shoot other kids in the ‘90s on “Married … with typical family sitcoms that neighborhood. Jay’s son, Children.” He plays Jay, the ABC has regurgitated over Mitchell, just returned from patriarch of this diverse yet the past few years. Its dynamic Vietnam where he adopted close family, and he does it characters, interesting and a baby girl with his overly like no other actor can. ironic situations and distinct dramatic and enthusiastic The show is capable of style really make it a show partner, Cameron. This family both making you laugh and worth watching. 

vimooz.com of the world (not to mention political theater going Joe Hogan their feeble-minded branch to get us? The answer, Staff Writer officers, the Boyles and obviously, is nowhere. Just “I’m here to make a Warrens) would have us as “Columbine,” “911” and citizen’s arrest,” proclaims believe that it is too much “Sicko” failed to deliver gun doctrinaire demagogue regulation and taxes; that control, impeachment or Michael Moore, striding is an answer to a different universal healthcare (and boldly into the belly of the question. Too often “what lets not be naive, it’s never beast, Goldman Sachs’ New is wrong with capitalism” coming), “Capitalism” will York office. is re-interpreted as “what is fail in its quest for union Ever the poster-boy for holding back the plutocracy.” rights, equitable taxation, righteous left-wing political And that re-interpretation, or anything remotely theater, Moore lasts about in the most succinct resembling justice. Moore 30 seconds before a hail of terms, is what is wrong seems to know it, too, and security guards unloads on with capitalism. Moore, his gallant charges into GM him, mindlessly repeating however, knows better. He headquarters or the NYSE their catch phrase, “Let’s visits the National Archives are less heartfelt activism just step outside, OK?” Only in Washington, D.C., to than hollow trinkets it is not OK; in fact, it is examine the constitution, tossed to adoring fans, profoundly sick, both the and notes the absence of the like late-period Zeppelin system itself and the fact that word “capitalism” and the begrudgingly appeasing its victims so jingoistically surprising preponderance the crowd’s request for flock to its aid. of terms like “national “Stairway.” “Capitalism: A Love Story” welfare” and “union.” Moore also hints that this is in many ways no different He also gets his hands will be his last film, and from Moore’s other films; it’s (somehow) on such asks that we carry on his irritating, mostly unfounded, thoroughly embarrassing fight for him (I would, but almost certainly wrong documents as a Citigroup as an aspiring plutocrat I and very funny. But there memo to HNW individuals face a conflict of interest). is a new urgency, as well about the coming So is this a tired movie for as a certain triumphalism, “plutonomy” (Government masochists, a “Saw III” for that has been absent of, by, and for the rich) liberal intellectuals? Of from Moore’s previous and threats of a peasant’s course, and people who two movies, “Fahrenheit rebellion, as well as a long enjoy the uncomplicated 911” and “Sicko,” which list of extremely favorable illusion of their idyllic gated marks a return to the style interest-free loans made community should remain at that made “Bowling For by a special division of the clubhouse. But Moore’s Columbine” and “Roger and Countrywide Financial dystopia is really here, and Me” so excellent. Though to people labeled FOAs, seeing as we are ruled by it is presented through Friends of Angelo (Mozillo, what Gore Vidal called “the anecdotes, “Capitalism” CEO). These FOAs are Property Party, with two deals not in details but in primarily congressmen right wings,” it’s likely here broad strokes, and while he and financial regulators, for good. tends to overstate the case, although Moore also manages I saw this movie for Moore is compelling and, in to find and interview several the same reason all those his own misguided way, ever uncorrupted government rednecks turn out for Sarah so right. personnel. After watching Palin rallies: It feels good to So what is wrong with the movie one imagines it imagine someone famous is capitalism? Though the took some searching. aiding your cause, even if Greenspans and Paulsons So where is all this they’re really not.  Versus • October 14—October 20, 2009 • 5

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Imani Ellis can be worn over a button- — especially the ones with complement to the colder Staff Writer downed oxford, paired with printed patterns. Everyone fall weather; it’s light enough a colorful scarf or even worn has gotten tired of wearing to wear when the sun is out It’s hard to ignore the over a simple tank. boring, black cardigans all and to also not burn you up scent of change in the air, This fall, the cardigan can the time. It’s all about animal throughout the day. Plus, the the quickened darkening be seen displaying a few prints and bright colors … more creative the cardigan, of the day, and the sudden distinct changes. Pushing it’s like a competition to see the less work you need to urge to drink hot tea. It’s the envelope of creativity, who can find the cutest one.” spend on the rest of your official: Fall is here. With the cardigans are appearing in And there does seem to be a ensemble. A fitted floral debut of a new season upon animal, floral and patterned little unspoken competition cardigan can be worn over a us, it’s also hard to ignore a prints. The color choices have to find that ‘creative’ cover up plain colored tank with skinny trend that is everywhere on become more brilliant than no one else has. Numerous jeans and boots. However if campus: the cardigan. This ever before, with cardigans girls have been spotted the cardigan is a solid cover, www.flickr.com classic cover up is essential even being found in an rocking vintage cardigans, you can spice up the outfit to every college girl’s closet array of fluorescent neon the kind that can’t be found by wearing a printed or floral — they can be worn in so fall, make sure you embrace because it not only provides colors. Former sophomore in your typical Forever 21. shirt underneath, along with many ways and for so many another change that is upon warmth over that ‘cute Paige Donnell described In addition, this article of the perfect piece of vintage occasions. As we embrace us: the newly improved sleeveless dress,’ but it also cardigans as “easy and cute clothing is an excellent jewelry. Cardigans are fun the change that comes with cardigan.  askFASHION: “Infat-shoe-ation” Faux or No? Dear Versus,

I really love one of this fall’s fashion trends—fur. The problem is that the idea of killing animals for their fur bothers me. (A mink coat is also out of my college budget.) What is a good option for me? Is leather an alternative? Help!

-Freezing in Furman

NIKKY OKORO /VERSUS MAGAZINE Though not pictured here Stripe Gum as her inspiration Nikky okoro in color, Sophomore Rachel and motive for purchasing the Fashion Editor Rodriguez proudly holds her pair, Rachel’s Nike shoes go Nothing catches your eye own in her new pair of Nike great with blue denim and are like a great pair of shoes, which sneakers, which possess the the perfect way to brighten is evident in this new feature perfect amount of “cool” and up any day during the dreary entitled: “infat-shoe-ation”. “color”. Citing Zebra Fruit weather transition to Fall.  Leave it to the Lumberjack forward-simply wear your Nikky okoro favorite lumberjack-inspired Fashion Editor shirt once a month. If For a college student, it you’re lacking a shirt, check seems like each day of the out Nashville’s Southern week has its own purpose. Thrift which boasts a Sunday is for relaxing, ridiculously large collection Monday is for complaining, of lumberjack shirts in any Wednesday is the glorious color and for either gender. half-way mark, and Thursday And if it means anything through Saturday are to you (as it should), The www.shopstyle.com usually just a late-night blur. Notorious B.I.G. would have Olivia kupfer But what about Tuesday? Is even approved as heard Staff Writer there no justice for having from his lyrics when he once Dear “Freezing”, These animals are raised on fur some sort of celebration stated “way back when I had Fur for fall is one of the season’s farms until maturity, when they are during this awkward semi- the red and black lumberjack hottest trends—from the bohemian, slaughtered to yield maximum profit start day of the week? No with the hat to match”. 70’s-inspired fur vests popularized by for their coat. Operators of fur farms fear and no tears because I personally prefer celebrity stylist Rachel Zoë, to fur trim keep overhead down by housing the Tuesdays will soon officially purchasing these priceless on motorcycle jackets and shearling animals in tiny cages, which makes the become your favorite day of shirts in large sizes since gloves. Forget about white fur out of animals anxious. In addition, mink, the week with a little festivity it feels best to comfortably the 80s, or long coats that look nouveau which accounts for the majority of fur I like to call “Lumberjack wear with leggings and a pair riche: this season, if you want to stay on the market, is selectively bred to Tuesdays”. Created on a of riding boots. Interestingly warm through Nashville’s mild winter yield unique, unnatural coat colors. whim and slightly out of enough, even after coining and look chic on the way to Calculus The animals pay the price of these my pure boredom, it’s been the term solely among my class, throw on a fur accent. intentional genetic mutations, which around since last year ever group of friends, it seems Why should you wear fur? Because fur cause other genetic defects. since the flannel print trend like everyone still knows is polished and sophisticated; because What’s the alternative? Go faux or go and pride came about. To be when Lumberjack Tuesday you will be able to withstand an Alberta home! Faux fur is a great way to invest completely honest, I created has come around. From the Clipper should the jet stream dip as far in a fur coat without killing animals it as a way of defending my looks of Rand at lunchtime south as Vanderbilt this winter; and in the name of fashion. A good “faux” thrift-store purchased plaid and all the Lumberjacks because you can instantly look foxy by doesn’t look synthetic or cheap—look shirt from my friends who and Lumberjanes, flannel is wearing fox. to Juicy this season to nail the trend; thought it might be a tad bit for fall weather and autumn Why shouldn’t you wear real fur? the brand carries sleek faux coyote vests too extreme to wear around spirits. And who knows Candidly, it is barbaric to slaughter and coats. This season, a peacoat for fall campus. Yet, little did they which day will be bestowed an animal for its pelt. Foxes, mink, is passé, and the motorcycle jacket has know how quickly my red with the next best trend? (I chinchillas and other animals bred for been done (plus, leather sparks another and black pattern would personally am a fan of Cosby their pelts are subjected to inhumane ethical debate). Remember: Fur for fall catch on with the student Sweater Saturdays…)  conditions before they are slaughtered. is fierce, but only if it’s faux.  body. The rules are straight- www.flickr.com

Write For Versus! Weekly meeting at 6 p.m. Sarratt 130 Versus • October 14—October 20, 2009 • 9

Last week, Versus talked to OAR’s drummer, Chris Culos. In true Versus fashion, the conversation ranged from playing for a college audience to pterodactyls. Culos talked about the band’s journey, OAR’s musical infl uences and the meanings behind some of their songs. Read on to fi nd out more about touring, embarrassing moments and how they’re feeling about tomorrow’s performance. Hint: they’re excited and so are we. BECCA DENNY Staff Writer

VERSUS MAGAZINE: Is a college audience different from your in OAR for as long as possible but we want to do it on our terms. One typical audience, and if so are you going to tailor your performance to of the ways is to continue to get it out to more people. You know, for VM: Who are some of your other musical infl uences? that kind of atmosphere? us, we’re really excited about recording the next record. It’s always on CC: Defi nitely you’ve got the Pearl Jam one down. That, without a doubt CHRIS CULOS: I mean, I think a college is one of our, they are just to the next thing, always looking to get the band out to more people inspired us to start a band when we were in 8th grade. “Pearl Jam: instrumental to our success, They are pretty much the epitome of the looking to get the music in more peoples’ hands and getting more music Unplugged” came on and we were like, ‘That’s it we have to do this.’ OAR fan. Our audience is great, we tour around the country pretty into peoples’ iPods. Another big inspiration, especially back in the day, kind of surprising, much year round, Summer is always the biggest for us and for most when we were in elementary school Marc our singer had a bunch of bands, its kind of concert season, but when we come to colleges we VM: What’s your most embarrassing moment on stage” older brothers who had a concert of Genesis. It was the coolest thing have so much fun because there is just that concert vibe that everyone CC: I defi nitely have a couple that’s for sure and that hasn’t happened ever. I swear it sounds like it wasn’t, but Phil Collins and the drummer is excited about. [College students] are pretty much just the exact for a while because I don’t drink on stage anymore. We used to be would do this huge drum solo together. It was these two massive drum defi nition of what the OAR audience looks like. We are really excited. like,’Alright, we’re playing, it’s Friday night.’ I’d be out at the bars sets and they were just going off and we would watch that all the time. anyway in college so it’s like, have a couple drinks that was always So a little bit of that, that islandy stuff kind of creeped into it when we VM: What are your favorite songs to perform? fun but you listen back to the tapes and I was like ‘oooh.’ I knew I discovered Bob Marley a little bit. Not that we play music, but CC: I think my favorite song to play is “About Mr. Brown.” I don’t want was having fun, but it doesn’t sound anywhere near as good as what we sort of took a little bit of that islandy vibe and brought that in. Bob to make this a sad story but the story is we had a buddy of ours that I thought it was sounding lik. So a few years ago, I defi nitely had a Dylan along the way was a big inspiration as far as the story based passed away a few years ago and he was always in the front row even couple too many cocktails and tripped when I was walking on stage to songs, not so much the song and his style of music, but just that he told when we were just making our start. The songs not about him or my drum set, just fell in front of everyone, kind of like out a dream, a whole story and I think that when we fi rst started writing. A lot of anything but it was his favorite so whenever we play it we say “Hey this fall in front of a couple hundred people. But, whatever, things are good what Marc was writing was through different characters’ eyes, and stuff one’s for our good friend Michael.” It’s just something about that that now. I slowed down. I take it seriously so things that are embarrassing like that, rather than just your personal love song. And now, man we gives me goose-bumps and I’m pretty fi red up to play it every night, now are more embarrassing for me. Like, maybe if I mess up a part just listen to so many different bands. I think one of the things that I thinking of him and stuff like that. You know, a lot of our songs are on stage. It’s one thing for a guitar player to mess up or hit a wrong like about the band is that we can be one song and the next about home and family and friends and how to sort of take that with note because the rest of the band is just chugging along but if the is reggae-ish and the next song is light and the next song is dark and you when you are traveling away or go off to college or whatever it drums drop out, it is totally noticeable. That’s the only downside, so I’ve one’s fast and one’s slow. You know, we’ve got a little bit of everything is that you do. For me, that’s the biggest thing, just reconnecting and messed up a couple times where it’s just been a train wreck. and I think that’s because we have so many different infl uences. You remembering the good times, and family and friends. know I listen to all different kinds of music, the band listens to so many VM: Who’s the craziest performer you’ve ever worked with? different kinds of music. You’ve got Chili Peppers on one side and Led VM: Speaking of emotional songs, I just listened to your song “War Song,” CC: I don’t know what you mean in terms of crazy. It’s always fun to watch Zepplin on the other, you’ve got jazz infl uences on the other side. It’s inspired by your trip to Iraq and Kuwait in 2007. Can you describe Robert Randolph on stage as far as a musician. It’s as crazy as you get. just kind of a whole mix together. what it feels like to play for our soldiers both at home and abroad? He’s channeling Jimmy Hendrix or something, but I’m trying to think CC: It’s a total honor, it really is. We have done a lot of things for our troops who we’ve worked with that’s like … mostly it’s like behind the scenes VM: What artists or songs are on your most played list on your iPod? this year where we’ve gotten to perform and be involved in a couple guys that you wouldn’t even know about who do pranks on everybody. CC: That’s a good question. It used to be Paul’s Boutique from the Beastie things. We went to Walter Reid and met with some injured soldiers and A lot of the stage managers, production managers, tour managers, Boys was my favorite album of all time and now I’ve gotten into Wally. that was amazing because its diffi cult to see, you know. These men and things like that. I wish I had a more exciting answer for you but the Wally and Drake are my new thing. I’ve kind of been in a little hip-hop women were so inspiring. They were sitting there with some serious stories are really good. We always prank bands at the end of the tour. kick, but as far as classics go – Paul’s Boutique for sure, and Blond on injuries, almost mind blowing injuries, and they are sitting there telling If we have a band opening up for us, we always prank them on the last Blond by Bob Dylan is probably my second favorite. you their story and how excited they are that you’re there hanging day. There have been some pretty funny ones along the way. out and how its nice to meet you. Just so cool. It was so inspiring to VM: If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life .. hear their stories and see how they have stood by their fellow men and VM: What has been your best prank do you think? CC: Lasagna. women in the army. We went over to Iraq and Kuwait and played for CC: A couple goods ones. The one that’s popping out to me is the one when the troops and that was pretty much life changing and a couple other we put a fog machine inside of one of the bands van and fi lled it up VM: If you could be any animal, which would you choose and why? things. We defi nitely feel a connection to it. We wrote the song. It’s not with smoke. We came running out when they had just fi nished their set CC: Well, birds freak me out, they terrify me for some reason because they written to be a political statement. It’s not about the war or anything and said that their van was on fi re. fl y. It’s the creepiest thing ever, but if I wanted to be something maybe about that, but Marc our singer, who wrote the song, said it’s about the I would want to fl y. warriors, the people we met over there, so it’s pretty amazing to play VM: Have you ever been to Nasvhille before? that song any night, let alone for the troops. CC: Yeah, many times. VM: Then you could scare people so there you go. CC: Yes, I’d be a freaking pterodactyl and really scare some people. VM: How have things changed for you and the band since “Shattered,” got VM: What are your favorite places to visit while in town? so much radio play and publicity? CC: Just the fact that we’ve gotten to play at the Ryman is awesome. Just VM: I saved the easiest question for last. What’s your favorite color? CC: I don’t know if a lot of stuff has changed inside the band but I think it’s checking out the Ryman is awesome. Going on Broadway is pretty fun. CC: Green.  really cool that the song has gotten so much success, that it’s brought I know it’s pretty touristy and all that, but I think the most fun I’ve had a lot more awareness to the band and who we are. It’s brought more in Nashville was 3 years ago. I took my wife down there to Fan Fair, a people out to the shows, which is honestly the reason we were excited festival that happens in June. She’s the biggest country to have a song like that go to radio. We were really proud of the song music fan, so we had an awesome time. and we saw a little bit of success with the song we had called “Love and VM: So besides your love of Pearl Jam, which brought you together in 8th Memories” and we just were really behind the song and we thought, we grade … want to tour and we want to write music and we want to do this and be CC: Oh, nice you did a little research.

photos courtesy of PFA Media 10 • October 14—October 20, 2009 • Versus flip side

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Today Thursday, Oct. 15 Friday, Oct. 16 Can you take me higher? Well, Hometown artist Mat Kearney Rock superstars Kings of Leon Creed sure can and tonight they plays the Cannery Ballroom tonight return to Nashville tonight for a night music will. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, at 8:00 p.m. in support of his latest of high-octane, southern-fused rock “I love coconut, because when you think you read correctly. Over-the-top album, “City of Black & White.” ‘n roll at the Sommet Center. This you’re done eating coconut, 25 minutes arena rockers Creed come to town Kearney himself explains that, “At veritable family band (comprised of this evening to play at the Sommet its core, this record is about com- three brothers and one cousin) first later, a little piece of coconut comes out of Center. Join front man Scott Stapp munity - finding it and losing it.” exploded with the release of their the back of your mouth, and then you say, as he struggles to get his career Given this theme, this homecoming 2008 album “Only by the Night”

Hey! It’s more coconut!” setlist back on track. Tickets start at just show should be one of his most and have been riding this wave of – John Mayer $15 and the show starts at 7:30. memorable and personal. $23-25. success and popularity ever since.

Plug new orleans Sky's the Limit in Austin , Girls Talk, Passion Alex Daly your Pit, etc, etc. The list goes on. Staff Writer scene The festival, in all its greatness, can It’s around 8 P.M but it’s been dark only be defined by moments: most for hours. It’s been pouring for hours. of the weekend is a wet blur to me. Zac Hunter You have been drinking for hours. But But those moments, which will be Music Editor you charge on. The doesn’t faze forever imprinted in my mind, were you, nor does the screaming crowd: amazing. Like watching Phoenix’s Last week Plug Your Scene highlighted some there’s just too much love amidst the lead singer, Thomas Mars, jump off music, mud and happy hippies. the stage to swim through devoted, of the venues in New Orleans that make it a You hear loud, twisted noises and screaming fans, or seeing some crazy truly unique music town. From Frenchman Street a high pitched voice screeching chicks break dance in the mud during upload.wikimedia.org to Tipitina’s and beyond, live music dominates through a microphone. You decide STS9, or listening to ’s Justin much anticipated and much loved to stop bouncing for a hot minute Vernon pour out his soul to Kings of Leon. the Big Easy. This week, Versus will show you to look up and take your best mental the point where a couple of people But what made ACL so great was not the artists whose music fills the clubs, carries note of Ghostland Observatory were actually crying (and some silent just the festival but also the city itself. into the streets and seeps between the cracks in performing “Sad, Sad City.” It’s an hippies told us to “stop talking and It’s hard not to become thoroughly the sidewalk all over town. Rebirth Brass Band experience that is so surreal, it is actually feel the music, man”). And I obsessed with Austin, especially hard to verbalize. will never forget how a belly dancer when you are surrounded by people and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews are two The next thing you know, you are came out to shake her stuff during a who love good music. At some point favorite local acts. Check ‘em out. best friends with some dude wearing kickass show by my new obsession, during the show, Kings of Leon lead a Darth Vader mask. You dance with Thievery Corporation, or listening singer Caleb Followill expressed his him amidst the insane sounds and to cover ’s “All love for Austin, saying that it “is one light being emitted from under his I Need,” or sitting on the ground of the best cities in the world.” Mr. Rebirth Kickin' It Live trash bag before grabbing other amongst thousands to wait for the Followill, I second that.  Feel Like Funkin' It Up randos to break it down in the mud. Tracks Everyone is in love with everyone: Do Watcha Wanna holding hands, rubbing heads, and jumping up and down as the music (I Feel Like) Bustin' Loose seeps out of the speakers and floods the drenched masses. kalamucom Are you in hipster heaven? No, it’s called Austin City Limits. Located in the open fields of Rebirth Brass Band Zilker Park, ACL thoroughly Jazz/Mardi Gras Mambo delivered in the music department. Headliner’s included, Kings of Leon, Few others can capture the quintessential sound of New Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Dave Matthews Orleans music quite like Rebirth. Comprised of two Band, Ghostland Observatory, Ben trombones, two trumpets, a saxophone, a sousaphone Harper, Pearl Jam. Countless other bands made appearances, such and a snare and bass drum, this band may confuse as Thievery Corporation, Them some, but not for long. First and foremost, Rebirth plays Crooked Vultures, John Legend, LOUD. And while usually the louder a horn is played Phoenix, Citizen Cope, Mos Def, the more vulnerable it is to falling out of tune, these STS9, Bon Iver, The Dead Weather, skilled musicians keep themselves in check and bounce complex harmonies off each other with ease. Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf are the regular Rebirth gig and it is always, always packed. Expect to leave with your ears still ringing and a shirt covered in sweat. Although they do have some good studio recordings, this is a band that should be seen live.

Alex Daly / Versus Magazine blog.digitalcontentproducer.com Albums Live at Jazzfest 2007 Orleans and Claiborne Key Tracks ?uestlove and back on Let's Get It On Orleans and Claiborne point with "How I Got Over" media.decider.com Brian Biederman Troy "Trombone Shorty" Staff Writer Philly’s best is back with their Andrews and Orleans Ave. ninth, and rumored-to-be final, Jazz/Funk/Rock studio album “How I Got Over,” which hit stores yestarday. Shorty and his crew were in Versus last year as an It comes as no surprise that the new artist to watch, and we stand by the claim today. With album is yet another overtly political a sound that mixes rap, rock, funk and jazz, this young one, this time commenting on the Bush and Obama administrations. The rising group dazzles in live performances big and small. band continues their socio-musical Troy is a product of New Orleans’ finest creative arts commentary, citing obvious musical school (NOCCA) and is regarded by established peers influences ranging from traditional as one of the premier up and coming musicians on the New Orleans Second Line Jazz to the local scene. He has toured with Lenny Kravitz and on his music of Frank Zappa. The Roots pay homage to the late Zappa, with their own. Don’t let the name deceive you, though — Shorty own arrangement of his “Peaches en plays the trumpet as well, and in fact may be better at Regalia.” it than the trombone (though both are great). Hopefully As always, ?uestlove is on point, theroots.com when you see him he’ll bust out Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s driving the band not only from behind from the Clara Ward gospel hymn Get It On” on the trumpet, a truly beautiful rendition. the kit but behind the soundboard as of the same name, made famous by well, reprising his role as producer for African American singer and civil Watch out for Trombone Shorty to make some moves the ninth time in a row. His unique rights activist Mahalia Jackson. “How on the larger music scene if his sound can catch on. blend of musical herbs and spices I Got Over” was one of the foremost give “How I Got Over” a very original anthems of the black civil rights flavor, each track representing a movement of the ’60s, and it is no variety of musical genres. wonder why The Roots chose this as Tariq Trotter, better known as Black the title of their new album. Thought, also managed to step up his The Roots vary their collaborative New releases game, this time incorporating unique efforts, employing Icelandic singer Patty This week's latest albums gospel undertones reminiscent of Crash as well as past collaborator Cody the 1950s/’60s American civil rights Chestnut, perhaps hoping to top the movement. The album’s title is taken success of the international billboard *Bowling for soup, “Sorry for Partying” topper “The Seed (2.0)” with the song farm4.static.flickr.com “Serve This Royalty.” Chestnut’s indie thump your bass. Supposedly, “How Bob Dylan, “Christmas In the Heart” singer-songwriter vibe enhances the I Got Over” is The Roots’ final studio , “How I Got Over” track by providing his silky-smooth album, but my gut tells me they are **The Roots vocals, and sensual R&B/New Wave far from over — since the late 1980’s *The Flaming Lips, “Embryonic” hip-hop beat. If Marvin Gaye collab’ed The Roots have served up cut after with The Roots, it would sound like cut of the freshest, musically-eclectic, Shakira, “She Wolf” “Serve This Royalty.” lyrically-astounding tracks, and it Though “How I Got Over” is by will be a long while before anybody no means The Roots’ best album, manages to overthrow the kingdom * Indicates that the album will be reviewed in next week’s issue it would be impossible to resist the built upon the bone and blood of ** Reviewed in today’s issue blogs.westword.com/latestword temptation to bounce your head and South Philly’s Roots.  Versus • October 14—October 20, 2009 • 7

Saturday, Oct. 17 Sunday, Oct. 18 Monday, Oct. 19 Tuesday, Oct. 20 Drummer, the side project from Good music is never far away in Nashville native Bonnie Bish- Rock star James McMurty is soundtrack (drummer of the the Music City, and even closer op will bring her Americana/soul touring his latest album “Just Us Black Keys) takes the stage at the when it’s on Vandy campus. music to the Basement Monday Kids.” With new political and so- Mercy Lounge tonight at 9:00. The Blair Brass Chamber night. Accompanied by budding cial messages on the backbone of to the issue Comprised of Carney and four Ensembles will perform at 2 rock artist JD Simo, she will pro- the same kick-ass music, the twelve other drummers (hence the name) p.m. Sunday afternoon at the vide the best musical option on a new tracks show development as playing different instruments, the Steve and Judy Turner Recital relatively empty night in Nashville. an artist. Tickets are $10 advance band has crafted a unique blend Hall. The concert is free for Show starts at 8 p.m. $12 day of the show with a 9 p.m. of pure rock and shoegaze. Tickets Vandy students. start. are only $10 at the door.

Backstreet Boys return, fans do not We at Versus have excellent taste in music. Below, the editors share what proportions. They wanted it that But boogie they will not. has mastered the art of creating Charlie Kesslering tracks we’ve been spinning as we create way and, Goddamnit, we did too. Despite a fan base that has grown astonishingly average pop Entertainment Editor the glory you’re holding in your hands. The group toured the world as tired of angelic harmonies and music. Neither good nor bad, the Their voices wary of silence, a synchronized dancing machine, the slow but sure devastation disc consists of less-than-catchy faces too pretty for anonymity, the a dynamo only as strong as each of the boy-band as a genre, they love ballads and watered-down “Sleepytime in the Western Backstreet Boys have emerged of its parts. Nick was always the continue fight for their share of jams that get your head 1. World” from the shadows to craft another ladies’ man, the show-off, tapping an imaginary market. bobbing but inspire little else. Blitzen Trapper boring record. Shame on them. his feet and tipping his hat as So now, to quote a phrase that To the ardent fan, the album’s Ah, Backstreet. The paper of if to say, “I wish I were Justin I first heard an unfathomable title may prove less ironic than “murder in the City” our sisters’ walls, essence of our Timberlake, too.” Brian and A.J. 12 years ago: Backstreet’s back. depressing, a branded reminder junior high dances. Five guys acted as perfect foils, one a God- Though maimed of one member of just how far the group has 2. The Avett Brothers forever singing the soundtrack fearing momma’s boy, the other (Kevin again reveals his wisdom), fallen. That was us then — filthily to our nostalgia. They taught a a badass, tattooed momma’s boy. the group has returned. famous, masters of a brilliant “Bonfire” generation how to sit on stools, Kevin exuded maturity, With last week’s release, “This spectacle, conjurers of preteen Third Eye Blind how to frost their hair, and that possessing a wealth of wise Is Us,” they toss another bucket of ecstasy. “This Is Us” now. Boring. 3. sometimes, most of the time, solo anecdotes (I can only assume) chum into the sea of mediocrity, So here’s to the Boys spending careers fail miserably (but turn and an affinity for trench coats hoping for some bites. Bottom- more time with their families — “American Hearts” that frown upside-down, because and skullcaps. A mentor, perhaps, feeders, take notice. Backstreet for our sakes.  you’ll always have your bros). disguised as a magician. And, 4. A. A. Bondy In their prime, they packed last and least, good ol’ Howie, arenas in countries George the fifth-wheel, no one’s favorite, Bush has never heard of, sold the redheaded stepchild, “” more discs than Frisbee and whatever — always the stumper 5. Mattafix connected the country with their in climactic rounds of “Name tracks to an extent Union Pacific that Backstreet Boy.” Yes, the Railroad would envy. And all the Backstreet Boys existed as a “Shook me all night long” while, they donned atrocious synchronized dancing machine, AC/DC goatees — a feat of laudable poised to boogie into history. 6. “finally moving (remix)” 7. Pretty Lights blog.banjig.net “wordless chorus” 8. My Morning Jacket

“ain't life grand” 9. Widespread Panic

“arizona” thebackstreetboys.com thebackstreetboys.com 10. Kings of Leon Bringin' Back the '80s

Matt Shelton quite impressive. While definitely employing Order your PARENT/FAMILY student newspaper Staff Writer the musical motifs of the hair metal era: the pump-up song, the monster ballad and the Self-described as “Metal, Metal, and party-time drinking melody, their in-your-face comedy,” Steel Panther mocks near-every metal shows true musicianship. Their fame legendary ’80s hair band to carry a hair curler has spread because of their live performance; in their overnight bag. To describe the Steel again, a nod back to the coked-out skid row subscription Panther’s level of obscenity, one needs to look bars of the ’80s. Bringing more energy than no further than their most popular songs. In the bunny with a drum, Steel Panther head “Community Service,” a mock monster ballad, bangs and fist pumps the hell out of the lead singer Michael Starr attempts to explain audience. Although a self-professed mock- his love for his steady girl. “My heart belongs ’80s band, Steel Panther genuinely attempts to you, but my dong is community property,” to bring back the party culture that was the The student newspaper he croons to his woman. ’80s, something sorely missed in today’s But don’t think that Steel Panther is a T-Pain, Britney Spears pop world.  of Vanderbilt University ballad-only band. Their riff-heavy “Turn Out the Lights” shows the heavier side of Steel since 1888 Panther’s sexuality. The theme of the song, turning out the lights when having sex so he doesn’t have to see your face, really highlights The Vanderbilt Hustler is proud to offer the lyrical depth of Steel Panther: “Looks like Vanderbilt parents, families and alumni an someone beat you with an ugly stick. Turn out opportunity to subscribe to Vanderbilt’s the lights…” Steel Panther’s overt sexuality 3-day-a-week student newspaper for the pervades almost every line of every song. It remainder of the 2009-10 academic year! is so over-the-top that many of the situations Your ticket to getting all the news, Starr sings of cause fits of fraternal laughter opinion, sports, entertainment and lifestyle when their music is played at a pregame. information impacting the Vanderbilt Beyond their comedic innuendos, in an ode community is below. to the ’80s, their instrumentation is actually lasvagas-nv.com Simply fill out the form and place your order for a 2009-10 subscription to Vandy’s student newspaper. Coping Just Fine at 'Live' Have your paper delivered directly to your home!

Joe Hogan how I craved for Mr. Greenwood to suddenly say, "Cut the &%#*- it's time to rock out!" Staff Writer the pArEnt/FAMiLY 2009-10 subscription order Form and reveal that in fact his piano player had Thursday night the Live on the Green been hiding a massive double-necked guitar concert series concluded in downtown under his bench. I sensed that the crowd Please sign me up for a subscription to Vanderbilt’s student newspaper, The Vanderbilt Hustler. Nashville with a performance by Clarence seemed to crave it as well, as the initial crowd- q I have enclosed $175 to receive The Vanderbilt Hustler for the remaining 2009-10 academic year (now until April) Greenwood aka Citizen Cope. True to his surfing (some of which ended disastrously, if q I have enclosed $125 to receive The Vanderbilt Hustler for the Fall 2009 semester only (Aug. - Dec.—42 issues) moniker, Cope Nation's first citizen seems you can imaging Thursday night downtown q I have enclosed $125 to receive The Vanderbilt Hustler for the Spring 2010 semester only (Jan. - April—42 issues) to be doing fine, just fine, and delivered a Nashville at its best) eventually gave way pleasant and thoroughly unsurprising show to appreciative head-bobbing and tempo- Total enclosed: $ ______on one of this year's last available warm appropriate shuffling. summer evenings. Mr. Greenwood opened But the band stayed true to its easy-going, Please send my subscription to: with "Bullet and a Target" and "Hurricane stolid and very subtly island-y folk-rock, Waters" for his 2nd and 3rd songs, closed a style that falls sonically somewhere in Name ______with "Son's Gonna Rise, " and filled in the between reggae and but captures Address ______gap with assorted other placid anonymous the excitement of neither. I also would have numbers. preferred that Cope play his reggae cover ______Don't get me wrong, I like Citizen Cope, of "Karma Police" (obviously), an unusual and especially the three songs mentioned. recasting that manages to simultaneously Phone ______Email ______He has a very nice sound- his problem is pep-up and chill-out a song that fairly begs that he has but one very nice sound, and for both. Nevertheless, for a free concert Mail this form with check or money order, made payable to The Vanderbilt Hustler, to: it gets used on every tune. Over the course put on by a sub-par radio station, Citizen The Vanderbilt Hustler • ATTN: 2009-10 PARENT/FAMILY Subscription • Vanderbilt University of two hours, this becomes a little tiring, Cope was perfectly acceptable material, and 2301 Vanderbilt Place • VU Station B, Box 351669 • Nashville, TN 37235-1669 considering that his trademark style is even- proved an apt soundtrack for whiling away a keel, middle-of-the-road, and impassive. Oh pleasant evening. 