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Jay-Z Or Paul Mccartney? It's No 'Hard Knock Life' 'A Day in the Life:' Why Being Shawn Carter I'd Be Paul Mccartney

Jay-Z Or Paul Mccartney? It's No 'Hard Knock Life' 'A Day in the Life:' Why Being Shawn Carter I'd Be Paul Mccartney

VerThe Vanderbilt Hustler’s Arts su & Entertainment Magazine s FEBRUARY 17—FEBRUARY 23, 2010 VOL. 48, NO. 5

of James Huggins of the psychedelic group on putting on a show, working double time and going solo. PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 The Regulars

Cedric Burnside, Lightning Malcolm, Black Joe Lewis & The We Were Promised Jetpacks — The End Mulholland Drive — The Belcourt THE RUTLEDGE Honeybears — The Basement Edinburgh, Scotland’s foremost alternative rockers We Were Promised Looking for a more relaxing evening this Saturday night? Head into 410 Fourth Ave. South 37201 artists Cedric Burnside and Lightning Malcolm take the stage Jetpacks will be fl ying into the End this Friday. This band from across Hillsboro Village to The Belcourt and check out David Lynch’s cinematic 782-6858 tonight at Nashville’s The Basement. Also playing tonight are Black the pond formed in 2003 as part of a local battle of the bands contest psychological thriller Mulholland Drive, starring Naomi Watts and Laura THE MERCY LOUNGE/CANNERY Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, who are fast becoming one of the biggest —fl ash forward seven years: with the adoration of the UK under the Harring. As IMDB summarizes, the fi lm follows an “amnesic woman and BALLROOM up-and-coming bands in blues. As writer Barton King explained in belts, they released their fi rst studio , “These Four Walls,” stateside a perky Hollywood-hopeful [as they] search for clues and answers across 1 Cannery Row 37203 his recent article for Versus, “Take one part James Brown, one part in June. Exciting and fresh, this band is worth every penny, and if that’s in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality.” At times 251-3020 Howlin’ Wolf, one part swinging big band, fi nally adding eight parts not enough to get you in the door, lead vocalist Adam Thompson has one ambiguous but wholly entertaining, don’t be shy about taking a “drive” soul and you’ve got Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears.” Interested killer Scottish accent. to the your local independent theater this weekend. BLUEBIRD CAFE in some sticky sweet blues and soul? Don’t miss this show. ($10, 9 p.m., 2219 Elliston Place) ($8.50, 12 a.m., 2102 Belcourt Ave.) 4104 Hillsboro Road 37215 (TBA, 9 p.m., 1604 8th Ave. South) 383-1461 Unknown Hinson — Exit/In Toubab Krewe w/ Arpetrio — Exit/In Stuart Daniel Baker, aka Unknown Hinson, is known for his unique brand A band that has infused infl uences from American and West African music, EXIT/IN Scott Miller & The Commonwealth — The Mercy Lounge 2208 Elliston Place 37203 of psychobilly rock. A manifestation of Baker’s subconscious, Unknown Toubab Krewe has, according to Afropop Worldwide, set “a new standard Join Virginian Scott Miller with his band The Commonwealth as 321-3340 the perform tonight at the Mercy Lounge. In his own words, Miller Hinson is a carefully crafted stage persona, an alter ego. With an outfi t for fusions of rock ‘n’ roll and West African music.” Formed in 2005, “blends folk and rock like there ain’t no words for.” Furthermore, that screams of 1920s country and a hair-do like a the vampirish grandpa this instrumental quintet combines the best elements of African culture STATION INN “unlike most of the faux-simplifi ed-effete-elite-Americana/Alt- from The Munsters, this “country vampire” is sure to rock the house with the sounds of their American hometowns. An interesting musical 402 12th Ave. South 37203 Country world, Miller was actually raised on a working farm. His down with his penchant for face melting riffs. Drawing on elements from experiment, audiences should expect original percussion and exhilarating 255-3307 parents were a WWII generation couple that carried on the Spartan the darkest reaches of redneck culture, Hinson is spooky-scary good. instrumentation. Also performing will be Arpetrio, a band that boasts its lifestyle of their Scots-Irish forefathers. Miller has described the ($7, 8 p.m., 2208 Elliston Place) “new funky livetronica sound” as captivating and creative. THE BASEMENT lifestyle as ‘Amish that drink.’” Miller is sure to put on one hell of ($12, 9 p.m., 2208 Elliston Place) 1604 Eighth Ave. South 37203 254-1604 an authentic show. Keb’Mo — ($10 in advance, $12 day of, 9 p.m., 1 Cannery Row) Raised in South Central LA on gospel and blues, guitarist/vocalist Kevin The Seagull — Neely Auditorium Moore loves to play the blues the way that it is meant to be played: Come support your peers as they perform Russian playwright Anton F. SCOTT’S RESTAURANT AND BAR Sonia Leigh and Levi Lowrey — Exit/In with lots of heart and soul. A Grammy Award-winning artist, Keb’Mo has Chekhov’s 1896 comedy The Seagull. Often compared to Shakespeare’s 2210 Crestmoor Road 37215 Returning to Music City tonight is Atlanta country/rock singer- earned the praise of such notables as Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt. Hamlet, this play has intriguing love triangles, individual treachery, bouts 269-5861 Sonia Leigh. Joining her is fellow Georgian Levi Lowrey, The quintessential musician, Keb’Mo channels the spirits of past blues of insanity and numerous instances of character frustrations, anger and also a country/rock musician who is fast becoming a household icons, performing with an unparalleled passion and command. Do not passion. Chekhov’s work is critically acclaimed and showing right here SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY name (both acts have toured with Zac Brown). Levi and Sonia miss this performance Friday at the Ryman. on campus! CENTER are two of the industry’s fastest-rising stars and are sure to wow ($24.50 - $42.50, 8 p.m., 116 5th Ave. N.) ($10 general admission, $7 for grad students, free for undergrads, 1 Symphony Place 37201 687-6500 audiences night after night. Neely Auditorium Theatre Room 106) ($10 in advance, $12 day of, 8 p.m., 2208 Elliston Place) Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry, & more — Benefit for the John Jarrard Foundation feat. Walt 3RD AND LINDSLEY A veritable who’s-who of country superstars will be rocking the Grand Aldridge & Bob DiPiero — Bluebird Cafe 818 Third Ave. South 37210 The El Dorados — 2nd Avenue Live Ole Opry as if it were a barn party this Friday night. Dierks Bentley As described on the Bluebird Cafe’s website, John Jarrard was “a well- 259-9891 Returning to the stage at 2nd Avenue Live this Thursday night is is guaranteed to give country fans all they can handle with hits from known Nashville songwriter who penned hits for a number of country Vanderbilt’s favorite party band, the El Dorados. After making CAFE COCO his new album, “Feel That Fire.” Also performing are Lexington, KY’s music stars.” In 2001 he lost his battle with diabetes. In his memory, a their 2010 debut just under a month ago at the same venue, the El 210 Louise Ave. 37203 own “rowdy redneck rebels,” Montgomery Gentry. Not to be outdone, group of friends led by well-respected songwriter Bruce Burch, organized Dorados (or the El D’s for short) have continued to hone their live 321-2626 Craig Morgan will be initiating members to the “Redneck Yacht Club,” the John Jarrard Foundation. Proceeds from the concert go to benefi t show, perfecting their covers of sing-along classics. Expect plenty of capping off a star-studded night of cowboy boots and brass buckles. Also local community organizations in North Georgia. Performers include crowd participation as well as surprise guest artists — drop on by for performing will be , The Del McCoury Band, Riders in the Walt Aldridge, Bob Dipiero, Rory Bourke and Kendall Marvel. the perfect dose of Thursday night debauchery. Sky, Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press. ($15, 6:30 p.m., 4104 Hillsboro Pike) ($5, 10:30 p.m., 154 2nd Avenue) ($26 - $51, 7 p.m., 2804 Opryland Drive) Versus FEBRUARY 17—FEBRUARY 23, 2010 VOL. 48, NO. 5 From the Editor

Versus I’ve never understood the fascination people seem to hold with girls being, Magazine by requirement and necessity, shorter than guys. Sure, women as a gender are generally shorter than men, but I don’t know why this became required EDITORIAL BOARD to play out in the dating world at any cost. To be the same height as or taller than your boyfriend (or boy du jour) is considered so abhorrent that my Editor-in-Chief friends (and my mother) constantly caution me against dating below my Avery Spofford station … in height. According to this (skewed) logic, the only men available Life Editor to me are those who exceed the 5’10” mark. “A pretty average height for a Chris McDonald college-aged male,” you might say, “What’s the problem?” Aside from the obvious issue of principle, I like high heels. Really, really high heels that Culture Editor Matt Shelton often put my height at and above 5’11” or 6’0”. So, at this point, according to a random chart I found online, we’ve ruled out 75% of the male population 1. Entertainment Editor based solely on the fact that by some freak of genetics I am 5’9” and have a Charlie Kesslering 5’2” girl’s shoe preferences. Music Editor Yet I continue to be harassed when I choose to date someone my height Grant Darwin or shorter. Friends make jokes, my mother says I’m ruining the gene pool, guys tell me to wear fl ats. What gives? If anything, it’s evidence of some weird Fashion Editor Lauren Junge complex or fetish for men to idealize a “type” of woman that is tiny and twiggish and for women to prefer hulking giants in whose shadow they are 2. 3. completely obscured. I’ve dated guys taller than 6’3” and shorter than 5’6” … I don’t understand why people seem to think height plays some role in our Art Director 4. Matt Radford compatibility. We are not living in caves or in the prehistoric jungle. I don’t need to be constantly protected from warring tribes (unless your frat gets in Designers a brawl downtown), and the only hunting I might require is a dive through Irene Hukkelhoven the line at the bar to grab a beer. I don’t need a muscle-bound bodyguard or Kat Miller some kind of super-athlete to ensure survival or even success in this world Marketing Director — women today have their own careers and lives separate from their fathers George Fischer and husbands, so why are we looking for protectors instead of partners? Even worse, it’s not like the women on this campus are in any position to Advertising Manager Carolyn Fisher be making cuts based on something as superfi cial and silly as a guy being shorter than 6’0”. Let’s face it, ladies, the general quality of males we’re VSC Director 1. Pip Owen, Brad Gordon and Caroline working with is not that great to begin with. Furthermore, there are so many Chris Carroll Agovino in NOLA 2. Allie Semler, Ali more relevant reasons to rule a guy out — like wearing a “Murse” (see page Leblanc, Tracey Feldman and the (in)famous 8) or drinking fruity drinks (a character fl aw that can be remedied by our “20 Assistant VSC Naked Cowboy at Mardi Gras 3. Senior Directors dollar bottle” feature in the Culture section). Don’t let’s be ridiculous. Jeff Breaux members of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority fl ash Paige Clancy the Theta sign at Varsity Grille 4. Members of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity celebrate Mardi Journalism Fellow Gras in . Erin Prah

Words to live by in seventeen syllables Horoscopes Know: If you give it AQUARIUS 1/20–2/18 Up for Lent, the kids will fi nd Still Hungover from Vanderbilt’s Takeover of Pat O’Brien’s at Mardi Your eggs by Easter. Gras Saturday night? Me too. PISCES 2/19–3/20 Spring Break is still three weeks away; try to get SOMETHING All time low: spending accomplished before then. V-Day eating cookie dough ARIES 3/21–4/19 Yes, that zombie-pledge is crying in Rand. Life is tough — buy him Playing Chat Roulette. a cookie, it’s only going to get worse for the little guy.

TAURUS 4/20–5/20 Your mother will become very ill this week, when she releases her debut mixtape. The illest of dem all.

GEMINI 5/21–6/21 In response to your underwhelming Valentine’s Day, you will over- assert yourself in social situations. Don’t make it a habit.

OVERHEARD CANCER 6/22–7/22 Some people on this campus just don’t think I told you fl oppy old lady boobs were not going to be as cool as before they speak. Sometimes we are lucky you thought. enough to overhear what they say. LEO 7/23–8/22 Yeah! That is a great idea for a sport; get in a giant ice skate and Compiled from the Facebook group “Overheard at Vanderbilt” go down an ice roller coaster.

English professor: “Tamora knows how to use VIRGO 8/23–9/22 her sexuality to what she wants; it’s just I bet you $10,000 you can’t photosynthesize. like Jasmine pretending to work it for Jafar ... ” LIBRA 9/23–10/22 The people at P.F. Chang’s totally think it’s funny when you stick Sorority girls doing homework: “Does ‘IV’ chopsticks in your nose, go for it! stand for something? You know, like an SCORPIO 10/23–11/21 IV in the hospital?” You will be a better person this week. Don’t make it a habit.

Random guy: “We went to Waffl e House SAGITTARIUS 11/22–12/21 because I really wanted pancakes ... but The plus side of not going to Mardi Gras: not only did you get they only had waffl es. What the hell?” all of your work done and not have to spend Valentine’s Day in a hungover car of misery, but you can go out THAT MUCH HARDER Girl in Rand: “Oh My God! I have to waste this week/end. my meal plan eating with him!” CAPRICORN 12/22–1/19 Don’t be jealous; they’re fake. Girl in Commons study room: “So he picked up my underwear and put them on. It was a thong.” Versus • February 17—February 23, 2010 • 3 CULTURE A fuzzy weekend: One survivor's Mardi Gras memoir parade from the war zone Saturday carried the same to-face with the supposed at, friends to revel with and their appropriate position CHARLIE KESSLERING formally (or formerly?) rapturous tone. Rapturous teetotalers of the afterlife. Port-O-Johns in which to on the timeline of my past. Entertainment Editor know as St. Charles Street, in the sense that we were Orleans Avenue played find true religion. And as However, of these things How do you put a blur I exerted myself we emptied I am sure: I didn’t lose down on paper? endlessly, my backpack my wallet, did lose some I guess it started with a lunging for of its sudsy dignity and that trashcan flask of SoCo downed in a beads like an load, my at Pat O’Briens remembers sequence of hungry swigs obese tween memory, what I had for dinner better on Friday afternoon. I had after airborne like the air, than I. catching up to do. We (myself chicken wings. b e c a m e Little did I know before and a few other would-be Then there darker and Friday, but I’d been Neanderthals) had made was Bourbon darker. practicing for this weekend the nightlong drive from Street. Back to all along. Those games of Nashville, and after a God S t u m b l i n g Bourbon we pong, pulls of Jack, trips to blessed omelet, chocolate among the went, entering Sportsman’s — but dabbles freeze and farewell fist o b l i t e r a t e d the French in the art of debauchery. bump from my man Marvin masses, I Quarter like A preliminary regiment. at Camellia Grille, a nap downed a child soldiers Earthly preparations for a had stolen what remained Hand Grenade — veterans cosmic adventure. Before of the morning. So a flask and, for an of a battle my pilgrimage to New it was. hour, endeared but not yet Orleans, I had been a Happy hour followed. myself to the desensitized mere pickpocket, stealing The Boot, a liquor-rich locals with to the realities glimpses at the good life, clubhouse for the poor and p a s s i o n a t e of war. How do wholly unaware of the thirsty students of Tulane, inquisitions of you prepare sensory delight found in hosted this coming-out party “Who Dat?” for that? For that rst big score. of sorts, introducing our And after a police of cers Mardi Gras — forever an mouths to the delicious fury generous friend on horseback extraordinary blur — was of a New Orleans Hurricane. waved down a giving high- my Debutante Ball, my Bar Or a few. cab with a crisp ves? Does Mitzvah. With that rst micheleantionete.com What came next was a $50 bill, I slept one ever get shirt on Bourbon went my wild boar of an evening: like an intoxicated baby, drinking as if it were the host to our daylong rage, used to boobs on balconies? innocent youth. And, until A cold, hard tour of the a tremendously pleased end of days — getting in our providing an assortment of Yet I’m left with such Sunday morning, it felt like Big Easy. Watching a intoxicated baby. kicks before arriving face- monstrous floats to gawk visions, entirely unsure of a million bucks.

Senior Citizennes 20 dollar bottle EMILIE HALL are going to be hopelessly smiling because you haven’t Staff Writer platonic. And here’s why shaved your legs since … 'Ignite the Nite' with Fireball that is a good thing: um, wow … I really can’t … If you’re a senior girl 1) You can practice being Halloween? CHRIS MCDONALD quickly solidi ed itself as a can try to make a mixed drink, at a frat party you might a cougar now. It will come 6) On spring break, maybe Life Editor fast favorite of mine, no longer but why waste the  avor? as well be a midget in a in handy after your rst no guys will be staring at just an impulsive novelty buy. Leave it in the freezer until mosh pit. Everyone’s kinda divorce. your ass. But you can bet “The roof, the roof, the roof is When it comes to taste, the last possible minute, then wondering what you’re Have about six or seven your ass those sophomore on re. We don’t need no water, few liquors are as genuinely pour shots of chilled hell re. doing there and why you’re sophomore boys’ numbers girls will be staring at your let the motherfucker burn … enjoyable as Fireball. The Why so great as a shot? not at home in your pint- in your rotation and send chicken ngers. Offer them ” Wise words never rang truer cinnamon  avoring itself is It’s simple — at once, it’s size snuggie. In fact, the them really inappropriate a few and watch the tears than when I rst indulged in strong but not overpowering both hot and cold, sweet only time you’re going to text messages. They won’t well up in their eyes as they Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, — it’s not so much that it’s and spicy and smooth and get a beer is if it smacks really know what to do you, sadly shake their head. Just this week’s $20 bottle. hard to swallow, but it is biting, a combination that you on the side of the head but you will: Laugh. remember your skinny-arm As the name suggests, Fireball enough to almost completely seems thrown together by the on its way to someplace 2) When you want to pose and your Talbots cover- tastes like you are drinking mask the  avor of the corn devil himself. Seconds after younger and hotter. Or it’s dance, boys aren’t grinding up. lique ed Big Red gum … whiskey base (sorry to all the cold liquid momentarily like being a chaperone. on you. Curiously, there except that it kicks your ass as you purists ). So, scorches your throat, a You nd yourself walking seems to be a four foot well as your mouth. With only while it may look like warmness creeps over your around pulling people’s radius around you. Get the slightest hint of actual whiskey, your taste entire body, and before you skirts down and informing creative. Get low. whiskey taste, this liquor is buds will soon be know it, you’ll be halfway the 19-year-old birthday 3) Notice how lovely more akin to candy than it is another tune. through the bottle, clamoring girl that she just lit her and soft our hands to an actual alcohol … if candy So, what’s the best for more. cigarette by the wrong end. are? That’s because came in a 66 proof option. way to drink With a tagline of It’s glaringly obvious that we aren’t scrubbing I rst found this delectable this ery “Ignite the Nite,” the only thing going home underage X’s off in the treat when browsing aisle concoction? Fireball is all about from the bar with you industrial sink at Miss after aisle at Midtown several According to fun. As the website these days is a hotdog, my Kelli’s. weeks into the school year. my roommate itself promotes, “It dear. Your body has been 4) Remember that As seems to be the case with (who seems to tastes like heaven, through the wars and you, you are in a meaningful many people my age, I am a have made it a but it burns like hell. brave soldier, are carrying relationship. With your total sucker when it comes personal goal And when that burn four years of competitive king-size bed. to bottle design. And with a to kill at least hits your lips, you’ll drinking in your inner 5) While everyone picture of the Devil himself one bottle de nitely snap to thighs. I hate to be the else is complaining spitting re on the label, I a weekend), attention. It’s a great one to tell you this, but the about the cold weather, was immediately sold on the there is no way way to start the party ... rest of your college nights you’re inwardly purchase. Trying it for the rst to drink it but bestbrandincs.com any time you need a little guestofaguest.com time later that night, Fireball straight. Sure, you spark.” InsideVandy.com 4 • February 17—February 23, 2010 • Versus entertainment Internet Hoopla Razzie nominees announced ben ries Facebook's Farmville Sporcle entertains for Staff Writer The Academy of Arts and Sciences released its list nurtures fun hours of nominees for the 82nd Annual on Tuesday, February 2. In accordance with tradition, The Golden Raspberry Award Foundation released its own list of nominees one day earlier. The , often shorted to “The Razzies,” honor films at the opposite end of the quality spectrum: Namely, the worst of the year. Understandably, Razzie-nominated stars are typically reluctant to attend the yearly ceremony. There are a few exceptions — showed up to receive her ‘Worst Actress’ award for 2004’s Catwoman. And donned a tuxedo and brought his own red carpet in 2002 when he received ‘Worst Actor,’ ‘Worst Director,’ ‘Worst Picture,’ ‘Worst Screen Couple’ (for Green and ‘any animal he abuses’) and ‘Worst Screenplay’ for his much-loathed comedy “Freddy Got sciencepunk.com Fingered” (2001). On March 6, that movie will be competing tomuse.com against “Battlefield Earth” (2000), “” (2003), “I Know Who lauren junge Killed Me” (2007) and “Swept Away” (2002) for the grand prize Fashion Editor alex goldberg of ‘Worst Picture of the Decade.’ For those of us with ADD, Facebook's Farmville is by far the Staff Writer is in an interesting awards position this greatest thing since sliced bread. Ever tried to name every single “American Idol” year, nominated for both a Razzie for ‘Worst Actress’ for “All While I am definitely addicted to this seemingly silly game, I winner and runner-up since season one? What about About Steve” and an Oscar for ‘Best Actress’ for “The Blind once never knew what it was. “Farmville” was something I only every Shakespeare play? Or every college team that has Side.” Box-office giant “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” read about in TFLN (another ADD-soother), until one day I ever made it to the BCS final standings since 1998? is in a similar situation. It’s up for seven Razzies, including spied a friend mindlessly planting soybeans on a digital farm Rather than writing your answers down on a piece of ‘Worst Picture of 2009,’ making it the most nominated movie in Facebook-land. Looking over, I asked her “What the hell are paper and looking on Wikipedia to see whether your of the year, however, it will also be competing at the Oscars you doing?” And suddenly, after exclaiming, “OMG, let’s so be guesses are right or wrong, Sporcle.com allows you to for ‘Best Sound Mixing.’ The other candidates for ‘Worst neighbors!” I was accepting my Farmville invite. Mere minutes play such guessing games in a convenient and organized Picture of 2009’ are “,” “G.I. Joe: The Rise of later, I was hooked. fashion. Sporcle offers hundreds of user-created guessing Cobra,” “Land of the Lost” and “Old Dogs.” Farmville essentially allows you to have a virtual farm online—you games that are sure to both test your knowledge and Razzie nominations are often made with a dark sense do everything from the simple things like harvest fruit trees, plant stimulate your mind. It is the perfect way to pass time, of humor: ‘All Three Jonas Brothers’ were nominated seeds, collect crops and play with animals to more complex endeavors gain knowledge or have fun with your friends as you all for ‘Worst Actor’ for “Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert like decorating your farm for the holidays, building a horse stable, try to guess every movie ever made. Experience” and nominees for ‘Worst Onscreen Couple’ hosting a barn raising and filling a chicken coop. You can even visit Sporcle.com offers new games every day, so even the include ‘Kristin Stewart and either Robert Pattinson or your friends and fellow neighbors farms or expand your farm (for a most addicted Sporclers always have a new quiz to tackle. Taylor Whatz-His-Fang’ for “Twilight Saga: New Moon” pretty penny, otherwise known as “Farmville Coins”). The game even lets you know where you rank in your and ‘ and any co-star, Creature or Comic Riff’ Farmville really is the best game for boring classes, procrastinating ability to guess the most common first names of U.S. for “Land of the Lost.” late nights or even those times you simply feel like embracing your presidents. It’s difficult to fully explain the awesomeness The prize for Razzie ‘winners’ is a shabby statute of a inner child. And if you’re really hooked, I suggest you check out the that is Sporcle.com, so check it out for yourself as a way raspberry mounted on a film reel. Each trophy is covered other games Zygna makes in collaboration with Facebook. to beat off your Mardi Gras hangover and procrastinate in gold spray-paint and has an estimated cash value of just So, hey, if you happen to get hooked on Cafe World, come visit studying for that biology test. under $5.00. me, we can cook up some virtual spaghetti together.

The Endorsement Film right now

'Keeping up with the Kardashians' What to watch: 'Shutter Island'

aceshowbiz.com tvmedia.ign.com ben ries will deliver high-quality Massachusetts to investigate last decade has produced maria crist Sisters Kourtney and Staff Writer entertainment. Scorsese the bizarre escape of a critical and commercial hits Staff Writer Khole bicker, annoy described the movie in an prisoner from a hospital for like “Gangs of New York” each other, make public Those looking for spooky interview as a “psychological the criminally insane. Soon, (2002), “The Aviator” (2004), In theory, “Keeping Up appearances and make fun are likely to enjoy thriller with touches of mysterious events lead the and “The Departed” (2006), with the Kardashians” time to manage their “Shutter Island,” which is gothic horror,” promising a marshals to suspect that all of which were nominated is a show you would Calabasas clothing store. set for release tomorrow. tense suspense film similar the doctors and employees for Academy Awards for Best never want to watch. This season we’ve seen The presence of stars like to his 1991 hit “Cape Fear.” running the hospital may Picture and Best Director Mostly obnoxious and a wedding, a pregnancy, Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben The story is outlined by have a sinister agenda. (“The Departed” won both). always flashy, the Jenner- anger management Kingsley under the direction the trailers: In 1954 two “Shutter Island” is the In other words, “Shutter Kardashian family drama classes and a fair amount of the reliably brilliant U.S. Marshals (DiCaprio and latest installment in the Island” is unlikely to be could be written off into of break-ups and make- Martin Scorsese virtually Mark Ruffalo) arrive on the ongoing Scorsese-DiCaprio Martin Scorsese’s first bad “celeb-reality” oblivion. ups. ensure that “Shutter Island” titular island off the coast of partnership, which over the movie. However, “Kardashians” As much as these brings something more to people don’t live in any the table than just juicy type of reality, Kris is superficiality, and if the the prying mother that 4.1 million viewers that everyone has, Kourtney’s What to rent: 'A Serious Man' tuned into this season’s boyfriend, Scott, is the premiere don’t prove it, significant other that your keep reading. family can’t accept, and The show, now in its the whole group speaks fourth season on E!, to one another how you revolves around the often want to speak to Kardashian family and your family but never will. their daily antics. While As silly as the episodes Kim was the first of her are, the show portrays family to establish herself a real family. They look as a Hollywood socialite, out for each other; they sex tape and all, the support each other, and show has staying power this is what distinguishes because it truly is about “Kardashians.” a family. Matriarch Kris The glamour, the balances parenting and fabulous clothes and the managing her children’s self-absorption are ever- careers. Step-father and present, but dynamic, 2.bp.blogspot.cm matt shelton former Olympic athlete loving relationships are Even with a solid backing perfect escape from the tacky “The Big Lebowksi” with a Culture Editor Bruce Jenner plays the the backbone of the by almost all critics, “A Serious romantic comedies that plaster shot of religion added. passive father role, and show and the reason why Chances are, when the Man” never saw as much the silver screen in February. Need to get your mind doesn’t do much of “Kardashians” is one to Coen Brothers released “A commercial success as some Its heady themes and subject off that girl/guy after a anything but observe the catch Sundays at 9 p.m. Serious Man,” you were busy of their previous films (think matter don’t make it the rough V-day? Trust me, this chaos of his household. on E!. watching something with a “Fargo”). But fortunately perfect escapist drama, but relationship will be a lot slightly more scintillating for you, this means that this more of a thought-provoking easier to get serious with title. diamond in the rough makes a one. It’s like a existentialist than that V-day DTR. Versus • February 17—February 23, 2010 • 5

WRITE FOR VERSUS! Interested in writing about arts and entertainment? E- mail avery.l.spofford@gmail. BRING THIS INTO URBAN ACTIVE com or come to our staff Antioch, Hermitage, Rivergate or Brentwood meeting on Thursday at 6 1-866-89-URBAN p.m. in the newsroom (located www.urbanactive.com in the basement of Sarratt).

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Was that you with your friends supporting Dance Marathon? . . . Take a peek at p. 219 Were you wearing black and gold

at. . . See p. 230 ESPN's GameDay?

Did you hang out in front of the Rites of Spring stage? . . . Flip to p. 249

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Vanderbilt Commodore Yearbook 6 • February 17—February 23, 2010 • Versus MUSIC Invasion of the Body Snatchers Who would you rather be: Jay-Z or Paul McCartney? It's no 'Hard Knock Life' 'A Day in the Life:' Why being Shawn Carter I'd be Paul McCartney

“grams to Grammys.” Because he wrote in ’s studios. He would ravage CHARLIE KESSLERING GRANT DARWIN a song called “Money, Cash, Hoes.” Jay-Z instruments, splitting and splicing bits of Entertainment Editor Music Editor is the man because he can play ball with music and insigni cant noises to create Around the age Paul McCartney started LeBron in the morning, cold lamp with Jay-Z undoubtedly changed the rap game, potent electronic symphonies. Certainly, trying on his mother’s clothes, Jay-Z was Kanye in the afternoon and, at night, but Paul McCartney changed the game, Jay-Z gives Paul a run for his money in rede ning interstate commerce one crack experience the innumerable comforts of period. HOVA makes money. McCartney has terms of their personal lives (Beyonce is rock at a time. In adulthood, as in youth, Beyonce Knowles. Because he can watch made more. Jay-Z may run New York, but one hell of a catch), and Lord knows what Jay-Z’s life puts the aforementioned Brit’s to a Nets game at the 40/40 club, wearing Paul commanded an international legion of the former Beatle was thinking when he shame. Even in the Beatle’s prime, he was a a RocaWear jacket, lounging with the unwavering followers. Frankly, who wouldn’t married lunatic in 2002. sissy — a sissy who played sissy music (see: “I inconceivable satisfaction of being ngers choose to be this man if they could? To be However, to say that Paul’s private life was Want to Hold Your Hand”), took sissy drugs deep in each of those pies. Point two: this musical mastermind, an iconoclast in not an immense success would be wrong. (see: hallucinogens), and most obviously cut Jay-Z is the coolest. The coolest ever. Paul his own category, is simply incomparable. He married a beautiful photographer, Linda his own hair. Justin Bieber with a stupid McCartney never walked with the swagger Beyond the obvious bene ts of international Eastman, and the two had a very strong and accent. John Lennon’s talent-less shadow. of Shawn Carter, never looked good in superstardom and a plethora of adoring long-lasting marriage that thrived until her Why would I rather be Jay-Z? Stop being all black, never, to quote the rapper, got girls worldwide, to be McCartney in the ’60s passing in 1998. rhetorical, silly pants. But I’ll humor you; “shorties like a thespian” — like a wanna- means having the power to fundamentally But what is most impressive is that age I’ll give you a full-length article and all that be, at best. Hova’s a study in freshness. alter the shape and form of music history. has not affected this living legend. He is jazz, one you can read and feel cultured. His demeanor cannot be bought, bartered Beyond the ubiquitous accolades, being as universally cool today as he was 50 One you can yuck about with your or sold. His  ow is a cascade of fantastic the most successful songwriter of all time, years ago. That’s a tall order for Jay-Z to friends, even. Convince that syllables, syllables that add up boasting 60 gold records and millions of ll. Perhaps it’s unfair to compare these momma’s boy at the lunch to become incredible words, singles sold, McCartney has shown a human two individuals, but if I had to choose to table, once and for all, words that form lines — depth that extends far beyond his music. spend my life as one of these icons I would of Paul McCartney’s lines unparalleled in Humble and always professional, he has choose the Beatle every time. I rmly general incompetence their power, irreverence proven to be a consummate businessman, believe that in the future sitting in a row and evident and penetration. “You a wise investor, an admirable activist and, with the marbleized busts impotency, never ready, forever most importantly, a dedicated family of Bach, Mozart and e s p e c i a l l y petty minds stay man. Furthermore, his artistry has no good old Ludwig Van w h e n petty/Mine’s thinkin’ limits, almost as if he were DaVinci Beethoven will rest the compared longevity until I’m reincarnated. He has attacked the sculpted face of this to such seventy” — that’s disciplines of poetry, lm and writing as Renaissance man.  a towering why Jay-Z’s the ferociously as a fan would pounce upon persona as Young coolest. a guitar pick tossed away by McCartney Hov. I’ll do that Point three: during a concert. Beyond his melodious for you, sure. Jay-Z lives “life like singing voice, there is hardly an instrument Point one: a video,” for Pete’s that Sir Paul cannot play and play with great Jay-Z is the sake. And you’d rather skill (abilities that are often attributed to his man. Jay-Z is the be the goofy looking musical upbringing). McCartney managed to man because he guitarist in the black- transform rock ‘n’ roll from the dredges of has more No. 1 and-white box singing juvenile delinquency into an acclaimed userserve-ak.last.fm records than The harmonies on topics and respectable art form. Even King. Because ranging from lame the concept for the electronic he went to lamest? Get outta beats and sounds which f r o m town.  are so critically elemental to rap fanpop.com were in many ways born of the blood and sweat shed by McCartney

This year’s Bonnaroo lineup guarantees you will lose your fl ip-fl ops (and maybe your mind?)

, percussion-driven, feel-good happy to accommodate. Attendees keep your high going all day. to an incredible performance. CAITLIN MEYER brand of can make will be engulfed by Neon Indian’s Be sure not to miss She & Him, an With acts like these, “bang for Staff Writer anybody smile and sway to tracks psychedelic, intricate, poppy dance interesting dark horse act. This band, your buck” is an understatement. Each year’s Bonnaroo lineup is an such as “Fables” and “Fools.” jams. Furthermore, Sweden’s the love child of Zooey Deschanel Don’t oversleep, chug a Red Bull, indie kid’s wet dream, leaving the ’s runaway hit Miike Snow, who touts irresistible and M. Ward, has perfected the art and and go see the myriad of musical layman out in the cold with single which has taken Australia tracks like “Animal” and “Black of sunshine pop. Their raw talent other bands that make this annual nobody or nothing but alcohol and by storm, “Sweet Disposition,” and Blue,” and The xx are sure to and pure energy are sure to translate event so undeniably special.  bud to ll the daytime slots between has successfully passed through thecornernews.com , Dave Matthews customs along with the rest of Band and Jay-Z’s nighttime their album “Conditions.” Their headlining spots. This year, though, live performances embody the fear not — here’s a brief lowdown feel of their music — happy, on who to know and what to expect semi-danceable pop-rock that for this summer’s greatest four days guarantees a good time. of music, camping, inebriation and If Jay-Z is more your speed, lend mass hysteria. another Jay, Jay , your ear. For those of you going to bro His unconventional beats (generally out to Dave and Kings of Leon, formed from scores and soundtracks give The Dodos and The Temper of various movies, including “Eternal Trap a listen. The Dodos’ lo- Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”) accidentalsexiness.wordpress.com witty lyricism and New Orleans soul create a fantastically amalgamated She & Him style of music and make for an invigorating show. Also representing on the rap front is the voice of D.C., Wale, and the man who has stuffed the rap world into a rocket and shot it to the moon, . If dancing and getting lost in the bass and strobes is what you're looking for, Bonnaroo 2010 is

digitalbydesign.com Kings of Leon Versus • February 17—February 23, 2010 • 7

“He and I were about as compatible as a rat and a boa constrictor.” — Stevie Nicks soundtrack to the issue Be indie-vidual: Five indie bands to know

Surfer Blood its secrets in slowed-down The debut album by this trickling bass synth. “Bicycle” exciting new group from is similarly engrossing, a track Florida, “Astro Coast” is chock that boasts an amazing chorus full of high energy, catchy, guitar- followed by a bass breakdown Below, the editors share what driven tunes. Tracks that makes the track’s climax tracks we’ve been spinning contain familiar elements of an incredibly beautiful aural Vampire Weekend, Weezer and moment. as we create the glory you’re Ra Ra Riot, but are glazed over holding in your hands. with warmth reminiscent of The Girls Beach Boys. The band really Singer Christopher Owens Staring at the Sun ( ) shines on the dueling guitar was raised in the extremist — TV on the Radio anthem “Floating Vibes,” the Children of God cult, where 1. Japandroids mesmerizing rhythmic guitar medical attention was banned bcscene.ca.com strumming of “Harmonix” and women were sometimes Resurrection (ft. ) and the hook-ridden closer forced into prostitution. At 16 Oliver Han — Phantogram “Catholic Pagans.” For those he ran away and lived on the 2. Staff Writer The hypnotic, Metric-like who like to see a group live streets of Texas before moving Japandroids vocals of keyboardist Sarah before investing in their music, to . There, he Light Outside Japandroids have figured out a Barthel, fat hip-hop drum this hot band is playing at The and Chet “JR” White formed — Wakey!Wakey! way to combine noisy, lo-fi garage machine break-beats, the End on Saturday, Feb 20. Girls and recorded some of 3. fuzz rock with super catchy pop guitar work of Josh the most beautiful Californian hooks. On each track, singer- Carter and a luscious, dark Memory Tapes guitar pop melodies of Blood guitarist Brian King’s vocals light synth drone combine with Dayve Hawk’s debut album recent memory, all while — The Middle East up behind the exploding drums such perfection that, minus “Seek Magic” has the indie under the influence of heavy 4. of David Prowse. The duo’s debut, one or two missteps, each world up in a storm for good prescription drugs. On tracks “Post-Nothing,” will drag you Phantogram track is bliss to reason. The gorgeous synth like “Lust for Life” and the Flossin' through climax after whip-lashed hear. Make sure you listen to pop he molds is rich with dense seven-minute epic “Hellhole — climax until you are literally winded “Mouthful of Diamonds” and textures on top of luscious Ratrace,” Owens’ honest lyrics 5. from the impact of their glorious “Turn It Off,” both from the bass riffs — each track is a call forth memories from his noise. Tracks like the head-banging group’s stellar debut album work of stunning complexity. miserable past, but the songs Mouse and the Model “Young Hearts Spark Fire” and the “Eyelid Movies.” I'll tell you Listening to “Pink Stones” is still manage to sound happy — Dresden Dolls adrenaline-pumped “Rockers East one thing, I cannot wait to see like exploring the depths of an overall due to Owens’ laid- 6. ” demand to be played where their sound goes from overgrown jungle on an alien back vocals and sun-glossed loud — very, very loud. here. planet while experiencing all guitar work.  Murder Ink phantogramcomforotcomes.com nypress.com 7. — Dr. Dre

What's It In For? 8. — Avi Buffalo

Big Eyed Fish 9. — Dave Matthews Band

Right Now Phantogram girls 10. — SR-71 The most interesting 'Man of the World'

Grant Darwin Music Editor Animal Liberation Orchestra sounds like the name of a fundamentalist group, an organization more likely to blow up a meat production facility than to calm your nerves. The reality, however, is this: ALO is a band that emits a sound so intoxicatingly relaxing that stresses simply melt away, listeners likely working up a nice drool in the process. A member of ’s , ALO recently released their sophomore album, “Man of the World.” Boasting what is one of the coolest album alomusic.com covers I have seen in recent years, the album is noticeably less poppy than its predecessor, a spot for my grave/I called it home.” On the “Roses & Clover.” While maintaining the instrumental track “Matchbook Serenade,” smooth percussive elements that have the band shows its experimental, psychedelic proven to be their bread and butter, “Man side. The electric guitar is uninhibited of the World” has a lyrical sentimentality and hypnotic, reverberating gently into absent on the previous record. Driven by listeners’ ears, and Dave Brogan’s drums a delightful bass line and subtle , on guide the track along without making too “Suspended” pianist/vocalist much of a fuss. However, the album is not begs his love to “Carry me back, carry me all laid-back. “I Love Music” is gleefully back/Carry me home/We were born to funky and “Time & Heat” has an upbeat live between tension and release.” A low tropical sentimentality to it, recalling the tide to the high tide of “Roses & Clover,” band’s SoCal roots. Gill, and this album is softer, generally with a much Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz harmoniously collide slower tempo. Jack Johnson’s fingerprints on the chorus, bellowing “Time and heat” are all over it. “Gardener’s Grave,” which as Lebo’s guitar twinkles along. Colorfully features tranquil vocals by Johnson and serene, when listened to in its entirety Gill, is simplistic and unimposing. Its lyrics “Man of the World” evokes the feeling of are poetic and poignant: “So this place being awoken from a great night’s sleep by became my own/Planted a garden, I picked a charming, blue-skied morning.  alomusic.com 8 • February 17—February 23, 2010 • Versus fashion Long live McQueen Alexis Tabak design. Upon his entrance Tips for finding fashion Staff Writer into the fashion world, the highly influential fashion On February 12, renowned stylist Isabella Blow saw that gems on British fashion designer McQueen had a true gift for Alexander McQueen passed designing clothes and bought away. The artist’s death his entire fashion line. Blow avery spofford even exceed the price of the but no one other than 0came as devastating news wasn’t the only one who had Editor-in-Chief item. Disreputable sellers an authorized dealer of to not only those close an attraction to McQueen’s charge higher shipping the brand can officially to him, but also to the over-the-top, shock-worthy 1. Tell yourself how much you’re fees to make a profit for guarantee that the item is fashion community at large. designs: they soon caught willing to spend on an item BEFORE the themselves — make sure legit. That being said, there McQueen was found dead the eye of singer Bjork, who final seconds of the auction. you include the cost of are also a lot of authentic in his apartment in Mayfair, wore a McQueen design for There have been so shipping in your plan for goods on the site — I’ve London; those who found the cover her 1997 album many times that I’ve half- how much to pay. gotten three mid-level him have been quoted saying “Hegemonic.” Bjork was so heartedly told myself I’d 4. Beware of counterfeits. designer purses and three it appears he hung himself. inspired by his creativity spend about $200 on a “Chanel purse! 100% or four pairs of Marc by It is clear that McQueen had that she asked McQueen to purse, only to be taken AUTHENTIC! Bid now! Marc Jacobs shoes from a very difficult few weeks direct the music video for aceshowbiz.com up in the final-moment No reserve! $200!” … A eBay, none of which ended leading up to his death; both her song “Alarm Call.” Gaga, bidding frenzy and end up pretty clear indicator that up being counterfeit. his mother and his mentor, McQueen continued to and Rihanna publicly wear spending nearly twice that. 5. Always, always, ALWAYS check shock the fashion world with his clothes to many events. Consider how much the the item description for damages his extravagant runway shows, McQueen’s designs item is worth and whether and whether or not the seller allows ranging from recreating impacted the fashion you can find another one returns. a shipwreck to a human industry and changed on the site or in stores, Another huge mistake chessboard. He added a sense the runway world forever. which brings us to … buyers make is bidding on of rebellion and imagination With a gift for designing 2. When considering whether or not goods without thoroughly to the runway and was the fresh, original, “push-the- to bid on an item, or how much you checking the item first designer to use Indian envelope” collections, he want to pay for it, think about whether description, especially when models in London. In inspired many designers to you can find the item in stores or again the seller offers a “Buy it 1996 he succeeded John be more creative with not on eBay. Now” option (you just want chicstories.com Galliano as head designer only their clothes but also If there are currently five to buy it! Now!). You can style guru Isabelle Blow, of Givenchy, but left in 2001 their runway presentations. pairs of the Marc Jacobs get great used clothing and died weeks before he took to pursue his own line after Truly a household name in pumps you want listed accessories from eBay, but his own life. McQueen was feeling his creativity was too the fashion and arts worlds, on eBay, you can bet that many of them have damages set to premiere his fall 2010 constrained. Creating his McQueen will be missed you’ll be able to find them like small tears or stains. fashioncoup.com collection during this week’s own line turned out to be a by members of the fashion again at some point if the Major damages might be a New York Fashion Week, but smart idea: McQueen is the realm, his fans and all those first pair slips out of your the item you’re looking deal breaker, but don’t sweat the show has been cancelled youngest designer to win he so greatly inspired.  grasp. If something is still at is a fake. It’s very, very the small stuff, especially if in light of his death. the British Designer of available in stores, don’t tricky to get your hands on it means a deep price cut on Born Lee Alexander the Year award and was buy it unless it’s a real steal, legitimate designer items a one-of-a-kind item. McQueen in 1969 to Ronald named International because … on the site — counterfeits Sellers that don’t allow and Joyce McQueen, the Designer of the Year at 3. Shipping costs can really screw abound, especially in returns may be selling designer often said he knew the Council of Fashion you. listings for popular counterfeit goods or may from a young age that he Designer Awards. By 2007 When you’re shopping designer brands such as just be assholes, but I don’t wanted to be a fashion the designer had opened for an item, make sure to Chanel, Louis Vuitton and really deal with them either designer. He attended high-end boutiques in check out the shipping Marc Jacobs. Sites such as way — you just never know, London’s most prestigious all major fashion cities costs before you bid. A lot of www.purseforum.com have and it’s always good to have fashion school, Central Saint including Milan, New items, especially those being discussion boards where the option to return, even if Martins College of Art and York, Las Vegas and Los shipped from overseas, can you can post auctions and it means taking the shipping Design and graduated with Angeles. Today, A-list have shipping costs that have items “authenticated,” fee as a loss. a master’s degree in fashion celebrities like Lady angelesalmuna.com

The Murse: Pack or purse? Chris McDonald my mother’s acumen was to his overall appearance. Life Editor correct. Not to be confused with Combining fashion with the dreaded “Murse” (or man Matt Shelton function, the man bag (or purse), messenger bags are Culture Editor messenger bag) is a must the perfect size: large enough have for all the males out to fit laptop and books, but As I was tearing away at there looking to upgrade not so large as to lose half the wrapping paper like a your belongings every time 10-year old finally opening a new textbook is deposited. up the biggest present last, I The over-the-shoulder unearthed an oddly shaped strap doesn’t add to the brown bag I was familiar Hunchback of Notre Dame with. “Epic,” I exclaimed as I look people get when they beheld my gem of a gift. “Cole walk around campus with Haan,” my favorite brand of 100 pounds worth of books any shoe or leather accessory, stuffed into their Jansport or was classically scribed in Northface backpack. Made of cursive on the front of the gift high-quality, durable cloth bag. But then I noticed that or rugged leather, this bag is it wasn’t a shoe-box shape. built to last. Sure, it may not Perplexed, I opened up the be as durable as your rip-stop bag to find a messenger bag, Nylon backpack, but come on aka a “man bag,” sitting inside. — L.L. Bean was all the rage I sighed, hand forced. … in 3rd grade. A well-made, For a long time I had been masculine satchel adds a level questioning whether or not to images.allmoviephoto.com of maturity and poise that you make the switch to a man bag, “It's where I keep all my things. may just be in need of. abandoning the high school Get a lot of compliments on this. It takes a brave man to backpack for something Plus it's not a purse, it's called rock a man bag, but those more sophisticated. On the a satchel. Indiana Jones wears with the chutzpah will enjoy other hand, man bags come one.” — The Hangover the benefits of this gender- with an effeminate quality, bending trend. So do your as they resemble a big purse. style (and your back) a favor After a week of debate, I from that ratty old backpack and move onward and upward decided it was time to grow to something that positively in the world. Opt for elegance up and brought the bag back compliments his attire and over easiness and get yourself to Vandy. I’ve discovered adds a level of sophistication a man bag.

This week on Inside Vandy... Check out our new column, Get day-by-day 'Fashion That Fits!' coverage of New Taylor Backus York Fashion Staff Writer Week & the A/W 2010 collections. Plus, check back next issue for a full review of NYFW!

nymag.com vogue.com Versus • February 17—February 23, 2010 • 9 interview with James Huggins

Staff Writer Alex Daly sat down to chat with James Huggins, of Montreal’s multi- instrumentalist and front man of new solo project James Husband, before he took the stage at the Cannery Ballroom.

Versus Magazine: How are you? You look tired … and twice in this venue. And I have performed once solo at the Ryman, but show … Now, I have less of a hands-on approach and more just suggestions. James Huggins: Good, I woke up this afternoon and immediately was that was during tour when they just let me stand up there and play. It’s like a whisked away to play this Grimey’s in-store thing. dream to play there. Nashville has a million other venues, but they don’t all VM: You defi nitely have to come back and play at the Ryman with this theatrical cater to the kind of show we do. We have gone to very small rooms, as well, aspect! VM: And how did that go? and played in Nashville at least 15 times over the last 11 years. JH: We could do at least the most visually stunning show there, but certainly not JH: It went really well, considering that I hadn’t even had half a cup of coffee the best musically, since every legend in the world has played there. Unless let alone breakfast. And [one of our instruments] broke within the fi rst fi ve VM: I have personally never seen you perform before, so what are your shows The Flaming Lips have played there — they are our one big competitor. It minutes, so we had to improvise ... but it’s a really cool little venue. like? What are they like for you? seems like everything we do, they end up doing bigger. But we’re close on JH: Well that’s the trouble with people who see us for the fi rst time and people who their heels, and we’re doing it in a similar spirit but a different way. VM: How is the tour going so far? saw us once even three, fi ve or seven years ago, or even people who saw us JH: It’s almost over, actually. Tonight is the last night, and it’s disappointing, once only three, fi ve or seven months ago. We try to do a completely different VM: What do you foresee happening in the future with both James Husband? Do really, because I want to keep going. It’s been so short — it’s only been like, show every time. And that doesn’t just mean in terms of a set list, I mean in you see yourself continuing with your solo project? ten shows, and it kind of came out of nowhere. We had planned to take the terms of members in the band, different people on our performance crew, JH: Absolutely. It’s not like it’s some kind of whim. It’s just a long overdue whole winter off and then suddenly these dates popped up in January and we different video projects, different stage lighting … and for the past several beginning of something that will be the focus of my attention from this point just kind of threw it together. It’s been short but it’s been really fun and super years we have building our own stages to put on top of the venue’s stage. on. And that’s not to say that I’m going to stop playing with of Montreal — in exhausting. fact, I think for the rest of this year [I’m] continuing to do both. I think we are And we have been getting bigger and bigger, and now we have these video going to do another leg or two this way. VM: Where were you guys before Nashville? projection things, because we have these groups of, well, I wouldn’t call them JH: This is honestly one of those embarrassing moments where I can’t remember. actors, I defi nitely don’t like to call them performance artists and I certainly But this whole temporary diversion of being a straight up rock band is not wouldn’t call them dancers … but they kind of do something resembling all going to last very long. I think the plan for the next record, which is not VM: It’s probably a huge blur by now … three. And for the last couple of years, [the show] has gotten really elaborate going to come out until the end of the summer, is to totally revamp the whole JH: I am totally ashamed to say that I can’t remember. — we have 19 people on the road and only six in the band. We have tried to thing, bring in additional musicians, and expand the band so the musicians blow it out as big as we can get it for the bigger venues and festivals, but now are able to more closely recreate the record but without all the previous VM: Were there any gigs that come to mind as favorites so far? we are doing these smaller shows and doing, like I said, rock ‘n’ roll versions sampling technology that we were using. The idea is to have about ten or JH: New York was incredible. We played the Hi-Line Ballroom. I hadn’t been there of the grandeur of the past several years. twelve [musicians] and multiple percussionists so we can do complex rhythms, before and it’s relatively new. because it’s just impossible for me to do as one man, especially since I’m So in some ways I hope that someone like yourself wouldn’t feel gypped, not using any drum pads or anything. We want to bring in a couple of extra VM: How is it doing two projects now [of Montreal and solo opening act James because there is this legend looming out there that we are always going to put string players and horn players and make it more of a big-band sound, really Husband]? on this outrageous stage show. And we still are, to some degree, but I think it’s a ’70s kind of band that would have that sort of instrumentation. But that JH: It’s not something that I’m not comfortable with, because I’ve done it before. more interesting for us to focus on the music and do it in a different way. So if all depends on us fi nding all of the right people — we are going to start It’s just different this time because it’s the fi rst real push of my new band, you look at the last four or fi ve , what we do tonight will not sonically auditioning people, talking to all of our friends in various bands and seeing so I’ve had a lot of responsibility there. In addition to that, what used to be represent the album very well, but the songs are presented in a very live way. their availability. a sort of easy job for me has now been redefi ned, so I’m doing ten times the physical effort during the of Montreal shows, and it’s been physically We haven’t heard any complaints, but in the past it’s always been about If we can pull it off it would be something of like a super group and much exhausting me. I used to play the drums in the band for most of the songs for totally recreating the record exactly. And we’d have two different computers, more focused on the music. I’m sure there will still be some sort of elaborate six of seven years, but for the last fi ve years I’ve also been playing guitar, two different electronic brains that would control sound effects and drum stage production, but the idea is to sort of scrap everything we have been bass, keyboards, trumpet and only touching the drum set for like, four songs patterns, and loops that go to our ears, so we’d all be playing along with the doing for the last year and a half and create some new characters. We also out of the set. grid — it was all very robotic and complex, and it was all about blowing out want to get rid of the more colorful things and instead create some darker as much sound and as much of the album as possible. But tonight it’s a much settings and lighting. And on this thing I turn all of the last four albums which [consists of] more minimalist approach [than] that. electronic, dance-pop, very much drum-machine oriented music into straight VM: Do you opt for the same kind of stage shows for James Husband? up rock tunes. So the only things we have on stage are two guitarists, the It’s not some new thing we’re doing, but we decided that since we’re doing a JH: No, with that, it’s just about the music. I mean we already have all the [of bassist and a drum kit, so I’m playing for 90 minutes. small tour in the winter we might as well do it in a way that’s fun for us. So Montreal stuff] set up there, so we sometimes will throw some of that on for we’re going to try to play like we’re a live band again. the colors, but I think most of that would just distract you. The point of the And this makes me sound like some kind of light eight, but I’m just not used James Husband project is for me to feel comfortable singing the songs. We to doing that ... I have an hour of cerebral, emotional performance, and then VM: Is it a collaborative thing, this creative side to the performances? Is it even tried doing it like a big rock band to make it more exciting, but the truth of I have to switch off my brain and just bash the drums for an hour and a half, the band that takes care of that or is there a side team? the matter is, you listen to the album and it’s all pretty mellow — it’s all just so the physical end of it is what’s really killing me. But every night we’ve done JH: It’s all-inclusive — everyone in the band and on the crew has equal say and about my singing. And I can’t sing very loudly or very well when a lot is going it, and I’m still kicking, so we’ll do it again tonight. tends to get equal ideas rejected and accepted. It’s sort of compartmentalized, on, so I tried to make it a very soft band. I have a cellist and a clarinet player in a way. I mean, David Barnes, Kevin’s brother, who has always been kind and I play mostly acoustic guitar … so it’s very, very much the opposite of a VM: What inspired you to do the solo act? of the sixth member of the band, doesn’t play any instruments, but he’s an [loud rock show]. JH: Well it’s not really a new thing; it’s just newly offi cially billed. I’ve been doing artist and does all the artwork (well, most of the artwork — Kevin’s wife it for, like, over ten years. I guess things are starting to fi nally slow down for started doing some of the late stuff). But all of the imagery and artwork and VM: You mentioned that tonight is your last show on this tour. Any idea when of Montreal, because in the last few years we haven’t had more than a couple videos that feature things that have to do with our band are done by David. you’ll start up again? weeks off at a time in a year. We did something like 267 shows in 2007 and He also kind of directs the performance bits and is responsible for most of the JH: Well, I’m doing another run by myself, which is obviously not as easy because roughly the same in 2008, so I just haven’t had time. costumes and one-act plays that take place, so he pretty much gets free reign everything falls to my own resources. I don’t have the tour bus, I don’t have when it comes to that department. the crew of ten people … which is why it’s so nice to tour with of Montreal But now [I] have time. I went to a couple of different studios, I was living because, sure, I’m a member of the band, and it’s all my equipment and my overseas in Sweden, and I had time and I had access to a studio and [went But as far as the set and stage design, I have had a lot to do with that, and money in a way (at least a fi fth of it), but at the same time I’m looking at for] it. It was just kind of long overdue, so the time came and I decided to just also our sound engineer and video engineer have hand-built everything it like I’m a new artist and I got an opportunity to play with a band like of stick it out there. together. Everything we use is hand-made, and those guys are the carpenters/ Montreal. So you remove the obvious confl ict of interest, and it makes things electrical-engineers. And input for the video screens comes from Nick and a whole lot easier [to look at]. VM: Listening to your music, it’s a very dynamic sound and ranges so much from also Dottie, the keyboard player’s fi ance. We’ve been planning a big wedding the fi rst song to the last. And it doesn’t sound anything like of Montreal. What party for them in the spring. But, that being said, the fi ve or six of us will jump in a van and do a small inspired you? club tour in March, and then of Montreal will [start touring again] in June, JH: Well, it had very little to do with of Montreal. It’s more [about] the timetable And then you’ve got everyone from our tour manager, who is onstage in so I’m doing both worlds for the next few months. Then we have Dottie’s and the places where the songs were recorded, because this is very much a costume every night, to various road managers and workers who are in wedding, which we are all taking a month off for, and then ... who knows. collection of scattered recording from all over the place and from different costume doing their thing each night. But it’s like I said — I don’t think we Maybe we’ll play some festivals, or something.  times. So if they sound all over the place, it’s because one might have been have ever done the same show twice. recorded in my bedroom in 2002 and another might have been recorded in a proper studio in Stockholm in 2008. It depends on who I might have had with VM: Do you have any background in art or design? Or did you just fi gure this all me to record with, or what I had written earlier in the year. out as the years went by? JH: I grew up in a very musical but also very church-oriented, Southern Baptist The whole point of it is that it’s not just meant to be an album. Many people family in Georgia, and my father is the musical director [of our church]. So have the misconception that it’s a new album and that I just went in with not only did he make sing in the church choir and all that crap, but he would ten hot songs and I recorded them all in a week, but it’s much more like a always put on the Christmas pageant and the school play etc. and my mom collection of snapshots, like a scrapbook — like, “Here’s me at summer camp would always design the props, make backdrops and make costumes by with my parents in 1983,” and “Here’s me at my college graduation” … it’s hand and stuff. I had this very home-spun, “Waiting for Guffman”-style, like that, but with songs. tiny town theater experience, and I have always been acting in little plays. So I pretty much started out doing that stuff before we had any VM: I was reading about that, about how you crafted this as just a huge money. collection of snapshots from different moments. And this style really brings diversity to the album. In fact, fi ve or six years ago, I had borrowed these huge slide JH: I’m all about diversity. projection screens from my uncle (I had used them for these church productions in the ‘80s). I set up three VM: Have you guys ever played here in Nashville before? screens with old-school clips and slides of carousels JH: Oh yeah, many many times. and projected the whole slideshow behind the band. And then we started to get some VM: What do you think of the city? money and decided to buy a bunch of new, JH: We love Nashville! Nashville has always been a wild place for us. People love high-tech electronics, so I turned things to meet us up here and we tend to get whisked away. We have done probably over to Nick. I was running this crap six or seven other shows with [this promoter] both in two other small venues while playing drums in the middle of the 10 • February 17—February 23, 2010 • Versus flip side

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