ENTERTAINMENTpage 25 Technique • Friday, September 1, 2000 • 25
Crossword Puzzle! Just play it loud, ok? ENTERTAINMENT Bored in class? Itching to exercise your This week we’ve got six (count ‘em, mind-boggling vocabulary? Our new six!) CD reviews for your inspection. feature is right up your alley. Page 26 Look, listen, and love them all. Technique • Friday, Septemeber 1, 2000 ‘Art of War’ delivers nothing but paint-by-numbers action By Alan Back is sent in to change their minds becomes Public Enemy Number Has trouble drawing stick people any way he sees fit. Spying? No One. He finds himself cut off problem.Wiretapping? Fair from the rest of his team, with MPAA Rating: R game. Blackmail? He can swing authorities from both sides of Starring: Wesley Snipes, Anne that, too. the Pacific after him, as he races Archer, Maury Chaykin, to find the truth before the Marie Matiko situation explodes into an all- Director: Christian Duguay out war. Studio: Morgan Creek Films “How do you give Now, where to begin? Running Time: 117 minutes a medal to Mistake #1: cannibalizing a Rating: yy string of movies to assemble the somebody who plot. “The Fugitive,” “U.S. Mar- War is hell. The Art of War doesn’t exist for shals” and “Mission: Impossi- just feels like it. ble” are shoved through the meat If you’re pressed for time, stop something that grinder, with bits of “Lethal reading now and stay away from didn’t happen?” Weapon” (“I’m too f—in’ old any theater showing this film, for this,” says Maury Chaykin, which manages to commit just UN Secretary-General playing an irritating FBI agent) about every action-movie atroc- Douglas Thomas (Donald and “White Men Can’t Jump” ity known to man. Sutherland), The Art of War thrown in for no good reason. The story—or what passes One look at Shaw’s partner Bly for it—centers on Neil Shaw (Michael Biehn) on the basket- (Wesley Snipes), the pointman Murder, however, is out of ball court is almost enough to of a top-secret covert operations bounds—or is it? When the make Woody Harrelson seem team working for the United Chinese ambassador catches a like a good actor by comparison. Nations. Whenever a country’s bullet just before a free-trade Mistake #2: substituting eye By Jan Thijs / FILMLINE INTERNATIONAL INC. leaders start to act against the agreement with his country is to United Nations operative Neil Shaw (Wesley Snipes) struggles to clear his name international community, Shaw be signed, Shaw suddenly See Art of War, page 28 and save his life in The Art of War. If only he had fought for a better script… New international DVD version of ‘The Professional’ shown as director intended By Jayson Wehrend levels blended well with the letter- no point did I actually recall hear- Just gave the editor the digits box bars and many of the other ing the rear surrounds kick in. If colors came off as impressively vi- they did, it was very subtle and not Movie: Originally released as The brant. really much in terms of sound sepa- Professional in the United States, The only complaint I have (and ration. Altogether, the sound mix is the movie Leon has stood as the a minor one at that) was that the solid, but won’t stand out in your hallmark of hit man action films. actors’ skin tones came off as a little collection. From the very first scene, you are bit red. It wasn’t enough to be terri- Extras: The most important ex- introduced to the titular Leon, an bly distracting but I noticed it more tra on this disc by far is the inclu- excellent Italian cleaner (a.k.a. hit at the beginning of the film rather sion of the “international” version man). than later. Overall, a clean and clear of this movie. When this movie was Leon (Jean Reno) lives in soli- image is delivered. For any HDTV put up for theatrical release in Amer- tude drinking milk, watering his users, the film is presented is an- ica, 24 minutes were deemed inap- plant, and killing strangers for money amorphic. propriate for audiences. This DVD until life delivers him a partner. Audio: Originally this movie was puts these scenes back in so you can Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is left released with just the standard (at finally see the movie as the director homeless and alone after a brutal intended. Most of the scenes deal
By Steve Gullick / ATLANTIC attack on her family by corrupt DEA with the growing relationship be- Elastica’s new release, Menace, is pure British punk. Though lead singer officer Stansfield (Gary Oldman) tween Leon and Mathilda. Appar- Justine Frischmann’s lyrics are often overpowered, the album is worth a listen. and in desperation, she takes up It’s not often you see ently Mathilda’s affection for Leon with Leon and tries to learn his trade went a little further than the previ- to avenge her little brother. an action film with ous release of the movie would lead Soon a bond forms between the more character one to expect. I applaud the addi- Elastica bounces back two unlikely partners and Leon learns development than a tions and believe they are a valuable that there is more to life than just addition to the film. By Jon Kaye sure to please, it is too esoterically comfortable routine. While at its character’s name and Next up is a section for the inter- “I want to review a CD that sucks.” punk to ever gain mainstream lis- core it is an action movie, what real- ability to kill people. national ad campaign. It shows var- tenership. ly drives this film is the wonderful ious movie posters from around the Artist: Elastica Elastica startles the listener with character interaction and develop- world. Another nice bonus is an Album: Menace their first cut, “Mad Dog God Dam.” ment. Leon and Mathilda come off isolated music score. By selecting Genre: Rock The song opens with an elaborate as real people that you can’t help the time) Dolby Surround audio this option, you can listen to noth- Label: Atlantic Records pattern of dogs barking, which lead but care about. mix. This new DVD proudly pro- ing but the movie’s music for the Tracks: 13 singer Justine Frischmann said “came Oldman also pulls overtime mak- claimed digitally remastered audio, whole feature. Considering how good Rating: yyyy from one of those kids’ keyboards.” ing Stansfield genuinely disturbing bringing it up to a full 5.1 mix. As a the score is, I found this a real treat. She observes that what started as an through his drug-induced frenzies. general rule of thumb, any movie After that comes a grouping of Without a full-length album since attempt to learn the sequencing ap- Mixing fascinating characters with that is remastered into 5.1 usually talent files—these detail the prima- their self-titled 1995 release, the Brit- plication, Cubase, led to the first riveting action sequences, Leon: The doesn’t come up to much more than ry actors’ and director’s previous ish punk group Elastica had become cut on the album. Professional manages to avoid be- Dolby Surround with occasional achievements and filmographies. Last associated almost exclusively with The surreal chorus of synthe- coming a waste of stereotypical char- music in the rear speakers. Sadly, is the theatrical trailers section. Here their cut “Connection.” With an sized dogs blends smoothly into an acters and worthless explosions. Leon falls into this category. you unfortunately get only one trailer edgy, spirited sound, the group forged assertive techno beat. Top that with Video: As a long-time supporter Now, that isn’t to say that the of Leon, but two other trailers of a name for itself, but an unfortu- Frischmann’s curiously motivating of all things widescreen, I really en- sound mix isn’t good. The LFE (Low the director’s other films (The Big nate lack of top 40 songs made them lyrics, and you end up with a song joyed the 2:35:1 aspect ratio in- Frequency Effects) channel was in- Blue and The Messenger: The Story a one-hit wonder. that is not only an inspired piece of cluded in this cut of the film. For a credibly active through the of Joan of Arc). However, after a five-year sab- palindromic blasphemy, but a truly somewhat older title, I was expect- soundtrack. In fact, you heard the Not a bad batch of extras, espe- batical, the band has finally released inspired piece of art. ing to see a little grain and the occa- bass more in the music than even cially when coupled with such a the full-length Menace. Like its 1995 The album continues in the style sional scratch or maybe even some the biggest explosions. good image transfer and decent sound predecessor, Menace is pure British of true British punk. The guitar is softness in the image. As far as directionality, the sound mix. It comes as no surprise that punk. Employing aggressive guitar fast and aggressive, the singing so Fortunately, this DVD had none stays almost entirely in the front this film is regarded so highly. It’s riffs and a harsh blend of samples, bold that it borders on screaming, of those problems. The image itself sound stage. The center channel gets not often you see an action film Elastica creates a powerful listening and the sequencing so original that was crystal clear—razor sharpness most of the attention with the occa- with more character development experience unlike virtually any oth- combined with a clean print made sion gunshot zipping along into one than a character’s name and ability er group, but while the album is See Elastica, page 33 for a very nice presentation. Black of the front surround speakers. At to kill people. 26 • Friday, September 1, 2000 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT By Kit FitzSimons 36. Not now 8. (We) exist Crossword Puzzle Smokescreen [Ed. note—Kit rocks!] 37. “It’s a mouse!” 9. Nervous twitch 38. Ordered delivery (2 wds) 10. Use one’s mouth For answers, turn to page 33. ACROSS 40. Mined find 12. Ham sandwich alternative (abbr) 1. Not quite passing 41. Main rice cake ingredient? 16. Mauna _____ 123 456 78910 4. E-_____ (Net shop) 42. Lease 17. College prep test 7. Tardy 44. Current girlfriend’s worry (4 20. Open boat for one 11 12 13 14 11. Attire wds) 21. Olden-time smoother 13. Philosopher Tzu 50. 30 ACROSS, e.g. 23. Old Bond player 15 16 17 14. Opera ditty 51. Sam-_____ (hyph) 24. Old Toyota jingle (3 wds) 15. Interrogation technique (3 wds) 52. Water closets 25. Post meaning 18 19 18. The full range (3 wds) 53. Old clucks? 26. Batman’s surname 19. “Masher!” 54. Caustic base in old soap 28. Jean d’Arc, e.g. (abbr) 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
20. Lifeguard must-know (abbr) 55. Nobel prize? 30. Use a 50 ACROSS 27 28 29 30 22. Draw a bead on (2 wds) 38. Be sick 24. Hee-_____ DOWN 39. Matrix character 31 32 33 27. Space bar neighbors 1. Easter morn find 41. Boats’ sterns 29. “Je ne think so pas!” 2. Distant 43. Oilers’ org. (abbr) 34 35 36 30. Couch 3. Nottingham notable (2 wds) 44. Overalls slogan opener 31. Suffix for cosmo 4. Crockett or Boone activity (3 wds) 45. Last name in denim 37 38 39 40 32. Received 5. Congruent triangle reason (abbr) 46. Roseanne’s TV hubby 33. Teensy 6. Common lead up to “I quit!” (4 47. Blooming month 41 42 43 34. Fairy tale start wds) 48. Word following an or cat 35. Collie’s call 7. CA boys in blue (abbr) 49. Jet 44 45 46 47 48 49
50 51 52 The crossword puzzle you see here is a new feature for the Entertainment section. The editor-chick can’t remember a time when the Technique ever had a crossword puzzle, and so she’s very excited (to say the least). So do you like it, dear reader? 53 54 55 Now you’ve got something to do during class each Friday. Email [email protected] with comments!
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Sharky is o“fish”iating the wedding... ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, September 1, 2000 • 27
Taproot’s album a ‘Gift’ to listeners Take a long swim in the ‘Tide’ By Nick Maser the band. The creative lyrics and fining Taproot. In addition to the Yay, it’s a new guy! innovative method of singing by intense riffs and deep bass, the lyri- with Sunny Day Real Estate Richards, reminiscent of Chino cal content of “Smile” provides a Artist: Taproot Moreno of the Deftones and Aaron promotion of individuality in a per- Album: Gift Lewis of Staind, combined with the son. The second track, “Again and Genre: Rock powerful riffs on guitar and thought- Again,” features Richards singing a Label: Velvet Hammer Music / provoking style make for an inter- catchy chorus about regaining con- Atlantic Recording Corporation esting Gift. trol of your life. These vocals along Tracks: 12 Early on, the band gained recog- with the distorted power chords of Length: 43:24 nition in many Ann Arbor and De- the guitar create a track that could Rating: yyyy troit clubs as they attempted to play potentially see some radio play this everywhere that they possibly could coming fall. Throughout the history of mod- to get their name out. The band The eighth track, “I,” is a song ern music, Michigan has been a prime attained virtually its entire fan base with a more mellow guitar intro- location for new innovative sounds and reputation from people seeing duction in which Richards express- such as the Motown revolution, the them live in concert, and by word es his feelings about himself and his 90’s rap/rock sounds of Kid Rock current situations. The song then and Eminem, and—even more cur- explodes into the chorus and dis- rently—the newfangled intense torted guitar, in which he contin- tracks of Taproot. Gift is a diverse ues with how he feels about himself Taproot was first formed in Ann collection of tight and how to improve on his life. Arbor, Michigan in late-1997 by Richards’ vocals are really show- four guys with a simple desire to beats and aggressive cased on “Mirror’s Reflection” as change the current face and sound grooves. he ventures from rapping to singing of rock. The band consists of singer to screaming. “Mirror’s Reflection” By F. Scott Schafer / TIME BOMB RECORDINGS Stephen Richards, lead guitarist Mike is a song that expresses the belief Sunny Day Real Estate’s release, The Rising Tide, floods the listener DeWolf, bassist Phil Lipscomb, and that people need to think twice about with surprisingly enticing lyrics combined with wel-written music. Jarrod Montague on drums. Upon of mouth from these people. Obvi- disliking others, and need to look first glance at the record, one might ously, Taproot gained sufficient rec- into the mirror, as they may possess By Jonathan Purvis ing Tide takes it to a new level. wonder about the derivation of the ognition to be invited to perform as similar traits. Didn’t give me a tagline...doh! The band has come back with a name Taproot. Apparently, the word an act in the Ozzfest 2000 tour, The eleventh track, “Comeback,” tighter, more progressive sound— was discovered by DeWolf while featuring other established artists features innovative sounds and dis- Artist: Sunny Day Real Estate imagine taking a great band and flipping through a thesaurus in search in similar genres of music such as tortions of every instrument, in which Album: The Rising Tide having them sound even better. of a name for the band. Ozzy Osbourne, the Deftones, In- an aura is created and established, Genre: Rock / Pop The impressive lyrics behind The word “taproot” seems to be cubus, and Pantera. similar to one obtained from the Label: BMG/Time Bomb every song are the standout of appropriate—it is defined as the Upon first listening to Gift, and group Korn. The final track, “Im- Recordings the album. It has been a while central element or position in a line as soon as the first track “Smile” hits pact,” contains lyrics that discuss Tracks: 11 since the lyrics on an album pulled of growth or development, which the eardrums, one begins to feel the Taproot’s intentions for the CD as Rating: yyyyy me in. Prior to listening to the explicitly captures the objective of passionate, riff-driven sounds de- they present their Gift which will, album, I read through the book- as the song states, “make an impact The Rising Tide ranks easily let and was in awe of the beauty on lives…and leave an etched mem- as one of the best albums re- produced in writing alone. ory forever.” leased this year. From the open- Jeremy Enigk and Dan Hoe- The only aspect that the album ing power of rner split the appears to be lacking is more lyrical “Killed By responsibili- diversity, as the majority of the songs An Angel” to Imagine taking a ties on The have a main verse, followed by a the cryptic Rising Tide. chorus, followed by a repeat of the poetry of great band and The words main verse, and a final round of the “Faces In having them sound are often chorus. But the positives of the Disguise”, overlooked musical content on this album far few bands re- even better. The Rising in today’s outweigh this one negative. lease music Tide embodies what arena of mu- Domineering guitar riffs and ee- this emotion- sic, and hope- rie, intriguing vocals fill Gift with a al and this good music is today. fully the diverse collection of tight beats and potent, and poetry set aggressive grooves, making this CD yet Sunny forth by Ho- one that needs to be a part of the Day Real Es- erner and collection of every fan of aggressive tate has continued to do so. Enigk will be seen by others, and rock. Hopefully for Taproot, the Since rejoining in 1997, Sun- carried on. With noise and jib- Ozzfest 2000 tour and the release of ny Day Real Estate has kept their ber such as Bush and Stroke 9, it Gift, with its intelligent lyrics and pioneering sound alive and would be a welcome site. dominant guitar, will make them evolved into something even “Killed by an Angel” instant- part of the new music revolution more. How it Feels to be Some- ly pulls you into The Rising Tide. By Ed Smith / ATLANTIC and a household name, rather than thing On started the spirit up Stephen Richards, Phil Lipscomb, Jarrod Montague, and Mike DeWolf keeping them as simply an energet- and running again, and The Ris- See Sunny Day, page 28 comprise Taproot, a band with a Gift for guitar riffs and intriguing vocals. ic club band from Ann Arbor.
join the technique. why? because we rock. Like we rock my world. Come here our random cd mixes. dance. laugh. eat pizza. see carter’s hat. his “deadline hat”. come miss wax rat. come see christina’s new computer. it is very pretty, we are having a naming contest so send in your suggestions to [email protected]. Come see chris make up random “rules” for ed board, just because he can. or he thinks he can. come spend some time in the cubical of love, or test your luck in the turny thing of makeoutdom in the darkroom. what is that mooing? alan is harassing cows. he really should be doing that the cubicle or turny thing instead of the blueprint office. sarah rocks my world because she rides her bike and she still talks to me even.
when she doesn’t need something from me, like the hooverer. i have classes in the love building, not to be confused with the cubicle of love. you should write jen a letter for the opinion section. find a cheap ticket to austin. teach me polymers. answer a cell phone. eat at el amigo and soothe my feelings. nancy is awesome. along with adam, adam toner, that makes my life good.
You can only molest cows in the cubicle of love, or in the turny thing of makeoutdom. 28 • Friday, September 1, 2000 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT
ment accompanied with an under- This week on the Sunny from page 27 lying keyboard track. It is simple, Art of War from page 25 GT Cable Network yet grand. The drums fade into ex- istence and Enigk starts with his By Rebekah Bardwell The song starts with building drums powerful vocals. The beauty of this candy for acting ability. Marie Ma- for at least 20 minutes longer than GTCN Correspondant and then the guitars kick in. Hoe- song is indescribable. The combi- tiko plays a UN interpreter who it should doesn’t help much either. rner and Enigk are both amazing nation of Sunny Day Real Estate becomes Shaw’s reluctant ally in his Mistake #4, probably the worst This week on Flava 101, Jama- guitarists, but Enigk’s vocal talents with a full string accompaniment is efforts to clear his name. She may of the bunch: stealing every page ra hangs out at Marvelous En- really carry the song beyond words. look the part—a young urban hip- from Quentin Tarantino’s playbook. terprises Artist Development Enigk has a unique voice—al- The Rising Tide has 11 great songs ster with the standard-issue bou- Whenever the plot starts to drag Center and gives you a behind- most British sounding, and people in it. They all relate, yet carry on tique eyeglasses and pierced (which is about every five minutes the-scenes look at what artists have often confused him as being their own feel and sound. The defi- nostril—but she might as well have or so), somebody invariably gets go through to prepare for tours British. “Killed by an Angel” talks nition of a great album is not just a phoned in her lines. This last assess- beaten up, cut up, blown up, or and promotions. Jamara learns of the artificial nature of feelings collection of songs, but songs that ment is true of most of the other subjected to a quick lobotomy what it takes, both physically and today, and how who a person is intertwine and keep a general feel actors as well, especially Anne Ar- administered by high-velocity bullets. mentally, to be an artist. often comes from the medication and emotion going. Sunny Day Real cher, who plays Shaw’s boss with all Look closely and you can almost see And don’t miss “The Best Of they take. “It’s never how you feel, Estate has accomplished just that. the animation of a sack of hammers the words “cannon fodder” stenciled Phat Videos.” Matt checks out it comes in a bottle”—a powerful The Rising Tide embodies what good and reels off the worst sort of anti- in big block letters on the victims’ two summer camps at Georgia message for the medicated country music is today. I can only hope it Chinese bigotry straight from her foreheads. Tech and shows you how to save we have evolved into. gets the praise it deserves and Sun- cue cards. General Sun Tzu would spin in money by shopping at the thrift The album continues with great ny Day Real Estate continues on Mistake #3: subjecting viewers his grave if he knew that the title of store—plus much more. songs such as “The Ocean” and the tradition. to sheer brain overload. Forget about his masterwork had been slapped Flava 101 runs Mondays at 3 “Tearing in My Heart.” The guitar trying to keep track of all the dou- onto an incoherent mess like this. If and 7PM and Thursdays at 7PM, is soft when it needs to be, heavy If you love music and want to listen to ble-crosses, convoluted plot twists, you’re going to spring for “The Art and Phat Videos runs Mondays when the song demands. Perhaps CDs that might be just as good as the and gadgets that magically appear of War,” make sure you get the pa- at 3:30 and 7:30PM and Thurs- my favorite song on The Rising Tide one just reviewed, all you have to do is out of nowhere just when Shaw needs perback version. You might as well days at 7:30PM on Channel 21. is “Faces in Disguise.” The song join the Entertainment staff! Email them. The fact that director Chris- get some bit of value out of your starts off with a soft string arrange- [email protected]. tian Duguay lets the film plod on eight bucks.
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It’s Sharky!
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Oh my god, Jody doesn’t know where the men’s restroom is! ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, September 1, 2000 • 29
Knock on the door of Apartment 26 Ink stamps for your collection... By Marcus Kendall boundary is Apartment 26. This what you’d get if Marilyn Manson Yay, it’s another new guy! group of five British rockers has met Fatboy Slim in the studio and COTTON CLUB (152 Luckie St.) 9/3—Social Infestation, Puaka Baklava, been quietly building a name for decided to make an album for kicks (404) 874-1993 Room 13, Downfall Artist: Apartment 26 themselves while playing on the and giggles. 9/8—Bend, Minus, Steep 9/4—Face to Face, Saves the Day, A Album: Hallucinating Ozzfest and Warped tours this sum- The first song of this 14-track Web site: www.consopro.com/ New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio cottonclub.htm 9/7—Samiam, Leatherface, Pezz Genre: Rock/Techno mer. Their first CD, Hallucinating, album, “Backwards,” immediately 9/8—Mr. Natural Label: Hollywood Records caught my attention immediately. jumps into a techno beat and moves DARK HORSE TAVERN Web site: www.masq.com Tracks: 14 It’s a style that sounds familiar and into explosive hard rock. The song (816 N. Highland Ave.) Length: 49:56 yet still carves a niche for itself. At is surprisingly catchy and melodic, (404) 873-3607 ROXY (3110 Roswell Rd.) Rating: yyyy times while I’m listening, I can’t like many of the tracks on the al- 9/1—Cool for August, Motherload, (404) 233-7699 decide if I should be in the moshpit bum. The last track on the album, Humanology 9/8—Marvelous 3, Tsar, SR-71 As many Tech students have or at a rave. “Death,” has a Stabbing Westward 9/2—Elephant, 5 Star Drive, Dreadnot Web site: www.consopro.com learned during the past few years, This interesting blend of sound catchiness to it that leaves me to 9/6—Appleseed, Smugface, Cold /roxy.htm the key to success is integration. isn’t anything new. If you’ve jammed believe that it will be the first to hit 9/7—Seamless, Vessels of Sin, Falling Up 9/8—Persona, Brighter Shade, Tim SMITH’S OLDE BAR (1582 Piedmont Ave.) This time, however, I’m not talking to Powerman 5000, Static X, or the airwaves. My personal favorite Acres Band (404) 875-1522 about the confusion of sitting in Gravity Kills then you will recog- song is “The Fear.” The industrial/ 9/1—Bloodkin front of a math problem with that nize the up-tempo beat and the in- techno sound draws you in with an ECHO LOUNGE (551 Flat Shoals Ave.) 9/2—Big Ass Truck, Skydog Gypsy dumbfounded look on your face. your-face sound. The key to amazing techno hook and jumps (404) 681-3600 9/3—Col. Bruce Hampton (Ret.) and the Let me be more clear—musical in- Apartment 26, however, is the inte- into an fast industrial sound that 9/1—Steep, Morning Glory, Code Talkers tegration. Musical genres seemed gration of techno, industrial and will make you wonder what the limit Monochrome 9/4—Rusty Water, Soundtrack Mind, to start homogenizing a few years metal, which definitely sets it apart is for these freshmen rockers. 9/2—pH Balance, Jeremy Salas and the Midnight Caravan ago with Korn, Limp Biskit, and from the crowd. Combine this with I encourage you to be a part of Associates, Minaminagoodsong 9/6—David Ryan Harris, John Mayer the Red Hot Chili Peppers leading amazing control over the layered Apartment 26’s rise up the charts. 9/6—Jon Byrd, Rob Mallard, Kenny 9/7—Doria Roberts, Wayne the way. The next stop in this pro- sound makes for a listening treat. This CD is a good investment if Howes, Lyle Milton, Deke Dean, 9/8—Park Bench Blues Band, Drifting Blake Rainey, Cynthia Osborne, Through gression seems to be the marriage of Not bad for a debut CD. you are a fan of any of the above- John Dunn Web site: smithsoldebar.citysearch.com rock and techno. Of course, this The purely rock songs are good mentioned bands or musical styles. 9/7—Trans Am, Neil Hamburger, blend has been around for a while compared with Sevendust or Static Even if you don’t make it a part of Laddio Balacko STAR BAR (437 Moreland Ave.) but it has yet to become mainstream X but aren’t groundbreaking; they your collection, you’ll be able to 9/8—Jets to Brazil, Shiner (404) 681-9018 listening. reek of angry-teen rebellion a-go- turn on the radio and find these Web site: www.echostatic.com/ 9/1—Young Antiques, Grumpy One band that could break this go. The rest of the tracks sound like guys jamming in the near future. echolounge 9/2—Pardner, Sixer 9/6—Smithwick Machine, Dropsonic, EDDIE’S ATTIC (515-B N. McDonough St.) Telepathics (404) 377-4976 9/7—Greg Conners and the Curb, 9/1 and 9/2—Eric Taylor, David Olney, Adam Leland, Pidgeon Richard Bicknell, Denise Franke 9/8—Stevie T. 9/3—Kristen Hall, Uncle Mark Web site: www.cloun.com/starbar.html Reynolds, Weaklazyliar, Michele Martin, Alyssa Barnett TABERNACLE (152 Luckie St.) 9/5—Rich Healy, Marlin Brackett, (404) 659-9022 Barbara Brantley 9/8—El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico 9/6—Dave Potts, Karen Reynolds, Web site: www.tabernaclemusic.com Steven Jackson, Rob Seals, Jeffery Thompson VARIETY PLAYHOUSE 9/7—Ruby Mango, Joyce & Jacque (1099 Euclid Ave.) 9/8—Vigilantes of Love, Claire Holley (404) 521-1786 Web site: www.eddiesattic.com 9/7—Battlefield Band 9/8—Johnny Winter, King Johnson MASQUERADE (695 North Ave.) Web site: www.variety-playhouse.com (404) 577-2007 9/1—Mr. Natural Check out the Tourdates Web site 9/2—P.M. Dawn, Scott Henry, Terry (www.tourdates.comwww.tourdates.com) to see where your By Dean Karr / HOLLYWOOD RECORDS Mullan, DJ Sandy favorite bands will be appearing next. Jon Greasley, Louis Cruden, enegmatic Biff, and A.C. Huckvale are the four members of the band Apartment 26.
Students for Responsible Communication: I’m not just the president, I’m also a client. 30 • Friday, September 1, 2000 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT ...010101010101010 1010101010101010101010101...... Two Bits Like every crazy, angst-filled en- Millionaire” and “Survivor,” inter- As if the horrible onslaught of thought—intelligent people realize Perrier? With that in mind, this se- tertainment journalist, the Two Bits stellar governments are cultivating prime time game shows wasn’t bad that prime time game shows suck, ries would effectively end the ca- Man sees the need to stay in touch a society of noodleheads who will enough, we then had to fall victim and likewise for real-life television. reers of all possible hosts for prime with current events, and make fun just sit idly as Earth becomes an to the bevy of real-life shows. Is the The way I see it, the thinking peo- time game shows, while really damp- of them when appropriate. You may theme park for otherworldly tour- Two Bits Man the only one who ple at large need to fight back against ening the real-life genre of show, have noticed that recently there was ists. finds it ironic that they arrest you this alien takeover, and that is why and I think that’s cool. a little show on TV called “Survi- I think the scariest thing to ever when you sit on your roof and film today I propose the idea of “Game I would never go so far as to say vor” that finally ended last week. happen to television is that awful the people across the street with a Show Host Survivor.” I’m saying that television has made one more With its ultimate end, the Two Bits thing with Regis Philbin. (Yes, I telephoto lens, yet no one objects to that we need a show with Regis intelligent—after all, TV is the me- Man has been thinking about the know there are two awful things the voyeuristic real-life shows where Philbin, Maury Povich, and Dick dium which brought us “The Dukes current state of television. Parents with Regis Philbin, but I’m talking they toss people in uncomfortable Clark put on a desert island to rep- of Hazard”—but as it stands, prime always tell their kids that TV will about the prime time one.) Ya know, situations and then film them? resent their respective prime time time television is the fastest way to rot their brains, but nowadays, TV there was once a contestant who Why would people want to spend game shows. remove brain cells since a prefron- just causes a brain to sublimate. didn’t know that “goose” is the an- time watching obnoxious people in- As I see it, no one would watch tal lobotomy. TV has never been one of the imal that follows “duck duck” in teract on TV when the time could that show, because even the most At the rate we’re going, the qual- most thought-provoking pastimes, the children’s game. be spent doing other things? In fact, hard-core television-addict would ity of shows continues to decrease, but the past year has brought stu- The most baffling thing is that if you dig watching obnoxious peo- balk at the notion of watching a and the only way I see to awaken pidity to the masses. In fact, I have people sit around and talk about ple interact, all you have to do is go show that featured the Philbin-Clark- people to this fact is to produce a to think that this past season has what challenging questions that show to a cocktail party or a suburban Povich triumvirate. To make things show so tremendously bad that no actually been an alien conspiracy to has, and what a compelling public Publix. Besides, at the grocery store, better, none of them survive the one will watch it; for that reason, I take over the world. By reducing speaker Regis is. The fact that some- you can buy toast, and I think we whole season...I mean, could you suggest “Game Show Host Survi- our collective IQ to something on thing so lame could captivate so can all agree that toast is better than actually see Regis succumbing to vor.” Until next week, I am the the order of a melon with television many people just proves that it is a Rudy. sulphurous island stream water af- Two Bits Man, and these are my classics such as “Who Wants to be a plot to seize Earth. That brings me to my next ter having grown accustomed to thoughts.
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I’m available for a random Technique hookup. ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, September 1, 2000 • 31 Samiam climbs back on the punk rock train with Astray
By Jonathan Purvis Now, Samiam has recorded its instantly moves into a heavier cho- Album info, anyone? first album in more than four years rus. Beebout’s voice lifts up to the and are ready to get started back up. demand and his power comes in. Artist: Samiam Astray, produced by Tim O’Heir, “Super Brava” and “Mud Hill” fol- Album: Astray breaks the Berkeley natives back into low later, and both stand out. “Su- Genre: Punk the scene. The album definitely shows per Brava” questions “what would Label: Hopeless Records their punk roots, you decide when Tracks: 12 but it transcends ignorance can be Rating:yyy into something such bliss?” else. The vocals Astray is a worthy One Samiam is a band who has seen of Jason Beebout album for any track that sticks it all. In their more than 12 years of are very power- out in particu- existence, they have ridden up and ful—his voice collection; Samiam’s lar is “Curb- down the hills of success. They first can instantly go previous efforts and side”—this reached a pinnacle after the release from a quiet but track and “Why of their first full length album, Soar. strong melodic loyal fans will help to Do We” are the They toured the US repeatedly and, tone to a roaring, make it a success. quietest cuts on after two more releases, were signed powerful yell. the album. Courtesy HOPELESS RECORDS to a major label, Atlantic. Their major Beebout is “Curbside” Samiam is climbing again after problems with their last album. Fans should label debut, Clumsy, sold well. How- backed by Bro- starts with a re- find Astray to be a worthwhile addition to their mainstream punk collection. ever, Samiam hit a brick wall with gan and Loobkoff on guitars, Johnny petitive but agreeable guitar line. their second album for Atlantic in Cruz on drums and Sean Kennerly Beebout comes in at the perfect lev- and through shows the talent of this drums and bass, make Samiam’s 1996. You are Freaking Me Out was on bass. el, and with the perfect voice for the band. new release a record to watch. Their never even released by Atlantic. Af- The opening track, “Sunshine”, music. The dynamics of his voice Astray is a worthy album for any previous efforts and loyal fans will ter two years of court battles to buy displays how the band transcends throughout the album are impres- collection, especially if you like main- help to make Astray a success. back the rights to their own music, the punk genre into something more. sive. The guitar continues on and stream punk music. The dynamic Samiam released the album on an It starts off with a melodic guitar Beebout is backed by an un-credit- vocals of Beebout, with the backing Samiam is playing at the Masquer- independent label. riffs and Beebout’s quiet vocals and ed female voice. The song through of melodic guitars and rhythmic ade on September 7. Don’t ‘Get Over It,’ Mr. Big is back By Matt Gray just over in Japan. And now they’ve is right there behind them. Not sur- Brings his friends to meetings released a new album, Get Over It. prisingly, both are the same almost- Overall, Get Over It is a pretty acoustic ballad type songs that they Artist: Mr. Big solid album. Most of the guitar riffs were originally known for. Either Album: Get Over It are just as bluesy as they are rock, one could be a hit if they could just Genre: Rock and from time to time, I swear it get some airtime on the radio. “Su- Label: Atlanta sounds like the Black Crowes are perfantasic” was a complete surprise Tracks: 11 backing Eric Martin’s vocals. How- to me. Martin does an outstanding Length: 45:19 ever, not one song has the 80s feel job on the song, and it’s extremely Stars: yyyy that you would expect from a group catchy. most people haven’t heard from in There really isn’t a bad song on You remember Mr. Big, right? a decade that used to have hair longer the CD. “A Rose Alone” is a good You know, that group from the 1980s than 90 percent of the women on song that has such a strong Black that did the song “To Be With You?” campus. Crowes feel that I had to check the Well, even though that was their Two songs in particular stand liner notes to make sure that Mr. By John Halpern / ATLANTIC only hit, Mr. Big never really disap- out from the rest. “Superfantastic” Big wasn’t covering the song. “Hole Thought Mr. Big had dropped off the face of the earth? Not quite. The 80s peared. Instead, they just left the is at least as good as “To Be With band you know and love are back for the new millenium with Get Over It. country. In fact, they’re still big— You” was, and “My New Religion” See Mr. Big, page 33
My place. 8:00. Bring your whip. 32 • Friday, September 1, 2000 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT
EFF BAY LATE deeper side to Elastica. Elastica from page 25 To make this album even more Mr. Big from page 31 GARB LAO AR I A enticing, Elastica covers “Da Da Da,” the classic Trio hit made popular by GR I LLASUSPECT it won’t leave you unfulfilled. The Volkswagen. While it pales in com- In The Sun” and “How Does It lyrics, while quite novel, are almost parison to the original version, Elas- Feel” both combine strong guitar ATOZ CAD totally unintelligible because the mu- tica’s “Da Da Da” is a strangely with good vocal harmonies, pro- sic overshadows them, so it’s great perfect way for the band to tie Men- ducing high quality songs. Beyond CPR A I MAT HAW for a party or for ace together. The those, “Electrified,” “Static,” “Hid- unfortunate fact ALTS NON SOFA background music ing Place,” and “Try To Do With- while you study. But Elastica’s about Menace is that out It” all contribute to a strong NAUT GOT I TTY if you expect to un- it will probably nev- showing. derstand their lyrics, Menace has er make top 40 ra- I’ve heard my share of 80s bands ONCE ARF THEN you will probably dio in the United trying to make a comeback around find yourself consult- incredibly unique States. The songs are the turn of the century, and to be EEK ATE I N ORE ing the liner notes ways of utilizing so completely defi- honest, this is about as strong an or the band’s web ant of the ordinary album as I’ve heard from a group AIR RENT site. uncommon that mainstream so- that hasn’t been heard from in a While Elastica is instruments. ciety would never decade. It’s always interesting to see OLDFLAMEOFH I S unmistakably a punk embrace it. None- what new musical direction a band SEAT I AM LOOS band, they still in- theless, you should. has taken over the course of time. clude one ballad on The album has in- The band has stayed true to its acous- HENS LYE TNT Menace. Amidst the bold riffs of the credibly unique ways of utilizing tic, emotional music of yesteryear. remainder of the album, “Nothing uncommon instruments, and even Stays the Same” stands by itself as though the lyrics are often over- It’s even more fun to see what the the one quiet track. Reminiscent of powered by the music, Menace will band looks like after a while...bassist Join the Entertainment staff and get cool stuff. fellow Brits The Sundays, this song not disappoint. In short, this album Billy Sheehan looks like a 45-year-old reminds the listener that there’s a is definitely worth a try. Hanson brother.
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