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Home , Bluebird Cafe, Dead Confederate, Diablo Cody, Dirty Bass, Fly from the Inside, Hed PE

VerThe Vanderbilt Hustler’s Arts su & Entertainment Magazine s OCTOBER 21—OCTOBER 27, 2009 VOL. 47, NO. 22

We already outlined a Thursday night, now here’s the Anatomy of a Tailgate on page 3. On beyond “.” Isaac Thou shalt not wear tights Hanson discusses the band’s or leggings as pants. Check out Versus style journey from teen idols to commandments on page 8. rocking activists, page 9.

TAYLOR CROTHERS / kenphillipsgroup.com PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 The Regulars

Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band – 3rd & Lindsley Gaslight Anthem & Murder By Death – Mercy Lounge Chris Scruggs – The Basement THE RUTLEDGE If the name isn’t enticing enough, then let the music convince you Nashville welcomes the New Jersey band Gaslight Anthem to the Don’t miss up and coming Country/Americana Chris Scruggs 410 Fourth Ave. South 37201 that this is a must see show. The wonderfully titled band returns to Mercy Lounge tonight for an evening of fast-paced, driving . the Saturday at the Basement. Scruggs’ new has been reviewed 782-6858 Nashville to play at 3rd & Lindsley, bring you a night of , funk, Gaslight Anthem exploded into the music world last year with the release with much love. With a sound the certainly goes back to the good ole and more funk. As the band describes themselves, “When the Booty of their second full length album, “The ’59 Sound.” Since then, they days of and Bob Wills, Scruggs has also been able to THE MERCY LOUNGE/CANNERY Band hits the stage, everybody dances! Having fun and feeling have continued to grow in popularity, touring with such heavyweights incorporate an experimental aspect into his music, citing infl uences like BALLROOM good is the philosophy of this Asheville, NC 6 piece band. Formed in as , Dave Matthews, and Social Distortion. Opening and . ($5, 9:30 p.m.) 1 Cannery Row 37203 2002, their mix of triumphant horns, laid-back grooves, and heavy for Gaslight is indie-rock band Murder By Death. MBD brings to the 251-3020 backbeats have carried them back and forth across the nation, from table a unique sound that mixes -like vocals with heavy Sea Wolf – Exit/In club to club, from smiling face to smiling face.” If you gotta have that driving , soothing cello playing, and darkly poetic stories. Murder The West Coast based indie alt-rock band Sea Wolf makes a stop in BLUEBIRD CAFE funk, drop on by. By Death are fantastic live performers, bringing a wild-west, outlaw feel Nashville while touring their debut album. With catchy riffs and 4104 Hillsboro Road 37215 ($TBD, 8:00 P.M., 818 3rd Avenue S) to their music. tasteful piano, the band has a sound that could actually distinguish 383-1461 ($15 in advance, $17 day of, 9:00 p.m., One Cannery Row) themselves from the permanently over saturated alt-rock scene. Start with “Wicked Blood” to get a taste — a very catchy tune with beautiful I’m Still Beautiful 2009 – Mercy Lounge strings as accompaniment. ($10, 9 p.m.) EXIT/IN This Thursday night the Mercy Lounge plays host to this years I’m with & Adelita’s Way – Nashville 2208 Elliston Place 37203 Still Beautiful benefi t and fashion show, an event that raises Municipal Auditorium Weekend Jimmy with the Easy Party – Mercy Lounge 321-3340 money and awareness for young adults with cancer. This year’s event Modern rockers Shinedown return to Nashville Friday night downtown This is a party band straight up. Weekend Jimmy will bring you hits will feature sets by Flashmob (featuring Meghan Kabir), The Worsties, at Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Formed in 2001, Shinedown fi rst spanning the decades with uncanny accuracy and a party-like atmosphere Brett McLaughlin, The Minor Kings, and Heather Trabucco. There will rose to prominence with their 2003, full length debut album, “Leave full of crowd participation. While this is probably not much better than 402 12th Ave. South 37203 also be a fashion show featuring the work of local designers Becca A Whisper.” Songs such as “Fly From the Inside,” “45,” and “Burning your typical frat party cover band, it would be a worthwhile musical 255-3307 Loui, Olia, and La La Lovely set to the music of DJ Mindub. A great Bright” skyrocketed the band into the limelight, and they haven’t looked adventure nonetheless. It is also free. (FREE, 9 p.m.) evening full of great music for a great cause. back, since putting out two more certifi ed gold . Openers Sick THE BASEMENT (7:00 p.m., $10, One Cannery Row). Puppies and Adelita’s Way will get the crowd pumped up before the 1604 Eighth Ave. South 37203 headliners take the stage. John Cowan – Station Inn 254-1604 and The – Exit/In ($32.50, 7:30 p.m., 417 4th Avenue N.) Cowan is a bluegrass/newgrass innovator. With a sound that incorporates This is as close to an evening of pure rock n’ roll that you will fi nd old school bluegrass instrumentals and voice with new school drums and F. SCOTT’S RESTAURANT AND all week. Dead Confederate take the stage fi rst, bringing their new an indescribably different feel from the traditional, this is not your BAR – Gaylord Opryland Resort 2210 Crestmoor Road 37215 take on to the stage. As the band themselves describe, Gospel and Country group The Oak Ridge Boys return to Nashville standard Station Inn show, but on a Saturday night it is sure to be good. 269-5861 ‘despite [the] name’s appeal to the South’s past, the -based tonight for a show at the enormous Gaylord Opryland Resort. Rising ($15, 9 p.m.) Confederates are a stark departure from Lynyrd Skynyrd or the to initial popularity in the 1950’s, The Oak Ridge Boys were strictly a Allman Brothers, boldly blending moody, emotionally charged lyrics gospel group until the mid 1970’s when they began to branch out and SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY and a twinge of garage with an explosive guitar presence.” perform more country/. Though the line-up has changed time Rick Huckaby – 3rd and Lindsley CENTER Combining his love for southern rock and “the story-telling of country Next up are one of the American forerunners of the indie movement, and time again over the years, the Boys are still as crisp as ever, touring 1 Symphony Place 37201 Meat Puppets. Formed nearly three decades ago, Meat Puppets have music,” Rick Huckaby is on the move in the world, with 687-6500 nearly nonstop. press from CMT and a budding new single “Ain’t Enough Blacktop” ready spent their careers infl uencing bands such as Dinosaur JR, Nirvana, ($249 for two nights, Times TBD, 2800 Opryland Drive) , and many more. to burst. Huckaby has the new-age country singer look with the old school 3RD AND LINDSLEY soul of Memphis in his voice. His songwriting is something to be (8:30 p.m., $12 in advance, $15 day of, 2208 Elliston Place) 818 Third Ave. South 37210 reckoned with. (Price not listed, 9:30 p.m.) The Coal Men w/ Gabriel Kelley and Johnny Cooper – 259-9891 Exit/In Hometown /rock group The Coal Men return VibeSquad – 12th & Porter Stony Run – CAFE COCO to Nashville this Friday evening for a show at the nearby Exit/In. This is not your average DJ. VibeSquad, the brainchild of musical Country singin’ trio Stony Run brings their impressive harmonizing vocals 210 Louise Ave. 37203 Originally a trio, the band has now added musicians Chris Frame (Son to a big venue suited for their big sound, the Wildhorse Saloon. The trio mastermind Aaron Holstein, is much like an explosion of music – a 321-2626 high octane, sporadic, tempo-changing, spastic surge of energetic music Volt) on guitar and Vanderbilt’s own Jen Gunderman (The Jayhawks) on will likely vary their set with some of their originals and aptly performed that will get the crowd worked into an absolute frenzy. As JamBase keyboards to add a whole new layer to their sound. With a southern rock covers of everyone’s country favorites. (Price not listed, 6 p.m.) describes Holstein, “his legendary live sets may cause whiplash and style fused with tinges of folk and country, The Coal Men have, as the heart attacks in the unsuspecting bystander.” You get the idea? This is Tennessean put it, “risen from the ranks of Nashville up-and-comers to a going to be wild. Get your fall break started on the right note. spot as one of Music City’s strongest, nerviest rock acts.” ($10, 10:00 p.m, 114 12th Avenue S.) ($10, 8:00 p.m., 2208 Elliston Place)

$ $ NOBODY HAS MORE HALLOWEEN FOR LESS off BRENTWOOD • 615-376-4141 off 1630 Galleria Boulevard At Cool Springs Pointe With Old Navy And Best Buy save save 10 NASHVILLE WEST • 615-354-1860 Any Purchase of $25.00 or More Any Purchase of $50.00 or More 6622 Charlotte Pike Front Of 5 *Coupon must be present at time of purchase. Offer not valid *Coupon must be present at time of purchase. Offer not valid Cosco With Staples And Pet Mart on sale or clearance items, and % off merchandise. May not on sale or clearance items, and % off merchandise. May not be combined with other %/$ off coupons, be combined with other %/$ off coupons, associate discount or organization discount. associate discount or organization discount. OPEN 7 DAYS One coupon per family. No reproductions. One coupon per family. No reproductions. & 6 NIGHTS Expires 10/31/09 Expires 10/31/09 IN THIS ISSUE Versus Bits & Pieces OCTOBER 21—OCTOBER 27, 2009 VOL. 47, NO. 22 • Star light, 2 • Overheard at Vanderbilt, 2 Versus FROM THE EDITOR 2 • Words to live by in 17 syllables, 2 Magazine EDITORIAL BOARD Entertainment • Best of the decade series continues, 5 Editor in Chief • We found the “Wild Things,” now Courtney Rogers where’s the plot? 4

Opinion Editor Ryan Sullivan Music • N*E*R*D backs out of Jay-Z support, 6 Life Editor 3 • Trapped in Nashville? Switch it for a Avery Spofford closet, 6 • Panic and the Allman’s 5 hour set, 7 Culture Editor Holly Meehl Dear Readers, Entertainment Editor Culture, Fashion Charlie In my life, I have had many awesome moments of •An epic tailgate recap, 3 Kesslering triumph. Tim Gunn has complimented my outfi t, I have • Stay cute in the cold, 8 managed not to die while canoeing (twice) and last week, •The five commandments of leggings, 8 Music Editors I interviewed Isaac Hanson. Yes, that is the Isaac Hanson Zac Hunter from the band Hanson. As we talked, I couldn’t help but Chris McDonald think about how much I wished I could hop in a time Feature machine and go back to middle school to boast of such an • OMG, we talked to Hanson! 9 Fashion Editor accomplishment. Lacking a time machine, I settled for my Nikky Okoro sorority house, whose inhabitants actually mustered an 9 impressive amount of enthusiasm for my journalistic feat. As fun as it was to talk with Isaac about his favorite color, the best part of the interview was listening to him talk about all of the philanthropic efforts that Hanson is PIC OF THE WEEK Art Director making on their tours. Tuesday after break, they’re leading Matt Radford a mile walk from Belmont to Vanderbilt. The catch? It’s a barefoot walk but even if it’s chilly, at least it’s for a Designers good cause. For every person that walks the mile, Hanson Irene Hukkelhoven donates a dollar which will go towards fi ve causes in Africa Kat Miller ranging from TOMS Shoes to digging wells. So whether you’re a Hanson fan, a fan of helping out mankind, or Marketing Director both, try to stop by. George Fischer On another note entirely, if you’re reading this, congratulations! You’ve made it to Wednesday! In honor Advertising Manager of this well deserved break, we’ve put together a great Carolyn Fisher issue for your relaxation needs. Hoping to relive those homecoming tailgate memories? Look no further than page VSC Director 3. Headed to the mall and hoping to score some adorable Chris Carroll duds for the cool weather? Fashion has you covered on page 8 with the commandments of leggings and a guide Assistant VSC to chilly chic fashion. If you’re stuck on campus, check Directors out our music road trip guide on page 6 before you resign Jeff Breaux yourself to a weekend of Netfl ix. And, if all else fails, we’ve Paige Clancy got your puzzles on the back page. Enjoy your break, have an adventure no matter where you go and I’ll see you on Journalism Fellow Monday! Erin Prah Later Alligator, Courtney Rogers NIKKY OKORO / VERSUS MAGAZINE BITS & PIECES HAIKUS Words to live by I love hugging. I wish I was an octopus, so I could hug ten people in seventeen syllables at a time. – Drew Barrymore Versus mag, although Titularly challenging, is very passive.

Excessive fratting? H ROSCOPES Fall break needs to be renamed VIRGO 8/23-9/22: No. Just no. Fall more of the same.

LIBRA 9/23-10/22: Just because it’s cold outside and you can wear long pants every day does not mean you have an excuse for not shaving your legs. You are not a lumberjack. SCORPIO 10/23-11/21: Sometimes life’s greatest pleasure can be found in a nice warm pair of socks. Dress accordingly. OVERHEARD SAGITTARIUS 11/22-12/21: It’s Fall break! Still have two more Some people on this campus just don’t think before classes? Oh, sorry. they speak. Sometimes we are lucky enough to overhear what they say. CAPRICORN 12/22-1/19: Pairing your furry Uggs with a grey fl uffy hoodie? We know you’re channeling Max from “Where the Compiled from the Facebook group “Overheard at Vanderbilt” Wild Things Are,” but save the wolf tail for Halloween. AQUARIUS 1/20-2/18: Still getting creepy texts from rando alumni? Can’t remember what you were doing for three hours Professor: What else might an E. coli want Saturday afternoon? Let’s put two and two together. to do? Think about weekends at Vanderbilt... mating! PISCES 2/19-3/20: Did you move to Nashville for the football? That sucks. Girl1: Don’t look at me in that tone of voice! Girl 2: ... um, you can’t look at someone with ARIES 3/21-4/19: The cold weather is here to stay. Time to call mom and have her ship your coat. a tone. Girl 1: Yes you can! TAURUS 4/20-5/20: Your day will improve if you grab a cup of hot chocolate at Rand. Seriously. Guy in Rand: I wingman myself, which is primarily the reason I don’t bring any girls home. GEMINI 5/21-6/21: Your friends don’t like you as much as you think they do. Stop telling those worthless jokes. Girl’s Facebook status: And by five hour energy, they mean three hour crack. CANCER 6/22-7/22: If you plan to play pong this weekend, beware of the last cup. If you don’t, why do you go to Vanderbilt. Professor: Tinkerbell should not be a double D cup. It ruins my childhood. LEO 7/23-8/22: After you read this, you’re going to start balding. JK! Or are we? PHOTOS: ickr.com Versus • October 21—October 27, 2009 • 3 culture Anatomy of a Tailgate: A tribute in memory of homecoming 8:42 a.m. - Suitemate 1 stumbles in with 11: 48 a.m. - Techno and Taaka before twelve? boy join him on the ledge. The fist pump army Alex daly clothes from last night, runs into a table, then Yes please. Kanye’s “Homecoming” blasts in begins. Staff Writer falls in your bed and makes indistinguishable the background. 1:55 p.m. - Unnamed freshman grinds Just like I remember my first Thursday sounds. Nextdoor, Suitemate 2 yells 12:15 p.m. - Time to make moves. Heated on table with unnamed token sleazy senior. night at Vanderbilt, the same goes for my “FMLLLLLLL. WHYYYYYY.” Suitemate 3 discussions begin about “Which frat first?” Things look serious. You decide to take a very first tailgate. (Good memories never fade, picture. especially when pictures are involved). When 2:15 p.m. - Shirtless Frat Boy 1 runs I walked out of Stapleton pumped and ready by you with sorority stickers over his to party in my converse, cutoffs and, I don’t Fistpump for Dummies nipples. CoOooOOoLLLLeeGgg- know, a football jersey, my new freshie friends GGgggGeeeeeeee!!!! couldn’t help but laugh. I’m sorry, is it normal 3:10 p.m. - You forget that you used to hate to wear dresses and pearls for day drinking just in time to sing along to and football games? At first, tailgates were a your new favorite frat jam: “It’s a party in the spectacle to me. I recall thinking: Are people USA!!!!! Yea, it’s a party in the U-S-A!!!!!!!!!!” actually grinding on tables? Is that dude 3:22 p.m. - Who won ? Are we shotgunning beers and pouring leftovers on still playing? Where is the vodka? Why is this that girl’s head? Does that girl like it? Did that creepy alumni touching my hair? chick just fall off and almost expose 3:55 p.m. - You take another picture of a her Britney? (Before getting back up like a love connection steaming up against the wall trooper and taking a pull of Jack?) And wait, between Shirtless Frat Boy 1 with Nipple wait, wait. Is this all happening in daylight? pops in with a smile, “Wakey wakey! Time to “Should we take funnel before we leave?” Stickers and a random blonde. Is that your Yes, the whole scene was very bizarre. But, get WASTEY!” Other Suitemates TBD… “One more shot??!” friend dancing in the corner by herself? You let’s face it: Who doesn’t love tailgates? I’m 9:35 a.m. - You drink coffee and pop a bottle 12:35 p.m. - You are out the door and ready take a picture of her too. pretty sure that’s the reason people go abroad of the classy shit, aka Andre. Hangover chatter to go with an Andre bottle in one hand and 4:32 p.m. - How many times have in the spring: Tailgates define Vandy Fall. about Friday night ensues: “Did you really get sunglasses in the other as your drunk best you done this today? Oh well. 1, 2, 3 On game day, there are no blood, sweat and on stage?”… “Like whatever, the guitarist was friends obnoxiously dance and scream their SHOTGUUUUUUUUUUN. tears. Instead, there are good-looking people cute. And we like made out after. Now make way towards frat row. 5:05-6:00 p.m. - You don’t even know. dressed in their best, dancing amidst standard me a mimosa.” Suitemates 5 and 6 wander in 12:55 p.m. - Frat boys kindly welcome you 6:05 p.m. - Chili’s. frat jams and lots of booze. at different points during said conversation. into their home with a 6:21 p.m. - You get tricked into 2-for-1’s. What follows is a Tailgate Timeline. Guys, 10:55 a.m. - iPods come out, cameras come “SHOTGUUUUUUUU- Nuff said. sorry, this is a little gender-biased. I really can’t out, sorority stickers come out. UUUUUUUUUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” 7:52 p.m. - BEEEEEDDD. ever imagine doing a sunrise shotgun or all 11:18 a.m. - aaaaaaaaand the Vodka comes 1:32 p.m. - Frat Boy 1 takes off his shirt and 10:45 p.m. - Your alarm goes off. Shit. You’re that other ruff stuff you frat boys do. Enjoy. out. chugs a beer before jumping onto a raised late. Oh no, wait again. You are waking up this 8:30 a.m. - Alarm goes off. Shit, you missed 11:32 a.m. - And the game faces are out. ledge and fist pumping. Dance music blares late to drink.  your 8 a.m. exam. No, wait, it’s Saturday … Wait, on that note, when does the game start? in tune with his arm movement: Untz, untz, You’re actually waking up this early to drink. Nobody knows? untz, untz, untz. Second frat boy and third frat It takes two to tango Visit Edgehill Village for Abi stravard Staff Writer a party in your mouth We all know that Charlotte Pike is abuzz with Lindsey coven thrift shops, random car Staff Writer dealerships with oversized elephants and fast food Over the weekend, I went chains galore. However, I to Edgehill Village with recently discovered a more my friends and my camera. sophisticated business I had never been to the hidden away in an alley off place, but heard it was one of Charlotte Pike. Located of the many Nashville areas in the Global Education worth checking out. It has a Center at 4822 Charlotte shopping center, restaurants Pike, Tango Nashville offers and office and living space. a spacious dance studio It is within walking distance and classes for dancers of to Vandy’s campus and only all skills. The Argentine one block from Music Row. Tango is a sensual dance Places to visit and look for inspired by African beats, include a bakery, coffee shop, music from Argentine ROB hill / MusicCityPhotos.com restaurant, bubble teashop, Lindsey coven flatlands, and of course, Head Beginner Instructor $6 per person (with valid salons, clothing stores, gift FAT STRAW or check out the interesting musical rhythms from since 2007. According to student ID) and take shops, home goods, a florist, Phone: (615) 320-4999 wall graffiti. You will either early Spanish colonists. Mark, by the end of the place every other Friday a Pilates workout facility and Hours: Monday-Thursday love this new craze or hate it, The word “tango” literally 10-week beginner class, night. Furthermore, Tango an art gallery. Here’s one 12-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday but it’s definitely worth a try, comes from the English most people have a fairly Nashville offers classes and eatery worth checking out, 12-8 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. even if it’s just for the store’s word “touch.” Needless good grasp of the moves dance events at Centennial plus some pics to tempt you. Bubble Tea Store awesome atmosphere.  to say, the sensual touch and rhythm of the tango. Park during the summer. Voted “Best Party in your is evident in the tango Furthermore, if anyone So, why devote an hour Mouth” by Nashville writers of expert dancers. In seems to be struggling, he a week to learning this in the 2007 Best of Nashville, fact, according to Tango will gladly come in early to Argentinean dance? For this cool store offers Nashville, “Argentine Tango help students perfect their starters, Tango Nashville Taiwanese milk and fruit teas isn’t about your feet, it’s timing and coordination offers incredible deals for as well as smoothies. The about all of you and your before class. After my fifth students in Nashville: 50 store is a great hangout place partner — spirit, mind and week, I am seeing some percent off of the usual to do work with free wifi. body.” much needed improvement class fee ($82). Thus, for Some of their interesting Intrigued by this in my dancing skills. And only $41 for 10 weeks of flavors include coconut, sensuous dance and of course, we all know the professional instruction, chocolate, pomegranate and determined to gain some mantra, “practice makes you can learn impressive kiwi. Tapioca pearls, mixed coordination, I began perfect.” Tango Nashville dance moves to surprise color coconut jelly or lychee taking the beginner class offers many opportunities your next dance partner. coconut jelly come with every Wednesday from 8 to to test developing tango Make dance lessons at every drink. If you buy five, 9 p.m. This class is taught by skills at social events and Tango Nashville your next lindsey coven you get one 16 oz. free, with a lindsey coven Mark Adamick, a Chicago dances called milongas. date night, you are sure to frequent buyer card. Make the native who has been These dances are only be impressed.  wall of fame, get a neon straw

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courtney rogers of 136 reviews being positive. And yet, the heads into Editor-in-Chief movie is only expected to make $11 million in the box office. So what happened? Box office results are a funny thing. Perhaps it was the competition that “Whip the “Wild” Sometimes, that Sunday story in Google It” faced. On its opening week, it went up News is a triumph of good over evil. When against surprise hit “Zombieland,” a horror holly meehl a great movie sweeps the global box offices, comedy that strongly resembles 2004’s Culture Editor movie fanatics cheer and, in turn, laugh “Shaun of the Dead.” “Zombieland” opened For the past several months, every smugly when convoluted pictures such as on more than 3000 screens compared to time I heard the uplifting notes of “Jennifer’s Body” get beaten five fold by “Whip It” with 1700, and the films have an Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” playing “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.” But in overlap in directed audiences. on the TV, I stopped what I was somehow ends up in the magical world of the this new era where movies need to make tens When it came time to pick a movie for doing to be teased by the trailer of the highly monsters we are so familiar with in the picture of millions of dollars in their first weekend date night, maybe the boyfriends of America anticipated film “Where the Wild Things Are.” I book. The recreation of these “wild things” is to be a success, what about the movies that convinced the girls that zombies were immediately downloaded the song and played it one of the best aspects of the movie, as they just don’t rake in the big bucks? Can the box preferable to girl power and roller derby. every morning as I awaited the film’s release. So, truly resemble the illustrations. Max quickly office be used as a litmus test for a “good” As a result, “Zombieland” took in over $24 last Friday, the movie’s opening night, I headed feels connected to the lonely monster, Carol, movie? million while “Whip It” came in sixth for the to Green Hills to see if Maurice Sendak’s voiced by James Gandolfini, which draws him Not in the case of “Whip It.” Drew weekend with only a sixth of its competitor’s memorable children’s book could be turned to the group of monsters. He becomes their Barrymore’s directorial debut, this film revenue. into a legitimate feature film. I discovered, king, promising to do away with all sadness and starring Ellen Page is, if nothing else, a solid Whatever the reason behind the meager although there is no comparison to the book, declares, as in line with the book, “Let the wild movie. “Whip It” chronicles Bliss Cavendar’s numbers of “Whip It,” the fact remains that the movie expands upon the plot in a unique rumpus start!” quest to get out of beauty pageants and a movie that was generally agreed upon as way, highlighting ’s creativity as a The film doesn’t have much of a plot and Bodeen, Texas and into something she loves. “good” was passed by when moviegoers director. revolves around building a fort, playing games, While shopping in Austin, Bliss sees roller ventured to their local Cineplex. Even The adorable Max Records plays the little and Carol’s constant mood swings. But what it derby girls distributing posters for their the movie industry has felt the economic boy Max who, in the book, creates a world of lacks in story line in makes up for in dry humor match and is immediately intrigued. She crunch, and it’s disheartening when a fun, monsters in his room after being sent to bed and striking scenery. The other monsters, though joins the Hurl Scouts, the worst team in the fresh film such as this one doesn’t pull its without supper. In the film, Max is a lonely boy child-like in temperament, have entertaining Austin league, and what ensues is a humorous weight for a studio. who feels ignored by his older sister and mother interactions. My personal favorite is the goat, and genuine journey with hipster musicians, This could mean that studios will favor (Catherine Keener). Max clearly has some anger Alex (Paul Dano), who is constantly ignored family dramatics and contact sports. another wave of superhero movies like issues, as he lashes out and bites his mother and can never seem to get a word in edgewise. Ellen Page is remarkable as Bliss. Where her the profitable “Transformers,” series or while she is having a date at their home. He runs The landscape of the film is also beautiful and character in “Juno” seemed constrained by some that new directors, even those of acting away, takes flight on an abandoned sailboat and includes giant sand dunes, a thickly wooded of Diablo Cody’s dialogue, “Whip It” allows her pedigrees such as Barrymore’s, will have forest and a beach with towering cliffs and to become more than a goofy cartoon sketch. a harder time financing their films. No crashing waves. The story itself is a skillful blend of self discovery matter what the fallout of “Whip It,” here’s Although I enjoyed the film and its added and coming of age offset by quirky characters. to hoping that box office profits and truly elements, the movie is not particularly kid- True, it is not without its problems, including good moviemaking can still align.  friendly. There are some seriously darker the unnecessary undertones, as Max appears to have some anger secondary issues in addition to loneliness. Carol also characters like appears to have some psychological damage Barrymore’s which surfaces when things don’t go his way. “Smashley In one terrifying scene he’s chasing Max to Simpson,” but supposedly eat him and Max must harbor safety the things that in another monster’s mouth! That scene could work for this film have easily given me nightmares when I was six. far outweigh its Overall, the film is a worthwhile cinema clunky aspects. experience with a killer soundtrack that helps I n t e r n e t to backdrop the high energy dirt clod wars and Movie Wild Thing rumpus. But don’t go looking for Database users a perfect recreation of your favorite childhood gave “Whip It” bedtime story — instead, let Jonze transport you a 7.7 out of 10 into a world of wild imagination made possible rating. Rotten by the art of film. Tomatoes rated it at 82 percent with 111 out

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©2009. Paid for by the Army. All rights reserved. Versus • October 27—October 27, 2009 • 5 A DECADE OF FILM: Futzing with the formula Staff writer Benjamin Ries continues his series with a look at movies that broke the mold

Benjamin Reis work of poetry. 2003 Cannes Film Festival the-head tracking shots as violence that eventually “Waltz With Bashir” (2008) Staff Writer My favorite films from but faced understandable they experience a seemingly erupts. His point, it seems, is as he investigates his own the double-ohs are the controversy for its portrayal typical day. that some things we just can’t role in the 1982 Sabra and The Motion Picture ones I think Keating would of a fictional high school As in “Memento,” we grow know as we search for the Shatila massacre, which he Production Code of 1930 have admired. Take 2000’s shooting. Van Sant’s camera intimate with characters comfort of definite answers. remembers only through a grossly restricted the content “Memento,” which told haunting, repeating dream. of films, condemning any a film-noir detective The animated glorification of violence and story in reverse. We documentary exists almost forcing movies to adhere to find Leonard (Guy entirely on an emotional rules as arbitrary as “scenes Pierce) searching for level rarely explored in of actual child birth, in fact his wife’s murderer film, redefining, for me, or in silhouette, are never while suffering from an the limits of what can be to be presented.” Movies injury-induced lack of captured in a movie. Slowly, were supposed to follow a short-term memory. the details of the massacre rigorous formula that ended Director Christopher are recreated from the with the defeat of the bad Nolan, who went on to Israeli perspective through guys and the union of the do “Insomnia,” “Batman interviews with fellow central heterosexual couple. Begins” and “The Dark soldiers. Though cinema is certainly Knight,” relates the Max Richter’s score less restrained today, most story in maddeningly grounds most of the film in mainstream Hollywood films disjointed segments, otherworldly hallucination, are content to trudge through sometimes in black- but the documentary the motions. and-white, each vignette footage occupying the final John Keating, the central lasting only as long as minutes brings things back teacher in “The Dead Poet’s Leonard’s memory. The to reality. Folman provides Society” (1989), would be audience is forced to us with no easy getaway, appalled. Vanderbilt graduate sort through a myriad Hollywood ending, dramatic (‘72) won of details from the eyes tragedy or perseverance an Oscar for that film’s of someone with a brain against the odds, but rather screenplay. He sculpted impairment, compelling just a truth that deserves to Keating as a model of free- us to reconsider our be remembered. thinking: Keating urges his own sense of identity. “Memento,” “Elephant” and students to think outside of Do we really know “Waltz With Bashir” are just the box, directing the class ourselves or are we all a few of the films from the to rip out of their textbooks as blind and misguided as literally follows various whose motivations we never Former Israeli soldier double-ohs that tore apart an article advocating a Leonard? characters (who keep fully understand. Van Sant Ari Folman makes a the standards of Hollywood, mathematical procedure for Gus Van Sant’s “Elephant” the names of the actors bluntly eliminates any hope similarly fruitless search utilizing the medium of film determining the quality of a swept top prizes at the portraying them) in behind- of an explanation for the for definite answers in to its fullest extent. Belcourt in position for Kamera Sutra series Benjamin Reis films range from short Nashville Film Festival for filmmaking community. com, which is under Thursday’s showing Staff Writer sketches recorded on hand his comedy “Blindsided.” The premiere two construction and should will be anchored by cameras to well-budgeted Langer’s goal was to months ago attracted a be completed by January. centerpieces “Sweep Students marooned on 15-minute pieces. create a monthly venue hundred attendees, many Anyone is free to the Leg,” a campus for this year’s “Film is made to be that would allow local of them college-age. submit his or her work: featuring the original Fall Break have a perfect shown in front of a live filmmakers to screen The audience chooses “As long as it’s good, we cast of “The Karate Kid” Thursday night activity in audience,” insists founder their work and celebrate their favorite film at the want to show it,” said and country music video this month’s Kamera Sutra Drew Langer, who worked Nashville’s film culture. end of each session, and Langer. The previous director Wes Edwards’ short film exhibition at on “An Inconvenient Langer is frustrated with the winning filmmakers screenings have included “Falling to the Top.” A the Belcourt Theatre. Truth” and won an award the elitism of film festivals receive free film narratives, animated $5 admission fee goes Doors to the hour-long for Best Short-Form and hopes that a monthly equipment rentals. All works, experimental towards the Belcourt screening open at 9 p.m. Directed By a short film screening short films will be posted films, documentaries and Theatre’s High-Definition on Thursday, Oct. 22. The Resident at last year’s will help build a local at www.kamerasutra. mockumentaries. Digital Projector fund. 6 • October 21—October 27, 2009 • Versus

TODAY THURSDAY, OCT. 22 FRIDAY, OCT. 23 Tonight performing live at 3rd and With roots in Southern rock, Hard core rock back Shine- Lindsley is small time indie rocker blues, soul and pop Mark down brings their overdrive, wail- MUSIC Mike Doughty. With a raw Broussard has success- ing guitars and matching voices to sound that brings to mind Sublime fully fused a Bayou sound with a the Nashville Municipal Auditorium “To stop the fl ow of music would or Bob Dylan, Doughty’s music is poppy voice. Broussard’s songs this weekend. Their sound falls be like the stopping of time itself, both catchy and original without make you bob your head no somewhere between Creed and being in your face at all. Tickets matter what, and his live perfor- . Try to grow your hair incredible and inconceivable.” are only $15 and the show starts mance are always a blast. He’ll out to a respectable length by

– Aaron Copland SETLIST at 6 p.m. play at the Rutledge at 8 p.m. for Friday so you can appropriately a steep (but worth it) $30. head bang. PLUG N*E*R*D canceling their YOUR SCENE ATLANTA performance at Vanderbilt J Cole and Wale as the supporting CHRIS MCDONALD CHRIS MCDONALD artists for the main act, and did not Music Editor Music Editor once mention N*E*R*D or any of Ever since its initial announcement, the original announcements. A-T-L, Hotlanta, A-Town… Atlanta. When one thing has reigned supreme as While Jay-Z himself can carry the single most anticipated event of a sold-out arena, N*E*R*D was people fi rst think of this southern city’s music the semester — Jay-Z’s performance certainly a big draw, the “icing-on- scene, usually rap is the fi rst (and often only) in our very own Memorial Gym. The the-cake,” if you will. Certainly, this thing to come to mind. And why shouldn’t it be? campus was worked into an absolute information has been kept as quiet Atlanta has spawned an unbelievable list of rap frenzy over this news. Then came the as possible in order to avoid any sort announcement that N*E*R*D, Wale, of backlash or let down and keep royalty: T.I., Ludacris, , Young Jeezy, Lil’ and J Cole would be opening for Jay-Z, generating positive energy for the Jon, and many, many more. Because of this only sweetening the deal further. show. In fact, VPB has continued hallmark style, the city’s bourgeoning rock scene Over the last few weeks, however, to print and distribute promotional questions have arisen about the posters listing N*E*R*D as the is often forgotten. Today, Plug Your Scene will validity of this projected lineup. opening act. detail two bands who are breaking this mold, And despite all announcements to Despite this letdown of a struggling to defi ne Atlanta as something more the contrary, rumors have begun cancellation, the show is sure to still be to circulate over the last week or a phenomenal success for VPB. Having than just a hip-hop city. two that N*E*R*D was pulling out. seen similar success with rappers such Now, after weeks of speculation, it as and , VPB has ALBUM has become clear that N*E*R*D has chosen a sure re winner in bringing indeed been cancelled for the show. Jay-Z to campus.  Take Us By the Sea This comes as a surprise, to KEY TRACKS be sure, especially since no No Sound to Hear announcements have been made Clouds to the student body. However, if one searches scrupulously enough, they will nd that there was an myspace.com under-publicized press release made roughly two weeks ago by Tealights Dwayne V. Elliot of the Vanderbilt Indie/Electronica/Experimental Programming Board (the organizers of the show) that made it clear N*E*R*D would not be appearing. With a sound that is described as “the love child of a The release promoted newcomers circuit board and a music box,” Tealights are what you ickr.com ickr.com might get if you crossed Matt & Kim with Explosions in the Sky or Sigur Ros… and then made them take a chill pill. The music is moving and fl uid with an atmospheric, almost ethereal touch. It’s at once both chillingly Musical Day Trips for Fall Break beautiful and eerily haunting, incorporating classical CHRIS MCDONALD Atlanta, GA instruments, keyboards, and digital sounds with ghost- Music Editor 250 miles – 3 hours, 55 minutes like singing. It’s trippy without trying too hard, focusing For those of you who have Rather than feeling trapped in more on musicianship and crafting beautiful harmonies held off until the absolute last Nashville, why not feel trapped in the possible minute to make fall closet? R&B sensation R. Kelly rolls into than on blowing your mind with noise. Self-described break plans (or are completely Atlanta for two shows (Thursday and as incorporating “vocal harmonies, electronic beats, live lacking in plans), fear not! In a Friday) at the “Fabulous Fox Theatre.” drums, synths, pedals, keyboard, guitar, bass, cello, fl ute, continuing effort to further your Though R. Kelly has seen more melodica, and bells,” Tealights are freshly interesting. music knowledge and expand success as of late in his guest spots on you tastes, we at Versus present to for songs such as Beyonce’s “If rap-wallpapers.com you a list of “Musical Day Trips.” I Were A Boy,” or Kanye West’s “Love These are short drives (no more Lockdown,” the performer continues Birmingham, AL ALBUM than a couple hours) to close to draw a huge crowd for his own solo 192 miles – 3 hours Southern Gothic cities where you can take in an shows. $47-77, 8:00 p.m. One night of Miley Cyrus in KEY TRACKS evening (or few) of great music. Memphis just not cutting it for you? Perfect Day Well thankfully you can see her again Memphis, TN on Friday, this time in Birmingham, Setback 210 miles – 3 hours, 20 minutes Alabama as she graces the stage of Love is a Murder (ft. Ceelo) Tonight, Memphis welcomes the BJCC Arena. Also playing as well teen-pop sensation is her brother’s band , myspace.com Felicia Miley Cyrus Metro Station and Metro Station (anchored by still riding on the success of their hit Miley’s brother) to town for a one “Shake It.” Tickets are a pricey $39.50- The Constellations night stint at the city’s largest 79.50. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. Pyschedelic/Rock/Soul venue, the FedEx Forum (which also is home to the Memphis blastro.com It only takes a single listen of The Constellations’ song Grizzlies). $39.50-79.50, 7:00 p.m. “Perfect Day” to realize that this band is something If Miley’s not your thing, Louisville, KY special. Maybe it’s the dark lyrics, smoothly growled check out indie-rockers 177 miles – 2 hours, 49 minutes out by singer Elijah Jones as if his voice was smoke. Or Built to Spill at Say goodbye to your maybe its when the chorus of the song kicks in a little over Memphis’ newest hearing and hello to Insane a minute in, perfectly intertwining Jones‘s low, rough concert venue, Clown Posse and hed(pe) M i n g l e w o o d as they take Louisville by vocals with a line, vintage fuzzed-out guitar Hall. These storm on Friday night. ICP work, and sparkling, dreamy keyboards. Or much more masters of will bring their screaming likely, it’s the entire effect, crafting a dark and brooding quirky, enticing rap/metal sound to the Expo yet strangely sensual and moving style of music that rock are touring 5 Arena tonight for a show is seldom heard. Having taken their to support their 7th that will be both out-of- and latest full album, control and yes, nightmare sound and allowed it to be manipulated by mastermind “There Is No Enemy,” inducing. Good luck. $30 at lokmagazine.com producer Ben H. Allen (Animal Collective, Gnarls released October 9th. the door, 7:00 p.m. In the mood for some ear-shaking Barkley), The Constellations have become something $20, 7:00 p.m. blogs.sundaymercury.com arena rock? The heavily costumed completely unique – a groovin’ southern rock band and made up members of KISS injected with a hefty dose of electronica. Knoxville, TN descend on Birmingham on Saturday 180 miles – 2 hours, 52 minutes (Oct. 24) with a mission to “rock n’ Friday night (October 23) Austin roll all night.” Along with opening TX band Ghostland Observatory band Buckcherry, KISS is playing takes the stage at The Valarium, one at the very same venue Miley Cyrus of Knoxville’s most popular venues is performing at the night before. NEW RELEASES located in the heart of downtown. Tickets start at just $17.50, and doors THIS WEEK'S LATEST ALBUMS The duo is renowned for their open at 7:30 p.m.  mesmerizing performances and hybrid sound, combining electro, sacurrent.com ULIAN CASABLANCAS, “Phrazes For The Young” dance, soul, pop, rock, and funk into one unique package. $20, 8:00 p.m. ELECTRIC SIX, “Kill” , “I Told You I Was Freaky” MAPS, “Turning the Mind” TIM MCGRAW, “Southern Voice”

* Indicates that the album will be reviewed in next week’s issue ** Reviewed in today’s issue trashymoped.com insaneclownposse.com wordpress.com Versus • October 21—October 27, 2009 • 7

Saturday, Oct. 24 Sunday, Oct. 25 Monday, Oct. 26 Tuesday, Oct. 27 Country/Americana songwriter Chris A Fine Frenzy (the stage name Do you want to get away? Per- One-time teenage heartthrobs and soundtrack Scruggs plays this Saturday at the for Alison Sudol) returns to haps even fly away? Then swing now serious musicians Hanson Basement touring his critically ac- Nashville Sunday evening. Sudol by the famous play downtown at the Wildhorse claimed new album. With a sound has been touring since August tonight to catch a performance by Saloon tonight. These brothers to the issue that goes back to the good ole days in support of her latest release, solo rocker Lenny Kravitz at have taken quite a turn since their of Hank Williams, Scruggs also incor- “Bomb in a Birdcage,” an album 7:30 p.m. Politically charged rap- “Mmbob” days, opting now for a porates an experimental aspect into chock full of piano-driven pop/ per K’NAAN will open for Kravitz, more serious, soulful his music, citing influences like Bob rock tunes. Join her tonight as she providing an interesting blend of sound. Doors open at 6 p.m., and Dylan and The Beatles. Tickets are a takes the stage at 3rd & Lindsley music for all in attendance. Tickets tickets start at $30. Check out the deal at $5, show is at 9:30. at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15. are $39.50 and $59.50. interview with Hanson on page 9.

All-Star Cast of Southern Rockers Jam We at Versus have excellent taste in music. Below, the editors share what tracks we’ve been spinning as we create Out for Nearly Five Hours at Municipal the glory you’re holding in your hands.

Zac Hunter Municipal is a mediocre venue and a rendition “Laundry Room” Music Editor at best (especially for this of “Melissa” that type of show). The acoustics brought Greg Allman 1. The Avett Brothers “This ain’t no party! This ain’t are subpar, and the stadium out from behind the no disco! This ain’t no foolin’ seating all around the stage keyboard to play “Daylight” around!” makes it feel empty unless you a pretty acoustic Amidst a cloud of smoke that were packed into the crowd up guitar. JB came out 2. Matt & Kim reached the roof of the Nashville front, which plenty of people to play a few tunes as Municipal Auditorium, the were. No matter. The all-star well. crowd chanted along with John cast of Warren Haynes, Derek Widespread played “Get Over It” Bell and the rest of Widespread and , Greg Allman, hits like “Chilly 3. OK Go Panic during their final song — a and the Widespread crew Water,” “Love Tractor,” mymusicinmymind.com cover of the Talking Heads’ “Life delivered. “Let’s Get The Show During War Time.” The two bands have been On The Road,” “Fishwater,” and make the music feel organic. “West Coast” The conclusion of the nearly alternating the opening spot the afore mentioned encore, Overall, this was probably the 4. Coconut Records five hour concert that included throughout the tour with “Life During War Time.” The most bang for your buck with an opening set from the Allman generally even sets. This time it guests (Johnny Kneel on keys respect to live music last week, as Brothers and an extensive one was the Allman’s turn to kick it and Audley Freed on guitar) Quake apparently lacked the bang “Thirteen” from Panic came at around 11 off. Their set was highlighted were spectacular. Jam bands are and Kings of Leon cost more than p.m. Unfortunately, due to bad by guitar virtuosos Haynes known for the improvisational a buck. The two bands will part 5. Big Star weather, the show was moved and Trucks trading licks and solos and breakdowns that ways this week, as Widespread will inside at nearly the last second lengthy solos, as well as a make each show unique, and take a quick break before jumping from the previous location cover of “Soulshine” (a song by Widespread knows as well as back on tour for 21 shows starting “Rachel and Sandy” at Riverfront Park. Nashville Haynes’ other band Gov’t Mule) anyone how to mix things up and Oct. 30.  6. Jamiroquai

“Hardest Button to Button” 7. White Stripes

“Pursuit of Happiness” 8. Kid Cudi

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” 9. Deep Blue Something

“Hometown glory ” userserve-ak.last.fm 10.

Vote for WRVU collegeas the radio country’s station! top

Vanderbilt’s student radio station WRVU 91.1 has made the top 25 in MTVu’s Woodie Award competition for best college radio station. Go to radiowoodie.ratemyprofessors.com to cast your vote! 8 • October 21—October 27, 2009 • Versus FASHION Impress, don’t express STYLE SPOTTER: MATTHEW SHELTON skulls, knives and barbed Staff Writer wire. As if the shirt needed Daphne Li any more violence to suggest He’s standing there the wearer’s personality, This week’s StyleSpotter features senior Daphne Li, who hails from NIKKY OKORO against the wall: totally erect, arched across the front is America’s lovely northern neighbor city of Toronto, Canada. Known around Fashion Editor chest puffed, beer in hand, an ambiguously “badass” campus for her hip-hop moves, Li keeps busy by balancing a demanding sending death stares in a word, such as Af iction or schedule as VIBE Dance Group Co-President and a Neuroscience major, all while applying and interviewing 360 direction, daring anyone Extinction. Wearing one of for medical schools and more. Nominated for her style, she claims comfort in basing her wardrobe around a to try to try to penetrate his these only tells women you simple and clean color palette and has even mastered the skill of  nding the best that is to offer from eBay. personal bubble. Hair crisped want to physically abuse Read on to learn more about her favorite fashion picks and preferences… in signature crew cut gone them, and the cluttered wrong, his spiked hair looks piece of cloth only hides WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? like a bed of nails, probably that roided-out body you Zara Blazer, Forever 21 Cardigan, American Apparel Tank, Urban Outfi tters Pants, Chinese Laundry Boots, as sharp. It’s a product of spend two hours a day in the H&M Gloves, Bag from eBay, and a Necklace from a Flea 45 minutes of MANicuring, gym for. Market in Canada. opting to skip the pregame The second class of to make sure he’s the biggest graphic tee, the Peacock, enveme.com WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS? peacock at the party. But his is an unappetizing palate logoish brand stamps, these Alexander Wang and Philip Lim because they design hair is his lesser offense, of jewel tones with neon corny attempts at political comfortable clothes that are basic and can be layered. almost unnoticeable because and metallic embroidered and social commentary rarely of his shirt selection. Yes, or spray painted on it. The leave you with a laugh. While WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE STYLE ICONS? he’s got on a “wicked” new object of wearing such a a political Don Juan may I just recently got into fashion blogs this past summer and I’m graphic tee he ordered shirt is to draw attention to don a shirt claiming, “I love really inspired by Rumi of “Fashion Toast”, Lulu’s blog, and online. There are three basic these energetic Northerners. Bush,” as a conservative cry “The Sartorialist” always has amazing pictures. types of graphic tees: the These eyesores make against Obamian America, Neo-Nazi, the Peacock and everyone around them feel I doubt your shirt-pun is MOST DISLIKED VANDY TREND? the Weedhead. Each of these like they they’ve ingested a going to get you a third term I think pastel colors on guys are okay, but their shorts cannot classes of T-shirt is equally hallucinogen every time they with that conservative hottie be too short! Also, wearing short skirts without tights in the offensive in their own way have to look at you. in your Poli Sci class. cold is not acceptable. and need to be burned. While the third class So stay away from any The  rst class, the Neo-Nazi, of T-shirt isn’t as visually shirt that attempts to make IF YOUR CLOSET WAS BURNING AND YOU COULD is easy to spot, characterized stimulating as its kin, it is are bold claims about your ONLY SAVE ONE ITEM, WHAT WOULD THAT BE? by a black, white and gold equally as annoying. Adorned personality. Dress to impress, I would try and grab all my vests and shoes, especially all my color scheme, complete with with quirky sayings and not to express. black ankle boots.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST RECENT PURCHASE? I just recently bought a new motorcycle jacket. I love it Trend of the Week: Riding Boots because it keeps me warm and it’s edgy. IMANI ELLIS other shoewear. Dramatic these boots, because they’re AND LASTLY, IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE YOUR Staff Writer as it sounds, riding boots so comfortable and I don’t STYLE IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? Everyone knows there are possess the power to take have tower over everyone Sleek. Monochromatic. Complete. shoe fashion perks to every a somewhat casual out t just to look cute. season. Spring allows us to and transform it into that You can  nd riding boots If you know of anyone that you think deserves to be in “Style embrace cute open-toed classy, “wow” out t everyone almost everywhere you look. Spotter”, nominate them through emailing Nikky Okoro at wedges and fresh ats, the wishes they had. Personally, I always start my [email protected] colder months are devoted Riding boots were initially shoe shopping at Nordstrom. Nikky Okoro/VERSUS Fashion Editor to our favorite winter boot created to be worn while They have a wide assortment and the classic pair of riding horses, hence the of riding boots that come in Uggs, Summer is dedicated name. This stylish footwear a variety of prices. Some of to detailed sandals, retro was designed to come high my favorite models of this The 5 Commandments of Leggings gladiators and stylish ip- on the leg to protect the fall fetish include Burberry’s ops and fall is the perfect rider from being pinched by French Belt Riding Boot TWO ANONYMOUS OBSERVERS season for my all-time the saddle, and to be sturdy ($200), Coach’s Chrissi 3. Jeggings: Just Say No. Sure, the jean- favorite shoe wear: the in order to protect the rider’s Leather Riding Boot ($178), 1. Leggings ARE NOT pants. legging hybrid is more comfortable than riding boot. Walking around foot. The boot also has a small J-Crew’s Vintage Riding nerve-damaging skinnies. But if comfort is Vanderbilt’s campus in heel to avoid getting caught Boot ($196), Colin Stewart’s 2. Exceptions to #1: your main concern, you might as well just the fall, you can’t help but in the stirrup. Fortunately at Riding Boot ($129), -You are hitting the gym or going to your reach for the sweatpants... (After all, they notice the jurisdiction: The for us, the riding boot has Ralph Lauren’s two tone dance class daily to maintain that svelte, disguise lumps and thunder-thighs better.) riding boot has taken over all now become acceptable to calfskin Riding boot ($189) I-can-pull-off-leggings body. wear outside the stable and and Chinese Laundry’s -You promised your mom that you would 4. Slashes are for tires, not leggings. So is perfect for going to class Knee Riding Boot ($99). You accompany her to her next jazzercise class at if you wake up for less than $10,000 a day, or going out. The length can wear these boots with the Y. You also have a super-cool headband please put away the busted can of biscuits. of the boot helps to create dark skinny jeans, tights or to complete the ironic ‘80s reference. the illusion of a longer dresses. They are a perfect -Your name is Beyonce. 5. Let’s do some math! Leggings ≠ pants. leg line, which is never a match with your favorite pea -You’re a 5’11” 100 lb. international runway Tights ≠ leggings. Therefore, tights ≠ pants. problem, and the durability coat, elongated cardigan, model. It is okay for you to go pantsless, just (Follow this rule & we won’t have to write “The of the boot is great since a lumberjack shirts and as it is okay for you to go braless. Because, 5 Commandments of Tights,” and you won’t college student can seldom oversized boyfriend shirts. chances are, your goodies are only a Google have to read us complaining again in Versus). avoid walking everywhere. I Basically: they’re amazing Image Search away anyway. Got a Style Rant or Rave? Speak your mind personally love the fact that — consider investing in a -A Wise Rule of Thumb: Only pair leggings and email [email protected]. there isn’t much of a heel on pair. with tops that cover your bottom when standing. Bend over at your own peril.

trench or plaid peacoat length coat and you’re ready to go. If askFASHION: (basic navy is outdated), you are on a budget, a great place to go for an eclectic, chic combo. for a new coat is a vintage store. Since If you are more daring, every fashion eventually comes back Keeping Cute in the Cold try the season’s shades of into style, look to vintage pieces to jean and you’ll look hot as you stay neon (neon pink, yellow or perfect this season’s trends (long- OLIVIA KUPFER warm. Luckily for you, there are an orange) for a modern look. And my haired fur shrugs from the ‘70s, Versus Writer abundance of styles to choose from this personal favorite: a winter white coat leather bombers from the 80s and Dear Versus, season: From architectural and military (think ivory or eggshell), especially with sculpted coats in bright colors I’m going home for fall break and to quilted and tuxedo, outerwear is a this season’s architectural detailing from the ‘90s). Simply dry clean I want to get a new coat — after fashion must-have (in addition to its (strong, sculpted shoulders on the coat) and you are ready to go! And, if Vanderbilt’s frigid Homecoming, a most practical function — keeping you is a classic “investment piece.” all else fails and you don’t have eece won’t weather November and warm as you walk to Peabody). What’s a great  t for your petite access to a nearby vintage store, December in Nashville. What are some Why wear a coat? Because  gure? A great option is a belted, you can try a reliable favorite: good options for me? I’m petite and hypothermia is an imminent danger; camel-colored, wool coat for winter J. Crew. The store carries great don’t want to spend a lot of money because your drunk “coat” is not warm (think ‘70s Charlie’s Angels). This bright colored, short wool winter this season. enough; because celebrities love to style is demure and sophisticated; in coats this season, and great knee- --Cold sans Coat wear heavy coats in Hollywood’s mild addition, cinching the waist draws the length overcoats that look polished winters, so they must be cool. eye to the thinnest point of the body when belted. Dear Cold sans Coat, What are the season’s best trends? and eliminates any bulk as a result Verdict on coats: Yes, please. This winter’s hottest trend is a Try this season’s plaid (pick oversize of layering. To create this effect with Submit your style questions to be great coat: Pair outerwear with at black and white patterns, or darker last season’s wool jacket, pair a thin included in next week’s column to Olivia. riding boots and a dark wash skinny tones such as auburn), either a plaid metallic belt with your favorite knee- [email protected] showhype.com

Write For Versus! Weekly meeting at 6 p.m. Sarratt 130 Versus • October 21—October 27, 2009 • 9

COURTNEY ROGERS Editor-in-Chief

Many of us know and love Hanson from the nineties. Now, they’re continuing to blend music with humanitarian efforts and they’re stopping by the Music City for a barefoot walk, a show at the Wildhorse and maybe even some pancakes from a certain pantry.

BRYAN JOHNSON / kenphillipsgroup.com VERSUS MAGAZINE: So, let’s start from the beginning. What was it like having so much had been in contact with some remarkable doctors who were at the forefront of HIV/AIDS success at such a young age? research and remarkably had discovered that in 98 percent of cases, if mothers were able to ISAAC HANSON: Well, on some level having success at an early point in your life is a goal get a hold of antiretroviral drugs for 40 days before they gave birth, the children would not of yours. You’re going out there, you love what you do and you feel passionate about your be born with the virus. That gives the next generation a fi ghting chance. …(HIV/AIDS) is a music. When “Middle of Nowhere” came out in 1997, we had been making records for pretty profound challenge and it crosses to all areas but particularly when it comes to pov- about fi ve, six years at that point. We were very familiar with performing and getting out erty. Poverty and HIV/AIDs in Africa go hand in hand. After our trip in 2006, we took the there, it was not a foreign thing for us. However, it was on a scale that no one would have song “Great Divide,” and released it as a charitable single. We put up some merchandise ever thought. And honestly, at the time, there’s a degree to which you don’t have as much to raise money as well. As cliche as it sounds, we just had to do something. Then, the tour perspective on things. It’s never happened to you before. I was humbled by it. I found myself came up and we were about to hit the road when we discovered TOMS Shoes. We thought feeling profoundly lucky and just hoping that we wouldn’t do anything to screw it up too bad. it was such a great concept that if you bought a pair of shoes, they give another pair away. And we just tried always to focus on being respectful of our fans because without them, we Just by accident, in New York City, at a party, Taylor runs into a photographer who knows didn’t have a career. It was something that you felt that you had worked for but also some- the head of the company. The photographer gives Taylor his number and says give him a thing that you felt very, very humbled by. call. So Blake answers the phone and Taylor goes, “Hi Blake, this is from the band Hanson. I know this sounds kind of crazy but… we want to fi gure out a way to work VM: Could you talk about some of the challenges you faced when you started to transition into with you.” We had a breakfast meeting in Los Angeles and the idea was one mile barefoot a different sound from “Mmmbop?” walks in every city on the tour and we’d encourage everyone to buy (TOMS) shoes. It gives IH: When you’re making your fi rst record, the joke in the music industry is that you have your us a way to connect the realities of tangible needs that exist in Africa and it gives (TOMS entire life to write your fi rst record and you only have a year and a half to write your sec- shoes) a louder megaphone. He looked at us and goes, “This is a good idea. You guys are ond. There were a set of challenges that went with the records that succeeded “Middle of crazy.” They brought the shoes on the road with us, we did 50 barefoot walks and by the Nowhere.” But I think the biggest challenge came because of constant changes in the music end of those walks, we reached the goal and at the end of the tour, we were on our way to business. Right before we released out second record, the record company completely fell Africa to deliver 50,000 shoes. apart. All of the people who had been supportive of our career were gone and so as we rolled into the release of our second record, we had very little support at the record company VM: Delivering the shoes must have been the most amazing experience. that we were signed to. Ultimately, that resulted in a long struggle with making out third IH: It was amazing. They’re a really great set of people, they really care and put the caring record. Most of the struggles that we have had in our career have had very little to do with above everything else at that company. I’m very impressed by them as individuals. They music and everything to do with an ever-changing music business. And that’s not an uncom- have grown immensely in the past few years and we’ve continued a strong relationship with mon problem, especially these days with the constant consolidation of record companies and them. On this tour, we’ve continued to do these walks, again in very direct association with people who are not musically focused, are not entrepreneurial in the way that the music busi- TOMS shoes. ness used to be. They’re just trying to fi nd a hit, not trying to fi nd the bands that are going to be the foundation of their company. They want the big multi-platinum album but they don’t VM: Can you talk about this current tour and its philanthropic aspects? want bands that sell anywhere from 100 to 500,000 copies. They don’t seem to value those IH: We wanted to do something different. People kept asking us, “What more can I do?” And bands as much, which is ironic because ultimately, if you have bands like that who can sus- there were some other organizations that we wanted to support so we said, “Let’s fi nd fi ve tain themselves, as the years go on they will be the band with the big hit. I’m surprised how specifi c causes.” There’s poverty, which is related to shoes, so let’s do shoes with Tom’s. We few people in the music business are willing to think that way. I have an anecdote for you. need to drill wells to provide clean water, we need to build schools because kids need to be educated. We need to provide anti-retroviral drugs and continue to support our friends VM: Great! who had brought down mobile phone technology (for doctors and patients). We decided to IH: made four records before he made a really big hit record. He’s been profoundly walk around the world. It’s basically 25,000 miles. So that was the goal, we’re going to get infl uential in pop music and has had a career anyone would be jealous of. On his fourth 25,000 people to walk a mile. How are we going to do that? We’re going to keep doing album, “The Stranger,” he was making that record, they spent about fi ve weeks making the these walks and give a dollar for every single person who walks. By doing that we’ll provide record, which by anyone’s standards is fast. He says on the special edition of the record, “I a well, a school, hundreds of pairs of TOMS shoes, hundreds months worth of drugs and text didn’t really think about it at the time, but the truth is, I was probably about to get job.” That messages. So we went out on another set of walks. We started in the Fall of 2008 and by the record had some enormous singles in it like “Movin’ Out,” and “Scenes from an Italian Res- Spring of 2009, we had walked around the world. We ended the “Walk around the World” taurant.” My point is that most artists these days wouldn’t make it to their second record, let campaign in May and since then, we’ve had thousands of miles that have been walked. So alone their fourth. You should think about your artist from the point of view that you believe we’re like 6,000 plus miles into the next lap around the world. in this artist is in the long term and it’s about building things. I might have a hit right off the bat, but there’s a good chance that I won’t. And my goal is to make this a career band, not VM: Oh my gosh, you’re going to do another lap! just a fl ash in the pan. Because if it’s just a fl ash in the pan, it’s potentially a huge waste of IH: That’s the goal, do another lap. I say that to say that we’ve got a walk on Oct. 27. We’ll money. start at Belmont and end at Vanderbilt. Hopefully Belmont and Vanderbilt students will take 20-30 minutes out of their day and come walk with a couple of crazy guys from Oklahoma VM: How would you describe your current sound? How is it different from when you fi rst started who are willing to walk barefoot for a good cause. Nashville was the fi rst walk that we did out? in September of 2007. IH: I think it’s hard for me to describe it because on some levels, we haven’t changed a lot. Someone who’s not familiar with Hanson would say, “Those guys have changed a lot.” I think VM: Have you been to Nashville before? what we do is a version of soulful pop. It’s got a lot of roots in early , R&B. But, IH: Yes, we’ve been to Nashville many times. it’s ultimately pop music in the same way that Billy Joel, and Paul Simon is pop music. Our version of pop is very organic. If you like “Mmmbop,” I’m sure you’ll like our VM: Do you have a favorite restaurant or place to visit in town? show. And if you thought you didn’t like “Mmmbop,” and you thought “There’s no way I’d go IH: I can’t say too many places because then if I say them, people will always know them and if to a Hanson show,” I think you’ll probably like our show. If you like Gavin Degraw, Michelle I’m in town, they’ll know where to fi nd me. There are some fun little areas. Downtown, there’s Branch, Kings of Leon. If you like any of those bands, you’ll like a Hanson show. an area over by Vanderbilt with a bunch of little shops, the pancake, what is that called?

VM: How many of your early songs do play in your current set? VM: The Pancake Pantry? IH: We play all over the map. We’ll go back and forth from song to song, something from 1997 IH: Pantry, that’s right. I’ve been around. I’ve had some great food there. to something in 2007. We change the set list every single night. The truth is, if you saw a Hanson show last time in Nashville, the likelihood of it being pretty different is very high. VM: If you weren’t a musician, what do you think you would be? The shows are always changing and we do that on purpose. Music is always changing and IH: As a young kid, I used to say architect, but then I realized that I wasn’t quite good enough if you wanted to go to more than one Hanson concert, you’ll see different songs. The feeling at math to really do it. I enjoyed the design element of it and the geometric shapes, but it of the show is still similar but the songs are not exactly the same. It’s just something that’s a turns out that I’m not quite the artist/mathematician that I would need to be to really do that. part of what we do as a band. We took a little bit of a cue from the and Dave I suppose if I really applied myself to it really aggressively, I might be able to pull it off. I take Matthews Band on that one. that back, I think what I would like to do most, if I could pick another profession, I would like to write books. VM: Personally, I’m crossing my fi ngers that you play “Penny and Me,” because that’s one of my favorite songs. VM: What do you think you would write about? IH: That’s a fairly consistent one in the set but I have to say, we don’t always play it. IH: Fictional stories about people, interesting people. J.D. Salinger, Nick Hornby, maybe a little VM: Uh oh. Well I hope so. See how you’re feeling that day. less cynical. IH: I’ll cross my fi ngers for you too. VM: What’s your favorite color? Why? VM: When you’re writing songs, what inspires you the most? IH: It has been green for pretty much my entire life. I don’t know, it just is. I think it might be just IH: I think writing songs is as much about your emotional mood at the time as it is about things because it’s the color of trees and nature and that’s just a soothing thing for me. I do really you’re experiencing in life. Sometimes you just feel down, and you end up sitting there and like black though. you feel so inspired and you start writing a song. The story or the song that you come up with may not have anything to do with exactly what you are feeling but that emotion has VM: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? triggered that thought. Sometimes it’s only slightly auto-biographical, sometimes it’s really IH: Oh gosh. I’m going to go with burritos. auto-biographical. I would say life is constantly full of inspiration and I don’t know if there’s any particular thing. On this latest record, there’s a lot of joyful, victorious type qualities VM: Any specifi cations on burritos? to the music. There’s a lot of, I know you’re down, but let’s , we can make it thought IH: Well I was hoping you wouldn’t ask the specifi cations so that I could stay generic on that. this. There’s a lot of ‘let’s just dance and have a good time.’ Almost all of the records deal Let’s see, it would have pico de gallo, rice, beans, fajita vegetables and possibly steak. And with emotional, moral and spiritual challenges that we all have. We try to deal with it in a the hottest salsa they could fi nd. Blazing. Hurt me. I love intense food. universal way, if at all possible. There’s a lot of consistent themes, it’s just articulated slightly differently every time. VM: If you could be any animal, which animal would you want to be? IH: There are lots of different animals that you could want to be that are really cool. I have to VM: You guys are very involved in activism with your tour. How did you get involved with TOMS go with dolphin. They are the only animal that can take on a shark, pretty much the only shoes and how did the Use Your Sole tour come about? adversary for a shark. They’re really fast and graceful. They’re really smart and they seem IH: Our affi liation with TOMS Shoes was a beautiful, symbiotic circumstance. We had taken a like they have a good time. I’m sure there are some grumpy dolphins, but they just seem very trip to Africa in 2006 while making our record, “The Walk.” It felt like our record wasn’t go- together creatures. Playful, entertaining, graceful and all of those things. I think a wolf might ing to be done before we took that trip. Some friends of ours who had developed some medi- be kind of cool too.  cal technology were going over there and we said, “Guys, we want to go with you.” They 10 • October 21—October 27, 2009 • Versus flip side

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crossworD Level: Across 57 Two-time U.S. Open 1 Droops winner Fraser 1 2 5 Benchwarmer 58 Opposite of 10 Dull aweather 14 Spiritual guide 59 “The __ the limit!” 3 4 15 Pageant trophy 60 Freezing cold 16 Tot’s first word, 61 Bakery offerings Complete the grid so often 17 Electrical worker’s Down each row, column and action 1 Bilko and York: Abbr. 3-by-3 box (in bold 20 Stuff to capacity 2 Subtle emanation 21 Like the healthiest 3 “True __”: John borders) contains corned beef Wayne film every digit, 1 to 9. For 22 White House 4 Rotate face-up, as strategies on how to advisory gp. one’s palm 23 “Don’t tase me, 5 Pain in the side solve Sudoku, visit __!” 6 Movie www.sudoku.org.uk 24 Discount retailer’s 7 Tabloid action 8 Russia’s __ Moun- 32 Virginia, for one tains SOLUTION TO 33 Sits on the sill, as 9 America’s pastime 10/19/09 Solutions a pie 10 Key of Beethoven’s TUESDAY’S PUZZLE 34 Absorb, with “up” Ninth 35 Exaggerated 11 Distance divided publicity by time 36 Type of servant or 12 Gremlin and Pacer engineer 13 Capital of Thailand? 10/21/09 37 Ready for picking 18 Out of fashion 36 Challenging the 48 Part of CIA: Abbr. 10/19/09 solutions 38 “You __ here”: mall 19 Time irregularities, rapids, maybe 49 Dagger of yore map words in sci-fi 37 Police cruiser 50 Colombian cartel 39 Arrested 24 Prefix with foam 39 On the money city 40 Parson’s home 25 Boutonniere site 40 Poly- equivalent 51 How many employ- 41 Feuder’s action 26 Cupcake topper 42 Sprints ees are pd. 44 In the past 27 Spanish sweetheart 43 Went on a tirade 52 Hard-to-find shoe 45 Actress MacGraw 28 Continuing to 46 Corp. money width 46 Traffic jam causes operate bigwigs 53 Numbered hwys. 50 Toronto skyline 29 “Of Thee __” 47 Place where the 55 Word before Friday landmark 30 Thicket starts of this or pal 10/21/09 © 2009 The Mepham Group. Distributed by 54 Accused speeder’s 31 Olympics sword puzzle’s four longest action 32 Peacock Throne answers result in a Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved. 56 On a single occasion occupant penalty interested in photography? Regardless of your level of experience or the equipment you use, the Vanderbilt Photography Club wants you to join our photographic community.

AdVAntAges of joining the Club: • Group of people who are as interested in photography as you are • Presentations from guest speakers throughout the year; • Weekly critique sessions of personal work • Bi-weekly theme-based competitions • Photowalks, model shoots, and technique sessions guided by experienced photographers • Members have access to an online gallery to display and sell their work

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