20 Features April 19, 2005 THE RETRIEVER Getting stoned in the Queen’s mosh pit

from QUEENS, page 16 few audience antics from random punks, front man Josh Homme essentially told them to suck on an appendage of his and then proceeded to stare right at him as he sang “Skin on Skin” from Lullabies. If you don’t think that’s insulting, just look up the lyrics. It doesn’t seem as if the band will be coming back to the northeast; their upcom- ing tour spans Canada, California and Europe. As I write this, it was just revealed that Mark Lanegan will be abandoning the tour due to “exhaustion,” but if you’re trav- eling, you should still check out a Queens show in the area — you won’t be disap- pointed.

Amy Segreti is the Features Co-Editor at the Retriever. She can be reached for com- ment at [email protected]. Matt Stockslager [Retriever Staff] Genuine rock: Queens of the Stone Age brings added power to their live performances. When in late 18th century Features Book Review America, do as the Romans do

R. Redding, UMBC alum and for- JOE HOWLEY lyzed early American political imagery, showing mer staff writer for the Retriever, has Retriever Editorial Staff the use of Roman iconography like the goddess recently published a book through a Liberty. small, independent publisher. His book, The conversation over what kind of gov- By modern standards, the Roman On Second South, is a day-to-day mem- ernment America would have that followed the Republic was far from equitable. For instance, oir of his junior year exploits, set most War of Independence was steeped in language only men of the upper social elite were allowed primarily in the dorm rooms of and images from Ancient Rome, according to a into the Senate. Sellers said that the founding Susquehanna Hall. talk given at the Library last week. fathers took this to heart not in terms of class Currently, his book is available Distinguished professor Mortimer Sellers but in terms of forming the government out of through Amazon.com as well as through spoke on Thursday about “America: The New an “aristocracy of talent.” UMBC’s own bookstore. We would Rome” to the Humanities Forum. Sellers, a He also noted that early Americans took a welcome any interested students or fac- Rhodes Scholar who holds several degrees and cue from the Romans in regards to having ulty to pick up a copy and write us a is a member of the bar of several states, dis- slaves but “feeling guilty about it.” Sellers review. It’s not every day that a former cussed the effect of the Roman Republic on observed that in the years leading up to the UMBC student writes a book based America’s founding fathers. Civil War, as Southern slaveholders began to around our school, and we’d be happy The Roman Republic is generally held to defend their ownership of slaves more vigor- to consider all reviews sent our way. have begun with the expulsion of the kings ously, their Classical references shifted from the from Rome in 509 BCE and ended with Roman Republic to ancient Athens. They used More information about On Second Augustus Octavian, who would become the this as evidence that a great and sophisticated South can be found through first Roman Emperor, seizing absolute power in society required a strong economic base of slav- Amazon.com. To submit a review, please 14 BCE. Sellers explained that it remained the ery. It’s not often that American students are contact the features editors at ideal of a republic well into the modern era. taught about these parallels, making Professor [email protected]. Sellers discussed the use of Roman pseu- Seller’s lecture particularly engaging. donyms by writers advocating various approaches to the Republic, such as “Publius” Joe Howley is the Managing Editor of the (James Madison) and “Brutus” (referring to the Retriever. He may be reached for comment at Roman who expelled the kings). He also ana- [email protected]. Give me a word, give me a sign: Collective Soul in Towson

located directly across from The Commons and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. It was obvious that he’d within walking distance of The Melting Pot, Ruby been doing it a long time just by the manner in Tuesday’s, TGI Fridays, and Pizzeria Uno, in case which he engaged the crowd. It was almost like you’re looking for something slightly more sub- watching a cult leader preach to a congregation, stantial than what The Rec Room has to offer. though perhaps somewhat less insidious. As the opening act went off at 9:20, we began The energy in the room did not waver until making our way closer towards the stage. Eerily, the end of the encore, though I must admit that the lights dimmed and lead singer Ed Roland start- mine did. The Recher Theater, albeit nice, became ed to flap his way energetically on-stage—you a smoky smoldering inferno by the eve’s end— could instantly feel the energy emanating from enough to irritate even the most subdued. Besides him, and it swept like a wave over the entire the- that, there was the spotlight that shone in my eyes ater. As the music began to blare, one thing was from the stage for nearly the entire night. While Courtesy of collectivesoul.com thankfully and notably absent: songs from their the sound was excellent, it was also among the Smashing young man: Ed Roland reaches out to fans. new CD, Youth. Though they eventually played a loudest I had ever heard at a concert, especially few, the focus was definitely on their older crowd- considering that I was standing nowhere apprecia- ROBERT TAND pleasing favorites like “Run,” “Needs,” bly near the speaker. Earplugs would’ve been advis- Retriever Contributing Writer “December,” “Shine,” “Heavy,” etc. able—or perhaps I’m just getting old. Though this is not a review of last year’s So all-in-all, it was an excellent evening. The What could be more perfect than great poppy Youth, it is easy to see how its poor reception lineup was superb, catering especially to the long- music, bottles of domestic beer for $1.25 and cock- shaped the night’s lineup. It was painful to listen to time fans, as was the venue, save for a few minor tails for $2.00? Quite possibly nothing. Alright, so Ed refer to that CD as “the greatest thing they’d misgivings. Catch Collective Soul before their tour the beer wasn’t quite that cheap in the concert ever done.” Regardless, that faux pas did not ends if you have a chance (this was one of the final itself, but the Recher Theater’s adjacent “Rec change the amazingly powerful and exciting walk stops). You won’t be disappointed! Room” restaurant and bar provided all the ameni- through Collective Soul’s greatest hits from the last ties to make this concert-going experience amaz- decade-plus. Ed Roland’s prowess with the micro- Robert Tand is a contributing writer at the ing. phone (both in vocals and his ability to physically Retriever. He can be reached for comment at Courtesy of collectivesoul.com The Recher Theater is in the heart of Towson, wield it), and showmanship reminded me [email protected]. Shine: Collective soul played a mix of old and new.