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Home , A Prince Among Thieves, Bad Boy Records, Blackstreet, Come Original, Cornflake Girl, Hey Boy Hey Girl

I this; sue: It s all about the benjarnins/ Reviezos of nelO n1usic

Mark Wahlberg and Ice Cube star in tThree Ruff Ryder memeber recently dropped Kings'. George Clooney also starts in the her rookie release. Check out her review drame about three men attempting to steal along with many other new discs. gold during the Gulf War. See page 2 See page 7 Page 2 cJlut Current. . - October 1999 Eve hi it big Is Puff Daddy really a rapper?

after paying dues PUff Daddy: ftForever" catogrize her and compare her \vith rappers like, the great Ask any 13 year old boy from Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Foxy Iowa about Puff Daddy and they will have heard of the man, also "And Adam called his wife Brown and Lil Kim, to find name Eve; because she was the where she tIts in. But is it that known as of Bad mother of all living." Genesis simple for Eve? Does she have a Boy Records. He owns one of the 3:20. Eve has been blamed political message in her lyrics? newest and phattest clothing throughout the centuries for the Yeah, she is sexy, and has no lines, Sean John and a New York down fall of humankind, when problem showing off her thick restaurant, Justin's. But is he she gave her husband., Adam, the physique, but does she exploit it? really a rapper? apple from the forbidden tree. Will she have more than one hit? There is no questioning that How appropriate the newest Unlike female rappers of the Puff Daddy's new , female rapper would be Eve, past, EVE has been able to bal­ "Forever", has some hot beats a.k.a. Eve of destruction. ance her talents, making it diffi­ and he did do a good job selecting More commonly known as cult for her crititics to place her in writers to come up with his lyrics, Eve, she is the first lady of the a pre-labled box. She has been but can the man rap? There is no Ruff Ryders from Philly. This able to to her femininity question that Combs, has pro­ platinum blonde blaze had to pay and yet remain tough. She can be duced some of the biggest hits of her dues. She was on the Root's sexy in her videos, but she does the late 1990's, but is he a rapper? "You Got Me", the to the not seem willing to rap about People wit4. millions of dollars "Ruff Ryders Anthem" and pimping herself for a diamond to play with can live out their Puff Daddy has been on top of the music business for several Blackstreet's studded Rolex. wildest dreams. Just look at years. His new disc is currently a best seller. "Girlfriend/Boyfriend." On this album, she collabo­ Sbaqueil O'Neil. Puff Daddy is a On September 14th, her debut rates with Drag-on and DMX of talented producer and deserves is the remix of PE'S "'Public album, self titled ''EVE'' hit the The Ruff Ryders, Missy Elliot, respect for being a great business Enemy #1" - "Public Enemy ~heCurrent shelves and it is hot. and . The beats are hard man, but be can't rap! Instead of 2000. The beats are there and The first single of the album, hitting and the lyrics dare to go having to go through the hard the lyrics are there, but there is Ken Dunkin • Managz:ng Editor "What Y'all Want", went plat­ deeper with tracks like ''Love is knocks of the rap game, Puff no soul. This albmn was sup­ Blind" and "Heaven only .Judi Unville • inum and the second single, Daddy bas used his wealth to add posed to be a response to the Faculty Muiser Knows". Eve has lasting power "Gotta Man,!' shows just as much to his list of tiles and became a critics that called "No Way . Josh Renaud • Prod Manager and it would be interesting to see promise. rapper. He has enjoyed the cross Out" weak, but can you honest­ Web Editor her growth on her next album. This Puerto Rican! African­ over appeal that many commer­ ly be hard with a name like Cory Blackwood • A&E Editor American diva will unfortunately cial rappers have been able to sell PUFF Daddy? Catherine • A&E .ksociate Marquis-Homeyer have to go through he rites of pas­ CHARMANE MALONE to suburban America. sage that all female rappers have The best track on this album, CHARMANE MALONE to go through. Others will try Staff: Charmane Malone, Rap oprea comes through with Rob Peery 7940 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis, Missouri 63121 strong cast and great music Newsroom • (314 516-5171 Advertising • (3J.fJ 51&5316 rap business. Everyone from Chris Business. {3I ~ -16·-1, - Fax • (3 1 ~J 51 11 Rock, to are fea­ tured. This disc and the results are email: amazing. plays a crooked currenJ@jinx urns!. edu website: cop and turns in a great perfonnance It is time gets credit http://WW1U.ums!. edu! on "'The Men in Blue". for being the genius that he truly is. studentlije!cu1Te11t/ "" is proof Some of the stretches aren't to enough to give him the credit. far off from characters the rappers "A Prince Among Thieves" is a had played before. Rock brings out ·... .'.r' he ~ur:ent's A&E magazine is. a i speaal msert that appears pen­ concept disc· along the lines of The his classic crackhead role for a skit. r" . odically. Advertising rates avail­ Who's "Tommy". It is a rap , The always odd plays a . able upon request. Terms, condi­ wacky gun dealer. The casting is tions and restrictions apply. The perhaps the fIrst ever made. The Current, financed in part by student story follows Tariq, an up and com­ one of the discs biggest pluses. Each activities fees, is not an offidal pub­ person fIt their roles almost perfect- lication of UM-St. Louis. The ing rapper with a problem. He needs University is not responsible for the money to record his demo, which 1y. content of The Current or its poli­ causes him to sell drugs. The story The collaborating between des. Commentary and columns underground superstars , reflect the opinion of the individual ends in an epic shoot-out. The tale author. Unsigned editorials reflect goes along with a yet to be made Xzidit and Kid Creole on "Handle the opinion of the majority of the Your Time" is a classic. This track editorial board. All material con­ movie which would be released to tained in each issue is property of theaters. alone is reason to add this disc to The Current and may not be The story alone is run of the mill. your collection. r~rinted, reused or reproduced Without the expressed, written con­ What made it so great was the vast sent of The Current. First copy number of musicians who play the KEN DUNKIN free; all subsequent copies, 25 cents, available at the offices of characters. It is a who's who of the The Current ~ October 1999 <'fk Current Page 3 German Guano Apes are good, Showoff produces great, Drive By Truckers stink fun, happy , H all music could be as fun as Showoffs debut disc the world would be a better place. The group takes music for what it is, fun. Their music may not be the deepest, or the best and they aren't the best musi­ cians. Despite those flaws this disc is good in its own right. Picture Green Day and Less Than Jake A first reaction when listening to a band from having a jam secion and this disc is what Germany called is to scoff. When a could come out. Most of the tracks are band with a dumb name and no press hitsmy short, only around two and a half minutes. desk, I usually wait until boredom strikes before They give you a quick dose of good popping it in the CD player. What a surprise to music and then it is off on another track. find out the Guano Apes were good! "Proud Like With a catchy single in ''Falling Star" a God" plays like a harder-edged band with the disc could take off. The world might heart, something akin to the Deftones. Vocalist not be ready for a band as fun as Showoff. Sandra Nasic uses her great voice both in singing and screaming, without any trace of a German KEN DUNKIN Accent Her vocals sounds a little reminiscent to Pizza Deliverance' local band Radio Iodine, but with angrier music . Soul Dump IGhostmeat back:iJ,J.g her up. "Proud Like a God"comes out records Oct 12. 311 bombs on new release Our Rating: •

It is difficult to put into words just how 311 has a pretty decent following bad this CD trul i. Bluegrass isn't the most throughout the nation, and in S1. Louis pected music out there to begin with, and as well. After their last a1bum, n many people wonder why. Some things "Transistor," many of us were wonder­ are jtLtit meant to be laughed at, and in the ing why they still had any fan base at all. music industry, polka and bluegrass take care "Soundsystem, due out Oct. 12, tries to ofth at vel)' well. go back to what they used to be - ston­ gle, and by the time listeners make it to With guitars that sound purposefully out er frat rock with enough beats to "Flowering," a mere two songs later, of tune and not in that cool \\'ay like punk give them some "street cred." heads aren't bopping, but nodding off. rock and vocals more tone deaf than Britney 311 gave up any musical standards on 311 should have given up when they Spe..1IS... listening to someone "squeal like a "Soundsystem," instead trying for the were still ahead on 1994's pig" would almost be. favorable. No, it would one hit to make them millions. Who "Grassroots. " be favomble. The one star is for its sheer knows which song they had planned on doing, they all sound pretty much the comedic value. REVIEWS BY CORY BLACKWOOD CORY BLACKWOOD same. "Come Original" is the first sin- Support local music, unle s it sucks

Everyone is always no support) puts on a great show every month in the Kills. Poor guy, he's so misunderstood that he doesn't mouthing off about how Duck Room of Blueberry Hill. Vargas Swing plays reg­ even realize that his band wouldn't exist without those people need to support their ular club shows around St. Louis, as do bands like two bands. local scene, how no one Reggae At Will. I don't have any animosity towards local bands that supports local music, a,nd Other local bands don't play regular gigs, but some­ have made it, I'm all for The Urge and happy for their that is what we should do times headline the Galaxy, or open for national bands fame. Personally, I would rather not see some of our as citizens of the same when they get the chance. Fuse 12, Locash, Big Blue bands make it big. Mesh for example, I almost wish ity as these budding Monkey and Not Waving But Drowning all open for would flounder. I know, The Point loves 'ern, so they mus.icians. I agree metal and hard-rock bands whenever they get the must be great! This way of thinking must end immedi­ with this - to a chance, in bet\veen re.cording sessions for their own ately if we want to see our scene grow. The Point is pint. they are working on. owned by a larger conglomerate, and it is not financial­ S1. Louis has a Supporting bands like these is easy enough, they are ly sound for them to won)' about small local bands, gre3t music scene. R 4lv'T & ROll good, and nearly anyone would want our city to be rep­ unless they have that one magical song that will make a resented by these bands. What about the bands that are million bucks. Mesh has one song that The Point thinks has some great ...... bands that are no good, or that you hate? (Caution: my mean streak can make a million bucks, and oddly enough, that song C ORY B LACKWOOD very much worth will be very apparent in the next few paragraphs) What plays like a bad Matchbox 20 rip-off. supporting. and I do about a band like Gravity Kills, that already made it I didn't mean to single out any bands, but think of my best to show my support. magazine huge not only in St. Louis, but nationally? Sorry, but I how Detroit must feel, with everyone looking to them as recently mentioned St. Louis as having one of the top have to admit that I am ashamed at their achievement. the city that produced Insane Clown Posse. Do we want

fh e music . cen :::> in the nation. and we even have a Hard The entire success of Gravity Kills is due to their amaz­ to become the city that produced Mesh? I hope not. R k C fe n w! ', -110 0 ) ing ability to rip off industrial bands across the board. Support local music, unless you feel that it is not worth l\_an of the local bands play the . arne bars on a reg­ What's worse is that lead singer Jeff Scheel in an inter­ supporting. Blind following of anything that comes from ular b a~ i~, . h \\"ng fun a g d time week after week at view a few years back accused Nine Inch Nails and this town wi ll not accomplish anything. their 1 al di ' . Bands like Jive Turkey are fun and Machines of Loving Grace for making industrial music entert ining, and Chuck BelT)' (a rock legend ho needs too mainstream for "underground" bands like Gravit. ' ...... , '-:'1 Page 4 • • OU S I er a ·onal f 1m es Iva ins Oct. 29 a ma yloca ve U s Very soon, a major annual treat for seri­ are in the pr gram a" v ell as short films, noted local film ous film fans is arriving in our area. The which are often outstanding and seem to reviewers). In addi­ Eighth St. Louis International Film Festival have no other outlet in this area. tion to the' films, the begins Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 7. The I spoke recently with Christine Besher, festival offers a vari­ festival features over 100 films including one of the F tival organizers. The festival is ety of events and dis­ foreign films, independent American films still finalizing theif selection of films for this cussion groups, (including some from local filmmakers), art year, and will be doing a mass mailing of the including events \vith films, documentaries, and short films. Last final choices in about two weeks, according stars (Paul Winfield, year I was fortunate enough to work as a to Besher. She also said that a complete list­ Kim Hunter, and oth­ venue captain for the festival and got to see ing would be posted on their Web page ers) and filmmakers a lot of their excellent offerings. The festival (www.sliff.org - the ' official St. Louis (George is generally the St. Louis premier for most of International Film Festival (SLlFF) website) Hickenlooper, Don the films, some of which will return to the at about the same time. The website will also McKeller, and others area throughout the coming year, and it also contain descriptions of the films, show times who's work is fea­ features world premieres for other films. A and dates, ticket information, and informa­ tured). There are large number of excellent foreign films that tion about festival events and sidebars. Some panel discussions and would otherwise not make it to the St. Louis of the films already chosen include: Big coffees with indepen­ area are included in the program. Intriguing Brass Ring a St. Louis film) , Genghis den t filmmakers and documentaries that rarely find a venue here, Blues, My Best Friend (from legendary film­ with St.Louis film­ except at Webster University's Film Series, maker Werner Herzog), Three Men and a makers, workshops Leg (Italian) and The vVisdom for filmmakers, and of Crocodiles. retro 'pectives of The regular program of films. films runs at three major The whole event enues, with a fe sh wings is kicked off by a at s me other theaters . The grand opening party maj r ' nu ill the Ti oli, at Bluebeny Hill the Plaz Frontenac, and the \Ve t first weekend, "Spin Oli e 16. Special croup of Magazille pr ents films are de. ignat d a side­ Meet the Filmmake bar , and indud di ' Ct ions, and S ", The sec­ pecial event - and additional ond weekend features reening . This ear's ide- Independent bars include Afri an- Filmmakers e ents, merican cinema (including with a variety of work African-American filmmakers shops and discus­ worthwhile if you'll see more than ne film and sUu's, as well as social and sicms. Passes are available at various prices, (which you'll want to do! historical contexts of film ) including a student pass that gives you entry ...... young People's (featuring to the panel discussions and a discount on events to young film fans), tickets. Individual tickets will also be avail­ CATHERIN E M ARQUIS­ and Critics Choice (ch<}sen by able, but the discount makes the passes H OMEYER • • • rc ya az 9 n CO cer It seemed like a quiet night at bad in as to make either of those two from his other three albums. The cover of Halfway into "Abbaon Fat Track' the Mississippi Nights on Wednesday, Sept. bands' actually look good in comparison. Public Enemy 's "Black Steel" from band stopped, Tricky muttered something 22. 50 or so people waited outside for a DJ Genaside 2 spun between sets, basi­ Tricky's debut, Maxinquaye, was surpris­ about a sound problem, wished the crowd show, a small number in comparison to cally just mixing songs that fit the mood. ingly high energy, and filled with all the a good night, and walked off the stage. most concerts, with a seemingly tame DJ Genaside 2 is on Tricky's new label, fear and loathing the musician is known No encore en~ued , and the audience \>vas crowd. Tricky was the performer, out on Durban Poison. for. asked to vacate the venue. This was not, tour in support of his new album, By the time Tricky was ready to take Kioka Williams, a leggy singer with a surprisingly enough, an act of a spoiled Juxtapose. ' the stage, Mississippi Nights was as full voice even more beautiful than her body rock star wanting to end a set early and Tricky's new album is phenomenal, as it was going to get, which was not full also sang, sometimes ba'ckup, sometimes pout. Just a couple minutes after the ground breaking, and everything else that capacity, but still a decent sized crowd the lead, replacing Tricky's longtime show, Tricky was outside with fans, chat­ has the tendency to scare off the St. Louis considering the lack of publicity Tricky partner' Martine Topley-Bird. ling and signing autographs, joking listening audience. The crowd was most­ received. The trip-hop master doesn't Surprisingly enough, Williams voice was around and in an overall jovial mood. ly young and of the open-minded persua­ seem to have much influence here in St. just as competent singing the songs orig­ Aside from the terrible opening band sion, willing to check out slightly more Louis. inally intended for Martine, sometimes and the abrupt ending, the show was challenging music than the usual top 40 Lighting was dark, muted red and even more impressive. impressi ve, but enjoyed by a smaller junk pIaguing the airwaves of our radio blue, casting the stage in a dismal light Rapper Mad Dog showed up to per- group than should have been there. Also, stations. and leaving the diminutive Tricky barely , form a couple of songs from "Juxtapose," a thanks to Mississippi Nights is in order -Luckily, the crowd eventually filled in visible in the shadows. The set didn't namely "I Like The Girls," and "Hot Like for booking some of the best shows to at Mississippi Nights, but not until open­ include a song from his new album until a Sauna." Mad Dog's hyper speed rap come through St. Louis in a long time - er Stroke assaulted the small crowd with 20 minutes into the show, but the audi­ was well delivered and was received, and all in one month. terribly loud, terrible music. Imagine a ence didn't seem to mind as Tricky just as quickly he was off the stage and bad rip-off of Matchbox 20 or Oasis, so played both hits and lesser known songs through with his presentation. CORY BLACKWOOD ,T, -nt . Page 5 Chemical Brothers thrill American Theater crowd

Who says aren't rock stars? The entire audience at the American Theatre on Sept. 30, and The Chemical Brothers themselves, surely seemed to think they were. The American Theatre hosted The Chemical Brothers' first show in S1. Louis ever, and the crowd turned out in full force to welcome the boys from across the pond. The show started at 8:00 p.m., and none of the flyers mentioned exactly how many open­ ers there were. James Holroyd and All Time High Superstars of Love were the only announced openers, along with more TBA in small letters on the side of all the flyers. The show opened with a nameless DJ spinning decent but repetitive beats which the few people in attendance generally ignored. After that the crowd was handed a proverbial slap in the face by The Midwest Avengers, a local rap group. The predomi­ nantly suburban rave crowd wasn't expecting any rap in the evening"s events, but it couldn't be too surpris­ ing considering ' headliners The Chemical Brothers cite Public Enemy as their biggest influence. The Nlidwest Avengers strutted on the non-lit stage decked in glows ticks and various jungle costumes, with one of the five rappers wearing a bird mask and hockey shoulder pads. The first few songs seemed jumbled and disorga­ nized, partly due to the fact that the only lights were pointing towards the audience, and the Avengers kept bumping off each other in their near blindness. As their set went on, their eyes adjusted, and things began to flow a little better. The Midwest Avengers put on a generally rousing show after the first couple of mishaps. After that, All Time High Superstars of Love, S1. Louis took the stage, ablaze in colored lights and strobes galore. The two DJs were clad in silver and wrapped in Christmas lights, and fully aware that no crowd cares to watch two DJs simpiy spin, they went crazy with the possibilities. A performance artist spoke poetry while dressed in drag with angel wings, and a phenomenal break dancer, Nick Fury showed his stuff. After that, Jerry -Falwell's favorite Teletubby, Tinky Wink)' took the stage and began to dance. It wasn't long before two Mexican Dancers bru­ THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS tally beat him, then dragged him off the stage. Even after nearly four hours of It didn't take long to convince Things went from violent to pseudo-erotic shortly dance beats (repetitive by nature) the TOPless painted everyone that these two dorky look­ after the Tinky Winky beating. A bondage goddess and roof nearly collapsed as the crowd women and two bare- ing men hiding behind enough equip­ catholic school girl danced together, which led to a guy ushered The Chemical Brothers in. • ment to short out nearly ariy sound­ brandishing a whip to join the fray. The whole time, Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands Iy clad dancers In an board were - truly rock stars. various other costumed people threw goodies from wasted no time in getting the floor inflatable pool seemed Someone's bra even found its way show sponsors Shifty's into the crowd. T-shirts, yo-yos, hopping with "Hey Boy Hey Girl," t on-stage, an event normally reserved water bottles and stickers all became missiles in the then jumped straight into "Music: too much for he show, for Motley Crue Of Van Halen! American Theatre. Response," one of their best and even in the 18 and up Rowlands and Simons seemed like All Time High's show was cut short when they most frantic songs to date. Most environment. two hyper-active kids hitting what crossed the line of decency, and nearly got kicked out. musicians would wait to towards the buttons they could, and eating up the Topless painted women and two barely clad dancers in end of a show to play their biggest praise thrown their way. an inflatable pool seemed too much for the show, even hit, but the duo hit the crowd with "Block Rockin' This was the first visit ever from The Chemical in the 18 and up environment. Beats" by the third song. Brothers to St. Louis, and with any luck whatsoever, it Another hour or so was wasted on James Holyrod, a After a 40 minute span of hyped up dance anthems, will not be their last. great DJ to play on a CD, but boring and redundant in the audience was given a respite with a more mellow concert. After the ultra-long intermission, The Chemical song, with the projection screens showing a picturesque -CORY BLACKWOOD Brothers finally took the stage, at a quarter to midnight. sunset. Four minutes later, the break was over, and fren­ There was no trance music here, The Chemical Brothers zied dancing resumed. were all about Block Rockin' -Beats at the American. - October 1999 Page 6

With nine months of 1999 down, we can safe­ Election Bold, original, and ly say that 1999 has been a great year for enter­ A high-school movie portraying teens as what individual. Thank God tainment With the majority of TV premieres and they are: manipulative, smart, and driven. With a she returned to remind us major CD releases out., all we must do is await the cunning, scene-styling performance from Reese there is a sexier, smarter, Oscar buzz for the Wmter films. But don't wait Witherspoon. Forget Cruel Intentions, Reese as more talented alternative long friends, it's already begun with American Tracy Flick---a shameless, Student Government to Lolitas like Britney Beauty (one word, spectacular): President-wannabe-is the real deal. and Christina Eyes Wide Shut ''The Family Guy" Run Lola Run Stanley Kubrick's psychosexual date movie, Obscure 70's references, something to offend Sliding Doors on with Nicole Kidman giving a wonderful perfor­ everyone, and Stewie--that adorable British­ acid, cooler and trippier mance as the lustful, sexually-frustrated Alice. accented toddler hell-bent on world domination. than Trainspotting. The Beth Orton, "Stolen Car" Stewie after his mother sits a plate of steamed best German export The sweet sound of pity and envy from one of broccoli before him: ''It's better than sex!" since Katarina Witt Britain's premiere musicians, set to Ben Harper's Austin Powers: The Spy \\Tho Shagged Me Tori Spelling in roaring guitar. Perfect for driving with the win­ If any film could kick Star Wars out of Number Trick No, it's not a mis­ dows down on a cool afternoon. One, it had to be this one. Better than the original print Aaron's little girl eibo Matto Wild Wild West tanks. with Heather Graham's rising star as Felicity delivers a delicious, hilarious, scene-stealing per_ ivories and doing Gap ads; and two French Areported $120 million project with box office Shagwell, "Shagwell by name, shag VERY well formance. If there is a God, he'll deliver Oscar intakes of $110 million. Not even a Will Smith by reputation." Erykah BOOus. nods to Tori and Reese Witherspoon (in Election, Jay-Z anthem could save this bomb. -.. .on How Life Is Hip-hop, R&B, of course). Jigga Jigga What?!!!? Nine Inch Nails,-The Fragile Finally. Jazz, Pop, Hope, Life, Death, Longing. Finally, ''The Boondocks" Who? someone talented enough to deserve Billie American Pie The Blair Witch Project A contemporary look at racial differences that Holiday comparisons. Yes, it was Porley's in 98, but you laughed too. Raking in more than 100 times it's budget, the makes you laugh until it's hurts. The anti-Family psychological thriller will be on video in time for Cibo Matto-StereoType A Circus, it's real and hilarious. With Allyson Hannigan (as band nerd Michelle) Halloween. Note to Jan DeBont: Blair Witch is What's up, B? Wasubi. As innovative as the delivering a soon to be classic film line. Elliot Smith, Rufus Wainwright, and Les ger everything The Haunting wasn't: Gcx:xi Beastie Boys, there are fewer food references and Nubians: Better than "Show me the money" or "Do I make South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut less in French and Italian than in their awe­ you horny, baby?", it springs 'out of nowhere: The best kept secrets of 1998. Three obscure An Oscar-caliber score, the strongest anti-cen­ some debut Viva! La Woman, but no one can do it ''One· time, at band camp, I stuck my flute in artists that will never be accepted by the main­ sorship message in recent history. And, yes, I too like Miho and Yuka can. my ... " stream: a coffeehouse pelfolmer with a beautiful blame Canada TOli Amos- voice; a self-declarecl "opera-queen" tickling the ROB PEERRY October 1999

attitude and due to retire in a few weeks, who had heard a rumor about the map _and had the same thought about gold. Of course, someone would make a film They form a plan to set out the about the Gulf War eventually. I didn't next morning, tell know one _have high expectations for this film when I about the map, grab the gold, went to see it. I expected a simple and be back by noon. action/adventure film with a lot of humor Of course, a lot of this mixed in, where most of the enteltainment plan doesn't go as they is in seeing incredibly large explosions, expect. Writer/director David u.ribelievably close calls, and impossible Russell (whose previous films stunts. While there is plenty of action and include "Spanking the humor, it has a more realistic and serious Monkey" and "Flirting with side that took me by surprise. in stead of Disaster") did extensive the expected platitudes and pat answers, research on the war and uses a this film really does say something about very intense visual technique what happened in that war and how it to tell his story, and to show effected the Iraqi people. the audience, along with the The film opens at the end of the war. characters, that nothing is as The soldiers are almost idle, bored, picking simple as they thought. Very up Iraqi army stranglers. While strip creative cinematography searching all the captive soldiers, three gives this film an unusual George Clooney, Ice Cube and Mark Wahlberg star in Gulf War based 'Three Kings'. American soldiers (Mark Wahlberg, Spike look. When the soldiers are Jonze, and Ice Cube) discover a map hid­ alone in the desert, an overexposed look is to the ceiling, boxes filled with cell phones, recommend. den in a very personal place on one of the used to convey the stark brightness and heat piles of folded new Levis. The effect is as of the landscape, causing the audience to disturbing to the audience as to the charac­ Iraqi soldiers. Realizing that a map hidden (Now playing at the Chase Park Plaza, in such a way must have some very valu­ almost squint along with actors, and feel ters, and allows us to know what they are Esqu;re, and other theaters) able infonnation, they sneak off to look at their isolation and powerless against the feeling. it before turning it over to their command­ harsh environment. When the soldiers It appears that the filmmakers were CATHERINE MARQUIS-HOMEYER ing officer. Right away the talk is of gold, enter the Iraqi village, they can move going for a different kind of movie, some­ because they know that the bullion the Iraqi through the town almost as if they don't where between M* A *S*H and Lawrence took from Kuwait has not been found. exist while the Iraqi soldiers terrorize their of Arabia, but I don't think they quite While they are examining the map, they are own citizens. When they enter the bunkers made it. They did however make a very discovered by a Special Forces captain in search of gold, they find room after room enjoyable movie, one which is much better (George Clooney), a man with a cynical filled with consumer goods - TVs stacked than others of this type and which I would American Beauty is a complete package

AmI!I1Ciatt Beauty haired beauty and his daughter's friend, fnfon: 1/2 Angela (Mena Surari). The other event is Oscar aluards expected ~ 115 minutes the arrival of new neighbors a couple with a teenage son, a strange seeming boy who is "American Beauty" is a variety of rose, always video taping everything around noted for its large beautiful blooms of a him. These events set the changes in stunning blood-red color. In the film of that motion, and you may think: you know what name, Lester Burnham's wife grows these will happen but in this film, nothing and no roses in their yard along their white picket one is quite what they seem. Much of the fence. The flowers are seen throughout film is funny and :mme of it is disturbing. their home in clear glass vases that compli­ The cinematography and imagery create an ment the home's perfect but coldly imper­ intensely visual experience. The acting is sonal decor and the red blooms reoccur outstanding, with Annette Bening s perfor­ throughout the film. The blood-red roses mance as the driven but uncomprehending and the suburban perfection of the home wife and Kevin Spacey's character's trans­ ~ foreshadowing and we soon see that formation from powerlessness to rediscov­ "American Beauty" has many meanings in ery of self as standouts. this film. This film is sure to be in the running for The movie opens with voice-over narra­ the Oscars and other end-of-year awards, tion by the central character, Lester although I don't think this is a film every­ Burnham (Kevin Spacey), who tells us that one will like. This is not a feel-good movie, this is the story of the last year of his life. sometimes disturbing, but a film to make He is a middle-aged man with a wife you think. Carolyn (Annette Bening) and teenage daughter Jane (Thora Birch) and a very (Now at the Chase Park Plaza, new empty life. Everyone seems to regard him Creve Coeur 12, and other theaters) as a dolt, including his wife and daughter, who are also alienated from each other as CATHERINE MARQUIS-HOMEYER well. Two events then occur that bring about changes in all of their lives. At a high school basketball game while watching his cheerleader daughter'S routine, he becomes Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning start in 'American Beauty' a film about the smitten with another cheerleader, a blonde last. year of a mans life. Page 8

political songs ~ up Stereolab Th gT' 1U P rebounJ ~ \\ ell Life' i. dedicateJ tll the n m "Dots and Loops" or "Emperor Tomato fall n friend . Ketchup," but it still has the euphoric feel of TIle di. . i~n -l th ~ run l1f the mill 1999 hasn't been a good year for Th classic Stereolab. If nonsensictli lyrics set to a The\" thug il UP ' little m( re.. and Lost Boyz. Earlier thi ear they lo ~ t th fun, lighthearted beat are \V'hat you desire, look tIe I~: '. Q\'e'ul till a ·I.e i' di,- . foundati~n of their group when Freak _. Tab no further than ''Cobra and Phases." "\-Vant to was murdered. be let in on a small secret'? Ivlost of Stereolab's KEN DUNKIN lYlic are actually French political songs. "Vith Keeping their pace of one new album a that in mind, enjoy it just the same, because year, Stereolab offers us "Cobra and Phases you \von't understand it anyway. Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night." A CORY BLACKWOOD eird name for a weird album, as usual. This albwn lacks the g nius of previous albums like Dope doesn't create anythin new on their new release

The ne", -metal wa e rna htl fin ally rea bed. its z nith. Bands are be'ng churned

out th da·. and th und-; are starting (n CORY BLACK 0 D lend t oether. Dope doesn't break any ne\\ boundari with "F -ions and Re\'oluti n~uic ' :'

Len on ret rns on Stereo lab d·sc of second car e se Is!

Call 516·53 6 to adverti e! Being the son of a fonner Beatle is hard enough. Being an artist of the 80's attempting to make a comeback is even tougher. Julian Lennon burst onto the music scene in the mid-80's with his single . Much to Late" which catapulted. him to the top of the KEN D UNKIN charts. He released several more lackluster ake Music? discs which eventually spelled the end of music career. After taking several years Are you alocal~up looking for exposure? off he recorded "Photograph .Do you have a C , tape, or de~o recorded? Smile", his best disc ever. Lennon begins where his W"anttoseeitrevieW"edinTheCurrent? father left off with tracks such as "How many times" which You could be one ofthe lucky~ups tohave could have been recorded for y our disc re"17ieW"ed by our staffof D1usic his father's last disc "Milk and honey". The resemblance is . addicts. almost uncanny. Lennon stars on tracks such Sen..d elise, -tape, o r recor d -to: as the mellow "Day after day" which shows off his skills as a singer. The song is pretty boun­ THE CURRENT cy and the mellow guitar and ATURAL BRID G E 7940 R D •. beats onl y help to prove ST. LOUIS 63121 Lennon is back on top. ATTN: KEN/CORY He also recorded the very Beatle-esque "I Don't Want to