6 Aquinas THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2009 7 Arts & Life Editors Eva Piatek to release new Six things Alison Swety commentary by songs on the album as it brings joe wolfe back classic Decemberist form to do on Campus Comment Staff Writer with vocals that just don’t seem to mix well with its instrumental Arts Alexis Sullivan Life counterpart but somehow has & After releasing their most criti- Parade Day cally acclaimed album to date, the listener wanting more. It is a “,” back in 2006, song that would seem to fit well by Jess Abbott The Decemberists have readied on “Picaresque” but still has made And Sarah Hardy a pretty good home for itself on themselves for the release of their Staff Writers ‘columbinus’ provokes thoughts and emotion newest effort, “The Hazards of Hazards. Love,” March 24. The December- The album ends on several 1. Brian P. Kelly Memorial 5K Race commentary by ally be said is that the play gave ists have continually improved good notes, such as “Annan Wa- relatively stereotypical positions 11 a.m. — Join runners in the oldest michael le upon the sound they started out ter” and the fastest in pace of the race in the Scranton Area. Register Staff Writer to the supporting characters. The with on their first release, “Cast- four “Hazards” title tracks, “The jock is always seen with a base- from 9-10:45 a.m. at Lackawanna aways and Cutouts” (2001); this Hazards of Love 3 (Revenge!)” as College Student Union Center on About ten years ago, two stu- ball cap or sports t-shirt on, doing evolution of sound has reached its the upbeat instruments and har- Jefferson Ave. An award ceremony dents roamed through the halls, push-ups and shooting hoops. The highest point on “The Hazards of monization of youth vocals bring will follow. $12. library and cafeteria of Colum- nerd wears his belt too high on Love” as everything seems to click the full meaning of the song to bine High School, killing twelve his waist, with thick glasses and at the right time for effect. Hazards ends on its final 2. Bagpipes —Enjoy the traditional students and a teacher and in- a heavy book in his hand. The and company. title track, “The Hazards of Love music played by Leo Schott. Bal- juring twenty-three students. It preppie dares to wear two collars Following in the footsteps of 4 (The Drowned)” as the mood lina Pub and Eatery. Free. was after the rampage that the and dress shoes while the goody- previous such as “The is taken down several notches to killers both committed suicide. two-shoes gives school tours and Crane Wife” and “Picaresque” a purely acoustic song as Meloy 3. Parade Day Party 7 p.m. – Cel- This tragedy inspired the play prays habitually. These generaliza- (2005), “Hazards,” too, takes on a cries out to end the album “these ebrate with the Ancient Order of “columbinus,” which delves deeply tions try to suggest that such an form of a concept album as Meloy hazards of love/never more will Hibernians. The Twentieth Ward. into the psychological and mental event could occur in any school. narrates a continuous story from they trouble us.” $20. distress that the duo shared. The However, they could be distract- beginning to end. According to a It may be hard to say that “The play accurately depicts the events ing as these characters reiterate press release from the band via Hazards of Love” is The Decem- 4. Lyric Consort: Celtic Concert 8 leading up to this bloody tipping cliché after cliché. Top40 Charts and Capitol Records, 1” quickly shows the ravaged love to offer. This heavy sound tran- berists best release, thanks to the p.m. -- Enjoy Irish and Scottish mu- point and demands the audience As the play reached its end, the album is based on “Meloy’s of William as Meloy sings “My true sitions smoothly in sound but a many successful releases that they sic. Scranton Cultural Center. $10. rethink the way they treat others. muffled sniffles and quiet sobs long fascination by the British love went riding out in white and little shocking in vocals, to the already have under their belt, but it It gives a critical examination of could be heard in the audience as revival in the 1960s.” Meloy used green and grey/past the pale of song “Won’t Want For Love (Mar- does seem to be the case since it is 5. St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party youth and culture, offers a wide courtesy of bob gasper the list of the victims were writ- as inspiration for his “Hazards” an Aurthur’s wall where she went to garet in the Taiga)” which features easily their most complete album. —After the parade is over, party range of emotions and begs so- THE UNIVERSITY players stand tall in the last captivating scene of ‘columbinus.’ ten on the versatile background EP of the same name released by stray/and there she came upon/a the same heavy rock riffs but this “Hazards” is a done with a cash bar, food and music ciety to never forget the day that their own clothing, put on the lost souls were taken directly tained through the work by the props. The play was certainly no in 1966. The goal was white and wounded fawn/ooh the time with female vocals layered right for a change as the listener by Kilrush. Scranton Cultural Cen- high school was changed forever. clothes of their characters and from the recordings of their video use of minimal lighting and fan- ordinary stage piece. Rather, it to solely form a song with the title hazards of love.” With these lyr- on top. can follow the story from begin- ter. Free. At the outset of the play, the became Columbine students. This diaries. There were indeed some tastic stage props (huge pillars of served as a memorial to the vic- “Hazards of Love” but what start- ics is a song full of folk guitar and “The Wanting Comes In Waves/ ning to end not only by the lyrics actors explain that the play is small, simple aside was a power- places where the play went off on rectangular blocks). The sound tims of the school massacre and ed with just a song culminated percussions, which echoes closely Repaid” is arguably the best track but by the familiar riffs, percus- And of course: St. Patrick’s Day Pa- no ordinary stage performance. ful symbol, setting the tone to be a tangent, but these scenes either and music choices were astound- reminds us that something like into 17 tracks of music. These 17 to the sound that Her Majesty on the album as it contains all the sion beats and trade offs between rade 11:45 a.m. — The parade will “columbinus” is based on true dark, suggestive and misguided. provided much-needed comic re- ing as well. Each song matched this could happen again. Jason tracks are put together to tell the (2003) captured. elements of the album up to this male and female vocals that show begin on Wyoming Ave. in front events. The actors explain that the Remarkably, the plot stayed lief or more background on the the feelings of the set and offered Brubaker, Michael Bradshaw Fly- story of Margaret who is “ravaged The following song, “A Bower point; folk guitar intro, a trade off up continuously throughout the of St. Peter’s Cathedral, continue play’s goal is to show that the two factual throughout the play. Most characters. Overall, the script was great transitions to each scene. nn, Sean Patrick Gibbons, Jason by a shape-shifting animal; her Scene,” quickly changes the sound between strong vocals from Meloy album to help remind the listener down Wyoming Ave. to Lack- students were more than villains of the events that took place on carefully written and examined. The production staff outdid them- Mannion, Anthony Mercado, Sa- lover, William.” of the album as it starts with a and his female counterpart, heavy of what has happened up to this awanna Ave. and turn left onto with baggy, “trench coat mafia” stage took place in real life, al- The costumes were intricate selves in this piece and did a fan- mantha Morales, Katie Morrison This story begins with an in- “pounding” beginning as drum- percussions, and the heavy rock point in the story. Even though Lackawanna and Jefferson Ave. clothes and guns in their hands, though the playwrights did take and accurate, which chillingly tastic job of rotating props and and Vanessa Relvas took part in strumental track, “Prelude,” which, mer slams away on his riff, which has established itself there has been many good releas- It will then head left onto Spruce that the blame could not be placed some creative license to imagine added more realism to the already the background set. The feeling what can easily be called one of as the name describes, flows right drums. As the song continues, the as one of the primary focuses on es thus far in 2009, there is little St., turn right onto North Washing- on one person, that each charac- moments in characters’ minds. believable atmosphere. The ac- that another Columbine massacre the most important and thought- into the first title track of the al- influence that classic heavy rock the album. hesitation here in saying that “The ton Ave. and pass in front of the ter had a secret and was hurting Excerpts from real 911 calls were tors did a remarkable job portray- could occur any other day seemed provoking plays of the school bum, “The Hazards of Love 1 (The has had on this album is more evi- “The Rake Song” the first track Hazards of Love” is the year’s best Lackawanna County Courthouse inside and that this tragedy could boomed overhead. Scenes were ing each character well. Each one to linger even after the curtains year. Congratulations to those Prettiest Whistles Won’t Wrestle dent with its stereotypical sound- made available to the public off album up to this point. where judges will assess the best have been prevented through sim- based upon the Columbine sur- knew their lines and gave their closed because of the magnificent who performed in such a beauti- The Thistles Undone).” “Hazards ing guitar riffs that the genre has of Hazards is one of the catchier floats of the year. ple acts of kindness. vivors’ recollections. Even the characters flair of their own style. effort and production value. ful theatrical piece. The players then stripped off conversations between the two The dark, eerie tone was main- The only flaw that could re- Kelly Clarkson shakes up pop scene ‘’ delivers with vivid plot, graphics Women’s Center presents commentary by with newest CD ‘All I Ever Wanted’ traditional Irish session commentary by right. “If I Can’t Have You” could john mcgill actual superhero who has super may make you cringe, but these powers, and has the power to flaws do not restrain the storyline. tim simpson become a major club hit for Clark- Staff Writer prevent the country from nuclear Snyder crafts a graphic, ominous Staff Writer son while the ballad “Cry” has war, is Dr. Manhattan. Known as plot and at the same time makes the potential to draw in listeners Jon Osterman (Billy Crudup) be- light of the situation, as seen with Quality modern pop music is of Reba McIntire with its coun- fore he was caught in a freak sci- President Nixon’s unbelievably sometimes difficult to stumble try undertone. Other personal After twenty years in the mak- accident, Dr. Manhattan has the large nostrils. upon due to technological ad- favorites include “Already Gone,” ing, and ’ ability to see into the future and Aside from the grimacing vancements that deprive a song a ballad that sounds like it came critically acclaimed graphic novel cause people to spontaneously images throughout the movie, of its dignity. However, it is not straight from a Leona Lewis al- “Watchmen” hit the big screen. combust. “Watchmen” has an excellent something that singer-songwriter bum, “Don’t Let Me Stop You,” an Whether it hit it with a boom or The movie runs for two hours soundtrack featuring the likes Kelly Clarkson is likely to permit angst-ridden break up song that a bust remains to be seen. Guided and forty-three minutes and be- of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and with the release of her fourth stu- would suite Avril Lavigne’s tastes by the notoriously graphic direc- gins with the murder of the Co- Simon & Garfunkel. Each scene dio album, “All I Ever Wanted,” and “Whyyawannabringme- tor Zach Snyder, who directed the median, a former superhero mem- transitions smoothly using songs this week. down,” a head banger that show- film “300,” “Watchmen” is an am- ber of the Watchmen. Constructed perfectly suited for each scene. Clarkson is no stranger to the cases Clarkson’s ability to keep a bitious piece that strictly tries to using multiple characters’ flash- In one scene, Simon & Garfunkel’s twists and turns of the music crowded arena on its feet. “Save cover the lengthy storyline of the ety of catchy and upbeat songs. backs, “Watchmen” is told in mul- “Sound of Silence” chillingly cuts industry. Her 2007 album, “My You” is another meaningful ballad novel. This further establishes Clarkson’s tiple perspectives, which gives the to an expansive cemetery for the December,” was met with mixed that was produced by Ryan Ted- Written in 1986, “Watchmen” reputation as one of pop music’s film its own unique style. As mem- ’s funeral. reviews from critics and labeled der and samples a classic Mozart garnered a cult following within most multifaceted performers. bers of the Watchmen continue to With the combination of an in- “anti-commercial” simply because style bridge. Finally, “I Want You” the realm of comic book readers. OneRepublic frontman, Ryan get mysteriously killed off, fellow teresting plot, grand settings, the she refused to compromise her is by far the catchiest song on the The novel was not admired for Tedder, and some of pop music’s members and Night usual vivid fighting scenes and an unique tastes in favor of more ra- entire album. The lyrics are some- the usual comic book traits, such leading producers, Max Martin Owl II, played by Jackie Earle Ha- excellent soundtrack, “Watchmen” dio friendly songs. She eventually what cheesy, but the music brings as sexy, immortal superheroes, and Lukasz Gottwald, assisted ley and Patrick Wilson, begin to is a recipe for success. Some may went on to co-write every song on to mind poodle skirts and wait- but rather the realistic flaws in Clarkson in the creation of her investigate what is behind these say that it has been overhyped, the album, establishing her cred- resses on roller skates. the characters behind the masks. new album, including the album’s murders. Visually engrossing, the but for those who read the novel, ibility as a class act in the world Fans of Kelly Clarkson will not The story is depicted in a bizarre, successful single, “My Life Would movie is filled with epic sets of Zach Snyder makes an admirable of trite mainstream music. be disappointed with her latest ef- historically altered 1985 New York Suck Without You.” Clarkson also New York City and Antarctica. adaption of the book. Those who While “My December” was fort because of its diverse musical City with the country on the brink covered the songs “Long Shot” As always in comic book movies, did not read the novel may be a tinged with both acoustic and rock style and lyrical content. The title, of nuclear war with the Russians. and “I Do Not Hook Up,” which there are fight scenes, which Sny- bit confused at times, but overall sounds to incorporate Clarkson’s “All I Ever Wanted” will appropri- In “Watchmen,” the United States were previously recorded and un- der delivers excessively violently. Snyder’s graphic style will eventu- darker lyrics, “All I Ever Wanted” ately allow her to venture back win in Vietnam and Richard Nixon released by pop singer Katy Perry. The acting is mostly off-putting ally appeal to the moviegoer look- takes a courageous leap in the op- into the spotlight in order to shake is in his third term as President courtesy watchmenmovie.warnerbros.com Virtually every song on the and the one-liners by Rorschach ing for an entertaining movie. posite direction, delivering a vari- up the vapid pop scene. (which is funny in itself). The only ‘WATCHMEN’ DEPICTS the flaws of immortal superheroes. album is memorable in its own Campus Comment What is the best part of your Parade Day outfit?

“Shamrock boxers.” “Shamrock beads.” “My free t-shirt from Shamrockin’ Eve.” “My bright green leggings.” “My St. Patrick’s Day bib.” “My Dunder Mifflin t-shirt.” “My green t-shirt.” “The official 2008 Scranton Parade Day “My pants.” “The color green.” t-shirt.” Nathan Jerome Eddie Ocasio Mike Ritterbeck Nicole Sheets Ashley Surkin Georgia Rose Rob Honrath Nicole Scala Nick DeBari Beth Plotkin Junior, Middletown, M.D. Freshman, New York, N.Y. Senior, Scranton Senior, Mountain Top Senior, Downingtown Senior, Upper Montclair, N.J. Freshman, Monroe, C.T. Sophomore, Staten Island, N.Y. Junior, South Brunswick, N.J. Senior, Orange County, N.Y.