Album Review: The Naked and the Famous – “In Rolling Waves”

October 8, 2013

The Naked and Famous released their debut album Passive Me, Aggressive You in the fourth quarter of a tumultuous 2010. The synthpop indie album was a breath of fresh air, an anthem of happiness and energy. Listening to the New Zealand outfit’s catchy, pounding synth somehow makes you feel like everything is going to be all right. The wait between their debut album and its successor was only a couple of years, but the painful lapse felt far longer. At last, the follow-up In Rolling Waves is here, and it does not disappoint.

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Review – “Prisoners”

October 7, 2013

A short ways into Prisoners, there is a quote on the radio about the importance of patience and penance, and working through trying times. The Lord’s Prayer is uttered at least twice, and faith plays a prominent role. But every man has a breaking point, and different ways of handling hardships.

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Review – “The World’s End”

There is nothing inherently wrong with nostalgia, but if you’re not careful, you into one of those guys who listens to Springsteen’s “Glory Days” and utters the words, “High school was the best time of my life.” In Edgar Wright’s new sci-fi-comedy The World’s End, that guy is Gary King.

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Album Review: Nine Inch Nails – “Hesitation Marks”

September 18, 2013

Reznor’s music was always so full of hatred, solipsism and self-loathing, I’m pretty sure everyone thought he was going to kill himself. Between his anger and past drug addictions, I think everyone is just surprised that he now has a supermodel wife, two kids and is a well-respected soundtrack composer (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network).

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Review: The To Do List

September 17, 2013

Taking place in 1993, the movie revolves around Brandy Klark, played by Parks and Recreation’s Aubrey Plaza. Unlike her past roles where she was a malcontent or snarking hipster, Plaza’s Brandy is a tightly-wound nerd who has dominated all her classes and extracurricular activities, graduating top of her high school class.

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Review: Jobs

Although the role for Steve Jobs is played by the unexpected Ashton Kutcher, who’s most memorable from “That 70’s Show” as playing the notoriously unintelligent role of Kelso, he puts on a remarkable performance that’s captivating, and wistful.

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