September 2008

From the Associated Press:

***Photo credit: thecollegevoter.com

Have you ever wondered what the overly dramatic singing style of the villain’s song in a Disney movie would sound like if it were forcibly entangled with an extremely heavy dose of futuristic industrial rock? Yeah, me neither. Nevertheless, this concoction is real and interestingly enough, it’s not half bad. Reminiscent of the rock publicized by an older version of Powerman 5000 and the storytelling delivery of lyrics similar of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, this style persists through the soundtrack to Repo! The Generic Opera, a film due out on November 7th. With such an eclectic group of performers including Paris Hilton, Clown of Slipknot, Steven Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, and Melora Creager of Rasputina, it was surprising to find that somewhat of a consistency existed throughout the course of the soundtrack. Even more so, I was shocked to blatantly catch myself making a ton of connections to other, completely random songs, regardless of the fact that all of the tracks are original compositions.

Although the plot of the film is claimed to be a splice of concepts coming from “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Blade Runner”, it can be inferred that the plot is driven through the eerily familiar melodies, rather than the overly elaborate musical motifs that many other productions derive from. Furthermore, it can be stated that this musical breaks some of the molds of a “normal” show by dumping vulgarity everywhere, creating very graphic images in your head. I found myself laughing at the crudeness but also acknowledging the idea that this film may after all be a genuine rock opera it declares to be. All of the music debunks any signs of delicate pampering.

In the end, it’s really hard to make a judgment on the soundtrack without any context of the film. The tracks were always strangely recognizable in ways I cannot precisely comprehend, which only drew my attention. I also found myself getting into some of the sounds, particularly the ones that included some traditional opera with profound rock tempos. However, without perspective of the movie, I don’t know if I’d ever see myself listening to this soundtrack; the older Powerman 5000 stuff can still really fulfill my moods. But with consideration of the music after looking at the trailer, I can say that if you’re looking for a new movie that has huge potential to become the next big cult classic, this is definitely for you. It’s “Sin City” meets Broadway—even I’ve got to admit that’s going to be an interesting and twisted mess worth checking out.

***Media credit: YouTube.com

What does Philadelphia suburbs indie pop-rock sound like? A lot like The Scenic’s debut full-length album “Find Yourself Here.” This local band found a fun sound that earned them a spot on Vans Warped Tour this past summer and the eye of mtvU. “Find Yourself Here” is exactly what you’d expect from a pop-rock album with a little extra pop and rock on the side. That being a good or bad thing is up to your taste. However, I can assure you that the album is nothing short of catchy, upbeat, and fun. So if you’re looking for a local band to support, The Scenic’s a band that will guarantee that you will dance and sing along.

Track one, “Lights Out”, assures you right off the bat that beyond catchy tunes, The Scenic is able to provide you with creative lyrics like “Sold my soul for rock n’ roll/ I never even played a guitar” that will definitely get stuck in your head. The album winds through various themes including life, love, and being lost at sea with a Mr. Bones. Somewhere in the middle a slower piano-heavy song, “Take Your Time”, will give you a break from all the energy found throughout the rest of the LP. The album finishes up with a well-chosen final track, “Follow,” that includes powerful echoing vocals as well as a mix of slow and fast paced tempos.

Overall, you’re not in for a mind-blowing album but if you happen to pick up a copy of the CD, you’re not getting anything less than what you paid for, a catchy pop-rock album.

The Scenic will be playing an ALL AGES SHOW at the North Star Bar in Philadelphia on October 14th with The Goodnight Anthem, The Bigger Lights, Sparks the Rescue, and The Study Band.

***Photos courtesy Anna Clay/The Triangle

Actress Rachel Leigh Cook, Josie and the Pussycats, and actor Mehcad Brooks, Desperate Housewives, were in front of Mandell Theater today encouraging students to vote.

Triangle Photos by Dave Hernandez

As a part of a USGA initiative, the Drexel shuttle is currently providing transportation to Trader Joes and Fresh Grocer for students.

“Basically you get to TJ’s and take the shuttle back to campus or you ride the shuttle to Center City, and get off on the way back, and then take it back when you’re done shopping,” Shams Naim of the USGA said.

There are two different shuttle loops, according to Kristen Smith, president of the USGA.

“The Dragon Shuttle loops to 22nd and Market and the Blue Route stops at Fresh Grocer.”

According to Naim, the stop will also serve as the shuttle stop for Utrecht, the art store that many Drexel students have to go to to buy supplies for classes in architectural engineering, design and merchandising, art, etc.

Visit the Shuttle Brochure for times and more information.
http://www.drexel.edu/facilities/ShuttleBrochure.pdf

On September 27th, 2008 Campus Philly held College Day on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Triangle Photos by Dave Hernandez

Drew Barrymore and Zach Braff are no longer coming to campus tomorrow, according to Sean Miller, President of Drexel Democrats.

“Everyone is disappointed and we don’t know why that happened,” Miller said.

However, Miller said that Rachel Leigh Cook from the movie “She’s All That” and Mehcad Brooks from ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” will be on campus tomrorow. Stay tuned to The Triangle for the time and updates on the event.

Presidential candidates met for their first debate Sept. 26 in Oxford, Miss.

Senators John McCain and Barack Obama took a break Sept. 26 from Senate negotiations over the economic bailout plan to engage in the first presidential debate of 2008. McCain had originally called to have the debate postponed, but Obama declined the request, and the McCain campaign agreed early Friday to participate as scheduled.

Jim Lehrer of PBS moderated, doling out questions on the economic bailout, taxes, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and other issues. The economy was a last-minute addition to the slate of questions, as the current crisis demanded the candidates address it in some fashion.

Lehrer encouraged the candidates to talk directly to each other, an activity that is generally not part of formal debate ettiquite. Obama seemed to take to the style change well, frequently addressing McCain by his first name and attempting to make eye contact. McCain seemed to be more comfortable in a traditional debate stance.

A new talking point emerged from McCain during the debate; on many occasions he stated that Obama “doesn’t get it” or “doesn’t understand” various issues — a new, direct approach to painting the young senator as inexperienced. Obama continued to tie McCain to the current administration, pointing out that the senator from Arizona has voted with Bush 95% of the time. McCain parried by calling Obama the “most liberal” senator, though this claim is difficult to measure.

Notable exchanges included discussion of earmark spending, nuclear energy and the arguable success of the Iraq war thus far. The candidates also engaged in a debate of diplomatic semantics when Lehrer asked about Obama’s July 2007 primary debate response that he would “be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea.”

Both candidates performed strongly in the debate, and neither has been declared a definitive winner. What do you think? Voice your opinion in the comments!

Missed it? See NYT’s interactive video and transcript. See also their fact check of statements made throughout the debate.

Photo credit: CNN.com/AP

Drew Barrymore and Zach Braff are coming to Drexel Sept. 29 to help the Drexel Democrats register students to vote, according to drexeldems.org.

They will be on campus from 10:25 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. to raise awareness of the Oct. 6 deadline to register to vote, according to an email from the Obama campaign.

Media Credit: drexeldems.org

If you haven’t heard of The Morning Light, it is time to check them out. This pop-rock band based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have definitely found a sound for their new self titled album that differentiate them from the ever-growing genre. They hit the studio with producer, Matt Goldman, and created a record that falls somewhere in between Jack’s Mannequin’s “Everything In Transit” and All Time Low’s “So Wrong, It’s Right.”

The album starts out with an energetic tune, “Wake Up”, that is sure to catch any listener’s attention. The track listing flows nicely on covering the usual love songs and a mix of daily life themes. Amongst poppy melodies, the band incorporates subtle classical sounds that enhance their debut LP. Track four, “Virginia”, reveals traces of a Beatles sound while songs like “Have You Tonight” include brass instruments that instill a jazzy vibe. After listening to this album once, you’ll have lines stuck in your head that you won’t mind being there. You may be sick of Sara Bareilles’, “Love Song,” but The Morning Light’s “Done Writing Love Songs” sheds light (no pun intended) on a similar theme that leaves you with a song you can embrace. By the time track eight, “Honest,” is reached, it’s apparent that all the lyrics are just that, honest. The record comes to a conclusion with upbeat track eleven, “Movin’ Along,” after a slower song, “This Way”, properly leads you into it.

The album, released on Fearless Records (Plain White T’s, Sugarcult, The Maine) is now available in stores as well as online. If you’re looking for pop-rock band with something a little different to offer, I suggest you buy a copy. And if you happen to like it, catch the band live on their current tour.

The Morning Light will be playing the TLA this Wednesday, Oct. 1 along with The Rocket Summer and Phantom Planet.

***Photo courtesy Erin Yaeger.