Reviews and Commentary

808s & Heartbreak: Groundbreaking, Albeit Flawed

By Jack Selby (December 8, 2008)

THE KANYE WEST THAT WE KNOW AND LOVE IS GONE.
That’s right. Gone are the witty metaphors, the stereo-thumping production, the school themes, the notable guest appearances, the double-entendres, the ego tripping, and the ever-so-adorable Dropout Teddy Bear that adorned his first three album covers. What we get instead is a watered-down version of the artist formally known as Kanye West. Rap’s biggest superstar has been humbled.

For starters, I have to think of a new adjective to prefix Kanye’s name, because at least for the time being, he is no longer a rapper. The album will appear on Hip-Hop review sites; when I pre-ordered the album on iTunes, it was under the “Hip-Hop/Rap” section of music, and according to the all-knowing Wikipedia, one of the genres it is listed under is “Hip-Hop.” But trust me, aside from one verse in “Amazing” by Young Jeezy, and a little bit of rapping done in the hit single “Heartless,” that association of 808s & Heartbreak being a Rap album is a bold-faced lie. Kanye no longer raps, but instead… sings. And not even like John Legend singing, which would be perfectly fine. I’m talking about using an Auto-Toner, which for those of you unfamiliar with the terminology alone, is the thing that T-Pain has made so popular that makes voices sound like a robot. While this isn’t a terrible thing, it is clearly a cover-up for the fact that West is a pretty sub-par singer. I am also aware that in the opening paragraph for this article, I call Mr. West “Rap’s biggest superstar,” which would seem to contradict my previous rant, but I call him that because calling him “Auto-Toner’s-sort-of-singing,-sort-of-crooning,-almost-undefinable-genre-of-music’s biggest superstar” would be a little bit too wordy for a headline.

Now, you might think that with all of this negativity towards the album, the album would be borderline Soulja Boy/Kevin Federline bad (and yes, for those of you who may have forgotten, Britney’s Spears ex-husband made a rap album). WRONG! The album, despite being an unwarranted 180° turn in music style, is refreshingly good. Don’t get me wrong, it can’t touch The College Dropout with a 20 foot pole (in fact, even this album had a 20 foot pole, it couldn’t even come close enough to Dropout to violate a restraining order). But, it is still a very good effort by Mr. West that warrants the massive hype leading up to its release last Monday.

First of all, the production: While Kanye switched up his production style to match his newly-found vocal cords, the beats aren’t any less spectacular than they were from 2004-2007. None of the beats sound like typical Hip-Hop production, but the glitz and glamour from Graduation is still there. This time around, the production relies very heavily on emotion, as this is a much more personal album for Kanye. His mother, the most influential person in his life, passed away two months after the release of Graduation. His fiancée of six years, Alexis Phifer, broke off the engagement due to West’s inability to balance both family and his music. That is also one of the reasons that West decided to use Auto-Tune; it is much easier to express his emotion through singing, as opposed to rapping. Even though the singing may come into question, there is not a single beat that is any less than great.

As far as the singing goes, Kanye is all right, but not great, with the Auto-Tone. Far too often on the album, Kanye sings at a very slow, melodic pace that can result in nearly being reduced to tears of boredom. But as far as displaying emotion throughout the album, West hits the nail on the head, as every song deals with very sensitive issues to him, whether it be his lack of a love in his life, or his reluctance to accept his position as a mega-celebrity. Kanye also appears to be going through one of the earliest recorded cases of a mid-life crisis; “Chased the Good Life all my life long/Look back at my life, all my life’s gone/Where did I go wrong?”

Unfortunately, there are crippling flaws to 808s. Ignoring the obvious lack of rapping that made Mr. West so famous in the first place, not every song clicks. The lyrics often lead to the downfall of a song, particularly in “Bad News” and “See You In My Nightmares,” which have fantastic beats ruined by horrific lyrics. The latter, in particular, is made even worse by the presence of Mr. Lil Wayne himself, who joins in Kanye’s style of Auto-Tone singing, but ends up sounding like a dog minutes before being put to sleep by the end of the song, although to be fair, West isn’t much better in the song.

Another issue with the album is the brevity. Even though Graduation clocked in at only 51 minutes, the album had immense replay value, which made length a non-factor (his first two albums clocked in at over 70 minutes).  808s crawls to a 51 minute length as well, but that is including a six minute bonus track at the end, which is a low quality “freestyle” recorded live from a concert in Singapore, and the numerous songs where the final two minutes of the track are just an instrumental. When you take away the bonus track, and the two weak songs “Bad News” and “See You in My Nightmares,” you end up with only about 38 minutes of music with any sort of replay value, and that’s including songs that are only good, and not great, such as the album opener “Say You Will,” and “RoboCop.”

Yet another issue with the album is the lack of guests, and/or lack of good ones. Young Jeezy delivers an average verse on the otherwise amazing “Amazing” (pun acknowledged, not intended,) and Lil Wayne delivers a previously described verse (using that term loosely) that is reminiscent of someone gargling a cup of sulfuric acid in their mouth. The lack of interesting guests is certainly a disappointment, but when you consider the number of them steadily decline with each album, it certainly had to be expected.

In the end, 808s & Heartbreak is probably the most interesting album you will listen to all year, even if it is not the best. And to its advantage, it certainly exceeded my expectations. From the time I loaded the album to my iPod at 7:00 in the morning to the end of the school day some eight hours later, the only songs I listened to on my iPod were from this album. That has to say something, right?

Highlights “Welcome to the Heartbreak”; “Heartless” (anything close to a rap gets bonus points here); “Amazing” (stellar production and chorus); “Love Lockdown” (come on, everybody loves this song!); “Paranoid”; “Street Lights”; “Coldest Winter” (touching tribute to his late Mother.)
Lowlights “Bad News” (great beat, but the corniest chorus you will ever hear); “See You In My Nightmares” (spectacular beat, ruined by Lil Wayne, and not saved by Kanye).

Ruth’s Chris Raising the Stakes

By Becca Ward (December 8, 2008)

T’was the night before Thanksgiving and all through the kitchen, no parents were cooking, they went out to Ruth’s Chris.

Most people will agree, the holidays are unnecessarily stressful, but Thanksgiving Eve there was no tension to cut, only a juicy, perfectly seasoned filet from Ruth’s Chris restaurant in Tyson’s Corner. Greeted by a striking Italian waiter, he wasn’t the only thing steaming in the restaurant. Soon, mountains of seared tuna, veal-stuffed ravioli, and barbecue shrimp appetized our plates.

For the main course, lobsters, Alaskan king crab legs, and perfectly cooked filets crawled onto everyone’s plate and delighted everyone’s pallet. To top off the evening, the chef’s dessert choices were New York style cheesecake and crème brulee. It was easy to see why these delicious delicacies were chosen because by the end of it all, there were only a few crumbs left on the freshly pressed table cloth.

Not only was the food spectacular, but the décor was appealing to all senses. Classic wine bottles were the main display, along with gorgeous wood panels to accentuate those displays. The music was quiet and pleasant, and even the napkins were ridiculously soft.

As the charming waiter brought our check, I couldn’t help but glance over and gawk at the receipt. I should have assumed that such an astonishing, high end restaurant costs about as much as my phone bill for the next six months.

Ruth’s Chris in Tyson’s Corner is located on 8521 Leesburg Pike. Reservations can be made by calling (703) 848-4290.

No Ketchup?

By Jonathan Brooks (December 1, 2008)
 
I don't expect to have gourmet food for lunch, but I think we all deserve a little better than what we have been getting at Mason this year. I started eating school lunch as a freshman; it was either wake up a half hour early to make a lunch or go to school and buy a school lunch. Of course I, like many mason students, chose the second option because we are all sleep deprived from homework and that extra half hour of sleep in the morning is crucial to get us through the twenty minute presentation in English class. And actually, buying lunch wasn't such a bad idea for the first few years, but as time changed other things changed too, and some not so much for the better.

Since a nutritionist was hired to manage our school lunches there have been no French fries (especially the curly fries, my favorite) or Domino's Pizza, which were both replaced by new, and in my opinion, less delicious selections. Slowly even the infamous cookies started to disappear, and lately, all of the food has disappeared. What I mean by all of the food disappearing is specifically in regards to D Lunch, the last lunch period.  When food starts to disappear, that's when we have gone too far.
           
A week ago I was finishing up my ITGS class, and waiting for the lunch bell to ring. My stomach had been growling at me all day and I couldn't wait to get to lunch. As I went into the lunch line, I looked over to where I was expecting the chocolate milk to be. Where was the chocolate milk? I asked the lunch lady and she said, "We are out!" and only Skim Milk and 1% milk were left. That was disappointing. Then I looked at the sad tray of food sitting in front of me. It had a measly 4 pieces of chicken strips placed nicely together in the middle of the tray. I thought to myself, how are 4 little pieces of chicken going to get me through the day? This is lunch, it should last me at least close till dinner, and I have speed training for soccer after school, what am I going to do? I ate more food for lunch when I was 5!

I looked around for more, but I'm allergic to most of the side dishes and fruits, so I knew it would be only chicken today. I went to order my 4 little chicken strips and saw that I was out of money, even though two weeks earlier I had $60 in my account. Where did my money go? It went to buy double lunches because lunches like 4 little chicken strips will barely get me through my Calculus class. Today's lunch of 8 chicken strips cost me around $6, the price of a nice foot-long sub at Subway, with a bag of chips and drink. I became curious. Why are the portions becoming so small and why is the price becoming so high? We are just high school kids, looking to get fed; we don't have a fortune to spend on lunches. Are we really going to put up with this situation all year?          

The idea of the shrinking lunches began to annoy me more and more, and I began to notice the numerous complaints from my friends. "What is this? Didn't they serve this yesterday?" they would mumble, and I quickly caught on to what my peers were talking about after being served egg rolls three days straight. What the cafeteria posts online for the lunch menu is completely different from what they serve. For example, I will be eagerly anticipating "spicy chicken," my new favorite school lunch, but when I get into line all they'll have left are those blasted egg rolls! I soon learned that the lunch menu not only changes by the day, but also by the lunch period, so that what is served during A lunch is completely different from what is served during D lunch. Often, by D lunch the school is serving leftovers from Tuesday on a Friday.

This was all bad enough, but what has finally made me go over the edge, and what made me write this article, is when they ran out of ketchup. It was D Lunch, again, and they were serving those measly chicken strips, again. Everyone was frantically searching for the ketchup. "Have you seen the ketchup?" and "Excuse me, is there any ketchup left?" and the lunch ladies' response was, "No, we are out!" It was a Monday, and they were serving chicken with no ketchup to a bunch of ketchup fiends, and if you're like me, and put ketchup on everything, then you can feel my pain. I felt like Oliver Twist, "Please mam', may I have some more?" and the lunch lady's only reply is, "No more ketchup for you!" with an evil laugh; next time I won't even ask. So I sat there that day, dipping my little pieces of chicken into barbeque sauce, hardly a substitute, and even then it was not enough because I had gotten the last packet. They had run out of barbeque sauce too.

Lunch is the twenty five minutes of freedom we savor, that little hope we look forward to in the middle of class to escape the stress, and it is not something to be tampered with. But it is being tampered with, and we need to do something about it. We need to take action to bring back lunches that are filling and at least somewhat tasty and don't cost more than what you would pay in a restaurant.

Of Course the Book Was Better

By Rebecca Gomez (December 1, 2008)

The Twilight movie frenzy based on the bestselling book by Stephenie Meyer reached its peak the week before the movie premiered at midnight on Friday, November 24.  In the week leading up to the movie premier, the familiar black and red cover seemed to be passed from student to student throughout the entire school, making no exceptions. Girls in various grades made t-shirts proclaiming their excitement, and many Facebooks were plastered with stickers proclaiming love for Edward Cullen. News stations of all kinds, from E! News to evening news, covered interviews of the cast, largely because of the huge and insanely dedicated fan turnout.

Maybe all the hype made expectations rise to out of reach levels or maybe they should have waited until the director of the Harry Potter movies was free, because the movie was disappointingly sub par. Although the girls in the theater screamed with excitement when the undeniably attractive Rob Pattinson, who played main character Edward, came on screen, his acting skills were nowhere near as impressive. A number of lines that were intended to be romantic were delivered as cheesy or even creepy, making the romance between Edward and Bella seem unrealistic.

Bella, played by Kristen Stewart, played the reserved teenager with ease, although the character may not have been as likeable to the audience as she apparently was to Edward. The weaknesses in acting skills of the two main characters indeed crippled the movie, but performances by the father Charlie (Billy Burke), the vampire sister Alice (Ashlee Green), and Bella’s human friend Jessica (Anna Kendrick) helped the movie save face.

Charlie managed to be loveable and quiet yet subtly humorous and had the best performance of the movie; Alice was graceful, quirky, and likable without crossing the line; and Jessica was the perfect high school teen trying just hard enough to be liked, but not so hard as to be annoying.

The special effects had their moments, but had equal parts of OH MY GOSH and oh. my. gosh. And the background music and sound effects set the mood, but not the right mood for the movie at all, adding to the “cheesiness” factor hugely. Some parts of the movie were so cheesy the theater laughed when it wasn’t meant to be funny.

Only the most dedicated Twilight book fans should see this movie, and only with hopes to catch glimpses of their favorite characters turned to life. If you are still intent on seeing it, know that a giant imagination can turn this engaging plot into a great love story, but the reality is, this movie doesn’t do anything to help the story. Any other movie-goer, be warned!  Cheesiness awaits you.

Time for Kanye West’s Graduation

By Jack Selby (November 25, 2008)

After two undisputable classic albums, redesigning the way that music sounds, and giving fans and critics alike more than enough ammo to discuss him for long after we are gone, Kanye West decided to end his trilogy of school related albums in 2007.

And boy, did he go out with a bang! Kanye defied all logic and delivered his third consecutive critically and commercially successful album. Even in 2007, when album sales were at an all-time abysmal low, Kanye proved to be the major exception. Graduation not only went platinum, a rarity for a 2007 album, but did so in nearly one week! 957,000 copies of Graduation were scanned across the cash registers of America in its first week of release, the highest opening week total for an album since 50 Cent’s The Massacre sold 1.1 million copies two years prior.

Speaking of 50 Cent, he played a significant part in the high sales of Kanye’s albums. In July 2007, West moved the release date of Graduation from September 18 to September 11, which was the same release date as 50’s Curtis album. The two rappers then decided to garner publicity for their albums by hyping up the first week album sales battle. At one point, 50 Cent even claimed that he would retire if West outsold him in the first week (though he later dispelled those remarks). The war played off well for both albums, but Kanye’s ended up getting the best of the deal, outselling Curtis 957,000 to 691,000, partially due in part to the negative critical reception that Curtis received. Graduation, on the other hand, was about as good as they come.

I should mention that Graduation was actually the first Kanye album that I listened to, listening to his discography chronologically backwards. The reason I bring that up is because Graduation is structured noticeably different from his previous two albums, and people who listened to his first two albums non stop complained about that. There are no skits or intro, there are only 13 tracks, the album is only 50 minutes long, and there are no feature appearances by any familiar faces from the previous two albums. In fact the only guest artist who actually raps is Lil Wayne on “Barry Bonds,” although (I’m going to get a lot of heat for saying this), he sounds more like he’s gargling. The rest of the guests either sing or deliver the choruses.

Another interesting note is the lack of the school theme so prevalent on the previous two albums. This does make sense though, as the one song that actually mentions school is the opening track “Good Morning,” in which he mentions how he has officially graduated from school.

As for the thirteen songs, they are all good, save for one lone track, the dull “I Wonder.” The production sounds noticeably different than his first two albums. While that’s neither a great thing nor a bad thing, it will divide certain Kanye fans who loved College Dropout and Late Registration. This time around, Kanye uses persistent use of a synthesizer in his production, most notably in “Flashing Lights” and the #1 single from the album, “Stronger.” The production change is a necessary change, because while Kanye is still a fantastic producer, the beats sound new and fresh.

As for the rapping (after all, that’s why we all buy -- or for you cheapskates out there, bootleg-- the album), Kanye is still great, but he’s becoming noticeably slower. There aren’t as many witty punchlines or clever rhyme schemes this time around, but the charisma is still there.

Despite some of the negative aspects that threaten to rain down on Kanye’s parade, the song quality itself is still top notch. The aforementioned “Good Morning” is one of the most loveable songs of the year, with the dreamy beat and fantastic lyrics, it’s hard not to love. “I’m like the fly Malcolm X/Buy any Jeans necessary”? You can’t make this stuff up. Not to mention, the music video for the song is one of the funniest you will see from today’s generation of artists. The lead single off the album, “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” has one of the catchiest choruses ever, and the production is (surprise!) top-notch. And the final classic song on the album is the Chris Martin (Coldplay) assisted “Homecoming.” The rapping shows Kanye at his best, although that is partly because the verses were originally recorded in 2004, and the beat and chorus are some of the best that Kanye has ever created.

All of the other songs are fantastic as well, with the exception of the aforementioned annoying “I Wonder,” which is Kanye at his lyrical worst, with a flow that sounds like he woke up at 5:00 in the morning after two hours of sleep, and just recorded the verse off the top of his head. “Barry Bonds” is stellar in quality, despite the presence of Lil Wayne, for whom I would honestly rather cut both of my ears off than listen to for more than 30 seconds. “Drunk and Hot Girls,” much like “Drive Slow” from Late Registration, overcomes a terrible premise (because the song is exactly what it sounds like) to be a guilty-pleasure type of song. “Champion” sounds really cheesy on the outset, but it shows some of those witty punchlines that go AWOL more often than not in the album, particularly the line “They wanna see me drop gems [gyms]/Like I dropped out of P.E.” 

“Everything I Am” is a deeply personal tale of the serious nature of gun-related violence within the black community, why he avoids using it in his raps, and how the American people are hypocritical when it comes to reacting towards real-life-violence, yet is accepting of fabricated violence on rap records. “I know that people wouldn't usually rap this/But I got the facts to back this/Just last year, Chicago had over 600 caskets/Man, killing’s some wack [expletive]/Oh, I forgot, except for when n-----  is rapping/Do you know what it feels like when people is passing?” And the album’s closer, “Big Brother,” explains his love-hate relationship with his mentor, Jay-Z.

As for the radio singles, “Good Life,” “Flashing Lights,” and “Stronger,” they are all very good, although I am not particularly fond of the latter. I’m not the world’s biggest T-Pain fan, but he really works well on “Good Life,” and the production on “Flashing Lights” is unbelievable.

In the end, you can listen to critics who will try to convince you that Graduation is far inferior to his first two albums, but don’t believe them for a second. Graduation is not afraid to take new steps, and the end result is one of the funnest albums you will ever get your hands on. And it is the proper send off for one of the best trilogies of albums ever made by one artist. Thank you Mr. West.
Highlights “Good Morning”; “Champion”; “Stronger”; “Good Life”; “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”; “Barry Bonds”; “Drunk and Hot Girls”; “Flashing Lights”; “Everything I Am”; “The Glory”; “Homecoming”; “Big Brother”
Lowlights “I Wonder” (I know it’s cliché, but Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…)                    

Food Drive Success

By Mr. Adukkalil (November 21, 2008)

On Friday, November 21, 2008, the Thanksgiving/Holiday food drive concluded at the end of TA. This event was the first time I organized a canned food drive of this scale, and to tell the truth, I was scared about the whole thing. Doing something this important, on this scale allows for error. This “room for error” was never made known to me though, so to the GMHS staff and students I say, “THANK YOU!” Without your help, concern for your community, willingness to be involved and let a little competitive spirit fuel something worth while, we would not have collected OVER 1000 ITEMS! Way to go George Mason! A special shout out to: Evans Mandes, Ark Lee, Bennett Pribulka, and Evan Hicks for putting together the boxes and passing them out to the TA’s.
Happy Thanksgiving George Mason. 

Cappies Give Brigadoon Standing Ovation

By Keith Boylan of George C. Marshall (November 24, 2008)

(Photo Credit: Shelbi Aris Taylor)

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No! It’s a magical disappearing village that’s been flickering in and out of reality for centuries! Brigadoon, the musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, which tells the story of that village, played at George Mason High School last weekend.

Brigadoon is the tale of two American hunters, who, when lost in a forest on a vacation in Scotland, stumble upon a village shrouded in magical fog. Because of a covenant the townspeople of this village, Brigadoon, made with God, the village appears to the rest of the world only once every hundred years. But to the people of Brigadoon, each century seems like only one night. As a result of the enchantment, none of Brigadoon’s inhabitants are allowed to leave, for if they do the town will fade out of existence. This presents complications when one of the men from the outside world falls in love with a girl who lives in Brigadoon, and must choose between leaving her or leaving his century.

George Mason put on an excellent show, with superb acting, seamless effects, and sweet singing, as well as astounding orchestration from the first-class pit. Through moments both profoundly compelling and genuinely hilarious, Brigadoon maintained an air of excellence all night.

There was nary a lad nor lass in George Mason’s cast who didn’t give Brigadoon their all. Taking on the role of Charlie Dalrymple, a charming and charismatic young man of Brigadoon, Miles Butler performed fabulously. He exuded more energy than a fuel cell and more versatility than a rubber band, performing songs both marvelously merry (“I'll Go Home With Bonnie Jean”) and mystically moving (“Come To Me, Bend To Me"). 

The technical aspects of the show were brilliant, ranging from fog machines to city light backdrops. With the one exception of occasional microphone troubles, Brigadoon’s tech was smooth sailing. The set was beautiful and captivating, and the lighting was quite effective, especially when used against the translucent scrim as Brigadoon emerged from the mist.

With lots of time to shine in the many songs in the musical, George Mason’s dazzling pit band expertly created the sounds of Brigadoon. One of the best you could hear at a high school performance, the band was a real treat.

George Mason’s Brigadoon was a grand rendition of the 1940’s classic. Rather than cursed with a century-long night, the production was enchanted with an inherent ability to entertain.

Despite A Late Registration, Kanye’s Timing Is Impeccable

By Jack Selby (November 20, 2008)

The Sophomore Jinx; It’s a common plague that faces many musicians. The notion that after a tremendous opening album, the over-hyping and possible slight change in musical direction can lead to many musical fans (rightly or wrongly) declaring an artists’ second album to be far inferior to their debut. While some have been able to avoid it (Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP and Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back are not only considered their magnum opus, but are also widely regarded as some of the best Hip-Hop albums of all time) many others have fallen victim to the curse.  Nas’ It Was Written couldn’t hold a candle to his classic debut Illmatic, and Snoop Dogg’s Tha Doggfather sounded like a blooper reel of his classic first album Doggystyle. 

This dilemma was brought to the forefront in 2005, when Kanye West announced the follow up to his classic debut, The College Dropout. After an album that had such a profound impact on Hip-Hop and the way that it sounds, many worried whether West could not only retain the general style that had made his music so popular, but also give the public something new that would compel them to listen to the album.

Fortunately, there would be no such thing as a jinx on Late Registration. While it would seem nearly impossible to top his first album, Kanye comes pretty darn close. He’s changed his production style just enough to be more of a cinematic approach, but it still retains the familiar samples that made Kanye’s production so popular in the first place. As a result, the music here sounds much richer than on his previous album, and in many, ways, it is actually better.

The songs themselves cover even more ground this time around, with a wide array of moods. They range from a Christmas style theme “Heard ‘Em Say,” to promiscuous women (“Gold Digger”), triumph (“Touch the Sky”), a political message (“Crack Music”), a deep, personal narrative (“Roses”), utter epicness (“Bring Me Down”), conflict diamonds in West Africa (“Diamonds from Sierra Leone”), ego tripping (“We Major”), an extended thank-you note (“Hey Mama”), celebrating (the apt-titled “Celebration”), to a perfect way to end an album (“Late”). These songs also prove that Kanye is one of the very few “alternative” or “underground” rappers that can have fun without angering hardcore fans (“Gold Digger”), which can lead to a serious song one minute, and a song meant to get you on the dance floor the next.

While Kanye rapping in the technical department is roughly the same, he gives further example of why he is one of the best rappers of all time. An unsung need for great rapping is not only to sound good yourself, but to elevate the performances of those that rap alongside you to their top level. Paul Wall, who appears on “Drive Slow,” and Cam’ron, who appears on “Gone,” are both (how do I say this nicely?), terrible rappers. That being said, both deliver tremendous verses on each of their songs, which surprised me more than anything. I don’t want to live in a world where Cam’ron’s “poof-poof” rhyming isn’t there! That shows how truly great Kanye is as a rapper. Michael Jordan has always had the most talent of any basketball player in the world, but it wasn’t until he learned to trust his teammates and give them the ball more often that he started to win championships.

There are very, very few problems with the album, but they are present. While there are no bad songs, there are three less-than-stellar tracks: “Gold Digger,” “Addiction,” and the original “Diamonds from Sierra Leone.”  But all three have some sort of payoff. While I’m not the biggest fan of “Gold Digger,” it’s still a pretty funny song, and considering that you know it’s just the first single that should appeal to the masses, it’s hard to be mad at it. “Addiction” really just sounds like filler, but its position on the album tracks (number 11 to be exact) prevents it from ruining the flow of the album. And the original “Diamonds” only appears as a bonus track (i.e. one that isn’t really a part of the album itself, but merely just a little easter egg for the fans), and is instead replaced by the far superior remix, which features a needed discussion about said conflict diamonds, a better Kanye verse, and Jay-Z.

Another minor problem here are the skits. While the skits on College Dropout were both funny and relevant to the album, on Late Registration they are generally unfunny and come at very inconvenient times throughout the album.

Still, on an album that sounds so… epic (screw the thesaurus, there’s no better way to describe it!), it is incredibly easy to ignore the flaws, and focus on the highlights. If you liked College Dropout, there is no way you will not like Late Registration.

Highlights “Heard ‘Em Say” (I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually like the Maroon Five addition); “Touch The Sky”; “Drive Slow” (should be terrible, and yet it’s one of the best songs on here); “My Way Home” (although I wish that Kanye had gotten a verse); “Crack Music”; “Roses”; “Bring Me Down” (Incredible sound); “Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix)”; “We Major”; “Hey Mama”; “Celebration”; “Gone”; “Late”

Lowlights “Addiction” (Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…)

The College Dropout Delivers Some Smart Music

By Jack Selby (November 14, 2008)

[Note: In anticipation of Kanye West’s upcoming fourth album, 808’s & Heartbreak, Lasso will look back on Kanye’s previous three studio albums in the upcoming weeks, culminating with the release of 808’s on November 24. Today’s review will look back to Mr. West’s 2004 debut, The College Dropout.]

Kanye West is one of the most polarizing music figures in recent history. People either love him with a passion, or have their own personal Kanye voodoo doll. There are very few people that are in the middle ground when it comes to ‘Ye. I personally have been in both parties; for a long while, I hated Kanye because of his ego on television and radio. Looking back, the only conceivable reason that people can dislike Kanye is because of his ego that he displays. Once I began to listen to the music, I began to slowly remember that 99.9% of rappers are arrogant as hell, and never before has that stopped me from enjoying their music. Besides, anyone who has listened to West’s albums will tell you that the ego tripping he conveys to the public is almost certainly just an act. In his music, Kanye is not only humble, but pours his heart and soul into every piece of music that he releases.

This is most evident on The College Dropout, the 2004 debut that would forever redefine the sound of Hip-Hop music. Many critics were initially skeptical about the potential of Kanye. Known for his memorable production on Jay-Z’s albums, few believed that he could translate that success into great rapping, a dilemma that he elaborates on the closing track “Last Call.”  Not only that, but in a time where everything that appeared on pop radio was both materialistic and misogynistic, and was created by people who wore baggy jeans, large jewelry, and wore tank tops, West came in wearing pink polos and skinny jeans. He didn’t wear a throwback jersey, he grew up in better conditions than most rappers, and this all led to the doubts that West could appeal to the average Joe.

Not only that, but he was talking about uncommon themes for modern day rappers. The title and common theme throughout the entire album relate to school; he talks about religion, and overcoming a near-fatal car accident. To say the odds were stacked against ‘Ye would be like saying that Barack Obama elected President was only somewhat memorable.

But all of those doubts went right out the window when people heard the music. In a time where many musicians treat albums as a collection of songs, whether they have a cohesive sound or not, College Dropout sounds like… an album! There’s a common theme throughout the duration, which is something related to school and college. And the tracks all sound remotely similar to each other, and nothing sounds out of place here. In fact, the skits (aka, interludes), which are almost always the weak point of any album, are hilarious! Despite there being 7 (S-E-V-E-N!), they don’t wear thin at all, and are often the best source of humor on the album. The best ones are the ones about an unnamed person bragging about the incredible amount of college degrees he has, yet he is essentially homeless, and has a 9-5 job as the assistant to the assistant (who got the job by being the boss’s daughter). Through it all, he stays positive, knowing that he is the smartest homeless person in the world. The skits display Kanye’s distaste for school (hence, the album title, which West actually is), and how he is much better off for perusing his musical talent.

As for the songs themselves, I can all but guarantee that listening to each of these songs will result in at least one occasion where you will just smile, thinking about how smart that line or verse you just heard was. The beats (Kanye is a producer, after all) are fantastic. They all make great use of Kanye’s trademark style which include jazz-sampling and a technique called “chipmunk sampling.”  Chipmunk sampling takes a vocal sample, and speeds the vocals up very high and quick, ergo, sounding like one of the “Alvin and the Chipmunks.”  While people who attempt to copy Kanye’s style of production can make this very annoying, West knows how to use it well, and it sounds very fresh, even over four years later.

When it comes to the lyrics, many people (including Kanye fans) try to say that West is a sub par rapper. Don’t believe them for a second. Kanye is a tremendous rapper both in technical ability, and in terms of making the music come alive. This is especially evident on the most well-known song on the album, “Jesus Walks.”  “I ain’t here to argue about his facial features/Or here to convert Atheists into believers/I’m just tryin to say the way school needs teachers/The way Kathie-Lee needed Regis/That’s the way I need Jesus.”  Kanye is truly a magician with the microphone. Also listen to “Through The Wire,” where Kanye is mumbling through headgear, which he received as a result of a near fatal car accident two years prior. He has his jaw wired shut, and he is still making great music!

In terms of flaws, there are hardly any except “Breathe In, Breathe Out” which is just really boring filler.  Even though Kanye admits this during the song, that doesn’t make it any better. And some of the skits, particularly “Workout Plan” and the Intro, are a little too boring or unnecessary. Still, they are merely blips on the radar, and the rest of the album is 70 minutes of genius. Even if you don’t like Kanye West for how he portrays himself in public interviews, I ask you to listen to The College Dropout, and then try to convince yourself that it is not one of the best albums you have ever heard.

Highlights: “We Don’t Care” (hilarious!); “All Falls Down”; “Jesus Walks”; “Never Let Me Down” (the best song on the album, and Jay-Z is tremendous here); “Get ‘em High”; “The New Workout Plan” (also hilarious!); “Slow Jamz”; All of the “School Spirit” tracks; “Lil Jimmy Skit”; “Two Words”; “Through The Wire”; “Family Business”; “Last Call”

Lowlights: “Breathe In, Breathe Out”

Shining Some Light Upon Twilight

By Brianna Diffie (November 17, 2008)

For those devout Twilight fans out there, bare with me. I’m working from the deepest depths of my being to do this justice.

It all starts on the first page of Stephenie Meyer’s New York Times best selling novel; A journey led by a plain, average girl falling deeply, unfalteringly in love with a vampire. But so what?
Well let me begin.

~A New Life, An Enchanted Life, An Eternal Life~

Isabella Swan, Bella, moves to the “Olympic Peninsula of northwest Washington” from Arizona to live with her divorced, lonely father, Charlie, who seems more like an estranged uncle. From the very first moment Bella arrives in Forks, Washington, she loathes it. But this was her selfless gift to her best friend, her mother, in hopes that her mother could enjoy life with her new husband, Phil.

Bella desperately hopes to be invisible, especially on her first day of school in her new home. As a matter of fact, she expects it. But that’s not what she gets at all. Everyone in the small town of Forks has been expecting her. (It doesn’t help that Charlie is the police chief.)  Overwhelmed, Bella looks around and sees a lot of normal students. She scans (more or less) but doesn’t actually see. Suddenly Bella becomes aware of a special group. This group not only seems astonishingly beautiful but also seems very out of place. As Bella gawks at their abnormally beautiful features, she realizes one member of the group (a beautiful boy) is staring intensely at her. Ashamed, Bella looks away but replays the instant, over and over in her head.

It is only to be expected that he (the beautiful boy) turns out to be her lab partner in science class, which just so happens to be next. She learns that his name is Edward Cullen and he becomes the beautiful boy that ignores her every science class.
It’s not until Bella is heroically but unusually saved by Edward Cullen that her curiosity escalates. She was about ten seconds away from being flattened by a van when Edward saves her life just in the nick of time and leaves an indent of his hand in the side of the van.
Normal? I think not!

Bella makes it her mission to find out what and who beautiful Edward Cullen actually is.
He is nothing less than a beautiful vampire with supernatural talents!

Unafraid, Bella falls in love with her heroic vampire.

It’s a love story, yes, but also one with enough of a twist to make it an uncontrollable obsession.

After you’ve devoured the first book, you’ll want to plow through the other three books in the saga. No reader is able to withstand the passion seeping from every page of this book. Yes, the book appears to be thick, but you’ll breeze through it unexpectedly fast- probably because each chapter begs to be read in quick succession. This is something author Stephenie Meyer has a talent for.  This captivating novel enchants by swooning and seizing.

Girls, if you don’t already, you’ll want your very own vampire, your very own Edward Cullen.  And boys, duh, you’ll want to be like him!

In an interview from the newest December/January issue of Cosmo Girl, Cam Gigandet, the actor who plays the bad guy, James, in movie of Twilight talks on behalf men who may be attracted to this novel.  Gigandet states, “It’s not a genre I normally read, with all the romance. But when I did, I loved it. There’s an air of mystery that surrounds vampires in general. And I think every guy longs to be viewed that way.” When he was asked about Edward’s character his response was, “The amount of love that he and Bella have is something we all crave and desire. You want to be loved like that, you want something that deep and intense.”

Those of you who are still unsure about reading what is often described as a cheap romance novel, let me help.

I actually heard about this novel last year, over spring break. I had a friend who even told me the whole plot. I swore that I would never read it. I was lying to myself the entire time.

It actually wasn’t as popular as it has recently become, but I started noticing it in stores and would hear people young and old talking about it. Again, I thought to myself, “So what?” but began to feel more of a pull, some of the enchantment seeping off and leaking my way.

Summer rolled around and I was getting ready to go on a camping trip. I figured I’d need something to keep myself occupied for hours out in the wilderness and went book shopping. I brought a friend along, a friend who had not read the book and who is also deathly afraid of vampires. Big mistake. What provoked me to ask her opinion on whether I should invest a little money and purchase the book, I don’t know. But I did and didn’t get it.

It wasn’t until school started and I was out shopping for school supplies that I actually bought the book. I started it that night and finished it in a total of four days. I stole every minute I could to immerse myself in Bella’s mythical and beautiful world. I needed more of her addiction, using it to escape reality.
I was ready to begin the second book in the saga but my mom prevented me, making me wait five weeks until I took my SATs. No joke, I went through a depression.
Nerdy as it sounds, it’s true.

If you’re still a skeptic, I ask you to let your inner nerd come out and fly free! Join the George Mason coven of Twilight fans.  Go out and buy it, or check it out from the GMHS library –there are 15 copies!

In addition, (maybe more of an incentive to read the book this week) Twilight the movie opens on Friday across the country. 

Winters in The Cold Vein

By Brandon Graig (November 12, 2008)

Cannibal Ox’s The Cold Vein is an album I stumbled across recently, and I’ve become immersed in the atmosphere and mood the album generates.  Produced by El-P, this hip hop album has a constant frosty feel to it, and I like it when albums create visual feelings and take on a constant temperament. 

The Cold Vein has the deepest and darkest production I’ve ever heard; it’s as if the drums drip indigo and the samples create a blue world for rappers Vordul Mega and Vast Aire’s lyrics to dwell in.  The albumopens with “Iron Galaxy,” a liquefied number carried by a synth and string line from Atlantis, roaming keyboards drowning in the dampened illustration of life.

The next highlight is “Vein,” and personally I think this is the track that shows off El-P’s unique production the best.  The track is ruled by Vordul and his intense confessional verbosity and backed up by Vast Aire’s unique style of delivery.  The drums and samples of this track sound as if the noir films were molded into the future, with nostalgic piano samples and turquoise torrents of mechanical sounding drums.

The album comes to its epic close with my two favorite hip hop songs of all time, “Pigeon” and “Scream Phoenix.”  The former song sums up the glacial feel of the whole album, comparing the frigid feeling of pinions like despair and the inability to overcome with the struggle of a pigeon.  “Birds of the same feather/flock together/congested on a majestic street corner/ that’s a short time goal for most of them cause most of them would rather expand their wings and hover over greater things,” Vast Aire utters, as his descriptions of cerulean emotions flow over the misty landscape El-P creates. 

The latter is the perfect closer; massive deafening explosions of angelic choirs ooze off of mind bending lyrical images, “I’m not made of organics, not even wires... meanwhile we now possess the power of ten suns to transcend and elevate into one.”  The beautiful choir and slick guitar line that flows throughout the song is the perfect end to the album, a beacon of light trickling through the storm. 

This album is an audio canvas, and it’s one which Vast Aire, Vordul, and El-P paint a perfect blue.

Appearance v. Reality: The Changeling

By Ryan Sedmak (November, 13 2008)

Clint Eastwood's newest film, The Changeling, explores the realms of the tensions between the appearance of a situation and the reality. The opening scene depicts Los Angeles in 1928, an image that is all too perfect. A single mother, Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie), returns home after to work to discover that her nine your old son is missing. After calling the police she is told that an officer would not be available to handle her case in the next 24 hours and to be patient. Months later, Collins is contacted by the police-- they have found her son. However it soon becomes evident that the boy presented is not her son Walter.

After receiving letters from doctors and teachers who all confirm that the boy is Walter, Collins declares the boy is in fact an imposter. Collins then releases a press statement, saying that she and the public were lied to by the police. What follows is a series of events that expose the corruptions and manipulations of the L.A.P.D. in order to cover up their own discrepancies. The hearts of audiences will be shaken by the injustices and the tragedy that surround this true story.

With her infamous lips dramatically stained throughout, Angelina Jolie delivers an Oscar worthy performance. Without the casting of such a strong actress, the role would have suffered, as well as the movie. Reportedly, however, she was initially reluctant to join the cast, stating that the theme made her particularly uneasy, due to having children herself. Despite these hesitations, Jolie does the role justice, truly honoring the life of Christine Collins.

Audiences should be aware of the prevalent dark themes of the film. Which explore the realms of insanity, torture, and the death penalty. Eastwood said that he wanted to create scenes that were so realistic that they were almost unbearable to watch. The film reveals to viewers certain aspects that are imperative to understanding certain pains and hardships that are realities to others.

Nightly Eats: Clyde’s Restaurant

By Rosalyn Kaddache (November 10, 2008)

Don’t know where to eat on a Saturday night? Why not try Clyde’s Restaurant, located at 8332 Leesburg Pike in Tyson’s Corner? It’s a perfect spot for those American, seafood or steak lovers.

An exquisite restaurant, Clyde’s restaurant is very well designed, with many floor levels containing side bars, booths, and petite round tables. It is elegantly surrounded by big trees on the outside and beautiful paintings on the inside.

Walk through their revolving doors into a place filled with soft classical music, crowds of people enjoying their food, and the clinking of glasses. The ladies’ bathroom is equally nice, with nice music and samples of lotion and make-up.

The restaurant smells delicious, with waiters carrying their best dishes and delivering them to their customers. I enjoyed the fact that one does not have to wait long to be seated. Waiters are helpful and friendly, as well as considerate towards food allergies. I went to Clyde’s on my mother’s birthday and one of her friends is lactose intolerant; even the slightest trace of butter sent the waiters apologizing to quickly make a new meal. This restaurant is also affordable; meals are usually $21-$30.

The meals this restaurant serves are delicious. Signature dishes include the House Smoked Baby Back Ribs and their monthly special, Maine Lobster or Filet Mignon. There is also a kid’s menu with chicken nuggets and fries. Their desserts are equally scrumptious, like their baked apple pie, ice cream, and mango sorbet servings.

This is the perfect “special occasion” restaurant, for Homecoming or other important events. So, why don’t you give it a try?

The Ladies Take Over

By Joy Nystrom (October 23, 2008)

Since the music of Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Britney Spears was discovered, their faces have been splashed across the media.

Now at the top of the iTunes top ten list, these artists are making hits better than their previous ones.  

With another comeback, Britney Spears is now number one on the iTunes top ten list with her recent release of “Womanizer.” The song is an easy listener. This new song from Britney also shows her new sense of music since her last major hit “Gimme More,” which was at the top of iTunes top ten last year.

Next on the list is Rihanna. Even though T.I. is the main artist for “Live Your Life,” Rihanna makes it a truly awesome song. With an awe-inspiring tune and a great melody, the blend between Rihanna and T.I.’s voices composes a splendid song. With the lyrics “You got to live your life, no matter where it may take you,” the song is about people with problems and how they overcame those problems, so that they could live their life.

The third top artist of the top ten iTunes list is Taylor Swift. Swift’s new hit “Fearless” starts as another catchy country tune and climaxes with a rockish melody. The song is another from Taylor Swift that is fun to sing along with and fun to dance to. The song talks about taking chances and being fearless in everything you do.

The girls have made another great appearance with these songs and now it is a wonder as to what the rest of their albums are like.  Britney’s new album Circus, Taylor’s new album Fearless, and T.I.’s new album Paper Trail featuring Rihannna are all in stores now.

Killer Soundtrack

By Christina Dacanay (November 6, 2008)

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is a charmingly predictable teenager movie that showcases a romance between two sensitive, misunderstood, and indy-infatuated youths. Where it lacks an original plot and falls victim to the predictability that goes along with romantic comedies, it makes up for with relatable characters, youthful humor and a killer soundtrack. 

The movie begins with Nick, played by Michael Cera (Superbad, Arrested Development), a sensitive sweetheart who just had his heart broken by his foxy, cheating girlfriend Tris (Alexis Dziena). Nick also plays guitar in a band with two other boys, Thom and Dev, who happen to be overtly homosexual and act as hilarious contrasts to Nick. Acting opposite Cera is Kat Dennings (The House Bunny, 40 Year Old Virgin) in the role of Norah. She's a straight-edge push over, constantly dragged around to social events and forced to take care of her wild-child best friend, Caroline (Ari Graynor) who happens to associate with Nick's ex, Tris. One thing leads to another and the next thing you know, Nick and Norah are trying to trick Tris into thinking they are dating when they've only known each other for a few minutes! Along with this, a very drunk and reckless Caroline gets lost and it's up to the two of them to get her back. Twist, turns, confusion, and hilarity ensue in suit. 

As previously stated, Nick and Norah is nothing particularly new. The viewer knows where the two of them end up before the movie starts. Not to mention that Michael Cera seems to be appearing as the same socially awkward but innately good teen for every role he's ever landed. Yet, these aspects don't necessarily make Nick and Norah dismissible. It is an outstanding date movie, chocked-full with moments that are perfect for putting your arm around a certain someone. It also takes on the challenging task of describing New York City's musical underworld. NYC seems to be a character of it's own in Nick and Norah. Compared to the glamorous upper-class Manhattan showcased in Sex in the City, Nick and Norah gives a glimpse into the dirtier, grungier, and honest portrayal of the city. The soundtrack features artists like The National, Modest Mouse, and Tapes n' Tapes.

Long story short, if you're looking for something you've never seen before, then look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for some tasteful teenage humor, that trademark Cera awkwardness, and an easygoing movie with comical characters then give Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist a try.

Spring Awakening

By Katie Buenneke (November 4, 2008)

If you’re wondering why this review is titled differently from all my others, you may be very surprised to find out that words fail me. If you’ve ever met me in person, you know that I am a rather vocal individual, so the fact that I can’t even start to describe this musical should say something. The word “amazing” is the only thing that comes to mind, but to me, that word is too bland and overused to even begin to describe “Spring Awakening.”

“Spring Awakening” first opened at the Eugene O’Neill Theater on Broadway on December 10, 2006. It proceeded to make a verifiable sweep of the 2007 Tonys, bringing home eight, including Best Musical. I was first introduced to the soundtrack a few weeks after its release, but recently, I purchased the entire album and was stunned by the musical mastery composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist/adapter Steven Sheik show in the stripped down songs. Even taken out of context, they are completely relevant to a teenager’s life in some way or another. Seeing the musical, however, and how they fall into the storyline really enhances everything.

The musical is set in a small German town in the 1890s (it’s based on the Frank Wedekind play of the same name from that era). It revolves around the extremely sheltered youth of the town, namely Melchior, Wendla, Moritz, and their friends. Their lack of knowledge about certain parts of life leads to a lot of trouble, and seeing this resolution is truly jarring. Melchior is a freethinker and revolutionary of sorts, who is attracted to the naïve but intuitive Wendla. Moritz, Melchior’s friend, is going through a really rough patch in both school and life, and does not know where to turn for help.

Spring Awakening takes every concept the viewer has ever had about a Broadway musical and completely turns it around. The staging is the most unusual I have ever seen, and the music is unlike that of any musical I have ever listened to. However, this unusual approach pays off, resulting in the most innovative and touching musical I have ever seen. The cast I saw is extremely young and new to the Broadway scene – 16 out of the 20 cast members were making their Broadway debut, a fact that makes the events of the musical quite believable. The cast, led by Hunter Parrish (“Weeds”) as Melchior, makes the production feel very private and intimate. The pure, raw emotion Parrish gives off in one of the closing scenes is so heart wrenching that, days later, I am still moved thinking about it.

I only had one problem with the entire musical, and it is an easily remedied one. Some of the sung chords did not quite “lock,” and while Parrish’s voice was spectacular at the end, I could tell he was a bit shaky at the beginning. But other than that, my only complaint is that the musical closes on Broadway January 18. However, the national tour will be at the Kennedy Center July 7-August 31.  If you, reader, take my advice to see just one movie or play I have ever recommended, see “Spring Awakening”!

High School Musical 3: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

By Katie Buenneke (November 4, 2008)

While the positive cultural impact of the High School Musical franchise has never been more than negligible, I have always enjoyed watching the straight-to-TV Disney Channel movies of the first two installments of the series. They provide a sort of extremely wholesome escapism that alludes to the classical days of the musical. However, when I left the theater after viewing Senior Year, the newest movie in the franchise, I was happier to escape than enjoy the escapism.

Kenny Ortega (HSM, HSM2) has, with each movie, gotten more and more ambitious. The first was simple, with few sets and minimal post-production on the songs. The second went to a country club (whoa!), and clearly had a bigger budget, but still retained the made-for-TV idea. However, with this new movie, so much is going on that the film gets even more ridiculous than ever.

The idea behind HSM 3 is that it is the whole crew’s senior year of high school. Troy (Zac Efron, Hairspray) and the rest of the basketball team feel the pressure to win States so they can get into a good basketball school. Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) can’t decide between Stanford and the people she loves. Kelsi (Olesya Rulin), Ryan (Lucas Grabeel), Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale, “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody”), and Troy are all up for one full-ride Juilliard scholarship. So what do they decide to do? Make a musical about it, naturally! Oh, and they invite friends Chad (Corbin Bleu) and Taylor (Monique Coleman) along for the ride as well.

The plot, if you take it for what it is, is actually relatively decent. I could relate to some of what the characters were going through. Nevertheless, that does not negate the bad parts of the movie. It is obvious throughout that all the characters are lip-syncing. Often, the actors will open up their mouths, and it’s so produced that it sounds like T-Pain is performing. The ironic part is that many of the songs would be a lot better stripped down, but that’s just not how Disney does it. Ryan and Sharpay lead a number that is supposed to be an homage to old Broadway, I guess, but just ends up looking like a cheap knock-off of The Producers’s spoofs. They set the film up for a sequel, and it is painfully obvious that High School Musical 4, whatever it may be, will not live up to the expectations the first three have set for it. Additionally, the character of Sharpay becomes even more insufferable and bratty.

Senior Year is not worth an $8 trip to the movies. I think that for me, at least, part of the allure of the High School Musical series is that they are like movies, but you get to watch them at home for free. With that in mind, I’m sure Disney Channel will be airing it ad nauseam in about a year, so if you have basic cable and want to see this movie, I recommend waiting until it’s on TV. Plus, then you can snicker at whatever you want and not receive angry glares from the tweens around you.

Passengers

By Becca Ward (October 29, 2008)

Saturday night brought mild confusion and a disappointment with the new movie Passengers.

Anne Hathaway plays a striking therapist named Claire Summers, grief counseling a troupe of airplane crash victims. She’s a confused, but witty girl, who asks way too many questions.

The movie seems futile at first, as her relationships with the victims grow and one by one they disappear. She takes a particular interest in one of her patients, Eric, played by Patrick Wilson.

The victims seem to be followed everywhere they go, even to their therapy meetings. Once Claire finds out the airline is the one sending out these spies, she decides she needs to figure out the truth about the crash and fast, before all of her patients disappear.

Once she is able to solve the mystery, an interesting twist is applied to the lethargic film.

Passengers is a movie for viewers more interested in the looks and persuasion of the actors over the actual dialogue and plot.

It isn’t a movie I would recommend for intellectuals, but if you’re looking for background noise while eating dinner, this movie is a must have. 

Fall Playlist

By Louis Henninger (October 27, 2008)

(Photo Credit: Louis Henninger)

Fall, a season of transition, the beauty of life sighing its last breath before falling into a three month slumber. Trees of gold, crimson and amber rustle in the cooling wind as skies are painted in a bright shade of grey. Light rain brushes the skin like feathers slight enough to arouse goose bumps. The sun’s appearance is short lived as the moon resides over the earth for the majority of the day. Flickering street lamps replace the cascade of warm colors like dim candles after an array of spotlights. Put on some headphones and take a walk through this haze of change and beauty.

To fully appreciate fall, slow down and disconnect from your normal life. Forget your overloads of homework and nagging parents and focus on the beauty of the earth. After all, without it you wouldn’t be here right now. To help you out, I have prescribed you with the “Fall Playlist.” Take a portion of your night out to walk around and take a listen. Many subjects who engage in this walk-and-listen claim to feel a lack of stress. This may lead to positive effects such as patience and a significant loss of anger. Other side effects include a love for mother earth. In few cases, some patients claimed to have become “hippies.”  If this occurs, please reduce repeated listens of the playlist until winter.

Doctor’s Prescription:
“Winters Love”- Animal Collective
“Vampire Forest Fire”- Arcade Fire
“Saltwater”- Beach House
“Jacknuggeted”-Caribou
“Drums Gets a Glimpse”- Liars
“The Moon”-Microphones
“I’m Not”- Panda Bear
“Dead Employee”- Papercuts
“Another Day Another Night”- Psychic Ills
“Something’s Come From Nothing”- Super Furry Animals
“Damage”- Yo La Tengo

Quarantine Leaves Viewers With Inadequate Space

By Becca Ward (October 23, 2008)

It was a Wednesday night, the theaters were empty, and the only sounds heard were the blood-curdling screams of a New York apartment resident.

This in-your-face scene alone haunted my dreams last night as I returned back from the Courthouse Metro Station after seeing the new thriller, “Quarantine.”

The film starred Jennifer Carpenter as a New York reporter named Angela Vidal and her flirtatious love interest, firefighter Jake, played by Jay Hernandez. In the beginning, the movie seemed light-hearted as she took a tour around the New York Fire Station in hopes of catching some of the firefighters in their natural habitat.

While watching this movie, the beginning captured my attention right away as a relationship between one of the firefighters, Jake (played by Jay Hernandez) and Angela develop a flirtatious relationship.

But soon enough, the sirens were activated and Jake, his partner “Fletch” (Johnathon Schaech), Angela, and her camera man (who shot the entire movie) ran to the truck and on their way to a soon quarantined building.

This is where the film took a turn for the worst. The brutality and violence that arose as soon as they entered the building countered considerably to the amusing, entertaining nature with which the movie had started.

With a surplus of death and gore, the last 45 minutes of the film left me feeling sick to my stomach and covering my eyes. I was speechless, leaving me inept to recommend this movie to any of my fellow weak-stomached viewers. 

Bathroom Review
KEEP OUR BATHROOMS CLEAN!

By Jordan F. and Gabriella M.
September 10, 2008

(Photo Credit: Gabriella Mikiewicz)
So how does George Mason fare in the occupational, health and safety stakes? How may times have you entered the bathrooms and discovered wet toilet seats, temperamental flushing mechanisms, or a mess spread around the floor or the sinks? Do you want something done about it? We’re ready to start. We don’t want you to be surrounded with a dirty, unhygienic environment! George Mason High School takes pride in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the students in other areas of the building, why not the bathrooms? It is our responsibility, as students, just as much as it is the school cleaning staff that spends hours maintaining these areas. Let’s do our bit and keep it clean. After all, we are the ones who use the bathrooms more than anyone. As a few Lasso Online staff members went around inspecting the bathrooms (the guy’s bathrooms too!), they were smelly, unclean and disappointing. Each and every day, 820 students use the bathrooms, don’t leave a mess for others to confront. If we take a little more care with our cleanliness, our restrooms won’t have the appearance (and stench) of a portaloo in the sun. We need to close the lid on this dirty situation or bathroom maintenance will go completely down the drain! 

SOJA Plays Stunning Set in Return to State Theatre

By Quinn Casteel (October 6, 2008)

(Photo Credit: Caleb Barratt)

Local reggae group Soldiers of Jah Army (SOJA) played a dual show at the State Theatre in Falls Church on Saturday night. The performance consisted of an early show for fans 18 and under which started at 5:30 and an alcohol friendly show followed. Knowing that a large portion of their audience is made of kids under 21, the band refused to play at the State unless fans of all ages would be allowed to see them play.

SOJA’s set consisted of a brilliant variety of traditional reggae sounds as well as many innovative twists on the genre. They opened with the upbeat “911” and stuck with that tempo for a lot of the night with more sentimental songs such as “Open My Eyes” and “Faith Works” mixed in. The band also broke out several unreleased songs which did not provide the same charisma as many of their well known pieces. They closed with an extended rendition of “To Whom it May Concern” from the EP “Stars and Stripes.”

Two Latin American horn players accompanied the band to provide a new dimension to the band’s already unique sound (the pair is also featured in many songs on “Stars and Stripes”). The colorful trumpet and saxophone artists showcased several elegant solos, utterly charming the audience.

Frontmen Jacob Hemphill and Bobby Lee were energetic and captivating as usual; the two dread-head’s voices were harmonious and in-sync for the entire show.

“SOJA seemed to be thriving off the audience.” noted longtime SOJA fan, Michael Duning.

While the acoustics of the theatre were not ideal, no one seemed to mind as the crowd was primarily made up of devoted fans that were just happy to be there. “It was a really nice personal experience with a great local band” noted Caleb Barrett, another devout fan of the group. “They really know how to make you feel welcome. It’s a great vibe, and great sound.”

Saturday marked the first time in almost nine months in which the Arlington native band performed at the State Theatre. Despite being a local favorite for the last couple years, playing regularly at the State Theatre and other local venues on a regular basis, the band has spent the last eight and a half months touring across the country as well as South and Central America as their popularity has skyrocketed on a more global scale.

Upon the band’s request, 100% of the evening’s net proceeds including ticket sales and memorabilia were donated to Sudan where they are dedicated to building the country’s first ever school. The concert was nicknamed “SOJA for the Sudan,” and the band preached about their charity work between songs several times, making their Rastafarian message clear that helping others should always be a top priority. “It was a great show for a great cause” said Duning.

DC Digs: “Acid Tongue”

By Katie Potrykus (October 6, 2008)

If you were out Thursday night looking for temple services and you came across the 6th and I Synagogue, you’d be out of luck.  The only heavenly sound that came out of those doors that night was the sound of the ever-glorious Jenny Lewis.  Kicking off her fall tour with the release of her new album “Acid Tongue,” this indie folk/rock singer-songwriter decided to make a stop in D.C.

Prior to arriving at the concert I had been misinformed.  I thought that I would be there to see Jenny Lewis and perhaps one opener.  I was wrong. The show began promptly at 8:00 with Michael Runion and his band.  They were pretty good – if you like hearing the same song over and over again for a good half-hour.  While he wasn’t the most impressive songwriter, his voice was quite pleasant and the use of harmonies made the music bearable. 

The most amusing Benji Hughes graced us with his presence at the end of Michael’s set.  He was off to a great start as he walked up to the stage with three bottles of beer in his hands.  The best part of his set, besides his deep bass voice and his foot-long gray beard, was the tee shirt he wore – two sizes too small and covered in holes.  With humor squeezed between songs, Benji’s set was enjoyable, but couldn’t keep the audience from squirming in the pews.  We wanted to see Jenny Lewis!

When the time came for the woman of the hour to appear, she did so with such grace that I nearly had goosebumps.  She and her band waltzed out of the backroom singing “Run Devil Run” acapella, and right up onto the stage.  The crowd went wild once she had taken her spot behind the microphone, and the entire ambiance of the room had changed.  There was not one moment when the audience wasn’t completely engulfed in her music. 

Her set included songs from her album “Rabbit Fur Coat” (with the Watson twins), as well as her brand spankin’ new album “Acid Tongue.”  Her band was tight and she sang so beautifully that I could have stayed there and listened to her all night.  But 45 minutes and an encore later, the show had come to an end.  The way we all walked out of that synagogue, one would have thought our souls had been taken over by a divine being – and they would’ve been right.

Falling Into Fall

By Ryan Sedmak (September 29, 2008) 

(Photo Credit: Ryan Sedmak)

Drinking coffee at the Broad Dale Starbucks, the one next to the creepy motel. Pumpkin Spice latté? Yum.
Bonfires at night, that finally make sense with the fall weather.
Watching the Redskins win on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Hearing the brass and boom of our high school band performing.
The orange frosted Oreos, instead of the typical bland white.
The Falls Church farmers market that is bursting with fall produce to make delicious hearty meals.
Incredible sleeping weather that makes you want stay under your cocoon of blankets forever.
Easier to avoid cancer causing sun rays.

A return to drinking traditional hot coffee, instead of mammoth cold "coffee" concoctions.
Pumpkin-centric foods, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin ravioli?
Whining about how early winter holiday decorations come up.
Studying/reading a novel next to a crackling fire.
Listening to the shuffle of leaves outside.

Watching horror movie marathons at 3am in the morning a week before Halloween. 13 days of Halloween on ABC family anyone?
The start of fantasy football.
The arrival of great running and biking weather.
Falling asleep in front of the TV during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and missing Santa…again.
Dressing up on Halloween and trying to get candy, despite the fact that we are all far too old.

Tomato basil soup from Cosi.  
Late night excursions to Virginia corn mazes.
Buying Pumpkins that you intend to carve, but never actually get around to doing.
Rosy cheeks without the less engaging runny nose accompaniment. 
The mosquitoes die. DIE!
It’s apple everything…apple cider, apple pies.


Email us why you love fall at lasso@fccps.org

Igor Has a Few Monstrous Problems

By Christina Dacanay (September 28, 2008)

Sitting in a theatre at 7:45 during a movie's opening night with barely a quarter of the seats filled I began to wonder if anyone even knew about the latest animated feature "Igor". Granted, it was not well-advertised and was produced by Sparx which, compared to the goliaths of Pixar and Dreamworks, is a small-time animation studio, but the premise seemed appealing enough. The movie advertised itself as a kid's film that tries to do with horror movies what Shrek did with fairy tales: avoid clichés with loveable characters and humorous quips. As Igor began with a misplaced soundtrack and poorly written narration I slowly realized that there was a reason that people stayed away from these little-league animations.

This 80 minute movie takes place in Malaria, home to all the greatest mad scientists in the world. If you're born with a hunch on your back in this particular town you're destined to be an Igor- a slave to mad scientists, forced to pull switches, drag machinery and talk with a slur. There is one particular Igor, voiced by John Cusack, who has taken to inventing things on his own. Igor's two less-than-successful creations are Scamper (Steve Buscemi) the immortal yet nihilistic and suicidal bunny, and Brain (Sean Hayes), not the brightest brain in a jar. When Igor's boss, Dr. Glickenstein, falls victim to an experiment gone awry, Igor takes it upon himself to win Malaria's annual Evil Science Fair and to prove once and for all that Igors can invent. He creates Eva, who has the looks of a homicidal monster but the temperament of a budding actress who very badly wants to play the orphan "Annie."

Throughout the movie I couldn't tell which audience Igor was trying to please. It inserted action and obvious kid-jokes but also tried to play the edgy adult-humor tune. While the kids may be content with cheap slapstick, adults and teenagers may find themselves impatiently looking at their watches. There are a few moments that can give every audience a laugh, but most of the sarcastic humor goes over the heads of little kids and just doesn't hit the mark for older audiences.

The visuals of Igor are where it picks up the slack. Very reminiscent of Tim Burton's “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” Igor plays up the angular and oddly-proportioned. There is certainly a consistent style that any visual artist or graphic designer could appreciate, but even the most lovable of characters can come across as looking too dark and grotesque for smaller children. Igor looked like a more mature animation but was written as anything but.

All in all, Igor was mediocre but doesn't have high prospects next to WALL-E (and the comparisons are inevitable, especially because both the female protagonists phonetically have the same name). I found myself cringing through Eva's rendition of "Tomorrow" and fidgeting in my seat due to the sugary sweet moral ending. If you want my opinion, rent “Igor” to keep the little kids busy while you watch "The Dark Knight" again.

The Stand Ins by Okkervil River

By Louis Henninger (September 17, 2008)

(Photo Credit: Louis Henninger)

Okkervil River's new album, The Stand Ins, is the sequel to their last album, The Stage Names, and rides the wave of success built up from last year's work of art. But unlike most sequels, Okkervil River delivers an album that should meet the expectations of advent fans and cause new comers to flock to their nearest record store. Riots will break out and many will be injured trying to hunt down a copy of The Stand Ins but if you manage to pick one up, feel free to indulge in the haunting stories and the grandiose arrangement of instruments that appear throughout the album.

If you have managed to make it home alive with the album (I almost didn't, a fire truck almost took me out at an intersection at Baileys Crossroads) then press play and please disregard this review. As for the unlucky few who have yet to hear the album, imagine you are stranded on a ship. You realize the maps you have, have been marked incorrectly and a storm is coming near that will surely do your ship in. In the distance, you hear drums running at a brisk pace. The bass flows up and down coolly like the waves on a brisk summer day. You see bubbles below the ship and a man surfaces playing guitar and crooning at the top of his lungs. You wipe your eyes furiously and pinch yourself but the man doesn't go away. He seems to be singing about you and your crew. You grab the lyric book and in distress realize your imminent demise and that you are a part of the imagination of mastermind songwriter, Will Sheff and his first song “Lost Coastlines.”  It is not uncommon to see such strong imagery when listening to Sheff’s story telling and ultimately it is Sheff’s lyrics that cast the dark shadow the album presents.

Yet people more interested in Okkervil River’s beautifully arranged instrumentation will find as many upbeat tracks as there are mournful. “Pop Lie” is by far the peppiest, most straightforward track Okkervil River has to its name while boasting the lyrics “and he’s the liar who lied in his pop song, and you’re lying when you sing along.” Yet trying not to sing along would a crime and what’s the harm in one lie?

But the centerpiece of the album, “Blue Tulip” rises above the rest as Sheff’s most personal and epic song. Stripped down to just acoustic guitar and distant piano, Sheff belts, “They’re waiting to hate you so give them an excuse” before the drums pick the song up into gear. Verse by verse different instruments weave in and out as Sheff’s vocals are doubled with distant shouting. By the end, Sheff’s crying out “Goodbye!” as the guitars intensely fire out the best slacker solo since Pavement’s epic “Fillmore Jive” released 14 years ago. It’s the obvious high point in an album where every song seems flawless.

In fact, I could write and praise every track one by one in a 10-page essay. But you don’t need to read that. Instead, check out the Stand Ins online or at their myspace and dive into a world unlike any other you’ve experienced.

 

“Music Builds” Tour Brings Down the House 

By Ana Petillo (September 19, 2008) 

(Photo Credit: Ana Petillo)

Nissan Pavilion was shaking with expectation as hundreds of hoarse teens chanted “Switchfoot, Switchfoot!” this past Sunday. The feature performers of the night, an alternative rock group from San Diego, provided a set of raucous, fist-pumping songs that kept kids and parents alike swaying to the beat. The night filled with contemporary Christian music raised money for Habitat for Humanity and other volunteer organizations.

I’d gone with high expectations- my friends had told me Switchfoot was even better in concert than on their bestselling CD, which sold 2.6 million copies in 2003. After hearing the first pounding beats of their hit single “Stars,” I knew I wouldn’t be let down.

Jon Foreman, the lead singer/guitarist proved to be charismatic as he bounded across the stage, played a guitar solo with his mouth, and jumped into the crowd, holding the hands of those around him. Needless to say, every teenage girl in the stadium went home voiceless that night. The eye-candy of the complex light sequences, smoke generators, and huge LCD screens added a whole new level to the atmosphere, making Jon and Co. seem close enough to touch.

Their set varied from old songs to new, although they tended to stick to the more popular, upbeat tunes. A talented violinist was featured for a few songs, including the band’s newest single, “This is Home,” which was featured in the Narnia release “Prince Caspian.”  Out of Switchfoot’s six CD’s, most people are familiar with the newer albums, but that didn’t stop the band from closing their dynamic set with one of their oldest songs and a hit single, “I Dare You to Move.”

“It’s hard to find a band that sounds as good live as they do on CD these days,” commented Nancy Ritter, a long time fan. Most would agree; with all of the digital editing and lip-synched sets these days, it’s hard to remember what a genuine performance sounds like. However, if you like a band that sounds as good up front as they do on CD, check out Switchfoot’s latest album “Oh Gravity!” Better yet, next time they’re in town, get some tickets and prepare yourself for catchy tunes, incredible vocals and stunning visuals. Friends of the ‘Foot, raise your lighters high.

Going Underground

By Louis Henninger (September 16, 2008)

(Photos and Art by Louis Henninger)

Question: what contains drunken banter, smoke as thick as fog, sticky floors, and heat worse than Death Valley? A DC concert! But with so many concerts happening each night, it’s impossible to see all your favorites play. That’s why I have highlighted upcoming concerts I really think you should see this September.

Highlighted Venue of the Month

The Black Cat
The Black Cat, located on 14th Street in DC, is a two story venue containing two stages. The back stage hosts small local bands and indie bands emerging into the music scene. The main stage hosts bands with larger fan bases. The Black Cat is a fairly small venue and is generally a transition stage for bands breaking into the big leagues. So try to see your favorite bands here before they get big! A huge bonus here is the musicians tend to sell their own merchandise. This means you can talk to them, get an autograph, trade CD’s with them or offer them a place to stay for the night. Notable acts that have played here include The White Stripes, Arcade Fire, Radiohead and Modest Mouse. It’s great because now all these bands sell out arenas in hours… funny how things change.

Information Key- Date, Bands Playing, Time, Cost, Venue

September

Fri Sept 19- Sunset Rubdown w/ Parenthetical Girls, starts at 9:00, $13, Black Cat main stage
Sunset Rubdown is keyboard-tastic! Hailing from Montreal, keyboardist and vocalist Spencer Krug creates his songs like mazes; songs that go in every direction and force every hook he can find into 3 minutes. Feel like you’re getting lost? Check them out on the 19th but make note that the streets of DC is even more of a maze than the songs.

Tue Sept 23- Built to Spill performs Perfect From Now On w/ Meat Puppets and the Drones, starts at 7:00, $25, 9 30 club
Built to Spill have been around for 16 years and have 6 albums under their belt with 3 of them regarded as indie rock classics. Perfect From Now On happens to be one of them, and now you can see it played in its entirety at the 9 30 club. Sound a bit overwhelming to know the set list in advance? Well don’t worry because the encore will consist of fan favorites and possibly new songs (crossing my fingers here). Go check it out and tell me about it because I’ll be listening to the CD at home in unison with the concert for kicks and giggles.

Wed Sept 24- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah w/ Wild Light, starts at 8:30, $15, DC9
Oh Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, you guys are such goofs! Why are you playing at such a small venue? You could easily sell out the 9:30 club and allow more people to actually get tickets. Now your show is sold out and all your George Mason fans won’t be there to support you. But wait kids! There is a second show on October 14th so get a ticket fast before they sell out again. Unfortunately DC9 is 18 and over so only seniors can attend. 

Thu Sept 25- Oxford Collapse w/ Takka Takka, starts at 9:00, $10, Black Cat back stage
Ahh, the early 90’s were quite good. Remember all those classic indie rock acts like Pavement, Built to Spill, Dinosaur Jr. and Yo La Tengo? No? Well it’s alright because Oxford Collapse sounds like the child of these wonderful bands. Their new CD “Bits” boasts a collection of slacker anthems good enough to get your lazy basement buddies into the club. Plus, I’ve heard their live shows are quite good.
Also check my review for their album “Bits” in the distant future, I’ve just ordered it! (Oh UPS, you are so darn slow.)

Farewell kids! This concludes this months feature of must see concerts in the DC area. As I said before, email me if you attend any concerts this month at louhenninger@gmail.com. If you are interested in any of these bands I would be glad to burn you a… I mean direct you to the nearest record store to buy their CDs.

Burn After Reading: What You Don’t Know MIGHT Hurt You!

By Katie Buenneke (September 14, 2008)

Burn After Reading, the newest film by the Coen Brothers (No Country for Old Men, O Brother Where Art Thou?) cannot be easily described. There is a lot going on, often at the same time, so while watching, viewers may feel confused. However, the ending does bring (almost) everything together in an ending that is unconventional but fitting (JK Simmons from Juno makes an amusing appearance here).

John Malkovich (Of Mice and Men, Being John Malkovich)is Osborne Cox, an extremely profane ex-spy. Everyone knows someone like him, or someone who will be like him when he or she grows up (though hopefully without pulling a Raskolnikov like Cox does later in the movie).

The film begins with his demotion, which prompts him to quit and write his memoirs. Little does he know, his wife, Katie (Tilda Swinton, Adaptation, the Narnia movies) is having an affair with Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney, Ocean’s Eleven, Good Night and Good Luck), who has a serious problem with monogamous relationships. Harry encourages Katie to get a divorce, and after speaking with her lawyer, Katie gets Osborne’s financial information (and his memoirs), burns them on a disk, and brings them to her law firm. The disk accidentally ends up on the floor at Hardbodies Gym, where it falls into the possession of plastic-surgery obsessed Linda Litzke (an adorable Frances McDormand from Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and Almost Famous) and the affable but clueless Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt, Ocean’s Eleven, Mr. and Mrs. Smith). They believe the disk contains valuable information, and try to blackmail Cox. This sets off a whole chain of misadventures a la Romeo and Juliet, which almost drives the viewer to smack his or her head in aggravation.

Some of the plot points are completely out of the left field and may leave the viewer befuddled. The acting was very good, with especially impressive performances by Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt. The stills of Pitt dancing to his iPod are ubiquitous, and are even funnier in the movie. It’s amusing to see what ends McDormand’s Litzke will go to in order to pay for the elective cosmetic procedures she thinks she needs.

I’m not really old enough to be quite “tuned into” the Washington scene, but many of the bureaucratic scenes elicited chuckles from the audience, so I can only guess they are relatable. It was funny seeing so many familiar sights, like the Key Bridge, though there were some inconsistencies that any Washington-area native would notice – there’s never just one car in Georgetown at night!

Overall, though I was occasionally confounded by Burn After Reading, I did enjoy it. I would recommend it to any one who has ever worked for the government or heard stories about it; other viewers may not find it relatable.

Note: Burn After Reading is rated R (with good reason), so anyone under 17 is legally obliged to see it with a parent.