"Arcade Fire" Music Review

Arcade Fire, the Canadian indie rock band, has recently released its highly anticipated third album The Suburbs. The band’s previous albums Funeral and Neon Blue showcase their unique and distinct sound—their use of instrumental strumming combined with smooth vocals, compliments their intoxicating lyrics.

The Suburbs stays true to the band’s melancholy sound while branching out into a strong beat and up-tempo bass. Yet, The Suburbs incorporates a set of forthcoming lyrics that exposes the internal emotions of the band, despite the album’s songs being relentlessly chorale. The music strings together as if it is telling a story. The band’s inspiration for the album’s lyrical content was Win and William Butler's upbringing in the suburbs of Houston. According to NME Magazine and Win Butler, the album "is neither a love letter to, nor an indictment of, the suburbs - it's a letter from the suburbs."

“Ready to Start” utilizes a multi-layered rhythm that stirs their audiences’ attitude. While “Half- Light I” is a softer down-beat song that balances out the dramatic tracks of the “My Body is a Cage” or “Rococo.”

Overall, The Suburbs is a solid album that combines tradition and strong levels of musical content. Arcade Fire’s third album starts off strong and grows stronger. It is a collection of songs that challenges the previous set and continuous to evolve.

"Piper's Story" Game Review

I'm not usually interested in computer/ video games, however, a new game has peeked my interest. "Piper's Story" is different then the traditional game. Aside from the story plot, the game is aesthetically pleasing. Each new level has unique details-- as if it were a moving, interactive painting.

"Piper's Story" does not follow traditional video games, in the sense that the last level is the most difficult, but instead closely follows the pathway of a traveler's tale. The player is introduced to 'Piper' and her objective, which is to collect 14 ingredients that will save her grandmother from dying. While following the trail, 'Piper' meets new characters that reveal information, which will help her achieve her goal. Each level unveils new obstacles and forces the player to strategize, instead of simply killing objects, like many of today's games.

"Piper's Story" is an original game-- for many reasons: the player is not allowed to touch the sides/ walls of the game-- and for players like me, that's a challenge in of itself; also 'Piper' has unlimited lives. Instead of "dying" in the game 'Piper' merely runs away. Finally, the game is designed in intricate mazes that have additional challenges added to each level. Some are timed, while in others, 'Piper' becomes invisible and the player must become precise in their execution in order to move on to the next level.

But like I said before, I'm not one for video games, but "Piper's Story" is different then most games. It challenges the player to not only react to what their seeing but to develop their own way of succeeding. So, I guess you could say that I've been converted, thanks to "Piper's Story."

"Piper's Story" is not yet available for distribution, but if you go to http://aerolawstudios.com/pipers%20story/piper.html or Google AeroLaw Studios, you will find "Piper's Story" and other projects created by the same artist.

"Mumford and Sons" Music Review

I recently received a collection of records. An eclectic group of artists—ranging from "Neil Diamond" to "The Grateful Dead." But when I came across "Mumford and Sons," I became intrigued by the soulful and eccentric sound coming from the group.

I've heard of them before, but I wouldn't have considered myself an avid fan—by any means. However, when I listened to the record I discovered that their unique vocals and soft, melancholy melody, was the perfect antidote to a high-strung day. “Sigh No More” is the Mercury Prize nominated debut album of London-based folk-rock quartet that was released in February of 2010.

The song "Timshel," combines harmonized vocals with tender instrumental strumming. The guitar begins as an equal counterpart to the lyrics, but as the song progresses the guitar starts to challenge the soft undertone of the singing. Both the vocal and instrumental parts become more commanding, while each part takes turns softening into the background. The two pieces play off of each other, while never overpowering the other. “Timeshel,” like many of the other songs on “Sigh No More,” introduces a pleasant set of lyrics to cure an otherwise collection of gloomy lines.

“Sigh No More,” showcases “Mumford and Sons" musical range, while staying true to their unique sound. “After the Storm” follows the give and take relationship that “Timeshel” introduces. This is a general theme carried throughout the album, which is surprisingly tender and empathetic. The most inspiring aspect of “Mumford and Sons” music is how they intuitively balance their most intimate confessions within their songs, as if they are speaking for the masses. I suspect that will we hear great things from “Mumford and Sons.”

"Apologize, Apologize!" Book Reveiw

Elizabeth Kelly's first novel, not only topped the New York Times Best Sellers List, but also has become an inspiring story about love, loss and the importance of family. "Apologize, Apologize!" revolves around the harassment of a long-suffering Collie Flanagan, the only rational member of a wealthy family of dog loving- alcoholics, with hypocritical political views, immature playboy actions, media moguls and of course, pigeon racers. As Kelly describes the absurdity-surrounding Collie, I felt annoyed and frustrated for him. I couldn’t imagine having to live with parents that were more preoccupied with sun- tanning (indoors) or trying to agitate Collie’s grandfather, the Falcon, rather than focusing on their children. His family is similar to a car- wreck, driving past you’re thankful that you are not apart of it, but at the same time you can’t help but watch.

Collie had little relief within his own home, a place that is supposed to be a sanctuary, a place to relax and forget about the hectic world. But for Collie, it was a place filled with judgment and frustration. Much of the humor of this first half of the novel revolves around Collie's thoughtful memories of his infuriating family members, one more outrageous than the next. He talks about his brother Bingo as the typical little brother—he follows Collie around, wants to do everything Collie does and he definitely pushes Collie’s buttons. As they grow up, the dynamic changes. They are no longer the carefree brothers that enjoy being around each other (to some degree—I mean let’s face it they are brothers, they can’t get along all the time), but they now buttheads on practically everything. They have become polar opposites—Bingo following the footsteps of his parents and uncle, while Collie is taking the path lead by his grandfather.

“Apologize, Apologize!” is, up to this point, a mixture of angst and humor, but when tragedy hits the Flanagan family everything changes. They are left with regret, anger and guilt, which each member copes with in their own way. This more serious section has a little trouble maintaining its momentum, it is darker and more melancholy—but I believe this was Kelly’s way of integrating Collie’s emotions with the transition of the writing style.

Towards the end, the plot pulls itself together and returns to Collie's charming, frustrating family. Fortunately, the shift is enough to carry the rest of the story towards a tender, attentive conclusion that offers a small amount of release to this long-suffering young man. This also holds true for Kelly’s first novel. “Apologize, Apologize!” is good enough to overcome its flaws and clever enough to make us want more.

The Young Victoria Movie Review

Portraits and photographs throughout history have shown Queen Victoria as a mourning widow- dressed in black, drab clothing with a quizzical brow. However, Queen Victoria was young once.
"The Young Victoria" follows the troubled life of the Queen and the moments that lead her to power.

Victoria played by Emily Blunt, is compelling as the energetic, good-hearted Queen, with several examples of her righteous annoyance of society. As for, Prince Albert, played by Rupert Friend, is depicted as the opposite of what men during the Victorian Era were suppose to be, instead of being domineering and power- hungry, Albert is shown as a partner and well-informed advisor.

"The Young Victoria" is the first to show the young side of the Queen Victoria, but it also shows the devotion between the young royal couple.

SPIN Print Media Review

April's issue of "SPIN" magazine was the special anniversary edition, featuring modern artists and the musicians that inspired and influenced the music they create.

"SPIN" created multiple versions of cover stories showcasing nine stars meeting their idols, including Billie Joe Armstrong of "Green Day" meeting Paul Westerberg of "The Replacements" and "SPOON's" Britt Daniels meeting Ray Davies from " The Kinks."

Finding out where some of my favorite musicians received their inspiration, introduced me to a larger spectrum of music.

Of the Blue Colour of the Sky

The Chicago based band "OK GO" has not only left their major label Capitol Records, but has also re-released their latest album, "Of the Blue Colour of the Sky" under the band's independent label Paracadute Records on April 1, 2010.

"OK GO" has had two previous successful albums, winning a Grammy in 2007 for "Best Short Form Music Video" for their worldwide hit "Here It Goes Again."

The band's latest album stays consistent with their traditional sound but introduces new instrumental techniques. In the song "This Too Shall Pass" combines powerful lyrics with guitar solos and a strong downbeat.

"WTF?" has a couple quirky accompaniments such as handclaps and chimes adding to the raw sound. The only softness comes from lead singer Damian Kulash's unique vocals, while his lyrics express a binge of romantic confusion.

"Of the Blue Colour of the Sky" is reminiscent of the bands earlier albums, but also has a unique and original perspective. This album is one to add to the collection.