Barley Islands’ Night of Singing

Imagine this scene…right through the doors of Barley Island Pub and Eatery, there is a stage to the left with people singing or playing the guitar on it, getting lost in the sound musicians of every age play. People eating at the booths and others at the bar still can hear the music from across the restaurant. A crowd was there, cheering for those who have the courage to sing or play an instrument on the stage. This is what happens on every Wednesday between eight and twelve o’clock. Barley Island, located on 639 Connor Street hosts open microphone night. Students and other residents of Noblesville... Read more

Jane by Design was designed to blend in

Frantic deadline meeting, home life drama, secrets, and high school flings, spats, and popularity contests: sounds like the making of a typical ABC Family sitcom. All the highly anticipated shows such as Switched at Birth, Pretty Little Liars and Lying Games have returned to warm up the winter season with their juicy drama, but a newbie is among them. The new show, Jane by Design, has some big shoes to fill to measure up to its dramatic counterparts. At first glance, Jane (Erica Dasher) looks chic and collected but still has a sweet, fresh-faced look. The entire conflict of the show revolves around... Read more

Coldplay takes listener to “Paradise”

I was not a ColdColdplay's new album, "Mylo Xyloto," is decorated with graffiti. When playing live, Coldplay uses instruments and a backdrop that are also covered with graffiti.play fan until I heard “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall.” Shocker? Maybe. But that one song made me want more of Chris Martin’s voice. Now that I’ve listened to most of Coldplay’s past albums, Mylo Xyloto proves to be one of their best to date. The album starts off with an upbeat intro that leads so perfectly into the first full track, “Hurts Like Heaven,” that the change in songs goes... Read more

It won’t help them find Mrs. Right

www.google.com/images For being so young, the boy band Mindless Behavior definitely has some incredible potential. However, they have a long journey of improvement ahead of them. The proof is in their music, and their newest single “Mrs. Right” is all wrong. There’s a random rap artist where there shouldn’t be. For example, the drastic change between tenor and bass is awkward and slightly creepy. The boys are barely thirteen, and they’ve got a full grown man singing with them. Not to put down Diggy, but he certainly did not do the single any favors. It was simply a poor choice on their... Read more

“Duets II” is anything but extraordinary

Put together the famous Tony Bennett and 17 other well-known artists as his duet partners, and the outcome would be a pretty awesome album, right? Well… when basically every song sounds the same, that’s not exactly the case.  Duets II, released on Sept. 20, has 17 tracks featuring big-time singers such as Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, and Mariah Carey. All of the artists are very talented and add that to Bennett’s classic jazz style. The fact that there are so many big singers featured makes the album unique. The only problem is that the songs aren’t unique. Don’t get me... Read more

Bush stirs old memories with new album

Many bands have been forming comebacks lately. Foo Fighters came back after a four-year absence, Red Hot Chili Peppers have returned after six years. The most recent return is Gavin Rossdale and Bush, who have released their first album in 10 years.   Rock giants Bush have faced a long absence. On hiatus since 2001, only half the band stays the same for The Sea of Memories. The members returning are singer Gavin Rossdale and drummer Robin Goodridge. Presenting their talents for the first time are Chris Traynor on guitar and Corey Britz on bass. Memories was produced by Bob Rock who has produced... Read more

Harry heads out with a bang

Way to head out with a bang! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II released on July 15th, 2011. Potter fans across the world lined up in wizard costume and all to see the movie, earning a total of $483.2 million for its first showing. The movie is currently the third highest grossing movie of all time, and by far the highest grossing movie of 2011. About ten years ago, the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone became the beginning of one of the most beloved and most well known movie series of all time. Fast forward to 2011, and the saga has finally come to an end after eight films.... Read more

Simple Plan got simpler

These days it seems like so many bands are selling out and conforming to sound like generic pop bands that are only around to sell to the masses. Regrettably, it seems like Simple Plan is doing the same. Simple Plan is a well-known punk band that’s been around since 1999. However, ’90s music sometimes sparks debate among high school students because it’s seen as “too old.” Simple Plan is pretty classic for angst-filled teenagers, though. However, Simple Plan has changed its sound, and drastically. What used to be original, heart-felt lyrics with strong guitar chords has now... Read more

Gaga’s on the right track with second album

photo from: ishotcandywarhol.comEccentric, crazy and weird are all words some people associate with Lady Gaga. My thoughts of the rising artist include words like ingenious, infamous and brilliant. I don’t particularly agree with all of her ideas, but she always keeps me on my toes. On May 23 Lady Gaga’s second complete album, Born this Way was released. Before Monday, the singles “Born this Way”, “Judas” and “Edge of Glory” were out. The “Born this Way” single came out over the winter and immediately was number 1 on iTunes and all over the radio. I loved the change in this... Read more

Ask Alexandria to go home

Vans Warped Tour, scheduled for July 7, is a habitual milestone in the summer. The usual bands are to be expected: The Devil Wears Prada, A Day to Remember, and The Ready Set. Additionally, the same shenanigans will probably ensue; the slip’n’slide seems to be a classic. Asking Alexandria, who recently released Reckless and Relentless on April 5, is new to the line up along with the general ruckus of Warped Tour this year. The British band has had little on the top forty charts since their beginning in 2008. Compared to Simple Plan’s eternity with producing and touring, Asking Alexandria... Read more

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