There’s more than hope for “Hope For Haiti Now”

Any CD where the proceeds go towards a charity or relief effort are worth anyone’s time and couple bucks, but Hope For Haiti Now is truly a special mix of both heart-wrenching and up-lifting songs that feature the devastation and hope in Haiti.  The first album to be solely sold electronically, for only $7.99 on iTunes, Hope For Haiti Now is well worth your time and little amount of money. The 20 songs on the charity album show the contrast of destruction versus rebuilding, despair versus prayer, and loneliness versus togetherness.  Songs titled “Motherless Child”, “Driven to Tears”,... Read more

Artists like Andrew Ryan save the music scene

In a world where the likes of Lady Gaga rule the music charts, those of us who appreciate a little acoustic guitar once in a while could use some help. Pop artist Andrew Ryan lends a hand with his new EP Waiting for Paris. Andrew Ryan’s Waiting for Paris album cover, from www.myspace.com/andrewryanmusic I’m always a little skeptical when coming across new musicians. I like familiar things. But Ryan’s album is proof that change can be good. The first track, “I’d Follow You,” was my favorite right away. It’s a simple love song. Although I would normally... Read more

Caboose: Best of the Rest

CD releases 2/2 A Chorus of Storytellers – The Album Leaf Smoke &Mirrors – Lifehouse Body – Jamie Foxx 2/9 Soldier of Love – Sade Thug Motivation – Young Jeezy 2/16 Raymond v. Raymond – Usher Constant – Story of the Year 2/23 Everything Comes and Goes – Michelle Branch New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh – Erykah Badu Of Men and Angels – The Rocket Summer Live Shows ES Jungle A Skylit Drive Feb. 10 Murat Egyptian Room Killswitch Engage Feb. 21 Jack’s Mannequin Feb. 24 The Emerson Get Carried Away Feb. 5 Conseco Fieldhouse Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall,... Read more

Animal doesn’t live up to radio hype

To those who routinely wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy, Ke$ha is a common name. The new singer has recently been burning up the iTunes charts and playlists across the country. I’m not usually the type to listen to popular “radio music.” I’m honestly much more into pop bands whose music will never reach the mainstream. But admittedly, the second I heard Ke$ha’s “TiK ToK,” I knew I found a new favorite song even though I had no reason to like it. It was pretty generic sounding. It didn‘t relate to my life whatsoever. I guess music just works like that sometimes. When... Read more

Sainthood tolerable, not preferable

Knowing nothing more about Tegan and Sara than what the NOFX song “Creeping Out Sara” provides, I was a little scared about what I was getting myself into after being assigned this review. My musical taste is pretty much confined to bands labeled as “alternative”: The Cab, Every Avenue, Forever the Sickest Kids. On iTunes, Tegan and Sarah’s newest album Sainthood is under the “alternative” category. This made me feel slightly more at ease…until I pressed play. I can’t say that I was particularly surprised at what came out of the speakers. In fact, it was probably just... Read more

Ear to the Ground: The Swell Season

The Swell Season's third album, Strict Joy, was released in the United States on Oct. 27. When Once hit the big screen in 2007, the world of independent music fell in love with Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. Hansard, a middle-age member of Irish band The Frames, and Irglova, a 19-year-old unknown from the Czech Republic, were roped into doing the film by a mutual friend. Having worked together in the past, they gladly agreed to play the roles of a Dublin busker and an immigrant flower seller who has a knack for playing piano. Long story short, they fall undeniably in love both on-screen... Read more

Marching to the State Fair

When summer hits everyone takes off on vacation, hangs out with friends, and just relaxes. For a couple of other students they only have two things on their mind — marching band and state fair. “You really have to pour your heart into band.” Sophomore, Jessica Turner said. Several days before band camp marchers started hydrating and checking their instruments for problems. If one person was not prepared for the hot days of camp the whole band would suffer. “Band camp is hard but it’s awesome!” junior Kathryn Welder said. During the days of band camp the marchers went... Read more

Beginners to prepare for 1st guitar concert, vocalists needed

For those who have yet to pick up a guitar, the concept of performing in little over a month is positively terrifying. Even those who have some experience feel slight trepidation. Students in Guitar 1 class, instructed by music teacher Jason Jasper, must face this fear while playing at their first concert on Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The Guitarists will play a selection of songs learned in class and practiced outside of it. Some students have already familiarized themselves with the guitar and are taking the class because they would like to learn more about the instrument.... Read more