Music
The Marvelous Finds Its Groove
A new location breathes life into Penn’s former record shop.
Marvelous Surroundings
Make your trip to The Marvelous a full–on adventure by stopping by some of Philly’s most diverse locations.
Calvin Harris - "18 Months"
Calvin Harris has got the formula down with his newest album, “18 Months.” The Scottish DJ’s catchy electro beats have high energy and low experimentation, but they clearly work based on the popularity of two familiar tracks, “Feel So Close” and the Rihanna hit, “We Found Love,” both of which aren’t by any definition new — but they appear on the album anyway.
Neil Young - "Psychedelic Pill"
What’s the one word to describe “Psychedelic Pill”? Bland — Neil Young’s 35th studio album churns out a monotonous repetition of forgettable guitar riffs and tacky lyrics.
Concert Recap: Titus Andronicus and Ceremony
It’s always a good feeling — or, at least, a holistically satisfying feeling — when you leave a show with your ears ringing, covered in equal parts your own sweat, other people’s sweat, and beer. That was the case after walking out of the basement of the First Unitarian Church near 21st and Chestnut after the Titus Andronicus show, opened by hardcore –favorite Ceremony. While Titus Andronicus is often grouped in the post– and pop–punk families, their musical influences are just as strongly rooted in indie rock. A lot of their fans were well into their twenties and preferred to inconspicuously bob their heads and sip their microbrews, while the younger crowd raucously danced right up next to the stage. Ceremony, on the other hand — a band who probably would have headlined at a more strictly punk show — brought the pissed–off adolescents in droves. The mosh pit immediately got underway when Ceremony took the stage, complete with kids running on stage and singing into the mic until someone else got up and tackled them — not necessarily my scene, but it was fun to watch Ceremony play some of their best songs from 2010's “Rohnert Park.” Titus Andronicus released their new album, “Local Business,” only a couple days before the show, so naturally they did a few new songs to show off the material. The bulk of the show was taken from their album “The Monitor,” with which the crowd was extremely familiar. Songs like “Richard II” had everyone in full sing–along mode. They played an extremely long set — well over two hours — that vacillated between slow build–ups and rocking choruses. The crowd was extremely receptive, as has been typical at First Unitarian. The show was a great mix of two bands different enough to have distinct sets, yet with enough cohesion to not feel incongruous.
Playlist of the Week: Hurricane Sandy Edition
Batten down the hatches and turn up the subwoofers, at least until the power goes out...
Album Review: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - "Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!"
With the release of "Allelujah!
Album Review: Taylor Swift - "Red"
With the release of her pensive new album, “Red,” Taylor Swift shows off a more mature version of herself. The record's only anti–boy rant is the cutely cranky “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Everything else — such as the dubstep–esque “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “The Last Time,” a surging duet with Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody — is adult. Both “22” and “Starlight” are about the timelessness of youth. The perky “Stay Stay Stay” mentions groceries and settling down. And “Everything Has Changed,” a raw duet with Ed Sheerhan, is a graduation into the indie coffeehouse jams of the thoughtful twentysomething. She’s still wholesome, lively, and genuine, but she’s older — and she’s seeing anything but red. 3/5 Stars
Concert Recap: Mayer Hawthorne and Cheers Elephant
In previous years, SPEC has brought indie rock groups to campus for its annual Fall Concert, but this year they decided to switch things up with neo–soul singer and all–in–all classy dude, Mayer Hawthorne. When Cheers Elephant, the local opening act, stepped onstage, audience members stayed cool and composed in their seats, waiting for the music to start as if waiting for a movie to play.
A Toast to Dear Old Wig
The oldest all–male musical comedy group in the nation is backed up by one of campus’ best bands.
Concert Previews: 10/15- 10/21
Who’s Playing Philly This Week
Playlist of the Week: 10.15.2012
Playlist 10/15 by bberns on Grooveshark
Mash-Up of the Week: Louis Armstrong x Missy Elliot
Throughout high school I was a theatre kid — perhaps some vestiges of this remain in my personality (aside from the attention obviously gained from writing articles). As such, I present to you this comparatively artistic mash–up from Broadway’s (retro–updated) past.
Concert Review: Animal Collective at the Mann Center
The stage at the Mann Center looked just like you'd expect at an Animal Collective show: strewn with giant fluorescent teeth and resembling a mouth.
Album Review: The Vaccines - "Come of Age"
Described as heralding the return of guitar–driven rock music, the Vaccines’ sophomore album “Come of Age” proves that a 21st century rock band does not need a synthesizer.
Interview: Mayer Hawthorne
Street chats with SPEC’s Fall Concert Artist, neo–soul star Mayer Hawthorne about his hip–hop sensibility, the nine–to–five grind of touring and keeping it classy.
RetroSPECtive
Mayer Hawthorne is playing this Thursday, but he's only the latest in a long–running win–streak for SPEC. Street walks you through SPEC's past performers in this brief look back on the Fall Concert series.
Album Review: Freelance Whales - "Diluvia"
In their sophomore effort, indie pop rock band Freelance Whales deliver a dreamy explosion of noise.
Playlist of the Week: 10.9.2012
10/8/12 by halex on Grooveshark Check out our past playlists here.
