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March 4, 2010

Danish band is quite the live treat

When Mette Lindberg of the Danish band The Asteroid Galaxy Tour calls Friday morning to talk to me from her apartment in Copehagen; it’s a call that I’ve been nervous about all week. The nerves aren’t related to being starstruck. They instead come from a more subtle division in our cultures. 1 comment

A capella group hopes to be heard

When sophomore Maddie Vann came to USD, she couldn’t help but notice something was missing: a student run a cappella group. After seeing various college groups perform at her high school and around her hometown, she was disappointed that there wasn’t a casual choir that focused on more contemporary pop music at her university.

Mixing up

When it comes to The Beatles I am a fanatic. Even more so, I am a Paul McCartney lover. Seeing him at Coachella last spring was the most significant moment in my musical life. The man is built up of pure genius when it comes to making music. This is probably why Erykah Badu had the brilliant idea to use a sample from McCartney’s song “Arrow Through Me” for her forthcoming LP, “New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh.

Something worth seeing

Although USD is a relatively small campus with a modestly sized student body, no matter how involved a student is, there are certain aspects of on campus activities that go totally unnoticed. There is so much going on and so many events overlapping that some times it is hard to get involved at all because it seems overwhelming.

Five days until my departure for Peru

There is a four month blank space in my foresight, and it is mine to fill. This is the last semester before my senior year at USD, and with graduation looming in the background, the next few years for myself and all of my peers will be some of major transition and growth.

Second-hand things

I have a deep love affair with second-hand things. Whether it be clothes, books or jewelry, even CDs and furniture, I want it. Whenever I go back home to Ventura I get extremely excited to hit up the thrifts stores on Main Street. Though they may have silly names (Retarded Children’s Thrift Store, Battered Women’s Thrift Store), they have some beautiful, priceless finds. 1 comment

Don't be had while shopping abroad

Though it might sound superficial and most of us don’t like to admit it, traveling abroad is the perfect excuse to shop. It’s a feeling that whatever you purchase you will be unable to find back home because it is one of a kind and unique to its country of origin (and the classic mind trick also helps when prices look a lot lower because you conveniently forget to convert the currency. 4 comments

Truth in "The Blind Side" is questionable

If one has ever seen a movie trailer where “based on a true story” flickered across the screen, a feeling of doubt and uncertainty usually fills the audience, as that phrase has been greatly stretched in past films. In the recent box-office sports hit, “The Blind Side,” the film attracted families across the country, but also raised the question of just how authentic this story was.

February 25, 2010

Guillaume Yann Tiersen performs at Coachella 2010

Composer of “Amelie” soundtrack to play on Sunday

In addition to its beauty and romanticism, the country of France has long been saluted for its crossroad of European art and music. Where these paths of notable expression intersect exists a man of music notation nobility; Guillaume Yann Tiersen. His historical home, the province of Brittany, lies in North-Western France, a previous royal kingdom.

McQueen's shocking death

Tragedy rocked the fashion world last week when news of famed designer Alexander McQueen’s death broke on Thursday, Feb. 11.  Nine days after the death of his mother, the 40-year-old designer was found dead in his London apartment, and jaws dropped as to whether or not this was a question of suicide.

The creator of your new obsession: ChatRoulette.com

Brent Tuttle

Back in the prehistoric days of Internet promiscuity, before watchdog groups such as NBC’s “To Catch a Predator” corrupted the pastime of many mid-western meth/chatroom addicts, the Internet was a lethargic realm full of curiosity, but without the speed to unleash its true possibilities. 3 comments

"Shutter Island" has movie goers in awe

If I told you I wasn’t crazy, would you believe me? Really? Who’s to say your version of reality is any more or any less real than my own? Who’s to say you’re not dreaming right now?  It all seems to make perfect sense while your cerebral cortex is trippin’ out on REMs, but you’ll wake up the next morning questioning what was, until just moments ago, legitimate reality comprised of absurd images, thoughts, sounds and their associated emotions.

Definitely worth it

Straight out of West London, Mumford & Sons is set to release their U.S. debut album, “Sigh No More,” on March 2. The reason I am telling you this is because it is an album that you must hear. The songs rely heavily on an old-time banjo sound and roots lying in country, folk and bluegrass.

Still Time makes their third trip to USD

the USD campus was a great success. This time, instead of gracing our homecoming stage or Aromas coffee house, they debuted in front of the new Plaza Mayor amphitheatre at the Student Life Pavilion. “We’re stoked to be back at USD!” lead singer Dan Curcio proudly proclaimed, right before the show began.

Lucky duck

Have you ever thought about how lucky you are? How your biggest problem may be that you don’t have a day off because you attend  a four-year university and have two jobs? I have. I had a major realization yesterday that my life is damn near perfect when I really think about it. 2 comments

Star-studded cast can't help "Valentine's Day"

The only thing big about this love story is the actors involved

From the first 10 seconds of the trailer, “Valentine’s Day” was destined to be the date movie chosen for the iconic holiday the film was named after. The question, however, was if it was meant to follow the fates of successful star-filled films such as the British favorite “Love Actually,” or if it would be another romantic comedy where the best lines were already provided in the advertisements.

"Hot Tub Time Machine" looks like a crack up

With a strong comedic cast, Steve Pink’s “Hot Tub Time Machine” is looking to become a hit amongst its fans. Notable actors John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Chevy Chase, Rob Corddry and rising star Clark Duke add energy and excitement to the script.

Angels and Airwaves attempt to define love

A tough task to accomplish if your name isn't Will Shakespeare

It’s no easy task, defining love. But then again, when it comes to one of life’s most elusive mysteries, what is easy? Certainly not expressing its worth in words, as Shakespeare spent an entire lifetime trying to do so. Not relaying its meaning on canvas, for Van Gogh lost his mind attempting to portray this significance in his paintings.

3-D's not for me

It’s been a little over two months since James Cameron’s “Avatar” came out in all its 3-D glory. Since the film’s release it has not only gotten everyone talking about the neverending possibilities of computer generated animation, but it has broken the record for the highest grossing IMAX film in history.

February 18, 2010

Scorsese's "Shutter Island"

As the undisputed heavyweight king of cinema, Martin Scorsese, is known to deliver knock-outs every time he steps into the ring. His upcoming film starring Leonardo Decaprio and Sir Ben Kingsley titled “Shutter Island” looks to be another bout of Scorsese fluid finesse combined with his signature hooks of brutality.

Invoking peace through the median of music

Sound Tribe Sector 9 visits the House of Blues

STS9 (otherwise known as Sound Tribe) drew a unique audience to the House of Blues in the Gaslamp District, last Thursday. Their music sent the human beings lucky enough to inhabit the building into musical nirvana. Their genre defining rhythms coaxed everyone’s limbs into movement.

St. Vincent plays the role of "pretty", pretty well

Find me a man who wouldn’t at least cringe slightly when left no other choice than to describe something as “pretty.” It’s not necessarily a descriptive word that would fall in line with the male undergraduate’s “lingo machismo.

Breathe Caroline originates from GarageBand

For fans of alternative music that want just a little bit more dance in their lives, a two man group from Denver, Col. have arrived in time to fulfill your cravings. Breathe Carolina has worked to create techno style music with a solid dose of catchy guitar riffs and punchy vocals.

Digital, digital get down

If I had all day to do nothing, then I would probably sit at home and post comments on YouTube videos, criticizing talented artists and getting in cyber fights with people I have never met. After my anger has been released through the pounding on my keyboard, I would take a trip to the land of ChatRoulette in the hopes of meeting some creep that can just F9 me in 1.

Beachy keen

These past few days I’ve been doing a lot of driving, resulting in me having to fill my car up with gas about every two or three days, but little Commie has a little tank in the first place (and that’s Commie the Mercury Comet, not Commie the communist).

Good cause, bad idea

Besides all the excitement surrounding the celebration of Mardi Gras and the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, there is another event that has gotten much buzz on the Internet. This month commemorates the 25th anniversary of the original recording of “We Are the World,” the hit single from the celebrity charity collaboration, USA for Africa.

Doggies getting down with designer fashion

How much are pet owners willing to spend on their animals?

You know fashion is going too far when couture extends to canines. Are designer dogs the latest “it” accessory? The idea of dog clothing has been in the media in the last decade with Paris Hilton famously dolling up her dog Tinkerbell and Elle Woods making a spectacle out of Bruiser in “Legally Blonde.

All Asian rock band embraces their eyes

In an age where oddly clad all-male bands dominate the Indie rock scene, one band from Portland, Ore. stands out from the rest. By taking one look at the group, you see the difference I’m talking about. The Slants are embracing their ethnic heritage while rocking out.

February 11, 2010

Didn't quite love "From Paris With Love"

Travolta's back and bald as ever in this new action-packed film

I am not a film critic.  I have never been asked to summarize a dramatic series of monologues, explosions, love scenes, drug deals or life-altering existential crises on film into a letter grade or into any culturally symbolic placements of my left and/or right thumb.

Sex, drugs, and dinos

I always find it difficult during the semester to fit in time for recreational reading. With all of the reading and preparation I have to do in order to successfully pass my classes, at the end of the day the last thing I want to do is open a book. However, when the most recent collection of essays from Chuck Klosterman, author of “Fargo Rock City” and “Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs,” came out last semester I made the time to read it.

Browder chooses to focus on the music

It seems to me that clever, well-thought out lyrics that convey both an honest and relatable message are hard to come by in today’s world. Yet, it seems that a band gaining popularity on the music scene, is achieving fame for just those reasons.

Not quite a perfect 10, but close enough!

Usually I walk around campus generally unnoticed.  From time to time I will run into a friend or professor and stop to chitchat, but I usually tend to keep to myself while walking the halls.  However, a few weeks ago I had an interesting thing happen to me.

Buscemi plays out his usual quirkiness

Opening Friday, Feb. 12 at Hillcrest and La Jolla Village Cinemas, “Saint John of Las Vegas” proves to be a worthwhile, but not phenomenal, creation of director Hue Rhodes. The film boasts a reputable cast, featuring the legendary Steve Buscemi, the strangely sexy and humorous Sarah Silverman, “Weeds” star Romany Malco and the reserve currency of many young men’s spank banks, “Entourage’s” Emmanuelle Chriqui.

Julia Nunes studies hard while making music

Julia Nunes has a famous face. You might not know her name but I can almost guarantee that at some point in your life, you’ve come across her face. Most will recognize her from her face, and some will recognize her from her YouTube account name, but it’s her hope that you’ll soon recognize her from her real name.

Another pie in the mix

It is very rare that a movie franchise can produce any more than two or three successful films that continue to titillate the comedic palate of the typical cinema consumer. Releasing six, as George Lucas did with “Star Wars,” pushed the limit, testing the patience and dedication of any space opera junkie.

Dreamworld

Last night I had an interesting dream about Coachella. I was at the festival and there happened to be this place with a giant glass window, through which you could see kittens with their mom. My friend happened to have taken one of these kittens to some band’s set, and was holding it up to see/dance. 4 comments

STS9 release new album and embark on spring tour

Sound Tribe Sector 9, otherwise referred to as Sound Tribe or STS9, released a new album in December called “Ad Explorata,” and it is beautiful. For those who have never heard this genre-bending band’s music, it has been described as “post-rock dance music” and has a sound that is only enhanced when heard at its full potential: when it’s live.

What a rip off

Watching the Super Bowl truly caters to all types of audiences. For the first time, your girlfriend is actually willing to go somewhere with you to watch a football game. Unfortunately, when she asks how the guys in blue just got three points, you have to start explaining the concept of a field goal and the appropriate time a team chooses to kick one.

February 4, 2010

The Black Lips display their true feelings

One should always prepare for what they may encounter upon entering the Casbah. This classic San Diego venue books bands from all ends of the spectrum. On Sunday, Jan. 24, the Black Lips graced the Casbah with their eccentric behavior. The Atlanta- based punk band gave a performance that seemed as if they were one note away from lighting their instruments on fire.

Coachillin' in the middle of the desert

As the majority of us were nursing our livers back to operating condition and re-cooping from the debachorous times of intersession, the procrastinating event organizers of Coachella were hard at work to put the finishing touches on Southern California’s closest relative to Woodstock. 2 comments

Pocket child

I’m not going to blow your minds here, but technology has come a pretty far way these last few years. The most amazing device that has entered my life is the iPhone. I love my iPhone like a child. I am not exaggerating about that either. One time I thought I left my iPhone on the counter at a convenience store.

Sundancer

This past January I was fortunate enough to attend the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, along with about 30 other USD students, including The Vista’s own Ryan Sidhoo and Maggie Klos. I had always assumed that this prestigious event was for the rich and/or famous only.

Experiencing the Grammys first hand

The thrill behind an evening at the Grammy Awards is something that most people don’t have the opportunity to experience away from their living room TV. It’s an invitation only event open to members of the Recording Academy that sells out every year.

Two of the greats grace San Diego with their presence

Thrice and Manchester Orchestra

The week of finals at USD last semester was welcomed with a series of holiday concerts hosted by local radio stations. Two of the most popular shows included acts that found success in 2009 as well as acts looking to once again see stardom in the new year.

Spring fashion is all about the perfect balance

2010 is here, and along with a new semester comes a new season for fashion. Spring fashion is notorious for cruise/resort collections, bright and eye-popping colors and trendy, strappy footwear, but before we can spring forward, let’s fall back and revisit some of the major spring trends seen on the runways last.

Facebook turns fads evil

I’m sure you’ve noticed this past week that most of your friends on Facebook have changed their profile picture. Many of my friends have posted a photo of a celebrity as their profile picture claiming that it is their celebrity “doppleganger.

December 10, 2009

Promising young actress stars in new drama

Saoirse Ronan has been receiving a respected amount of Oscar recognition for her role as Susie Salmon in “The Lovely Bones.”The film is based on the novel by Alice Sebold with the screenplay adaptation done by director Peter Jackson along with co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.

"Up in the Air" is worthy of the Oscar buzz it's generating

“If you’re going to make a movie about a guy who fires people for a living and wants to live alone, he better be a darn charming actor.” Which is precisely why Jason Reitman chose George Clooney to star in his latest film, “Up in the Air,” based loosely on the novel written by Walter Kirn.

After Midnight Project's influences may seem surprising

the rising stars on the alternative rock scene this year has been Los Angeles-based band, After Midnight Project. Their single “Take Me Home” has remained on Billboard’s Alternative Top 40 for 17 weeks and still remains close to its peak position.

Fake fur is in, but real fur is a fashion faux pas

Fur has always been a controversial garment in the fashion industry. Why people willingly spend an upwards of $50,000 to wear a furry little animal around their body is beyond comprehension to many. But even though a fur-less winter jacket will keep you just as warm and cost 20 times less, there are still those willing to shell out the dough to enhance their perceived elegance and sophistication with the pelts of animals. 2 comments

Harmonious transitioning: Kaitlin's favorites of 2009

2009 was a year of transformation regarding my musical focus. Last semester revolved around electronic music for the most part. My must-see list for Coachella was constructed around the time slots of Crookers and MSTRKRFT, and I worked relentlessly to acquire press passes for both EDC and HARD Summer.

Who says he can't top the charts again?

John Mayer's new album "Battle Studies" makes Billboard's No.1

The recent release of John Mayer’s hit single “Who Says” left fans and critics curious about the content of John Mayer’s latest album, “Battle Studies.” It served as an introduction to an album that reveals much more of Mayer’s quirky personality and honest life struggles.

A charming display of stage presence

Drummer of Fleet Foxes demonstrates his talent as the Casbah

trying to complete my editor work for the newspaper on Tuesday night in the hopes that I would at least catch the majority of J Tillman’s set at The Casbah, my hopes of making the show on time began to diminish while driving on the 5 South at 11:10 p.

"The Carter": Lil' Wayne's revealing documentary

Is he really just misunderstood?

One glimpse into the realm of Lil’ Wayne reaffirms his lyrical content. Without a doubt this specimen of super stardom does not originate from planet Earth. As one has the privilege to journey deep into the strange and bewildered life of the self-proclaimed “best rapper alive,” the evidence captured on film only further proves his case for success.

X out the music

Due to lack of inspiration for what to write about, I am going to talk about what I don’t like. You can tell me that I have a spiritless soul or call me Scrooge for that matter. The fact, is the majority of Christmas music is just flat out annoying.

December 3, 2009

What if your grandfather sang to you?

Papa Dylan releases a Christmas album

Imagine it is Christmas Eve. The whole family is sitting around the fireplace with joy and happiness burning in their hearts. Then, unsuspectingly, your grandfather grabs his guitar for a little family sing-along. Your cousins and you smirk and whisper to each other, “I hope he doesn’t have a heartattack!” Your mother smacks you in the back of the head and tells you to support your grandfather.

I've come a long way since Y2K

It’s hard to believe, but the first decade of the 2000’s is almost over. I still remember the fear of Y2K and the overabundance of apocalyptic films that were coming out right around the turn of the century. Not only is the year 2000 a time that my generation will always remember, it is also a benchmark in my life, when I began cultivating my own musical tastes.

Open Mic Night and The Basement Society combine forces

A couple weeks before this paper presently found its way into your hands, the combination of an Open Mic Night and a student art show was held in the unconventional setting of the UC. USD students and professors gathered to witness the creative energy of fellow USD students as they conveyed their artistic endeavors through the medians of guitar, vocals, drums, photography, painting, etc.

USD Radio goes live

I mentioned in my column last week that the radio deprives us of music that cannot be marketed to the mainstream. This problem that rides the sound waves of FM stations causes music lovers to completely disregard the radio altogether and plug in the iPod of their stolen MP3’s or search through music blogs to stream music.

Surf film portrays isolation as peace of mind

jaime zehner staff writer and former Pipeline Master Rob Machado flew to Indonesia to experience a different kind of surf trip. The wild-haired surfer and director Taylor Steele put together a film based upon his travels and called it “The Drifter.

If boys can do it, girls can do it better

 It’s a girl’s world - guys just live in it. Remember when our 12-year-old selves had that plastered across our AIM and MySpace profiles? Well, the middle-schooler in you may have moved on, but the fashion world is giving new meaning to the once popular phrase. 2 comments

Casablancas goes solo and succeeds

"Phrases for the Young" expands listeners' music palates

In the career course of many a well-established frontman, undertaking a solo album endures as the ultimate leap of faith. Subjecting him or herself to such a decisive risk can affect various outcomes, potentially leaving the rogue musician in one of two roles: a victim of circumstance or, more desirably, a praised virtuoso.

Peter Nixon

If ever there were an ideal university student prototype, it would be modeled after Nick Peterson, an International Relations major of the class of 2010. Peterson’s name is associated with USD Radio, formerly the Unofficial USD Student Radio until Peterson worked wonders and got the university to set aside money and dedicate a room (closet) to the organization.

DJ Derek Smith spins the party from coast to coast

Get ready to ride a wave into musical paradise. Pretty Lights is in the building and there’s no telling what Colorado-based producer DJ Derek Smith might spin your way. Smith and wing-man drummer Corey Eberhard will take you on a flight of the imagination filled with dazzling daisies, brilliant butterflies and speeding freeways, creating visuals which match the texture of their grooves.

The xx storms the music scene with a stimulating sound

brenttuttle  Staff Writer Most college students can agree that the majority of the weekend’s regrets can be filed into three main categories. There is the ever so painful, extravagant and intoxicated purchases we all come to learn about the next morning after a long night, or perhaps an early morning out on the town.

A family that plays together stays together

tinues to dwindle downward in temperature, the album will serve to be particularly helpful as all of USD’s hens desperately search for a male rooster to accompany them through the long and cold winter nights that lie ahead. While the album is not comparable to Viagra by any means, there is no doubt that its sounds will enhance any baby making session that this arctic time of year may grace you with.

November 19, 2009

2012: A movie of epic special effects

If I were to say that “2012” is the feel good movie of the year, how would you react? Most likely with raised eyebrows and a resounding “no.” Surprisingly enough, there actually is some truth to that statement. However, for fear of giving away the ending, you will have to see the movie in its entirety to understand why I ask that question.

Final chapter in the raver discussion: Part 1

Tuttle, I was disgusted by your article. The hostile and immature language you used when referring to electronic music lovers was bizarre and hateful.  I am boggled by your misunderstanding of the rave culture.  How could you possibly believe ravers lack a culture? From our tutus, to our kandy to our fur boots, everything about raving has strong cultural meanings that identify with our music, our history and our voice.

Final chapter in the raver discussion: Part 2

Alas Kandy Kid! Finally someone has risen up from the ashes of Halloween’s rave festivities with a valid point locked securely in their talons. Before I credit you for your validity, let me first address your misconceptions about my piece and myself. 1 comment

Bundle up, for the weather outside is frightful

But the clothing is warm and delightful

‘Tis the season and deck the halls, Halloween has come and gone and that can only mean one thing - we’re on a fast track to the holidays. Though Christmas decorations have been in stores since August, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your opinion) our Southern California weather is not as eager for the holiday festivities as the rest of us.

Girls go gaga for gaudy shoes

Thanks to the new Lady GaGa music video for “Bad Romance,” I found myself in awe of her choice of heels displayed throughout the video.  Upon further investigation, I found that most if the heels in the video were from Alexander McQueen’s spring 2010 runway show.

The future looks bright for Sherwood

Up and coming new band opens for Hanson

A recent look back at my iTunes and CD rotation for USD Radio over the past month led me to realize that Sherwood has quickly become a staple in my library. Be it because of their recently released album or their show two weeks ago opening for Hellogoodbye and Hanson, I feel it’s fair to say that Sherwood has become one of my new favorite artists.

Buraka Som Sistema plays the Casbah

 Coming off an all-star performance at HARD Haunted Mansion this past Halloween, the Portuguese kuduro-electro group known as Buraka Som Sistema decided to give Southern California natives an encore performance this past Friday at the Casbah.  What’s so intriguing and unique about this group is their fusion of different musical styles.

Such a sell-out

“Oh yeah, that band totally sold out. They just aren’t the same band they used to be. I really like their old stuff but their new stuff just bugs me.” Come on. Admit it. We all love to talk about how long we have known about a band. We love to make others around us feel that they are out of the loop  when it comes to our knowledge of music.

For pleasure

Poetry is esoteric. It can be alienating, misleading and downright difficult.  Nothing is worse than a poem that beckons our eyes to glaze over. It happens to me all the time. If a poem is over a page long, I skip it on principle. To an English teacher’s utter horror, I want to go back in history and slap Shakespeare for writing the sonnets.

Headin' Home

It used to be the case that children would grow up to be young adults and continue to live at home until they were married.  Once they were wed they would then move on to start a family of their own and cultivate their own land. Somehow in the last century or so, this tradition has changed, especially in America.

Fall into the Gap

The Christmas music has begun. Frosty, Rudolph and Destiny’s Child sprinkle my weekends with their tinkling silver bells and perfectly harmonized holiday lyrics. As I put luxe sweaters and 1969 jeans in big red paper bags, I try to communicate with both my fellow employee’s stock check reverberating in my headset and the customer anxiously awaiting to find out if we do in fact have a size medium dress pant in the back.

Pandora ensures ever-lasting love with music

Lindsey Weintraub

 Capturing the ethereal, intangible joy we call music is a process that has constantly evolved, as mankind attempts to capture the magic of music and preserve its beauty. The birth of Edison’s phonograph was the beginning of audio recording, and within the last 50 years the world has played music from cassette tapes (the days of true “mix-tapes”), CDs, and now mp3 files.

November 12, 2009

Steel Train has arrived in a unique way

 In today’s increasingly bland, vocoder-filled music scene, it seems like many bands have moved away from their roots to create entirely new and different sounds. Although this new sound can be a wonderful thing, I find reassurance when bands connect more with their roots.

The rave culture and recreational drugs revisited

A student’s response to last week’s article

   The frequencies that music emits seem to correlate with the frequencies at which we live our lives. Similar people are gravitated to similar sounds, thereby allowing for distinct cultures to form around various genres of music.  In the article “Rave Culture and Recreational Drugs” featured in last week’s edition of The Vista, Brent Tuttle dehumanizes individuals who immerse themselves in the rave culture.

The legend of Hepburn’s iconic style will never tarnish

 “The imprint of Miss Hepburn is absolutely, totally present. Like it or not, she will be the most important look of the 20 century,” said Manolo Blahnik of Audrey Hepburn’s influence on fashion.  Her allure is as captivating today as it was at the height of her career.

The men behind “The Boondock Saints”

The history of the sequel, “All Saints Day”

 Troy Duffy and Chris Brinker were drinking at a bar called Birds. Sitting at the end of the bar, waiting for their drinks, a man in a suit began a conversation with them.  They asked him what he did and he told them he was a producer. When asked what he had produced, the man answered “Boondock Saints.

RCRD LBL

 My inbox has over 1,700 unread e-mails. Why? Besides all of the interview opportunities sent my way to consider writing about in The Vista, I get a word of the day, an urban word of the day, Victoria’s Secret updates, Urban Outfitters updates, GAP updates, American Apparel updates, Steve Madden updates and YouTube videos from my mom.

Beards: cozy and cute

 November is one of my favorite months of the year for more than one reason. It marks the beginning of the subtle weather change in Southern California, Starbucks begins to make their special seasonal drinks, Thanksgiving and the beginning of the end of the fall semester.

Lost interest with Brown’s “The Lost Symbol”

The latest addition to the adventures of Robert Langdon

 Dan Brown’s latest book, “The Lost Symbol,” revisits the character Robert Langdon for another adventure. This adventure, however, takes place stateside as opposed to the European locations of “Angels and Demons” and “The Da Vinci Code.

A reminder of Michael Jackson’s talent

 Michael Jackson was in the midst of planning and creating arguably the most epic concert anyone has ever scene. Simply put, “This is It” consisted of clips taken from the rehearsals leading up to Jackson’s tour. It is not the typical movie experience that we all expect when going to the theatres.

Not your typical Holocaust story

 Two men fall in love during the Holocaust, a tale as old as time.  Not really.  The Diversionary Theatre returns “Bent” to the main stage this month just in time for its 30th anniversary since its 1979 London debut.   “Bent” is set in Nazi Germany during the mid 1930’s.

Boys Noize releases fresh new album

Tracks from “Power LP” were well recieved at Voyeur

 Watch out everyone, the Germans are coming to town. But this isn’t 1942.  There’s no need for Poland to head for the hills. This time they’re substituting the stielhand grenades with synthesizers and replacing panzers with dance floor fillers.

Raving mad

   Something good happened for The Vista this week. We learned that more people read the paper then we tend to believe. This was evident due to the amount of feedback I received from an article about excessive drug use at raves. This article upset many students who attend raves and use drugs.

November 5, 2009

Popular music used to torture Gitmo detainees

 While many students hear songs by Eminem and Britney Spears and crank up the volume, for prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and Iraq, the music played at heinously loud volumes drove many to insanity. After all, listening to “I Love You,” from Barney repeatedly would probably drive others crazy too.

The rave culture and recreational drugs

Having fun or just killing brain cells?

 In recent years there has been a large influx of the drug induced gatherings known as raves. I can’t fully analyze this subject for a multitude of reasons. It is my personal opinion that an actual “raver” and myself are on two different intellectual wave lengths. 28 comments

Another classic, another sequel: “The Phantom of the Opera 2”

 In an age where sequels are coming out faster than we can even count them, one would think Broadway would steer clear of this fad. Think again. On Oct. 8,  English composer Andrew Lloyd Webber held a press conference announcing the sequel to the musical.

An alluring sound

 Floating on a mesmerizing stream of eccentric beats and fresh rhythms, Zero 7’s fourth album “Yeah Ghost” sounds like it would be the perfect background music for one of those dreams that you strive desperately to remember. The innovative sounds that come streaming into the listener’s ears seem to take him or her into a stratosphere not normally visited in everyday interactions, but are undoubtedly still there residing somewhere deep within the subconscious.

Coolidge talks about her film “Gentlemen Broncos”

Stepping outside the role of the iconic MILF

 Jennifer Coolidge, perhaps best known for her role in “American Pie” as Stifler’s Mom, plays the role of a mom aspiring to become a nightgown designer in her new movie “Gentlemen Broncos,” directed by Jared Hess. The film stars Michael Angarano of “Forbidden Kingdom” and Jemaine Clement of “Flight of the Conchords”.

Phish played eight sets over the course of three days

 As a native East Coaster, it was a real thrill to find out that Phish, originally a Vermont band, was playing a three-day festival close to San Diego at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, the site of the famous Coachella music festival over Halloween weekend. 1 comment

Sparks the Rescue: A promising new band

 The land of Maine is known for things such as lobster, lighthouses and unbearably cold weather. One thing to point out is that Maine is most certainly not a haven for alternative music. Yet Sparks the Rescue, a band hailing from Portland, Maine, has a driving presence and has spent this last year picking up steam on the music scene.

Hot Chip was so not hot

 This weekend I saw Hot Chip perform a DJ set and I was extremely, extremely disappointed. Hot Chip was one of my favorite bands back in my high school days. They were the first semi-electro band I was into and tracks like “Boy From School” upped my mood every afternoon.

Recipe for a great road trip

 In the past, my paradigm of road trips was not at all enjoyable. When thinking of driving a long distance, I envisioned being crammed in a mini-van between my arguing siblings and not being able to use the restroom when I really had to go.  However, over the course of the last few years I have been healed from those bad experiences.

Emotional struggles

 Something I have noticed about my taste in music is the fact that I am much more drawn to a song when the lyrics are depressing. I don’t know why a song about a man killing himself to come back as a better person appeals to me. I’m not a sad kid and I am content with the life I am living.

‘Tis the season to make a statement

  Jewelry. It’s the universal language of women. Elegant gemstones, brightly colored jewels, dangling earrings, the perfect cocktail ring - a piece of jewelry is not just an accessory, it can transform an otherwise plain outfit into something spectacular.

October 29, 2009

You can find me at the bottom of the the lake

An interview with Ryan Solle of The Builders and the Butchers

 On last Tuesday and Wednesday night, Brand New, Manchester Orchestra and The Builders and The Butchers played at the House of Blues. I will admit that I bought my ticket to the show based on the two headliners but left taking more from the opening band, The Builders and The Butchers.

Life as a controversial female comedienne

 Comedienne Kathy Griffin has earned herself a name in standup with embellished retellings of her personal experiences of her family, career and celebrity encounters. Her material on some of the Hollywood names has given her the most trouble. She has allegedly been banned from shows such as “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “Live with Regis and Kelly.

Why is WHY? so unquestionably good live?

 “When does why start” is a very confusing text message to wake up to, unless you are familiar with the verbal confusion that accompanies having a favorite band whose name is one of the “five W’s.” I’ve written about WHY? a time or two in the past and I have introduced their unique and eccentric sound to nearly all of my closest friends.

Leggings are back and boys are happy

 Leggings are a misunderstood item of clothing. For some reason they have a notoriously bad reputation among students and fashionistas alike. Lindsay Lohan’s ridiculous attempts at fashion design, which parlayed into a line of leggings, didn’t help matters much, but if you can look beyond that as well as the obnoxiously bright neon hues of the ‘80s,leggings are actually very comfortable, practical and yes, stylish.

The circle of life continues at San Diego Civic Theatre

 The theatrical adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King” has made its way back to San Diego and onto the stage of the San Diego Civic Theatre. The musical boasts of vibrantly colored sets and costumes that masterfully blend elements of African culture and wildlife of the savannah.

Monsters of Folk bring down the house at Spreckles

 San Diego’s Historical Spreckels Theater has seen some amazing performances since it opened in 1912. Legendary acts such as Abbot and Costello, Katherine Hepburn and John Phillip Souza have all graced the stage of this beautiful theater in the heart of downtown San Diego.

Musical treasure chest

 I love music. I know that it is a very simple statement that many of you reading these words feel as well. However, love is a strong word. I don’t just go around telling every girl that I love her.  It is the same way with music. I don’t just say I love a band unless I truly do and have listened to their albums inside and out.

A modern counter-culture philosophy

Inside the creation of the Hindie Nation

 

 

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October 22, 2009

Low budget film booms at the box office

 First there was “Silence of the Lambs.” Then there was the “Scream” sensation. The next generation was the “Saw” series. Now, horror has a new look with the movie that makes you want to pee your pants, “Paranormal Activity.

The mixtape renaissance: Music over money

 The grime and crime and anguish and stench of death on forgotten streets gave birth to hip-hop. It was born in a time of uncertainty and a faint scent of revolution hung in the air like an early autumn cobweb. The streets, newly liberated in name only, remained shackled by the chains of urban poverty.

Passion Pit plays punk venue

 Passion Pit and Soma are two things that don’t really go together. Passion Pit is a bouncy, fun, semi-electro band, in the vein of Hot Chip and Animal Collective, that’s a little zany and a lot exciting. Soma is a venue known for its hardcore and punk shows, hosting acts like Mars Volta, Dropkick Murphys and Thrice.

Having a vision

 It has been a little over a week since my 21st birthday. Strangely enough I actually feel a lot older now. Not only can I legally enjoy an alcoholic beverage, but I really do feel the burden of adulthood just a little more than I did before.   It’s always around this time of year that I have deep existential inner dialogues and often-emotional breakdowns about where I am going with my life and what my future will bring.

Still fresh

 Sufjan Stevens’ newest installment on the Asthmatic Kitty label, “The BQE,” is a far cry from Stevens’ singer-songwriter albums of the past. “The BQE” is not as folksy as “Michigan.” The regional history of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in New York is different, of course, from that of the wolverine state where Stevens was born.

Onscreen interpetation does the book justice

Spike Jonze portrays a wild childhood

 I, along with many other moviegoers, am jaded when it comes to my expectations for films based on books. I have been disappointed too many times and have seen many of my favorite books butchered in their re-contextualized state. However, after seeing the newly released film “Where the Wild Things Are,” I feel as though part of my hope has been restored.

Models in fashion taking big steps

 It’s September. The new Fall Fashion issue of Vogue just arrived.  Eager to stay in the know, you scan the pages to prep your wardrobe. Trends this season? Big shouldered jackets, studded ankle booties, bones jutting out from your hips and back…wait, what? What if eating disorders were marketed as a trend, much like those shoes and handbags you lust after in the fashion magazines? What if the cutthroat, obsessive and controlling mindset of fashion models and pin thin celebrities crossed over into the real world? “What if” has unfortunately become the reality in recent years.

Alice in Chains: Kings of grunge

The band releases new album along with the debut of new singer, William Duvall

 Unfortunately for most of us reading this article,  Alice in Chains reached their peak of exuberance, creativity and popularity while we were still reading the notes our mother’s packed in our lunches. From 1986 until 1996 Alice in Chains held the title as the reigning kings of grunge rock.

Patrick Watson gives a penetrating performance

Less is always more

 Finding a band that prefers the small show opposed to the large crowd is always rewarding. The performance becomes a moment of intimacy with musicians whom you have never spoken to in your life. Unless you are the two girls in the front row who have been waiting for Patrick Watson to tour the west coast for the last four years.

Happily convinced

 Having never even heard of the band Patrick Watson, I truthfully had no interest in going to see them perform. My friends from back home called me up the previous week to let me know they would be in the San Diego area for a must see show. So naturally, I YouTubed the dudes.

October 15, 2009

Why?!

 WHY?’s latest album, “Eskimo Snow,” came out last month, and as I waited anxiously for it to download my mind raced with hopes and expectations. I had read that the tracks were recorded at the same time as those on “Alopecia.

“The Help” gives voice to women of all walks of life

 It was Jackson, Mississippi during the ‘60s, a place and time espoused to a contradicting set of dichotomous beliefs, where the well-to-do white women of the town raise money to aid the hungry children of Africa, but firmly protest the ideologies of the Civil Rights movement.

Oktoberfest celebrated in both La Mesa and Ocean Beach

San Diego isn’t afraid of a little lederhosen

 While Germany’s annual Oktoberfest continues to attract people from all over the world, our very own San Diego has held some pretty impressive festivals in honor of the German tradition. The two festivals that really stood out were the La Mesa Village Oktoberfest and the Ocean Beach Oktoberfest.

Shoulderpads and hammerpants

Fashion flashbacks for this fall

 Dig up your shoulder pads, mini dresses and Madonna tracks, and get ready to make a bold statement because the styles of the late ‘80s  and early ‘90s are back in a big way.  But wait before you drag out that old teasing comb, because fall 2009 is revamping the decade that will forever remain famous for its fashion, and this means only the good trends are being revived.

It's not a man crush, I swear

 Knowing someone in a band makes me feel a lot cooler then I probably am. I mean, not to say I’m not cool or anything, but whenever I go see a friend play a show I feel as if they are playing every song specifically for me. The reasoning behind this is due to the fact that I have spent countless hours in the garages of aspiring musicians listening to their music progress over the years.

Tram it up!

 Day in and day out USD students complain about the campus tram service.  We blame the drivers for getting us to class late although most of us are holding Starbucks coffee cups.  We gripe about the messed up schedules and how we have to wait at the west lot for 15 minutes and then two trams show up at the same time.

Heartthrob Badgley stars in remake of “The Stepfather”

 This October, Penn Badgley will star in the psycho-thriller, “The Stepfather,” a movie about what happens when Michael Harding, (Penn Badgley) returns from military school to find his mother, (Sela Ward)  with a charming new man, David Harris (Dylan Walsh) who Michael suspects is a Dr.

“Entourage” finishes its sixth season on HBO

 Although USD was hit with its first tsunami of midterms, tests and quizzes this past week, it’s safe to say many scholars still found the time to take a break from studying and wish the beloved crew of "Entourage" farewell on Sunday, Oct.

Prospective on-campus pub for USD community

Can a new forum strengthen student-teacher relationships?

 In American culture, most youths under the age of 21 cannot wait to legally drink. However, being under 21 does not restrict you from having a good time. Once you are of age, one begins to notice why there is a legal drinking age.  Being 21 and a senior at USD makes you wonder what it would be like if alcohol was served on campus.

Groundation: doing it for the sake of music

 With the constant flow of pre-packaged, made for radio hits that comprise the mainstream music world today, Groundation provides a much-needed breath of fresh air. The born and bred Northern California roots reggae band delivers the audience a jam session that highlights their creativity and passion for the art of music making.

October 8, 2009

Everything in its right place after all

Thom Yorke and Flea’s band make Los Angeles debut

    September 27, 2009: 2:53 a.m.: Receive text from Bryce Carr explaining Thom Yorke and Flea are starting a band and will play Los Angeles next Sunday. 9:58 a.m.: Leave class discussion of how men ruined the world with misogynistic patriarchy to find nearest computer.

Cudi releases much anticipated album

 It is obvious that Kid Cudi is different from to other rappers. The self-proclaimed “Lonely Stoner,” prefers fedoras and flannels to the tall T’s and loose jeans ubiquitous to many of his hip-hop contemporaries. He mocks his own athletic deficiencies and boasts of his artistic inclinations.

Are Brazilian Blowouts really worth the cost?

A lasting answer for frizzy hair

 The hair care industry is one of the most lucrative in the world of beauty and fashion. It has been able to successfully drain the pockets of girls (and even guys) clamoring for the latest cut, color or chemical treatment being marketed.   A quick trip to the hair salon is the easiest way to update your look and give what often feels like a much-needed change. 2 comments

Neuromarketing: the brain wave of the future

 The MRI technology used to diagnose heart problems relating to heart cancer is now able to diagnose heart problems of a different kind: heart palpitations as a result of impending danger in a horror flick. That’s exactly what producer Peter Katz is using to measure the degree of terror one experiences while watching his recent film, “Pop Skull.

Tour de Fat raises fat cash for San Diego bike riders

This past Saturday, hundreds of people came from all over San Diego in support of the first annual “Tour de Fat” festival in Balboa Park. The free event was sponsored by the environmentally conscious “New Belgium Brewing Co.,” maker of “Fat Tire,” an amber ale, which is respected by beer lovers everywhere.

USD student weaves a new path for his future

     College students today have all heard about the troubles of graduating and not finding a job in this current economy crisis. Seniors are constantly bombarded by relatives and peers about the troubles looming on the horizon for post graduation.

The origin of inspiration

I always thought I could imagine how much work went into the making of a film.  The problem was, I only could imagine.  I spent the past weekend at my friend’s beach house in the community of St. Malo, which is located at the end of Oceanside, Calif.

"Zombieland": It's still funny when someone gets hurt

 “Zombieland” combines three of my favorite movie components: guns, zombies and Jesse Eisenberg. Set in a world plagued by a zombie virus, only a few survive.  Columbus, played by a very cute Jesse Eisenberg, is able to survive by adhering to a code of conduct with numbered rules that include wearing a seatbelt and limbering up before strenuous excursions.

The Old Globe portrays the life of Davis Jr. in "Sammy"

 The musical “Sammy,” directed by Keith Glover, chronicles the life of the biracial singer, dancer and actor Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925-1990). He was involved in the entertainment business at four years old starting in vaudeville, but would not gain recognition until 1951.

October 1, 2009

"District 9" raises controversy in Nigeria

 This summer’s “District 9,” an emotionally charged, documentary style movie about the arrival of aliens in South Africa, thrilled some with its originality and intensity, but left others burning with offense. Banned in Nigeria for its depiction of Nigerians as cannibalistic, uncivilized and corrupt people, the film is causing uproar due to the portrayal of Nigerians and the nod to apartheid.

Guy and girl discuss the dos and don’ts of fashion

 Sitting in the Vista office, Victoria Fantozzi and Ryan Coghill proceed to discuss the fashions of today, particularly those of students attending the University of San Diego.   Ryan Coghill: I like the rainbow sandals.   Victoria Fantozzi: They are totally not fashionable.

Yearning for a cozy concert

 After a few months filled with music festivals, I have grown to greatly miss the experience of a meaningful show in a cozy venue. One of my favorite venues is the Troubadour in Los Angeles, and I also really like Che Café at UCSD. There’s something about a small venue that makes a live performance seem more real and more passionate.

This season's hottest flick: “The September Issue”

 While actions may speak louder than words, here at USD sometimes fashion statements speak the loudest. Gucci bags, Prada shades and Se7en jeans, are just a few of the high-end brands that can all be spotted among the every day hustle and bustle of students going from class to class.

Walls deals with love and loss in “The Glass Castle”

    Jeannette Walls gives a private look into the life of her wildly eccentric and sadly dysfunctional family in her memoir “The Glass Castle.” Walls’ parents ascribed to the mentality that children learn from their mistakes – a parenting method that left the Walls children to their own devices.

Cudi releases much anticipated album

 It is obvious that Kid Cudi is different from to other rappers. The self-proclaimed “Lonely Stoner,” prefers fedoras and flannels to the tall T’s and loose jeans ubiquitous to many of his hip-hop contemporaries. He mocks his own athletic deficiencies and boasts of his artistic inclinations.

Willet of the Cold War Kids chats with “The Vista”

 As many of you know, the Cold War Kids preformed here at USD last Thursday afternoon. The USD Radio crew and I sat down with lead singer Nathan Willett, of the Cold War Kids for a post-show interview. As the University of San Diego is a small school, it was not surprising that the crowd was low in attendance.

Jay-Z’s new album becomes one of his 99 problems

 Considered one of the most anticipated albums of 2009, Jay-Z’s 11th studio release, “The Blueprint 3,” fails to live up to expectations and satisfy the growing hunger for a return to the framework that made both “The Blueprint” and “Reasonable Doubt” successful.

Circle slash technology

 The other evening I was watching a program on television about the future of communication technology. Considering that I am a communication studies major, one would think that this sort of show would excite me, however it affected me in a strange way.

A poor decision

 As I sat in the computer lab on Tuesday morning, looking for articles to pitch at the next writers meeting, a fellow Radiohead fan tipped me off with the knowledge that Thom Yorke of Radiohead and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers had decided to team up and play two shows in downtown Los Angeles at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday Oct.

September 24, 2009

USD Radio gets rocking

    Last spring, a few kids sat around a kitchen table talking about creating a radio station for USD. The students wanted to do something new. They wanted to help give their fellow classmates a voice and an outlet for their creative expression.

An unexpected crush

 Alison Mosshart, lead singer of The Dead Weather, makes me feel confused for two major reasons. 1. Jenny Lewis has always been my favorite female musician. 2. I’ve always liked boys. There’s something extremely sexy about the only girl in a rock band, especially when she lights up a cigarette onstage, neglecting to push her crazy black rocker hair out of her face.

Cold War Kids today!

      By now you have heard the buzz around campus that the Cold War Kids will be performing at the Student Life Pavilion Grand Opening today at 12 p.m. For those of you who do not know who the Cold War Kids are, now is your chance to be exposed to an indie rock band that has a wide range of songs, from heavy reverberations to laid-back melodies.

“Office Space” creator tries his hand at blue collar storyline with “Extract”

 If audiences can “extract” their attention away from the big-budget, big-name movies of the fall long enough, they may be lucky enough to stumble upon the sleeper comedy “Extract.” Ten years after the release of “Office Space” and its immortalization as a cult hit, Mike Judge, creator of “Beavis and Butthead” and “King of the Hill,” has graced film audiences with “Extract.

The Beatles: Rock Band

Their influence on Generation Next

      

San Diego freestylist commemorates Poppa Light

 “If you ain’t got nothin’ to say, then shut the f*** up.” I got this message loud and clear as artist Michel Madrigal explained to me the importance of voicing one’s opinion. I realized Michel was not a shy woman when she yanked me in through her apartment door and gave me the biggest bear hug I’d ever received.

More bang for your buck in college

      Fashion in a recession. Kind of problematic, is it not? Vogue is taunting its readers with gorgeous over-the-knee boots, dotting them strategically throughout the pages, as if one thousand dollars a pop is nothing.      In the world of fashion, the price for looking chic is never too extreme, but this is reality and, let’s face it, the majority of us aren’t too keen to spend our gas money on footwear.

Fall Out Boy sucks, Get Up Kids do not

      Bands break up and get back together on a regular basis. After all, as the Get Up Kids state in their track “Forgive and Forget,” all good things have endings. But when those good things reinstate their place in the world, especially the music world, it’s kind of a big deal.

West Indian Girl: more than LSD

    40 years after the Summer of Love swept through the hearts, minds and loins of American youth, and just a week after the equivalent anniversary of Woodstock, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park lent itself to another massive musical jamboree – the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival.

Wannabe rock stars

I  recently become aware of a unique habit my friends and I have developed. We are interested, almost to the point of obsession, with dreaming up obscure concepts for musical groups and then naming them accordingly. We play this game almost everyday.

Maybe a little grungy

 Sleeping in a car might sound a little grungy, but let it be known; it is quite the experience. I always thought I would need to go abroad during college in order to experience culture shock. The problem is, I have never been able to afford the luxury of hopping on a plane to another country for a full semester.