Archive for 2008
“Australia” Goes Big
Somewhere between the westerns of the 1960s and the melodramas of the 1930s lies Baz Luhrmann’s original vision of “Australia.” The outback native’s fourth film strays far from his sling-shot angles and obsession with close-ups to give a sweeping, epic view of both the breathtaking Aussie landscape and the epic romance he created for it.
A New Golden ‘Age’ for The Killers
The Killers is a fun band. Sure, there is the occasional lyric that can be interpreted as deep until the next one has you scratching your head, but this band isn’t supposed to make you think. And the best part is, they’re completely unapologetic about it.
Penn Hits the Spot in “Milk”
Halfway through “Milk,” we find Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) greeting campaign supporter Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch) near the steps of San Francisco City Hall. Like Harvey, Cleve too has cleaned up his stringy hair and replaced raggedy threads with business casual attire. Harvey is visibly upset. He tells Cleve that he wants him to keep his flamboyance visible regardless of the etiquette that political theater may require. To drive the point home, he frolics up the marble steps, twirling and singing on his first day as the nation’s first openly gay public official.
Coldplay Continues Its Hot Streak on Stage
Overblown stage? Check. Melodic, atmospheric and sing-along numbers? Check. Two-hour rock spectacular? Definitely check. Coldplay in concert? Worth every painful penny.
KUCI: The Underground Alternative
“We are the last bastion against crappy, sound-alike radio in Orange County,” says its philosophy on the KUCI website. “We are the voice of freedom for all the independent music that gets snubbed by the major labels. We are the defenders of the faith for those who choose to express a different opinion. We are corporate rock’s worst nightmare. We are KUCI.”
Faculty Master Class with Jerzy Kozmala
Internationally renowned violist Jerzy Kosmala participated in the second Faculty Master Class last Monday as part of an inaugural series of events organized by the UC Irvine Music Department. Students performed pieces from some of classical music’s greatest composers to a diverse audience of professors, students and community members.
Roku Kyuu Roku 696
Bassist Toshiya rocks out with Dir En Grey at the LA Wiltern on Saturday, November 29th. Dir En Grey is a popular Japanese rock band that has an enormous underground following, including students at UC Irvine.
Overheard @ UCI
Men usually don’t have babies…but might they on rare occasions? Find out (or not) in this week’s edition of…
For Better or for Worse
The Legacy of George W. Bush
