ENTERTAINTMENT

Wichitan Staff names Best Albums of 2004: Camron Chief's picks
Camron Rushin | Editor-In-Chief

Guided by Voices – Half-smiles of the decomposed
This album will go down in history as the last album Guided by Voices released. After touring for 20 years and releasing about two albums a year, GBV is calling it quits. You’re probably asking “Who is Guided By Voices?” If you don’t know, you’ve missed out on a huge chunk of rock history for the past 20 years. Get this album and retroactively catch up. GBV is probably one the of the greatest rock bands of all time. I have two rock ‘n’ roll regrets in my life, and one of them is that I never got to see GBV live. I bought a ticket to their last show in Dallas but the show was then rescheduled.
The Arcade Fire – Funeral
Some critics have touted this as the best album of the decade. They’ve put it on a pedestal with My Bloody Valentine’s “Loveless,” and Neutral Milk Hotel’s “In The Aeroplane over the Sea.” I got this album to see what all the hype was about. It’s truly a great album. I may have to listen to it a couple more times before I start throwing it around as the greatest thing since sliced bread. What’s really killer on this album is the arrangements. Instruments are on top of instruments and a new one will sneak up on you with every listen. Just think of the best indie bands of the last 15 years and you will hear the influence on this album.

Camera Obscura – Underachievers please try harder
I found out about this band a few weeks ago from a friend. I got the CD and it hasn’t left my player since. Many critics are calling this band a Belle & Sebastian rip-off. I guess I’m not too big of a B & S snob to write Camera Obscura off as a phony. They are much like B & S as they have both male and female vocals and the sound is totally pop-sing along. Oh yeah and they both hail from Scotland. B & S aside, the female vocals are reminiscent of Azure Ray and the lyrics are filled with so much wit you have to smile listening to this album. If you saw me walking through the campus with headphones this is probably what I was listening to. I would even have a little skip in my step and it takes a lot for that to happen.

Garden State Soundtrack
The best movie I’ve seen this year also happens to have the best soundtrack. It doesn’t get any better than the anticipation of Natalie Portman waiting for Zach Braff to come up the escalator and the music of Frou Frou’s “Let Go” begins. If you haven’t heard this song you’re out of the loop. Braff, who wrote Garden State. compiled the perfect mix CD. Add a little Coldplay, The Shins, Colin Hay, Thievery Corporation, Nick Drake and more with my two favorite songs on the album, “Let Go” of course and Iron and Wine’s cover of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights.”
It’s almost like Braff made a mix CD of some of his favorite songs and is giving it to us as a gift. Thanks Zach, you saved me some time having to buy all these albums. If the movie business doesn’t work out you can make a living making mix CDs.
5. Iron and Wine – Our Endless Numbered Days
“Our Endless Numbered Days” is the most beautiful album this year. Since Bright Eyes hasn’t put out an album since 2002, Iron and Wine has become my new folk hero. This is one of those albums that makes you think life is beautiful, but then the CD is over and things go back to normal. If you liked Doug Martsch’s solo album from last year this is a must-have. Or if you happen to be into folk or blues.



Abbie's Top Five Albums
Abigail Carter | Managing Editor

Kanye West “College Dropout”
West hit the big time when his first album went triple platinum within the first sixth months. West, a music producer who created such hits as “H to the Izzo,” wrote a large part of this album while in a hospital bed with his jaw wired shut. Hit songs like “Through the Wire” and “Jesus Walks” tell of West’s struggle with money, drugs, and regaining his life and voice.  “Dropout” is a deeply soulful record with a lot of heart that still manages to make you laugh. Rising to the challenge of rappers who said he couldn’t make it alone, West rises above the rest and then crushes them.
Snoop Dogg “Rhythm and Gangster”
Snoop first rose to the spotlight on the coattails of Dr. Dre when he guest-rapped on the Dre’s album “The Chronic” in the early 90s.  Shortly afterward, Snoop’s first solo album “Doggystyle” topped the charts, and he reigned supreme. However, over the past decade, little of his music could be heard on the radio or MTV. Since that time, Snoop has produced eight more albums, none of which were deemed worthy of mention until now.  “R & G” is Snoop’s ninth attempt to seduce the public with his uniquely lyrical, smooth-flowing, poetic rap. “Drop it Like it’s Hot” is the first radio hit off of the record, though surely not the last. Snoop finally has another gold.
Maria Mena “White Turns Blue”
Mena, a young Norwegian songstress, comes out swinging with her debut album. Mena’s innocently sweet-yet coolly sexy-tone is reminiscent of the best of Alanis, Jewel, and Bjork. Her one–of–a–kind sound is at once dark and light, sassy and demure. “You’re The Only One,” a bittersweet, funny melody about love, will soon be blaring from a speaker near you.
Alanis Morissette Eight Easy Steps
On her latest album, Morissette reminds us that she’s still the same woman with more angst-driven rock. The weird part is, she doesn’t have any angst, and some of the tunes are almost happy. Still, her unique brand of slightly out-of-tune vocals along with her inventive guitar chords together create an organized chaos of alternative rock.
Jill Scott Words and Sounds: Volume 2
Newlywed and brimming with joy, Scott takes us on a continuation of the journey she began in her first album, Words and Sounds: Volume 1.  Her self-confidence shines through in her music and lyrics. Scott’s sassy sweetness is a refreshing change from the angry sluts who usually whine out at me from the radio dial. This is one funky woman who knows a lot about soul.



Top Five Rockin' alternative DVD's of 2004
Richard Carter | Dance Critic

If 2004 gave us anything really new formally, it was the “live” DVD for alternative music. Never in even my wildest dreams would I expect a full concert recording by Yeah Yeah Yeahs or Goldfrapp.
And yet, it seemed like every month there was a DVD being released that was worth checking out. Here are, to my way of thinking, the very best five “concert” DVDs of the year.
Cat Power “Speaking for Trees” $21.99
A two-hour film of the elusive Chan Marshall playing a Silvertone electric guitar and singing in a forest. Features her dulcet originals stripped down along with covers like “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.”
Filmed a little maddeningly for some, perhaps, but director Mark Borthwick’s camera (ala Andy Warhol) maintains a fixed, safe distance from the notoriously shy Marshall.
Neither pretentious or overly conceptual, the film functions nicely as a live recording of this modern day girl trapped somewhere between folk and hippie-ness. I like it a lot in small doses.
White Stripes “Under Blackpool Lights” $17.99
A high-energy video from the Detroit band’s show played earlier this year in England. Features 26 songs, including most of the singles, recorded on hand held video in the midst of a raucous crowd.
Who knew this low-fi band could create such a great sound live? I have the worst crush on Meg but she’s still a mediocre drummer at best, and Jack’s guitar playing is little more than clown shoes.
Yet the show absolutely rocks. The garage production fits the duo’s blues rock to a T. Completely recommended to fans. I suspect this band’s going to be around for a long while.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Tell Me What Rockers to Swallow” $14.99
Seeing this upbeat high energy Brooklyn trio live is truly an experience. And considering the band rarely plays Texas, check out their live DVD, already.
Recorded at the Fillmore, this DVD captured the group in all of their sex, energy and passion. Also included are documentaries, plus four videos including “Y-Control,” directed by Spike Jonze.
The set features 16 songs, plus parts of another set, and some songs that have yet to be recorded. The band is in good form, with lots of beat and guitar and the infectious sass and overdrive of singer Karen O.
Goldfrapp, “Wonderful Electric: Live in London.” $17.99
This two DVD set features captivating performances of this eclectic English group’s first two tours. Alison Goldfrapp’s compelling singing voice heads a diverse band through a mix of soundtrack, chanson, art rock, dark fairy tales and beat flavored electronica. 
.The first disc features a 14-song set at Somerset House in 2003. Filmed from close-up with great sound, the DVD is the next best thing to being on the second row.
The second DVD, “Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire,” features 11 songs from 2001 of a compelling show with more strings, but less beat.
Belle & Sebastian “Fans Only”

This 2-hour-15-minute collection of videos, live shows and vintage clips of the band practicing and recording is an excellent appreciation and/or introduction to this Scottish band.
Frequently dismissed as too depressing, or appreciated because of said depression, this DVD shows that there’s a lot more to this talented group of musicians than may have met the ear in the past.
I really enjoyed the variety of tunes, the pop musicianship and finally the short videos in which each member introduces themselves.
The White Stripes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs DVDs were loaned for review purposes by Hastings, 696-8029. Punch 3 and ask to speak to music.



Upcoming films for the Holiday Season
Jason Kimbro | Staff Reporter

I have been given the dubious task of informing Wichitan readers of the movies available over Christmas break. In this, I will be giving opinions about movies that I have yet to see, based upon trailers, synopses, and what I have read so far.
So with an open mind and lip placed firmly between my teeth, here we go:
This Weekend:  “Blade: Trinity” (12/08), “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” “Ocean’s Twelve.”
The main film I’m looking forward to this week is, of course, “Blade: Trinity.” This looks to be the best of the three, both in the realms of action and cast. Wesley Snipes reprises his role and gets a little help from Jessica Biel and Ryan Reynolds. 
I would be sure to grab tickets for Wes Anderson’s new flick “The Life Aquatic” as well.
Dec. 17:  “The Aviator,” “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and “Spanglish.” We have all seen the previews and TV spots for “Lemony” and “Aviator,” but there hasn’t been very much said about “Spanglish.” 
Though driven by Adam Sandler, this one ought to be fairly entertaining, being helmed by “Terms of Endearment” director, James L. Brooks, who also helps produce “The Simpsons.” There will be a sneak of “Spanglish” this Saturday in town.
Dec. 22:  “Darkness” (12/25), “Fat Albert” (12/25), “Flight of the Phoenix,” and “Meet the Fockers.” “Fockers” is on the top for me this weekend. “Flight of the Phoenix” may be a decent flick, but unfortunately its lead star is Dennis Quaid, whose acting ability has diminished since “The Rookie.” Watch “Cold Creek Manor” and you’ll understand.
Dec. 29:  “In Good Company” and “A Love Song for Bobby Long.”  “Good Company” is another Dennis Quaid crapfest and “A Love Song for Bobby Long” is John Travolta’s attempt at serious acting, though all he is sure to earn from this is a Razzie.
Those are only some of the movies with tentative dates for release. Here, now, are some others slated to be released during the period over our break, but have yet to receive a specific date.
“Alone in the Dark”: Christian Slater and Tara Reid join forces to stop a bunch of demons from coming to life and eating up all the cafeteria food, oh, excuse me, Mesquite Dining Hall food. Just kidding on the last part, folks, but being directed by “House of the Dead” helmer, Uwe Boll, this is sure to be pure excrement.
“Elektra”:  Jennifer Garner reprises her role in this spin-off from the annoyances of Ben Affleck as “Daredevil.” This may be quite a bit better than “Daredevil” for it has the advantage of having a halfway decent director:  Rob Bowman, who created the “X-Files” flick.
“Man Thing”: Mining people awaken a monster that represents an evil metaphor of the swamp in which they are digging. This has “B-movie” written all over it. It was supposed to be released straight to video. I am hoping for some good cheesiness out of this one.
“Mindhunters”:  Renny Harlin has been going downhill with filmmaking with such recent flops as“Driven” and the critically panned “Exorcist” prequel from last summer. This time he has Christian Slater and Val Kilmer on an island with a bunch of FBI trainees, trying to find a killer.
“White Noise”:  Michael Keaton is hoping that the popular stream of supernatural horrors will revive his career. This one involves Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) and its power to listen to ghosts speaking to us from the beyond. OOO! It has a very effective trailer and looks to be decent. Hopefully it’ll surpass the cringe of “The Grudge” and “Saw.”
And finally, “An Unfinished Life”:  I saved this one for last because I felt it will be the “Gigli” of the holiday season. It stars Jennifer Lopez and Robert Redford, playing father and daughter in a reunion meant to heal old wounds. The only thing this film has going for it is its director Lasse Hallstrom, whose credits include “Chocolat” and “The Cider House Rules.”
I know I may be jumping the gun, especially since it has such a great helmer behind it, but “An Unfinished Life” looks to be dear Lasse’s first roll in the sewage of Hollywood.  Robert Redford as Lopez’s father?  Sure, and Dr. Rodriquez could play my pop in the story of my life.
There are many other films in hopes of gaining your attention and money. Several films will be in limited release, which means you’ll have to go to Dallas to see them.  I am sorry if I did not cover a film you wanted to read about.  If you have a problem, write a letter to the editor stating your issue and we will all be sure to pass it around and laugh at it.