Time to say goodbye: Graduate compiles graduation playlist
The best albums and mixes tell a story. They manage to formulate a theme and capture a mood. With graduation right around the corner, I’ve… Read more »
Writer archives: Jessica Cabe
Dalle Alone: Artist's solo debut establishes individual sound
Brody Dalle is best known as the frontwoman for the disbanded punk group The Distillers, where her lyrics were fighting words more often shrieked or… Read more »
Beast mode: After 16 years off, Afghan Whigs bring back dynamic grunge roots for revival attempt
Revival efforts are tricky. When a band breaks up, even for the most amicable reasons, it sends a message that the story is over. That… Read more »
Born to be Wylde: Black Label Society sticks to its usual Southern-tinged metal playbook
Zakk Wylde and his iconic bull’s-eye guitar are back, but not quite with a vengeance. Wylde’s band Black Label Society’s ninth album, “Catacombs of the… Read more »
Deep roots: Nickel Creek sticks to blueprint of rock-infused mountain music
This is not your grandpa’s bluegrass. After a seven-year hiatus, bluegrass darling Nickel Creek has gotten the band back together just in time for their… Read more »
Shakira, Shakira: Colombian superstar oversteps her limitations, gets experimental on self-titled album
Best known for her skillful blend of Latin and pop music, Shakira has shown throughout her career that her interests lie elsewhere, too. But on… Read more »
Coming of age: Foster the People tries to fend off one-hit wonder status on sophomore record
For Foster the People, “Pumped Up Kicks” has no doubt been a blessing and a curse. The wildly popular single from their debut album, “Torches,”… Read more »
Phi Beta Sigma to host J.Cole as part of 100 year celebration
If you search for tickets to the J. Cole concert at the Carrier Dome on Ticketmaster, you’ll be greeted with a yellow exclamation mark and… Read more »
Stereo typical: Lacking creativity, depth in songs, 311’s most recent album fails to stand out in long-winded repertoire
On their first indie release in more than 20 years, reggae-fied alternative rock band 311 still hasn’t broken much new ground. While that’s not a… Read more »
Almost human: St. Vincent's self-titled record makes electronic-driven social statement
When trying to come up with a list of artists who create the most “human” music, St. Vincent does not come to mind. Experimental rock… Read more »
Less to love: Alternative country singer Lydia Loveless fails to impress with newest album
Popular country music has largely spiraled into formulaic safety. The grit and sincerity of old is lost on poppy music and singers who rest on… Read more »
Church and Estate: Country singer Eric Church releases conflicting album, part money-maker, part sincere
Eric Church has been walking a fine line between country artist and country moneymaker since his 2006 debut album, “Sinners Like Me.” His records are… Read more »
Bell bottom: Indie-super duo disappoints with confusing disco-themed album
What do you get when you cross one of indie rock’s biggest heroes with one of the most acclaimed producers of the 2000s? Disco, apparently.… Read more »
True to heart: Dum Dum Girl's third album provides authentic story-telling with strong lyrics
The Dum Dum Girls made waves in the indie world when their sophomore album, “Only in Dreams,” dropped in 2011. The girl group’s infectious ’60s… Read more »
Mindless matter: Young the Giant’s second album shows potential, remains forgetful with generic lyrics
We’ve been hearing that rock ‘n’ roll is dead for decades, but really the genre is just ever-changing. The thing is, music is easier to… Read more »
Against the current: Band becomes more open on issues after lead singer comes out as transgender
The last line of “Bamboo Bomes”, a single off of Against Me!’s 2010 album “White Crosses” is shouted out defiantly by singer and guitarist Laura… Read more »
Chasing pavement: Indie-rock vetern fails to deliver with odd rhythms, confusing lyrics
Approximately 14 years after announcing Pavement’s hiatus, the slacker rock band’s frontman Stephen Malkmus is still trying to outrun his first band’s shadow. In 2000,… Read more »
Whip it good: Ballsy '50 Shades of Grey' musical has 1-night stand in Syracuse
The cast of “50 Shades! The Musical” gyrated, groped and spanked so hard that the fourth wall came tumbling right down. The touring production came… Read more »
Kronos Quartet performs for Belfer anniversary
A single note on the cello rang through a sold-out Setnor Auditorium, building to a cacophony of sound and supported by a strobe light. This… Read more »
Get the look: Students participate in Rent the Runway Fashion Show, borrow designer dresses, gowns
Models from Syracuse University will strut their stuff down the runway this weekend to showcase dresses that any college student could wear. The first Rent… Read more »
Tragic play 'Scorched' explores family history, war
Nothing burns quite like a dark family history. Syracuse Stage’s production of “Scorched” explores the meaning of family and the long-lasting effects of war. The… Read more »
Decompress your stress: 10 simple tips for quick relaxation, clear mind
1. Call up someone you love Sometimes college takes you away from the people around which you can really be yourself. Whether it’s your mom,… Read more »
Stripped down: Condensed adaptation of classic tragedy 'Carmen' brings heat, passion to stage
Opera isn’t exactly known for its sexiness, but “Carmen” definitely brings the heat. Syracuse Opera opened its 2013-2014 season with “The Tragedy of Carmen,” a… Read more »
Mother's cancer diagnosis motivates student to participate in 5K breast cancer walk
On the day Melissa Ruh found out her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was sitting in Starbucks with a group of friends and… Read more »
