Thursday, March 3, 1994 Amos breaks the sophomore slump Under The Pink pushes to the next level by Paul Lorio Collegian Staff After a huge initial success, many musical artists suffer the traditional “sophomore slump.” Tori Amos’ second release, Under The Pink, promises to break this tradition and push her to the next level. Tori’s debut album, Little Earthquakes, shook the music world in 1992 and went gold. Under The Pink doesn’t just take over where the others left off, but rather it expands on the first. Piano playing has been this musical prodigy’s claim to fame and this release is no exception. During such songs By Jen Dugan Collegian Stcfff "Reality Bites;” I definitely like the title, but have mixed feelings about the film. The plot reminds me of "Singles." It is about friends, life, love, hardships-reality. The movie details the stray of Lelaina (Winona Ryder), Troy (Ethan Hawke), and Michael (Ben Stiller). Lelaina just graduated from college and is having some bad luck. After getting fired from her job, she gets into a car accident with hot-shot business man, Michael. Michael decides to forget the whole thing because he has an attraction to Lelaina. Michael asks Lelaina out for a dinner date. Lelaina's friend Troy, who has never expressed his love to her, is quite jealous. He finally tells her about his feelings. After his confession the plot is pretty predictable. As I said before, I have mixed feelings about the film. There are some humorous parts and there are some on the opposite end of the spectrum. It touches on a lot of issues of the 90s: sex, drugs, AIDS, and homosexuality. If you liked "Singles," you'll like this film. I give it two and half stars. as “Icicle" and “Yes, Anastasia” the sounds that Tori creates take on a life of their own. Tori has never been mainstream because her music doesn’t fit into any specific musical category. This release, however, has the potential to achieve some much deserved air play and could even produce a hit single or two. Her first single, entitled “GOD,” has a contagious beat and the possibility to climb the charts. It also has harsh lyrics such as, “God sometimes you don’t come through," and “God tell me your crazy then I’ll understand you,” that would make some Christians condemn her. Reality bites and does the movie New picture leaves the audience disappointed ■ ..-.i ■ Don’t let that stop you from giving this collection a listen. Tori’s lyrics come right from the heart with images and visions that are universally felt but hardly spoken. Some other highlights include: “Cornflake Girl,” “Past the Mission,” and my personal favorite, “Pretty Good Year.” If you're looking for dance music or the grudge scene, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a musical roller coaster ride, run to your nearest musical outlet (kill if you must) and pick up this musical masterpiece. You won’t be disappointed. Sarah McLachlan’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is a smash follow up to Touch by Paul Lorio Collegian Staff There are many female musical artists who claim to be different and innovative. Sarah McLachlan not only claims to be an alternative, but delivers the proof with her third release, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. This Canadian artist moved to Vancouver at the tender age of 19. There she became absorbed in the musical underground until her first album, Touch, came out in 1989. Sarah broke into the U.S. market with her second album, Solace. The music from this release helped to label Sarah as one of the growing stars in alternative sound. Her latest release is a bit of a change for this 26-year-old. The sound is still pure Sarah with the contagious horns and the unique lyrical attacks. This release still maintains mainstream tone. One of the songs that stands out on the first release is titled, “Possession.” The music includes organs and the usual horns, but there is an infectious beat that gives the song much more mass appeal than any of her other releases to-date. Other noteworthy songs include the track titled “Good Enough.” This song has a haunting melody which when combined with Sarah’s luring voice, produces a emotionally rare experience for the listener. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy shows that not all great music is heard on the radio. Sometimes the greatest music is kept under lock and key. On a scale from 1-10 this release by Sarah McLachlan receives a 9.6. Don’t take my word for it, however. Run to the store and take a listen for yourself. The soundtrack on the other hand... by Colette A. Rethagc CeßegimStef “Reality Bites” is a new film starring Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, and Ben Stiller. The soundtrack is one that I wouldn’t pass up. There hasn’t been another movie soundtrack out that I’ve liked so much since The Lost Boys. It is a combination of songs from some of the most popular bands on the alternative scene today. Some of the songs include The Knacks' rendition of “My Sharona," The Juliana Hatfield 3 on “Spin the Bottle," The Posies’ “Going, Going, Gone," U2’s “All I Want is You," and Dinosaur Jr’s “Turnip Farm." One of my favorites is Ethan Hawke, breaking away from the acting for awhile, and singing “I’m Nuthin'." The movie might not be one of the year’s greatest, but the CD is one you’ve got to get! Page