Page 6 — LION’S EYE — May 1, 1997 fntertainmentses Asian-American Student Caucus members Geena Joys (fourth semester/ Engineering) and Karon Sharma (third semester/Nursing) model traditional costumes at the “Taste of Asia” program. Cool Music for Those With More Taste Than Money By Paul Basilio It seems that music critics all over the country review the same albums from the same artists over and over again. The customers rarely get to hear reviews of non-mainstream bands with low publicized albums. Here are a few from my collection that should have been given more attention. Dream Theater: Awake - This New York based band has quite a cult following, and for good reason. Opera- trained lead singer James Labrie’s vocal style is the perfect compliment to the thick guitar-riffs and pulse- pounding percussion that surround him. The song styles range from head- banging cuts “6:00,” “The Mirror,” and “Lie,” to the soft spoken piano epic “Space Dye Vest.” A very diverse and entertaining seventy-five minutes. “They Eat Their Young: Last Supper - This hometown band is one step away from hitting it big. Last Supper is the first of their albums to make it onto the CD format. It contains several songs from their previous two demo tapes, Killing Time and Your Favorite Dress. Last Supper is an upbeat, old fashioned rock and roll album. Music critics from Philadelphia and the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas agree that They Eat Their Young is on its way up with some of the most creative and innovative song writing around today. They are a regular at clubs around the Philadelphia area. Catch them if you can. Phish: Junta - This double CD album was recently released in music stores. Previously, it was only available at Phish concerts. Phish has never been better than on such songs as “Fee,” “Golgi Apparatus,” and “David Bowie.” The Neo-Hippies even find the time to cover an old Jimmy Buffett tune, “Sanity.” Whether they are telling the incredible musical stories of “Fluffhead” and “Esther,” or jamming on the twenty five minute instrumental “Union Federal,” Phish never cease to entertain. This CD is a must have for any Phish head. Violent Femmes: Violent Femmes - Eighties music at its most brilliant! Gordon Gano (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) masters the art of short and sweet songwriting with such classics as “Blister in the Sun,” “Kiss Off,” and “Ugly.” The Femmes are making a small comeback, appearing on the soundtrack to the new film Grosse Point Blank, and touring the country with some newer bands. Gano’s distinct voice, along with the slightly off-tune guitar playing of Brian Ritchie make for an interesting toe-tapping musical experience. Two Videos Worth Renting By Cynthia Moore Looking for something to do on a rainy spring evening? Try renting a new release from your local video store. Here are a few movies worth your time. Bound - Sibling directors Andy and Larry Wachowski have made a wonderful debut with their film about double-crossing the mob. Joe Pantoliano stars as a well-trusted member of the crime family who wants nothing more than respect and trust from his docile live-in girlfriend Violet, played by Jennifer Tilly. Then one day she comes up witha fool proof plan to steal millions of dollars from the mob, but she isn’t looking to share this with her boyfriend. No, she falls for the new neighbor Corky (Gina Gershon), who just happens to be an ex-con out on parole. There are several turns of events, and the end may surprise you. Even with all the violence of a mob story, the romance is still what stands out. Lone Star - Director John Sayles does it again in his hit movie starring Matthew McConaughey as the sheriff Buddy Deeds. The trouble starts when two off-duty sergeants from an army post in a Texas border town discover skeletal remains and a sheriff's badge on an old firing range. Deeds comes to learn that the bones are from a man once run out of town by his late father, the former sheriff. Many gruesome findings lead the audience to the truth. Although these two films may frighten you, they are entertaining enough to make it worth the scare. Jack. The newly painted Lion’s Den hosts “Jack-tivities’’ with motivational speaker Soho Musicians Gather at London Folk Festival By Daniel Abbondi Overseas Correspondent (Editor's Note: Dan is studying abroad this semester through Delco’s Exchange Program with Thames Valley University in London.) London, as many other cities of the world, offers a wide variety of musical entertainment. Much of it is known through out the world. Bands such as Blur, Oasis, and of course, the Spice Girls have gained international acclaim. However, some of the best music in England is found deep within the heart of Soho in central London, not yet discovered by promoters who popularize the music to the world. No, the music is not some new style British funk or, god forbid, some newly enhanced electronic dance pop. It is folk music. And where better to find the most up-to-date talent in folk culture? The London Folk Festival "97. Crowds gathered at the Court Sessions Club in the heart of Earl's Court. Some were well-dressed business men and women seeking a day of rest from their mundane jobs. Others were students. As for the rest, they were the performers. Although everybody was grounded in their own identity, it was only a matter of one hour before the crowd of divided clichés became united under the common bond of folk music. The club itself was small, but individuals found room to dance none the less. About half way through the show, performers agreed the club was becoming too crowded and that the best bet was to move the performance outside. Thus, the street and surrounding area was congested with myriad fans and passers-by. The festival itself was meant to last a total of 6 hours. However, the performers began early in the morning around 8:00am and continued well into the evening hour and even the next day, as did the crowd. Peach, the resident bass/drum player, said simply, “It’s all about tellin” your story. It is the way you tell it that brings in the crowds. But who cares about that? I'd get up and sing for four people or four hundred, doesn’t matter to me.” Gail Flint, who ironically performs all her music in Gaelic, said, “Folk is just a generic term. You never know what you are going to see or hear when you go to a show. That is what is so good about it. " Fans had little to say, or rather, little that was coherent enough to understand. Apparently, the free pints of beer offered were consumed and had taken effect within the first hour of the show. Regardless, the inebriated crowd remained happy and in good unity with one another as long as the music was continuous. Counting the general public who performed on stage added to the actually booked artists, there was a total of 27 musicians. All werre applauded, some more than others. But like Peaches says on a daily basis, "Playin'’ your music and speaking your tale is for you and you alone."
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