The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, August 25, 2004, Page 9, Image 9
WUSC DESK
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Joan of Arc
Jean of Arc, Dick Cheney, MartTwaiUPolyvinyl)
TThe puzzling title of Joan of
Arc’s sixth album is an
appropriate introduction into the
mind of Joan of Arc’s eccentric
frontman, Tim Kinsella. His lyrics
consist of intricate-yet-awkward
wordplay, resulting in a high level of
indeterminacy. In the live setting,
Tim Kinsella is equally as perplexing,
his oddball stage presence and
downright weird antics (often aided
by large quantities of beer) have
become the stuff of indie rock
legend. Given Kinsella’s penchant
for the odd, it is no surprise his
band’s music is somewhat off-kilter
and challenging. The 17 songs on
this album stick their tongues out in
mockery at traditional song structure
yet still manage to retain some pop
sensibilities. The mishmash of
instruments used is staggering,
everything from viola to vibraphone
to cowbell. All of these coalesce
perfectly to create music that at first
glance seems simplistic but in truth
reveals something new with each
listen. Kinsella’s voice is typically
understated, not moving mountains
but instead digging an intricate
tunnel system underneath. Joan of
Arc, Dick Cheney, Mark Twain ... “is
a wonderful introduction to
Kinsella’s weird world that will also
please long-time fans.
I__J
Beep Beep
Business Casual (Saddle Creek)
Saddle Creek is a label that has
methodically worked its way
into the hearts of indie kids
nationwide, the incredible fame
and exposure of one teary-eyed
troubadour not withstanding.
Saddle Creek bands are known for
their bleeding heart sincerity and
relatively low-key musical stylings,
with the exception of devious
dance maestros, the Faint. Beep
Beep is a band that provides ample
ammunition for when Saddle
Creek decides to get down and
dirty. Their sound is overtly sexual,
a detached and desperate glare
across a smoky dance floor. Vocalist
Chris Hughes is a dynamo of sexual
tension, capable of sassy swagger
and hushed romantics. Hughes’
voice knows no limits, invoking the
falsetto howl of Ian Svenonius
(Nation of Ulysses) or Robert
Smith’s emotionally tattered croon.
Musically, Beep Beep offers up
tunes that sometimes stomp,
sometimes shimmy and often do
both. Falling shards of guitar sync
up with grooving bass lines to
create a somewhat typical, but
nonetheless effectively dance-y
post-punk whole.
By NATHAN REDMOND
WUSC Music Director,
Mouse on Mars
Radical Connector (Thrill Jockey)
Two adjectives come to mind
when describing the German
spirit — innovation and industry.
Forget about the tendency to
direct those qualities toward
unsavory pursuits like world
domination; instead, the Germans
deserve admiration for pushing
music into new territory. In the
’70s, Kraftwerk and Can delved
into far corners of the musical
universe. In that forward thinking
tradition, electronic duo Mouse
On Mars has become one of the
most critically acclaimed and
prolific groups since its inception
in 1994. “Radical Connector” is
its eighth full-length release and
finds the team of Andi Toma and
Jan, St. Werner in somewhat
familiar territory. Glitchy,
skittering electronic beats hover
then jet off into the distance,
capable of giving heart
palpitations at their meanest and
mind-enhancing clarity at their
most pleasant. Vocals rest on top
of the music, dissected and
reassembled to fit their shifting
bed. But the music is far from a
choppy mess, pieces ultimately fit
where they should and at times
the songs here may appeal to
more adventurous Postal Service
fans.
Vista After
Fall 2004 Schedule
All shows 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
in the parking area behind
Jillian’s Entertainment
Complex at 800 Gervais St.
Admission is free.
Thursday The Fantastic Shakers
Sept. 2 Fresh Air
Sept. 9 The Men of Distinction
Sept. 16 The Fabulous Kays
Sept. 23 O’Kaysions
Sept. 30 The Catalinas
Oct. 7 The Band of Oz
Oct. 14 The Embers
i : i
THE GAMECOCK IS
LOOKING FOR HELP FOR
THE FALL SEMESTER.
Come to the interest meeting
tonight at 7 p.m. in Russell House
room 304.
No experience necessary.
F to each of the^e office**
K %-spy JF * v f&r making Move-In Weekend2004 a <mcceMi
■ m
* &*&***
SinceteVyyo^
■
Admissions
Bursar’s Office 4
Business and Finance
Campus Recreation
CarolinaCard
Carolina Dining Services
Carolina Collegiate Federal Credit Union
Computer Services
Enrollment Management
Facility Services
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Health & Safety
International Programs for Students
Law Enforcement & Safety
Media Relations
Orientation and Testing
Office of the Provost
Parents Programs
Postal Services
Registrar's Office
Russell House University Union
Student Affairs
Student Disability Services
Student Health Center
Student Life
Thomas Cooper Library
University Bookstore
University Housing
iVehicle Management & Parking Services
Visitor Center
% r all star student organizations were led by the 4,
Residence Hall Association and Student Government J
A special thank you to the countless faculty and staff members
who were volunteers with the USC Move-In Crew!
- . * ?