University of South Carolina Libraries
WUSC DESK The Black Keys Rubber Factory (Fat Possum) Like gravity and the changing seasons, the power of the blues is a universal truth. The blues is a disease, an affliction that strikes conveniently after a break-up or getting fired. The blues does not discriminate; it can strike any race, color or creed, as demonstrated by this Akron, Ohio-based blues duo. Blues is capable of gross cultural misappropriation, best exemplified by the “Blues Hammer” scene in the film “Ghost World,” where four suburban white men sing about picking cotton. However, vocalist Dan Auerbach howls and moans, like a true Mississippi Delta bluesman. His smoky voice is capable of filling any room with a thick haze smelling of broken-heartedness. Like' Jack White, Auerbach concocts deep blues guitar grooves that both pay homage to traditional blues and innovate in a way that connects with those new to such music. The Black Keys is truly a special band, one that appeals equally to novice blues fans as well as seasoned -A„* DJ Krush Jaku (Red Ink) J" aku” is the eleventh album from Japanese dj/producer guru, DJ Krush. Such longevity reflects the two central aspects of Krush’s career — consistency and innovation. Every album maintains a certain sound but is never repetitive, the music is always moving. On “Jaku”, meaning “calm” in Japanese, Krush showcases his trademark eclecticism, seamlessly blending jazz, hip-hop, traditional Japanese music and electronic experimentation. As with any DJ Krush album, there are collaborations galore. Akira Sakata lends his saxophone mastery to the stunning “Slit of Cloud” and Kodo drummer, Tetsuro Naito, adds traditional flavor to “Univearth”. Underground hip-hop MC’s Mr. Lif and Aesop Rock also stop by to spit rhymes over a couple tracks. On all songs, Krush succeeds in creating a thick, serene atmosphere that conveys with ease the feeling of “jaku.” Radio 4 Stealing of a Nation (Astralwerks) It’s a common, incredibly mindless assumption that dance music must be electronic in nature. There is nothing inherent in electronic beats and synthesizers that trumps dance music made by guitar and drums. Perhaps seeing the beauty in marrying these opposing schools of thought, Brooklyn’s Radio 4 have unleashed an album that is a virtual Pied Piper, leading all us helpless saps straight to a sweaty dance floor. This is the band’s first album for Astralwerks, a proverbial “big time” label, so its no surprise that this is the most polished Radio 4 record to date. Still present are the jagged guitars and elastic bass lines, but now there is an increased presence of thumping dance beats and sampled sounds. Vocalist Anthony Roman is a highly effective frontman, calling to action the dance floor minutemen with his snotty, euphoric voice. “Stealing of a Nation” is an album bursting with dance prowess, one that is a timely reminder that politics and dancing are not mutually pvrlncivp By JORDAN REDMOND WUSC Music Director S.C. brothers’ latest release needs ripening “CATHARSIS” Green Tangerine ★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ By SHANATILL THE GAMECOCK The brother duo of Green Tangerine is nearly identical to the immature citrus fruit the band’s name refers to. While having the prospects of being the tastiest, most sought-after piece of fruit on the-tree, it still has a lot of ripening to do before the masses want to reach for it. Homegrown South Carolinians Andy and Barnett Greenberg show promise on their latest release from Axon Records, “Catharsis.” The album displays developing talent, but the brothers urgently need to take a step back and stick to a simpler formula. “Catharsis” is dedicated to their late cousin, Jonnie Barnett. Many people might know Barnett, who died in 2002 of a stroke, as a prominent songwriter from Nashville, Tenn. The most recent success on his list of achievements was co-writing the 2001 BM1 award winning song “The Chain of Love,” recorded by Clay Walker. Barnett was also well known for his collaborations with famous artists such as Hank Williams Jr., Tom Waits, Cheech and Chong, and Frank Zappa. Barnett is also listed on the production credits for “Catharsis.” The Greenberg brothers recorded the track “Magic Lasso” during their last visit with Barnett. Characterized by a great sense of humor, Barnett’s influence on the track is easy to identify amid hints of silly disco tones. However, this is not the only track on the album that contains seemingly misplaced sounds. “The Only One Left,” includes hip-hop vocalizing alongside overtones of synth-pop radio rock. What is concocted is nothing short of a poorly produced The Cure song with the lyrics rapped out. Another stray seed is the tune, “Tingle Touch.” This song first appeared on Green Tangerine’s self-titled, debut release under the name “Early Beatle.” Aside from the album’s prog rock sound, this track strains to add a twang of rockabilly. The vocals seem contrived, but the guitar licks come closer to hitting the mark. Still, “Catharsis” has a general lack of cohesiveness. On “Wondering,” the band continues with synthesizers and organs, but its addition of rhythm appears to be supplied by an amateur drum machine. Not only does this create a campy vibe, but it distracts the listener from any other ■ aspect of the song. Remarkably, the third track on the album evidences a winning formula. Titled “Away,” Andy wrote the song during his days in an earlier group, P.O.W. The overall sound is jam band-esque, but it sounds the smoothest among an albutp of rough cuts, and a rare clarity is achieved. “Away” ultimately gives listeners a musical ray of hope — that “Catharsis” could be a precursor to - a much more delectable album. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknews@gwm.sc. edu State museum honors legendary submarine By CARRIE GIVENS THE GAMECOCK In the evening of Feb. 17, 1864, the H.L. Hunley made history as the first submarine to sink an enemy ship, the Union’s USS Housatonic. Then, while returning to port, the “South’s secret weapon” disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean. Historians had always speculated that the submarine rested near the Charleston Harbor, but no one had ever been able to locate her. It was not until May 4, 1995, 131 years later, that the Hunley was uncovered. The founder of the National Underwater Marine Agency, Clive Cussler spent 15 years searching for the missing submarine. Using a magnetometer, the agency’s archaeological team located the submarine off the coast of South Carolina’s Sullivan’s Island. The discovery of the sunken Confederate submarine has attracted much media and historical attention. In addition to the resolution of the Hunley mystery, researchers soon discovered that the submarine was amazingly well preserved. Because of its exterior construction, excavators soon learned that the Hunley was an “iron tomb.” Upon investigation, researchers found navigational tools, clothing, personal items, and human remains. On Aug. 8, 2000, the submarine was raised from its watery resting place. Four years later on April 17, the Hunley crew was buried at Charleston’s Magnolia Cemetery. The crew of Dixon, Becker, Carlsen, Collins, Lumpkin, Miller, Wicks and Ridgaway were buried in what was to be the last Confederate burial. The Hunley is being conserved in the Warren Lasch Conservation I Lab in Charleston. USC students now have a chance to learn about the Hunley without making the trip. Each month, the South Carolina State Museum hosts a discussion about the history, discovery and conservation of the H.L. Hunley. On Saturday, hourly question and answer sessions will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. Retired U.S. Navy submariner and volunteer with the Hunley conservation project Stoney Hilton will facilitate the discussion. State Museum public relations assistant Ashley Lowrimore said that Hilton would provide “insight about the great submarine that sank an enemy battleship.” Lowrimore continued that these talks would give visitors a strong historical background on the ship, intertwining fact with “great stories.” The Hunley discussions will be The “South’s secret weapon” disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean. Historians have always speculated... but no one’s (found her). held in front of the museum’s fourth floor Hunley replica. This program is free with regular museum admission. For more information on the Hunley conservation, USC students are invited to attend the S.C. Genealogical Society’s meeting Sunday at 3 p.m. The Society plans to discuss the progress of the Hunley study, how to research genealogy on the Internet and how to keep accurate genealogical records. Comments on this story ? E-mail ga7nec0ckfeatures@gtvm.sc.edu r ^ "The prestige of an honor society, responsibility of a service organization, and the fellowship of a social fraternity." Phi Sigma Pi National Coeducational Honor Fraternity Informationals L Where: RHUU 302 E-mail phisjgmapiau®yahoo.com or go to web.sa.sc.edu/phisigmapi/AlphaUpsilonWome.htm for more information. Hang up your hat. And put up feet At Larry Marshall Hair Salon you will feel right at home Literally. Our 2 storey house on Millwood has 4 private service rooms so that your visit is quiet and relaxed. With 24 years experience in hair styling & coloring you are assured a rewarding experienced And when you leave you will probably forget the hat. - ’ |Q X^DCX L 3214 Millwood Ave. -- * Columbia SC 1 H 'R SALON T*t: 803.256.6419 Pro,e5S»nai na,rcareer