Stories

Begin to Hope

By Ericka McThenia

Regina Spektor, the Russian songstress slash pianist, releases her first album of all original material, Begin to Hope, for Sire Records.

The hit song and first track, “Fidelity,” may be viewed on VH1 quite regularly when music videos are in rotation, however, don’t be fooled into thinking all the songs are this upbeat and lighthearted.

Rotten Apple

By Nick Massie

Lloyd Banks returns with his high paced sophomore album featuring the whole G-Unit gang. 50 Cent, Young Buck, Tony Yayo and Musiq Soulchild all stop by on tracks to name a few.

The beats of Rotten Apple are similar to that of Banks’ first solo CD, The Hunger For More. The opening track, “Rotten Apple'” is your typical G-Unit song which features 50 Cent and Prodigy. It has that slow pace, hypnotizing beat with the street gang lyrics that Lloyd Banks is known for.

Wreck of the Day

By Alison McCauslin

Anna Nalick is a subtle wonder. Her voice and lyrics are powerful and vulnerable at the same time, an interesting combination that has helped her newly expanded CD, Wreck of the Day, earn much acclaim.

The hit “Breathe (2 a.m.)” was Nalick’s first single and has actually been used on several TV shows including Joan of Arcadia and Close to Home. Also, Nalick was one of the first artists featured on You Oughta Know on MTV.

Infinity on High

By Ashley Emert

This album review is brought to you by Honda, whose logo you can see all over Fall Out Boy’s MySpace page. OK, that’s a lie. It’s just interesting to me that a few years ago, the band was relatively unknown and now they’re sponsored by major corporations and adored by teens everywhere. I’m not here to review the band, though, just the music, right? Right. Moving on.

Here’s the thing with me: when it comes to ridiculously catchy bands such as Fall Out Boy, I hold out for as long as I can against them. I try and fight and claw my way against liking them, but they eventually infect my ears with their beguiling hooks and riffs and then it’s all over. Case in point, their newest release, Infinity on High.

Wincing the Night Away

By Jennifer Ware

I have never listened to the Shins, so when I purchased their most recent album, Wincing the Night Away, I had no idea what I was in for. The songs have all the elements of good music: creative lyrics, a good beat, individuality and memorable melodies. The album also grows on you the more you listen to it.

The Shins’ debut album was released in 2001. The indie-rock band’s third and most recent album, Wincing the Night Away was released Jan. 23. Many of you might know The Shins from the 2004 movie, “Garden State,” with Zach Braff and Natalie Portman. Their songs, “New Slang,” and “Caring is Creepy” were featured in the soundtrack.

By Emilie Pembroke

I remember standing there, my heart beating so fast I thought it might jump out of my shirt. My palms were sweaty and I could feel my legs trembling beneath me. I took the deepest breath and gave it all I had.

But in 15 seconds, it was all over. I walked away replaying the moment in my head over and over again. I was rejected.

Was it all for nothing? I would like to think not. Along with 10,000 other hopefuls I auditioned with, I too hoped to be the next American Idol.