The Haunting of Molly HartleyLiddell EntertainmentGrade: D+Most 18-year-old girls blow out their birthday candles wishing to get into their college of choice, or to lose their V-card by graduation. But for Molly Hartley, her only wish is to not become the devil’s minion as soon as the clock strikes midnight. The only thing horrifying about this film is how horrible it is. But, on the bright side, the ladies get to swoon over the scrumptious Chace Crawford, and the men get to drool over that feisty sex kitten AnnaLynne McCord for 86 minutes.D. ZERBY- – -DeerhunterMicrocastleKranky RecordsGrade: A-As the third album from this self-proclaimed “ambient punk” band, Microcastle is a dreamier, more melancholy version of the acid trip that is Deerhunter’s music. Known for slow, shoe-gazing guitar playing, the five-piece meanders through psychedelic pop songs like “Saved by Old Times” and “Nothing Ever Happened,” which are the more upbeat highlights of the album. Bassist Lockett Pundt takes over vocals for two songs from flamboyant lead singer Bradford Cox, and the Black Lips’ Cole Alexander also sings a track. For best results, mix with a quiet room and a contemplative mood.L. WALCK- – -Pride and GloryNew Line CinemaGrade : C+Full of character development and bursts of intensity, “Pride and Glory” suffers from only two things: predictability and Colin Farrell. Edward Norton’s performance shone as usual, and the poignance behind Jennifer Ehle’s cancer-ridden character gave the film a tenderness unseen in most cop dramas. But apart from an emotional yet obvious suicide scene, Norton and Ehle are the best the film has to offer. The plot lacks novelty, and ultimately devolves into borderline absurdity. Like Colin Farrell’s attempt at a New York accent.A. FELIX- – -Q-TipThe RenaissanceUniversal Motown RecordsGrade: AAfter nine years of silence, Q-Tip proves once again he is one of the best rappers to come out of New York with his latest album “The Renaissance.” Q-Tip has been busy though, recording many unreleased tracks and reuniting with A Tribe Called Quest. The Renaissance is a continuation of the style of A Tribe Called Quest made famous with jazzy grooves and poetic lyrics. Q-Tip brings a breath of fresh air to mainstream rap that lately has been unexciting and predictable. J. CHENIER- – -Lady GaGaThe FameInterscope RecordsGrade: C+It’s hard not to fall under the spell of the beat in Lady GaGa’s debut album, “The Fame.” With song titles like “Beautiful Dirty Rich” and “Paparazzi,” the album explores people’s obsessions with celebrities and the glamorous lives they lead. Electro-pop beats reminiscent of David Bowie and catchy lyrics like, “Let’s have some fun/ This beat is sick/ I want to take a ride/ On your disco stick,” make listeners want to “just dance,” like the single track suggests. But fun beats and lyrics are about as far as “The Fame” goes. V. TOUPS- – -Toby KeithThat Don’t Make Me a Bad GuyShow Dog RecordsGrade: C+Fans of Toby Keith will be pleasantly surprised with his newest album. Keith sticks to his country roots and doesn’t spill into pop, like his co-country singers have. But some lyrics don’t fit the maturity of the 47-year-old singer. Keith also isn’t pushing limits like his previous songs, like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “I’m Just Talkin’ About Tonight” and “You Ain’t Much Fun.” It seems like this country star is calming down.A. NORSWORTHY- – -Editor’s Pick: Little JoyLittle JoyRough Trade RecordsFor Fans of: The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, The ShinsFabrizio Moretti, drummer for The Strokes, makes up one-third of the new indie-pop group Little Joy. Their self-titled debut is light and airy, perfect for driving with the windows down or sitting on the Parade Ground on a sunny day. Fans looking for the higher energy and precision of The Strokes might be disappointed, though. While not technically very impressive or groundbreaking, the album is great music for relaxing, which is exactly what the members of Little Joy set out to do. S. AYCOCK- – – -Contact The Daily Reveille’s entertainment staff at [email protected]
Reveille Ranks
November 6, 2008