The Strokes “Room on Fire”
By Mark F. Bonner, Revelry Writer
The Strokes had a lot to live up to with their latest release, “Room on Fire.”
After being hailed the messiahs of rock in 2001, most bands in their shoes would have tried to cater to the critics by attempting to evolve an already simplistic sound. Not The Strokes.
“Room on Fire” plays much like a “disc two” of their multi-platinum debut “Is This It?”
The band essentially has taken an unprecedented “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude toward their new music and it seems to have worked – at least for now.
Much like their last effort, the music still has the syncopated guitar rhythms and scratchy vocals courtesy of Julian Casablancas.
Songs like “Reptilia,” “Between Love & Hate” and “I Can’t Win” are a page right out of their playbook – fast paced guitars, bass and drums over sluggish, grainy vocals.
The album has typical Strokes song-writing, but there are some digressions like their first single, “12:51,” that hint toward their future progression.
With an airy, Elvis Costello keyboard rip-off and synthesized guitar parts, the song easily is the stand out track on the album.
The best thing about the album is that despite huge expectations, The Strokes decided not to tinker with their already successful sound.
It is almost annoying to listen to because of their rightly assumed discipline not to be innovative.
But, while some fans might wonder if this is all they have to offer, The Strokes have created a respectable, infectious sophomore record that is fast and arousing.
B+
Michael Moore “Dude, Where’s My Country?”
By Matt Grady, Revelry Writer
In the wake of his Oscar-winning documentary film “Bowling for Columbine” and his previous book, “Stupid White Men,” Michael Moore gets back on the soapbox in his latest release, “Dude, Where’s My Country?”
Moore has been the center of extensive controversy lately concerning his commentary on current events such as 9/11, Osama bin Laden, and the war on Iraq.
In his most recent book, Moore gives his views and theories on the crises on Capital Hill, the American response to 9/11 and the war on Iraq. Moore believes there is a close business relationship between American corporations once headed by President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney and royal families in the Middle East.
This possibly could have stood in the way of justice being served for the 9/11 tragedy.
Later on, Moore speaks more about the alleged lies the Bush administration told and how things should be done in Washington.
Using his creative wit and harsh words, Moore pulls out all the stops on our President and provides a funny and semi-informative read.
A