4.15.10 / A&E
In the 1960s, the Internet was created by The Advanced Research Projects Agency for the United States Department of Defense. Originally designed as a way for scientists to share research information, today’s culture has shifted the Internet into a black hole of social deviancy and questionable content.
Further pushing these boundaries is the new sensation Chatroulette. More 4channel than Facebook, Chatroulette is a social networking site that connects visitors to a stranger to share a few words over video or text chat. Words however, are not the only thing shared.
3.25.10 / A&E
Friday, April 23 will be the first night of a promised two nights for this year’s CampusFest. The University Activities Board has managed to land four widely different artists for the two night special.
Post-grunge band Tantric is set to headline opening night with Advocate, winner of Clarion University’s Battle of the bands starting the show. Tantric has opened for bands like Creed and Kid Rock in the past and their latest album “Mind Control” was released to fair reviews last year.
Night two will also feature Advocate as the opening band, Josh Gracin, Matt Nathanson and Cobra Starship will be rounding out the show and providing a diverse collection of music.
2.25.10 / A&E
The year 2009 was a big one for entertainment. With an almost non-stop influx of big named titles, it proved to be one of the best for the industry. Titles like “Avatar,” “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” and Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” dominated their respective markets breaking records and setting a precedent for all to follow.
However, with all the big titles coming out, some of the best the year had to offer got buried by bigger names and their even bigger advertising budget.
2.18.10 / A&E
Bomb the Music Industry! is an anomaly of a band. Started in 2004 by a group of college friends, BtMI! is attempting to change everything about the industry. Signed to Quote Unquote Records, the band and the label relies on fan donations to keep running. Lead by Jeff Rosenstock and his ideals the band has stuck to its roots and as of April last year has refused to play a show that is not under ten dollars and for all ages.
Coming off of last year’s “SCRAMBLES”, BtMI! wasted no time in making a new EP. Most bands would tease the release of their new album for weeks if not months, but not the case here. Recorded, mixed and released all in a span of five days, “ADULTS!!!”more angst-filled days of the band. Filled with 8-bit synths and powerful horn parts BtMI! planned on making this album leave a lasting impression on the listener.
2.10.10 / A&E
Developer 2K Sports is offering $1 million dollars to the first gamer to throw a perfect game in its upcoming baseball game “MLB 2K10.” The contest is being used as a way to prove the authenticity of the new pitch controls found in this year’s iteration of the game.
12.10.09 / A&E
With the year and holiday season fastly approaching you may realize that you’re still looking for some last minute gift ideas. Luckily the entertainment industry had more then enough great releases to provide you with a number of options.
12.3.09 / A&E
In 1995 the Rx Bandits formed to give the third wave ska revival of the 90s a much needed revival. However, over the years, they have strayed from their ska roots and now find themselves working under the self-proclaimed title of Groove Tech.
So how do those Bandits sound with almost no trace of horns? Well, their new album “Mandala” is a look into their past and what we can expect from them in the future.
10.29.09 / A&E
Ben Bailey and Lenny Marcus talking with The Call back stage. Bo Burnham also headlined the packed show Friday, hosted by the University Activites Board. (Angela Kelly / The Clarion Call)
It was an interesting sight. Students stood out in the rain Oct. 23, waiting to make their way into Marwick-Boyd Auditorium. The crowd had come to see Bo Burnham of Youtube and Ben Bailey of the hit show “Cash Cab” perform stand-up comedy in a show sponsored by the University Activities Board. Following the show, both men sat down with The Call to talk about the show and their careers.
10.22.09 / A&E
Tim Schafer is a man with unique vision and insight. His game worlds constantly challenge a player’s idea of fun and originality. His new game “Brutal Legend” is no different.
Set in an alternate medieval universe, you play as Eddie Riggs (as voiced by Jack Black), a roadie who is transported back in time to save a world based on heavy metal. From head-bangers to hot-rods to a mountain made up entirely of skulls, anything that has been the least bit associated with metal is represented. So does “Brutal Legend” please the metal gods, or will it fade from public view as its source material has?
10.8.09 / A&E
Ben Folds performing his hit “Army” after a request from fans Sunday night during his performance at Shippensburg Universty. (Courtesy Photo / Jess Espenshadel)
Performing at a college venue can be challenging for artists. If they are a big hit, making the rounds on radio stations and MTV they will have no problem selling out the show, but veterans of the industry don’t fare as well. Ben Folds is an artist who has been making music for years but has not recently had a hit. Because of this, not many seats were filled at his Oct. 4 concert at Shippensburg University, but all of those who attended were taken on a journey through Folds’ life, love and self-loathing.
9.17.09 / A&E
Many different media are on display, ranging for sculptures to embroidery. (Rebekah Alviani /The Clarion Call)
Going to college can be a troubling experience. Leaving friends and family behind can often lead students to feel alone and vulnerable. The human condition is something everyone has to face at some point. The Invisible Threads/ Common Ground Art Gallery takes a look at this issue by comparing historical works of art with modern work done by Western Pennsylvanian artists. More »
9.17.09 / A&E
Courtesy screenshot / MTV Games and Harmonix
In the sixties, The Beatles were everywhere. “Beatlemania” had taken over, and everyone had his or her favorite member. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Star had invented a sound that bordered on perfection. It’s no wonder then that in current times this generation is looking back and stumbled across the music they left behind.
A desire for new Beatles content was growing, and the industry took notice. Electric and Musical Industries, the record label on which most Beatles albums were released, quickly started thinking of ways to satisfy the need. On September 9, EMI released “The Beatles: Remastered.” This box set includes all 13 original albums digitally remastered for the first time in stereo. Along with original album art and liner notes come exclusive documentaries and photos never before seen by the public.
This set comes as a major release for The Beatles since the band’s holding company Apple Records has been against any form of a digital release for many years. Although Apple has still not agreed to release the songs via digital download on services like iTunes, it decided to allow fans to enjoy the music in new ways. Along with the box set, Apple Records and EMI in partnership with Harmonix and MTV Games released “The Beatles: RockBand.” In the game, players have a chance play guitar, bass, drum and the option to sing alongside the “Fab Four.”
Each song is played in famous venues like Shea Stadium or on The Ed Sullivan Show. The game also has never before heard recording session chatter and dream sequences for some of the bands more off the wall material. With multiple players in mind, the game is a great way for families of different generations to come and enjoy something together.
Samuel Dixon is the entertainment editor of The Call.