DreamWorks’ animated movies can be hit-or-miss. For every good movie like “Shrek” or “How to Train your Dragon,” there is a bad movie like “Shark Tale” or “Turbo.” Unfortunately, “The Boss Baby” is another bad DreamWorks movie to add to the list. It is not the worst DreamWorks movie by any means and it is Read More
By Nick Erickson, Staff writer At 11 years since their 2006 debut LP, “Robbers & Cowardsm” Long Beach indie rock group Cold War Kids have numerous records and tours under their wing. Known for infused blues with pop characteristics, they have developed success nationwide. Their new sixth record, `LA DIVINE,” offers a dose of Read More
By Nick Erickson, Staff writer When renowned Canadian artist Drake released “Views” in spring of 2016, he grabbed the world where it hurt: their hearts. His blend of cheeky wit with over-simplified emotion (not to mention catchy beats) has sent him to the top the past couple of years. His next effort, “More Life,” shows that Read More
By Nick Erickson, Staff writer Tennessean singer and songwriter Valerie June has had a rise to fame since her 2013 studio debut, “Pushin’ Against a Stone.” On top of releasing three self-produced albums and playing sold-out festivals worldwide, she has built quite an image. Now, with her follow-up LP, “The Order of Time,” June hones in Read More
By Nick Erickson, Staff writer Just three months after releasing her debut live album, ‘Liberman Live’, Vanessa Carlton dropped a new EP, “Earlier Things Live.” The Pennsylvanian pop rock star focuses on revitalizing the highlights of her older discography, and she sounds as pure as ever in this album. Rarely utilizing more than her emotive voice, Read More
By Nick Erickson, Staff writer When rapper Big Sean released “Dark Sky Paradise” in 2015, he treaded into a more serious, moody tone. With his newest studio release, “I Decided,” the Detroit-native proves to have matured even further, not only as an artist, but as a person. An album loosely based off the concept that each Read More
By Grant Dillard, Contributing writer In January, the month that gave audiences terrible movies such as “Underworld: Blood Wars,” “Monster Trucks” and “The Bye Bye Man,” “XXX: Return of Xander Cage” is easily the diamond in the rough. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the third installment of the “XXX” series focuses on Xander Cage (Vin Diesel). Cage, Read More
By Nick Erickson, Staff writer The English alt-rock band Elbow has had an impressive discography in their two and a half decade lifespan. After their 2014 release, “The Take Off and Landing of Everything,” things deviated from the norm when lead singer Guy Garvey got married and drummer and founding member Richard Jupp left the band. Read More