Brother Ali makes an 'Exclusive' stop

Midwest hip hop fans come together. Give me an A! Give me an L! Give me an I! Now take out that calendar and leave a big block open from 5 to 6:30 on Thursday, Nov. 19 Using a sharpened, number two pencil, write your destination: The Exclusive Co. on… Read more »

'Vagabond Opera' musical chameleons

Nowadays, it is more common for a musical group to claim numerous labels than sticking to just one genre. Vagabond Opera, a group that certainly fits in the former camp, has been lumped in with cabaret, swing, neo-classical, jazz, folk/punk, and many other equally diverse categories. Describing themselves as… Read more »

Two Fresh chop it up

Dropping on the Majestic this Thursday, Nov. 19 are the frenetic beats of Two Fresh, a duo out of Nashville that combines elements of all sorts of musical styles into electronic, bass-centric instrumentals.If the scores of digital beatmakers could be compared to classical composers (which, for the purposes of this… Read more »

'Bad Romance' proves irresistable

With the debut of her newest single “Bad Romance” off of her sophomore album The Fame Monster hitting stores November 23, the leading lady of the pop music world Lady Gaga delivers an original yet catchy track and equally unforgettable music video. The video brings us to the “Bath Haus… Read more »

With Wale, there is no 'Attention Deficit'

If hip-hop trends swing on a pendulum between the extremes of popularity and authenticity, perhaps Attention Deficit, Wale’s much anticipated solo album, represents a momentum shift towards what’s really real.You won’t find any autotune or samples from ’80s pop hits on Attention Deficit, but instead it is a welcome throwback… Read more »

Trans Siberian Orchestra delivers seasonal goods

On Monday Nov. 9, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or TSO, performed their annual show at the Kohl Center. For those of you who don’t know TSO, prepare to be enlightened, and maybe a little jealous. TSO is an orchestra that was formed in 1996 by Paul O’Neil and some of his… Read more »

Hump Day's sex tip of the week

Sex Tip: Nipples are the best! Don’t forget to kiss, lick, nibble and suck the next time things get hot and heavy, for both girls and boys.… Read more »

A new cast member for TGS?

Season four opens with Jack welcoming us back. Right off the bat we are reminded of Lemon’s relationship with food as she sings a popular jingle to “Cheesy-Blasters.” This familiar relationship shows up in all of the first three episodes, including an accidental run-in with some “chuckle” as well as… Read more »

'V' presents flashy effects, contrived sci-fi

What would happen if every science fiction cliché imaginable were shoved into one hour of prime time entertainment? The outcome would be something along the lines of “V,” ABC’s new sci-fi thriller about the impending takeover of planet earth by a reptilian alien species disguised as humans. The pilot, which… Read more »

Epps channels comedy into tracks, thuggishness

In the world of hip-hop, nothing good can come about from an established celebrity attempting a rap debut, particularly one with a name in stand-up comedy and film cameos - which makes funnyman Mike Epps’ (“The Hangover”) premier comedy/rap album Funny Bidness * Da Album somewhat of a pleasant… Read more »

Disney compiliation receives Los Lobos treatment

While their animal namesake is often the protagonist of classic fairy tales, Los Lobos’ style could not be further from that of the Big Bad Wolf. After a three-year hiatus, the Grammy winning band returns with a new album, Los Lobos Goes Disney. It is a Latin remake of… Read more »

Robert Francis does unoriginal with conviction

When flannel shirts collide with twangy pedal steel harmonies, it can only mean one thing. There’s a folk and/or indie show about. Robert Francisalong with Noah and the Whale, brought their plaid pre-requisites to the Majestic on Wednesday, Oct. 28 and performed precisely the show one might expect. It’s not… Read more »

Midwest Murderers in the Movies

Horror films from the late ’80s and early ’90s were predominantly focused on the more realistic aspects of the horror genre, which can be even more horrifying than the imaginary. People realized just how frightening it was that humans themselves were capable of such dastardly deeds. In fact, some… Read more »

Pnuma Trio 'Masquerades' in style

When the Pnuma trio burst onto the popular scene in 2004, they had the requisite hype to make it big - and now, after a handful of years under their collective belt, Ben Hazelgrove, Alex Botwin, and Lane Shaw have shown that they have what it takes to retain lasting… Read more »

Cealed Kasket descends on Madison

Cealed Kasket is hitting the High Noon Saloon this Thursday night with their unique brand of over-the-top death-rock. It’s difficult to pin down their sound to a distinct genre, but it’s definitely got that NWOBHM-vibe that’s like a cross between Cronos-era Venom and the the always ballsy Motörhead. It’s… Read more »

Dead Celebrity Don'ts

If you’re like any good college student, you know that it’s always better to put things off for as long as you can until it becomes absolutely imperative for you to finish your work. Halloween costumes are no exception. Even considering those students who have spent the last week… Read more »

Freakfest and Beyond

Everyone knows what time of year it is and what that means. Another Madison Halloween weekend is approaching, and there are scores of options for how to spend the occasion. As a student or simply a Madisonian, it is you the reader’s duty to take advantage of the freakin’ weekend… Read more »

A Slew of Silver Screen Scariness

Vampires, killers, and demons, oh my! If you want to get geared up for Freakfest 2009, you’re your teeth into some of these Halloween movie releases. Released on Oct. 23, Antichrist is the story of a couple who isolate themselves in the woods to try and get over the death… Read more »

Emmylou shows her roots

If you are walking down State street tonight, get ready to overhear an outpouring of soul from the Overture Center. Emmylou Harris, quite the queen of soul, is performing there tonight at 7:30. Well known for her collaborations with such country greats as Gram Parsons and Dolly Parton, she is… Read more »

Great Lake Swimmers make beautiful waves

A Canadian folk/rock band, Great Lake Swimmers sound remarkably similar to a folkier Sufjan Stevens, and have often been compared to the Red House Painters. GLS’s lead singer Tony Dekker has said that his influences include Hank Williams and Gram Parsons, among others. The group itself is made of… Read more »

Inferno to host night of 'Filth'

The Inferno Nightclub will be hosting a one-night only event full of unique art from Liz Mares and local music on Friday, Oct. 23. “Filth,” is the very apt title of the show, which features many racy performances and exhibitions.Liz Mares is known for her erotic and controversial photography… Read more »

McGraw's 'voice' keeps it consistent

A person’s voice defines them. It establishes a personality, and makes them who they are. Tim McGraw’s voice is that of a smooth and touching Southerner. McGraw’s twelfth album, Southern Voice, stays true to his roots and traditional voice with soulful and emotional lyrics mixed into upbeat tracks. “It’s… Read more »

"Yonder Mt. String Band" springs into Madison

Yonder Mountain String Band may be best known for their performance for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. But while they have reached new heights recently, they have not let the fame get to their heads - tonight, the band will play for a less illustrious… Read more »