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 makes beautiful music

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 »

Mindy Smith's blues blowing into town

With an expressive voice and intriguing lyrics, Mindy Smith has made her mark on the blues/rock scene effortlessly. Tonight, October 20, at 6:30, Smith will be performing at Madison’s Majestic Theater, belting out her signature breathy vocals and tugging at heartstrings. A little bit of folk, a lot of… Read more »

Quality of "Po' Girl" not poor at all

Arriving at the High Noon Saloon the evening of October 16th, it was obvious that the night would be a success - the audience’s excitement was absolutely infectious. A woman sitting near the front was clearly having a wonderful time. When asked her opinion on the band playing, she… Read more »

Orpheum hosts a sampling of Metalcore

Shadows Fall and Five Finger Death Punch will be playing the Orpheum here in Madison Friday night at 7:30 PM in support of their new albums, Retribution and War Is The Answer, respectively. Five Finger Death Punch will also be available for autographs at Hot Topic in the East Towne… Read more »

Dinosaur Jr. stomps into town, destroys eardrums

When Dinosaur Jr. roamed the early 80s music scene, things were different from today. Singles were released on cassettes and vinyl, music spread by word of mouth, and if the music was too loud, it wasn’t loud enough. Dinosaur Jr. defined their sound with catchy, ripping solos, thick bass lines,… Read more »

An open letter to David Archuleta fans

When I was online this morning and saw 33 comments, I was surprised. When I got a text from Tony Lewis, the ArtsEtc. content editor, saying we had 55 comments, I was shocked. But to see 87 comments and still going strong, I’m floored. As the ArtsEtc. editor, seeing… Read more »

Ukrainian Dancers Out of this World

Jumping higher than ever, the Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company is here in Madison tonight to reveal their always awe-inspiring act. Its 85 members boast genuine talent in an area relatively obscure to the United States. The Company’s unique dance techniques - including airborne splits and an intriguing move… Read more »

'Coastie Song' drops on UW with beats, controversy

It had to happen sooner or later, didn’t it? The coasties of Madison have projected their spandex-clad, blackberry-wielding notoriety into sites dedicated to vernacular definition like Urban Dictionary, and have even become prominent enough to have an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and a subsequent entry in Wikipedia.Now they… Read more »

Gallagher still insightful, maybe funny

Sledging and smashing his way across America on his new “Stimulus Package Tour,” Gallagher comes to the Madison area this Thursda0y, Oct. 15 at the Majestic The comedian, who came into the limelight in the 1980s for smashing watermelons with his cartoonish Sledge-O-Matic, continues to perform an act that is… Read more »

Electronica duo loops and jams

A packed venue, a frenzied crowd, and a serious bag of beats all had one thing in common last Friday, Oct. 9. That thing is a band, and that band is Eoto. The two-piece electronica team came to town this weekend making a stop at the High Noon Saloon. By… Read more »