Arts

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Weezer's music comes second to having fun

NYC boys come out to play

Artist: Interpol Album: Interpol Label: Matador Records Release date: September 7 Grade: B

Taking a walk on the dark side

Artist: Anberlin Album: Dark is the Way, Light is a Place Release Date: September 7 Label: Universal Republic Grade: B Remember that band that the audience didn't give a chance at Springfest '10?

Bland Buffalonians

Artist: Goo Goo Dolls Album: Something for the Rest of Us Release Date: August 31 Label: Warner Bros. Grade: B- The Goo Goo Dolls have become legends in Buffalo.

Weekend in Buffalo

Who: James Twigg What: Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins When: Sunday at 1 p.m. Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium Why: Fall semester is back and that means two things.

Mother Brain is back again

Title: Metroid: Other M Platform: Nintendo Wii Developer: Nintendo of America Category: Shooter Grade: A-

Machete hacks through the awesome

Grade: A- In a time of remakes and sequels, Machete is one flick that cuts through the crap in order to produce a genuine and original film that doesn't disappoint. Based on the three-minute trailer from 2007's Grindhouse, Machete is the full-feature film that Robert Rodriguez (Shorts) fans have anxiously been awaiting. From beginning to end, Machete is a fast-paced, blood-drenched ride that can be described as nothing short of amazing.

A crummy kaleidoscope

Artist: Sara Bareilles Album: Kaleidoscope Heart Release Date: September 7 Label: Epic Records Grade: C+ Three years ago, Sara Bareilles' catchy pop single "Love Song" could be heard during commercials, in movies and TV shows, or even at the mall. Since then, listeners have been able to drown out those once loveable lyrics and are ready to be introduced to the next offering from the LA-based songwriter. Unfortunately, Bareilles' new project, Kaleidoscope Heart, is nothing special. The album offers 13 tracks of bland alternative pop, the majority of which are indistinguishable from anything else on adult contemporary radio.

In Arts Perspective

Activision Blizzard has a plan in the works that would require gamers to pay a subscription fee in order to play the online-multiplayer mode for games, including Call of Duty. James: This is pure greed through and through.

Terrible Start

Artist: Terrible Things Album: Terrible Things Release Date: August 31 Label: Universal Grade: C+

Weekend in Buffalo

Who: John Hugar What: Going The Distance When: Friday Where: Movie theaters everywhere Why: Charlie from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is in it and so is the dude from the Mac commercials.

Comeback Kid Cures Calm

Artist: Comeback Kid Album: Symptoms and Cures Release Date: August 31 Label: Victory Records Grade: B

Viral video summer recap

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Summer album recap

Summer album recap By ARTS DESK

Summer Movie Previews

Looking for an escape from the dreaded summer heat? What better place to avoid it then the cool dark atmosphere offered by your local movie theater. Here are some summer movies sure to show you a good time and the ones definitely not worth $10. Get Him to the Greek Release Date: June 4 Grade: B- Russel Brand (Bedtime Stories) reprises his role of the eccentric Aldous Snow from Forgetting Sarah Marshall in this comedy about the troubled life of a rock-and-roll star. Jonah Hill (Superbad) plays the role of a record label employee who is tasked with escorting Snow from England to his live performance at the Greek in Los Angeles. What follows is a whirlwind of sex, drugs, alcohol and an amazing performance given by Sean ‘P. Diddy' Combs (Death of a Dynasty). Unfortunately a lot of the jokes throughout are hit or miss. But the good ones are definitely worth the price of the ticket. The A-Team Release Date: June 11 Grade: C+ This reimagining of the hit '80s show is a decent movie that'll take your mind off of the summer heat. The action is exciting and the Team's plans are as crafty and ingenious as ever. It's too bad the plot couldn't hold its own. In fact, the only thing deserving an A on this team was the all-star cast. Liam Neeson (Clash of the Titans), Bradley Cooper (Valentines Day) and Quinton ‘Rampage' Jackson (Death Warrior) all have their moments throughout the film. But with his performance as the team's slightly insane pilot, it's Sharlto Copely (District 9) that gives the best performance. Toy Story 3 Release Date: June 18 Grade: B+ Woody (Tom Hanks, Angels and Demons) and Buzz (Tim Allen, Crazy on the Outside) are back in the third installment of this beloved series. This time around, their owner is off to college and the toys are left to fend for themselves. Pixar did an excellent job making the movie, filling it with just the right amount of comedy, action and nostalgia. By the time the credits roll, you're guaranteed to be craving a long overdue play date with your favorite action figure or doll. Predators Release Date: July 9 Produced by Robert Rodriguez (Planet Terror), Predators is a reboot of the Sci-Fi series of the same name originally made famous by the Govenator. If you've seen any of the recent Aliens Vs Predators movies don't fret, because this flick stands apart. The movie promises to take things back to it's roots by throwing the hunter and the prey back into the jungle setting that once trademarked the Predator's hunting ground. With an incredible line-up of actors including Adrien Brody (High School) and Lawrence Fishburne (Armored) this is one movie you should keep your targeting reticule on. Inception Release Date: July 16 Renowned director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) looks to make every psychedelic drug rendered useless with his latest mind trip of a film, Inception. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio (Shutter Island) and Ellen Paige (Whip It) and revolves around a plot in which thieves are able to invade your dreams to steal your most valuable and intimate secrets. With incredible visuals and a mind-melting story, Inception is a movie you won't want to miss, even in your wildest dreams. The Other Guys Release Date: August 6 The Other Guys is an upcoming comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. The movie takes a unique approach to the cookie-cutter cop action films, throwing the paper pushers into the action instead of the action junkies. Based on trailers, Ferrell's quirky humor looks top notch, and the chemistry between Wahlberg and Ferrell on the silver screen is expected to be nothing short of hilarious. If you do make it out to see any of these movies, I hope you enjoy the films. If you don't like what you're watching, hopefully you'll be with your summer love and can find an alternative way to enjoy the theater's cool dark atmosphere. Questions? Comments? Have a better idea? E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

Inexpensive entertainment

Students are always looking for a way to have fun. For those at the University at Buffalo, an often expensive trip to downtown's party district can help ease the stress caused by homework and exams.But the poor college student need not empty their frequently scrawny wallet to enjoy a night in the city.Within a few blocks of the metro, the Queen City offers music-lovers, party-goers and theater fanatics various venues that fit everybody's budget.One of the area's largest and most popular venues is the Town Ballroom.Ranging from hip-hop to heavy metal and everything in between, the ballroom provides entertainment from garage band to well-known acts including Flogging Molly, Third Eye Blind and Goo Goo Dolls.

Sizzling sounds

The summer season tends to be an ideal time for great music. Record labels and artists want to have that signature summer hit that can be heard at every beach party and backyard barbeque.

Nothing to forgive here

Grade: A-It's been nearly five years since the last Broken Social Scene album, and quite a bit has happened to the large Canadian collective in that time.In 2007, Leslie Feist and Kevin Drew released critically acclaimed solo albums that received quite a bit of mainstream media attention and helped introduce the band to a wider audience.With so many changes occurring for the band, and so many people expecting brilliance from their next album, it was unclear if they would be able to live up to the immense pressure surrounding their album.Thankfully, with the release of Forgiveness Rock Record, the band's fourth album, those fears have been put to rest.

Summer Energy

All winter, concertgoers have hidden from sub-zero temperatures in the warmth of an indoor venue. But now the temperature's rising and summer nights draw music lovers out into the open, filling up arenas and parking lots across the country. So here are a few dates you might just want to skip that summer job for. Vans Warped Tour at Darien Lake PAC 7/14 $30 The aptly named "Punk Rock Summer Camp" is back for its 16th year and is boasting one of its strongest lineups yet. Although the tour is famous for being the grueling boot camp for the newer bands, this year also brings back some older, well-established acts. Gracing the stage will be the talented men of Sum 41 and Motion City Soundtrack – both must-see acts. Also hitting the parking lots will be We the Kings, Four Year Strong, Alkaline Trio, Never Shout Never, All-American Rejects, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Buffalo natives Every Time I Die. Of the lesser-known bands, The Downtown Fiction is one that shouldn't be overlooked. As the tour crisscrosses the USA, the only reason punk rock lovers have for missing this summer staple is if they're out of the country. Bamboozle Roadshow at Molson Amphitheater, Toronto, ON 6/16 $39.25 to $51.75 CAN (fees included) Although this concert may require a passport and a roughly two-hour drive, it will be worth it. All Time Low boasts some of the best music in the pop-punk genus and has a live show to match it. After years on the Warped Tour, this quartet has honed their summer concert skills and definitely won't disappoint. They are joined by three more headliners – Boys Like Girls, LMFAO and Third Eye Blind. Out of the nine other performers, Forever the Sickest Kids and Good Charlotte are two sets you will want to be in the pit for. Green Day with AFI at Darien Lake PAC 8/5 $35-$85 If you have somehow missed any of Green Day's concerts, then consider the night of August 5 booked. Green Day gives one of the best live shows this decade has to offer. They won't be taking your attendance for granted. The trio will work up a sweat halfway into the first song and their energy won't die down until the last note ends. Plus, they tend to bring along fireworks. Oh, and that other band? AFI? They're pretty amazing as well. Honda Civic Tour- Paramore with Tegan & Sara, New Found Glory, and Kadawatha Darien Lake PAC 8/8 $26- $37.50 Another band that grew up in the spotlight, Paramore started in the business at an age when they still knew how painful it was to go to a bad show, so they have created the opposite. With an energetic show sure to keep you happy, they are supported by the amazing talents of Tegan & Sara and New Found Glory. Although Kadawatha is lesser known, they have a strong sound and Paramore fans can trust that the band wouldn't bring along a bad act. Lynard Skynyrd God and Guns Tour at Darien Lake PAC 7/3 $29-$59.50 It's a chance to yell "Free Bird" and actually have it be relevant. Festivals Music festivals are an integral part of the summer and there are three well-established, excellent offerings you can get to without too much trouble. Unfortunately, none are in the Buffalo area and most will make your wallet cry. Bamboozle Chicago 5/15 $35 Travel time: Eight and a half hours Since the largest Bamboozle falls during exams (May 1 and 2), most will be missing this. Yet for the first time ever, this problem has been rectified with Bamboozle's newest endeavor, located in the Windy City. It may be a drive, but the tickets are cheap and the eight hours on the highway will pay off with the headliners alone: Something Corporate, Cobra Starship, and 3OH!3. Since the only shows the newly reformed Something Corporate has announced are Bamboozle-related, fans may want to head out to see them for fear they may disappear again. Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN June 10-13 $249.50 (includes camping and parking) Travel time: 12 hours This infamous four-day festival really needs no introduction. Featuring over 100 bands and comedians, concertgoers will get their money's worth. This year, the festival hosts such bands as Rise Against, the National, Against Me!, Gaslight Anthem, OK Go, Bo Burnham, Manchester Orchestra and Frank Turner. Comedians include Conan O'Brien and Nick Kroll. It's expensive and far away, but if it has enough bands you like, it's going to be worth it. Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago August 6-8 $215 Travel time: Nine hours Featuring mainly punk and pop acts, this year's major bands include Sound Garden, Green Day and Lady Gaga. Other well-known bands appearing are Arcade Fire, MGMT, The National, AFI, Matt & Kim, Drive-By Truckers, Switchfoot, Foxy Shazam and The Strokes. As with Boonaroo, if the love of the music outweighs the hefty price, the money won't be wasted. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

New life

Grade: AIn the turbulent, mixed up, war-waging post-9/11 world, three friends struggle to break out of their mundane existence in suburbia.While one stays behind in Jingle Town, one jumps into Middle Eastern combat and the last falls into a heroin-addicted existence in The City.This is the plot of Broadway's newest musical, American Idiot, driven by the revamped punk rock music of Green Day's 2004 album of the same name.