NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 41, No. 32
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2013
nyunews.com
Sexton answers student concerns at final town hall
RACHEL KAPLAN/WSN
Students asked NYU President John Sexton to explain the need for the university’s rapid expansion as well as a lack of student involvement in the no-confidence vote. STORY ON PAGE 3
‘RKives’ recaptures band’s past glory By JOSH JOHNSON
When L.A. indie-rock group Rilo Kiley officially announced in 2011 that they had broken up, the possibility of any new material effectively vanished. When combined with lead singer Jenny Lewis’ burgeoning solo career and guitarist Blake Sennett’s report of the band’s inner toxicity, Rilo Kiley seemed deader than dead. Therefore, the release of the cleverly titled “RKives,” a compilation of Rilo Kiley rarities and previously unre-
COURTESY OF LITTLE RECORD COMPANY
leased songs, feels more significant than other albums of this nature. Though not a new album in the more traditional sense, “RKives” brings listeners back into the world of one of the past decade’s best and most significant bands. The album opens with “Let Me Back In,” which serves ably in satiating the desires of long-suffering Rilo Kiley fans and also as a great introductory track for new listeners. Though the track travels down the well-worn “I Love L.A.” path, Jenny Lewis gracefully treats the city as an accepting hometown — a nice change of pace from the usual celebration of skeez and debauchery. Tracks like “I Remember You” illustrate the band’s sonic diversity. Taking the only salvageable parts of the ’80s aesthetic, the song is a beautiful duet between Lewis and songwriter Benji Hughes. Hughes’ Elvis Costello-like vocals recall Lewis’ duet with the actual Elvis Costello on her frantic solo track “Carpetbaggers.” Despite not having the real thing in studio, “I Remember You” is a superior song on all accounts. “RKives” does hit a rough patch toward the middle, especially with the Zondo remix of “Dejalo,” a track off Rilo Kiley’s last official record, the hit-or-miss “Under the Blacklight.” “Dejalo” is one of the band’s weaker tracks, and the club-jam remix goes from mildly intriguing to ridiculously irritating very quickly. Rapper Too $hort also makes a cameo, but, frankly, his verse is too long. Immediately following the remixed “Dejalo” is “A
RILO continued on PG. 5
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: NEW DRIVER IDS MAY ELIMINATE FAKE ID INDUSTRY: New laser-engraved driver licenses could make replication and the illegal use of fake IDs much less prevalent in New York City. COURTESY OF NYU
ID on PG. 3
TOP SPOTS FOR OUTDOOR DINING EXPERIENCE: Spring is coming and restaurants are opening sidewalk tables once again. Check out the top cafes that offer great outdoor dining. VIA YELP.COM
OUTDOOR on PG. 4
SEXTON FAILS TO ENGAGE NYU STUDENTS: The WSN editorial board argues that NYU President John Sexton did not address real concerns at last night’s town hall meeting. HOUSE on PG. 7