the guide friday, november 4, 2011
the weekly magazine for life on the hilltop
vintage picks modern chicks Film Is Like Crazy About Young Love
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DC Chillin’ With Wale’s New Album
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$100M Later: From Dorm Room to Board Room
this issue 3 lifestyle 4 arts & style 12 entertainment 14 best bets 16 hilltop
red square roundup // campus spotlight
center stage
leap into the void
hulu saxa // like crazy // ambition
CCP at 90
5
Forget J.Crew or even Madewell and step into a vintage boutique to find pieces no other Hoya will be sporting this Fall. We scoured local shop Annie Creamcheese to put together unique looks, mixing common with couture. Where else can you find a military jacket and oversized Chanel studs in one place?
ClareDonnelly
The word “hipster” is impossible to define because it is entirely relative to each person’s view of the world and of him or herself. A lacrosse player’s notion of “hipster” probably doesn’t match that of the drummer for Vampire Weekend.
the guide Lauren Weber, Executive Editor Connor Gregoire, Managing Editor Meagan Kelly, Photo Editor Shakti Nochur, Layout Editor Suzanne Fonzi, Copy Chief Peter Brigham, Deputy Guide Editor Alex Sanchez, Deputy Guide Editor Bethany Imondi, Deputy Guide Editor Chris Bien, Deputy Photo Editor Michelle Cassidy, Deputy Photo Editor Remy Samuels, Deputy Layout Editor Nikita Buley, Deputy Copy Editor Samantha Randazzo, Deputy Copy Editor
MEAGAN KELLY/THE HOYA
COVER PHOTO BY MEAGAN KELLY
soundbite leap into the void
FINDING FRESH, VINTAGE LOOKS FOR FALL
it’s a hoot working for the hoya
Eamon O’Connor, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Amos, Guide Editor Corrections & Clarifications If you have a comment or question about the fairness or accuracy of a story, contact Executive Editor Laura Engshuber at (202) 687-3415 or email executive@thehoya. com. General Information The Guide is published each week during the academic year with the exception of holiday and exam periods. Address all correspondence to: The Hoya Georgetown University Box 571065 Washington, D.C. 20057-1065 The writing, articles, pictures, layout and format are the responsibility of The Hoya and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of Georgetown University. Signed columns and cartoons represent the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of The Hoya. Georgetown University subscribes to the principle of responsible freedom of expression for student editors. The Hoya does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, color, national or ethnic origin. © 2010. The Hoya, Georgetown University twice weekly. No part of this publication may be used without the permission of The Hoya Board of Editors. All rights reserved. The Guide is available free of charge, one copy per reader, at distribution sites on and around the Georgetown University campus. Additional copies are $1 each. Editorial: (202) 687-3415 Advertising: (202) 687-3947 Business: (202) 687-8350 Facsimile: (202) 687-2741 Email: editor@thehoya.com Online at www.thehoya.com
personnel@thehoya.com
RED SQUARE ROUNDUP D.C. A CAPELLA FESTIVAL Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. (hosted by GraceNotes) Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. (hosted by Phantoms) Gaston Hall
hilltop
GPB PRESENTS: CRAZY, STUPID LOVE Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ICC Auditorium
The D.C. A Capella Festival is one of Georgetown’s favorite annual traditions, and this year, it is sure to be a treat. Hosted by two of Georgetown’s premier a capella groups, the Phantoms and the GraceNotes, the performances feature a wide range of musical stylings and showcases guest performances from schools up and down the east coast. Monday, Nov. 7 at 5:00 p.m. Gaston Hall
This popular comedy stars Steve Carell as a loving husband and father who is suddenly forced to deal with a marital crisis with his wife, played by Julianne Moore, and its effect on his relationship with their children. The film also stars Ryan Gosling as a suave ladies’ man who takes the newly single Carell under his wing. Friday, Nov. 4 at 9 p.m. Bulldog Alley
Hosted by the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor, this unique event will highlight the work of poet laureate Philip Levine. The Detroit native and former auto industry worker has received numerous accolades for his “plainspoken lyricism” and has been praised as “one of America’s great narrative poets” by the Librarian of Congress. Levine will stay after his public reading to discuss his life and his work.
POET LAUREATE PHILIP LEVINE
Come join the Georgetown Improv Association as it presents a night of hilarious, unscripted and improvised comedy. Audience suggestions are the backbone of the show, so be sure to come prepared with ideas to keep the show rolling and the cast on its toes.
GEORGETOWN IMPROV ASSOCIATION
campusspotlight // GU Art Aficionados
F
or the third year in a row, The Georgetown University Art Aficionados will host an official partner exhibit on campus for FotoWeek DC, the citywide and internationally acclaimed photography festival. On Saturday, Nov. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m., GUAA will hold an opening reception in the Walsh lobby for its FotoWeek DC gallery. GUAA’s show, themed “In a State of Flux,” presents the work of Georgetown students across classes, schools and majors. The exhibit will be on display in the art and art history department gallery space through Friday, Nov. 11. GUAA’s FotoWeek DC exhibit is one of the club’s major events of the semester. GUAA is a group of art enthusiasts dedicated to affording students creative opportunities on and off campus. Outside of FotoWeek, the organization leads trips to exhibits and art events in D.C., organizes art-related lectures and information sessions on campus, hosts artthemed parties, holds artist workshops and more. The founders of GUAA asserted that “creativity is and remains Georgetown University’s Achilles’ heel,” and the club is open to all activity to combat this notion. GUAA became an official SAC organization in the fall of 2009 and has grown tremendously since then. In the spring of 2010, the club put on an event called GTOWN @ G40 — a night of art,
music, food and drink at warehouse art exhibit “G40: The Summit” — that attracted over 800 students. GUAA hopes to replicate this event in the spring of 2012. This semester, GUAA has led trips to the National Gallery of Art’s Jazz in the Garden and Hirshhorn After Hours and has hosted a Christie’s Education information session. It has also held its fair share of art-themed parties. Students can look forward to art workshops, an artist lecture and more trips to exhibitions and events in D.C. after FotoWeek. Students interested in getting involved can email guartaficionados@gmail.com to be added to our listserv, like GU Art Aficionados on Facebook to stay up to date on the club’s happenings or follow the club’s Tumblr at guaa.tumblr.com. GUAA will host a general body meeting within the next two weeks and encourages anyone interested to attend. The organization has tremendous energy and seeks future leaders to sustain its momentum. Join GUAA on Saturday, Nov. 5 for hors d’oeuvres and the unveiling of the “In a State of Flux” exhibit. Alexandra Crane COL ’12
ART APPRECIATION 101 GU Art Afficionados announce their upcoming photography contest, “In a State of Flux.”
11.04.11 // the guide // 3
lifestyle
CENTER STAGE Sign Her Yearbook: 2011 Grad Scores Social Networking Success When Catherine Cook (MSB ’11) entered Georgetown University in the fall of 2007, her prospects were already looking quite bright. Having co-founded the social networking website myYearbook.com with her brother Dave in 2005, she appeared destined for entrepreneurial greatness. Two months after she graduated, in July 2011, success came in a big way when she sold her company to Latino social networking site Quepasa for $100 million. The Guide caught up with this successful, ambitious Hoya to talk about how she got where she is today. How did myYearbook start? I got the idea back in 2005 because my family moved to a new town and I wanted a way to make new friends. There were a lot of people in my new school who had been there for a while and already knew each other. I started the site to make new friends.
KOROUSH SHAFFY Hoya Staff Writer
How did you get the idea for it? I was a sophomore in high school and my brother Dave was a junior. We were f lipping through a yearbook from the year before, and that’s how we got the idea. We realized that there was nothing in the actual yearbook that would help us [get to] know new people or make friends. It’s a horrible tool for meeting new people. So, we thought we might as well build something better ourselves. How did you guys know how to make and maintain a website? At first we did a lot of research. We were just like any typical 15and 16-year-olds at the time. Yeah, we were pretty tech-savvy. We were always on the computer. We did a lot of AIM chatting, but we weren’t into coding at that point. So what we ended up doing was pushing the original development off to Mumbai, which required a lot of
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY CATHERINE COOK
THINKING BIG Catherine Cook started myYearbook.com to make friends at a new school and sold it this summer for $100 million.
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work to have the site exactly how we wanted it. We were up ‘till three or four in the morning every night just getting everything we wanted to our developers in Mumbai. And then we finally launched in April 2005. Did you maintain the site while at Georgetown? Yes. My oldest brother became our first investor when we had the idea. So he bankrolled the idea, which made it easier for me to be able to go to college, because he stepped in. And now we have a 100-person team. So you’re serving with the company right now? Yes. I’m actually at a conference in France right now, but I’m still working in cost development and business development. Did your Georgetown education help you out with your company? I would say definitely. Well, for one, I think that going to college in general makes you mature a lot more than had you skipped it. I absolutely loved my marketing major, and I find it incredibly helpful when I’m working on the site. It’s hard to put it into concrete terms exactly. When I came to Georgetown, I didn’t have a specific set of skills, but I came out with a different way of thinking. It made me more creative and probably a little more open-minded. How and when did you get your company to sell? We signed an agreement to merge with the corporation Quepasa back in July, and the reason we wanted to do that was because it would double our user base [and] it would triple our deductible market. … [W]e think there’s an opportunity to have a billion-dollar brand around meeting new people, and to do that it has to be a global brand, so we wanted to make a global footprint, and the corporation is very big in South America and Latino countries. And lastly, for the combined company, this means we’d be able to reach more members faster.
Five things you didn’t know about Catherine: Her favorite movie is Harry Potter and the Deahtly Hollows. She’s reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. She thinks The Tombs is the best place to eat in Georgetown. Clinical Neuropsychology is the most interesting class she took at Georgetown. Her ideal place to live would be Pennsylvania so that she could be close to family.
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PAIGE
CLASS ACT
Vintage pieces add luxe touches to everyday looks — rich textures like silk, python and faux fur go a long way. Pile on statement gold jewelry or grab a quirky clutch.
On Paige Lovejoy (SFS ’12): Galanos print jacket (worn as dress) $795, red crocodile belt $349, 1980s gold earrings $49. On Shreya Kundur (COL ’13): 2006 python multi-colored Chanel bag $599, 1980 black vintage sheer top $49, KOOS yellow raw silk pants $45, 1980 St. John gold necklace $595, 1980 St. John earrings $129, black faux fur belt $32.
Clothing and accessories generously provided by Annie Creamcheese, located at 3279 M St., NW. Students receive a 40 percent discount on Mondays with student ID. PHOTOS: Meagan Kelly STYLING: Sarah Amos, Carolina Caballero, Kavya Devarakonda DESIGN: Remy Samuels 6 // the guide // 11.4.11
SHREYA
RITA PEARSON FOR THE HOYA
IFE
On Ifedayo Bethel-Sears (COL ’13): Pixie Dust olive dress $72, Chanel lunchbox $895, brown belt $59, hoop earrings $18, bangle $38, gold one-piece bracelet $28, gold ring $69, vintage class ring $49.
11.4.11 // the guide // 7
MIA
Forget the standard Jane Hoya — go for character. Comb through the racks to nab that unexpected piece that will pack a punch: a military jacket, a funky vest or brightly colored tights.
ALLIE AANIKA On Aylin Unsal (COL ’13): Vintage cape $59, vintage skirt $39, Niki Biki dress $24 (worn as shirt), three vintage bangles $8. On Aanika Patel (SFS ’13): Vest $79, Oscar de la Renta belt $189, dress $52, three chain necklaces $34 each, two vintage rings $42 each, two fashion rings $24 each, hoop earrings $18. On Mia Di Stefano (COL ’12): Military jacket $249, cream dress $52, heart earrings $16. On Allie Prescott (COL’ 14): Vintage skirt $39, lace top $39, Niki Biki leopard top $18, vintage pendant $42, vintage ring $49, one feather earring $12 (per set).
AYLIN 8 // the guide // 11.4.11
ECLECTIC EVERYDAY
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On Paige: Freshine cut-out black dress $82, beaded black ring $39, silver wire necklace $18. On Shreya: 1950s black bow dress $329, 1960s pearl Earrings $129, Faux pearl ring $39. On Aylin: Elizabeth and James black dress $129, 1998 Chanel earrings $349, 1960s gold and black necklace $169. On Allie: Theory dress $116, belt with green jade $89, gold earrings $16. On Aanika:1970s beige gown $229, Suzanna Dai turquoise necklace $479, silver and crystal earrings $69. On Ife: 1950s dress tiered gown $795, 1940s evening earrings $110, 1940s beige crystal necklace $62, gold evening bracelet $72.
THE NIGHT IS YOURS
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Forgo a basic black dress in favor of a timeless one with splendid details. Or pick a frothy chiffon frock in autumn jewel tones and accent with a standout necklace or earrings. 11.4.11 // the guide // 11
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lifestyle
Take It From a Hipster Who’s Not Afraid to Admit It leap into the void
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ClareDonnelly
s much as it pains me to admit, I am accused of being a hipster pretty frequently. Usually, it’s for things I can understand, like mentioning a band I like that my friends haven’t heard of or walking around campus with my film camera in tow. Sure, you got me there. But while at a friend’s post-tailgate party over Homecoming weekend, some unknown alum on the other side of the flip cup table gave me a quick once-over and said, “You’re, like, a total hipster, aren’t you?” It should be noted that there was no flannel involved in my outfit choice that day, nor were there Buddy Holly glasses or an ironic/vintage/obscure band T-shirt or anything that once lived in a thrift store. I actually felt extra mainstream that day, given that I was wearing the same blue & gray uniform as everyone else in the spirit of Georgetown, tradition and heavy day-drinking. But due to the crisp autumn air and the fact that I’m pretty much always cold, I decided to wear a — wait for it — scarf. And I am convinced that this dude judged me as a hipster solely based
on this fact, because there was simply nothing else to go on. I was a bit miffed by this (can you tell?), but I simply came back with some brilliant, witty retort that put him right in his place (that’s how I choose to remember it, anyway) and moved on. However, while the majority of that day went by in one hazy, blue and gray blur, this moment stuck with me for some reason. I’ll admit that I have some hipsterlike tendencies — I’m into thrift stores and bike rides and indie music in a big way — but I was annoyed by the fact that this bro instantly picked me out as someone possessing unquestionable hipster status. And solely based (I think) on one perfectly practical clothing choice. I’m not even sure when the whole concept of hipsterdom came into my life or when I started to see it as a negative thing, but I totally do. At the risk of sounding like a total hipster right now, I guess it comes down to the fact that I’ve always hated labels. I don’t like the idea of being put into a box. But what does the box that is hipsterdom even look like? What makes someone a hipster? There seem to be several almost universal traits or terms that trigger the label for most people — words like “vneck,” “moustache” and “Pabst Blue
Ribbon.” However, it also seems that everyone has their own unique idea of what “hipster” really means. For one person, it’s anyone wearing a scarf (not that I’m bitter or anything); for someone else, it’s the guy with the patchy beard and plaid jacket smoking American Spirits while criticizing Belle & Sebastian’s latest album; for that guy, it’s the girl with the half-shaved head who dropped out of school to become a glockenspiel player in a traveling folk band and got a huge tattoo of a grandfather clock on her calf. You get the idea. The word “hipster” is impossible to define because it is entirely relative to each person’s view of the world and of him or herself. A lacrosse player’s notion of “hipster” probably doesn’t match that of the drummer for Vampire Weekend. Likewise, a hipster at Georgetown is not quite the same as a hipster in Portland, Ore. Unlike most cultural movements throughout history (such as the punk movement, which had its own, clearly identifiable music and style), there is nothing that unites all hipsters into one cohesive, identifiable group; there is no “hipster movement.” Rather, hipsters not only hate being identified as such but also seem to hate one another. No one wants to be called a hipster, yet no one wants to be out-hipstered by anyone else
(whether the competitor can wear the most unique, label-less clothing or rattle off the most obscure band names). It’s ridiculously hypocritical, which might explain why people reject the term in the first place. And if there’s one thing I hate more than being put into the hipster box, it’s being a hypocrite. So you know what, Anonymous Flip Cup Player No. 3? You win. You pegged me. I’m a total hipster, and I’m no longer afraid to admit it. I’m an ardent scarf collector and a regular Pitchfork reader and a complete beer snob. But hey, you would be, too, if you just preferred to keep warm in style or loved to discover new music or just spent a semester in Belgium. And that’s the thing: I’m not trying to out-hipster anyone, to be more obscure or pretentious or unique. I’m just doing me. You can call it whatever you want. Haters, as they say, gonna hate. I want to say that that’s what I would tell him if I ever saw him again, but that’s a lie. What I would really say is, “Oh, you like my scarf? I’d tell you where I got it, but you’ve probably never heard of it.” Clare Donnelly is a senior in the College. She can be reached at donnelly@thehoya.com. LEAP INTO THE VOID appears every other Friday in the guide.
basketballpreview 2011-2012
Available today. 11.4.11 // the guide // 13
entertainment Community College Denied From Ivy League of Television hulu saxa
I do and he is. If something is “meta,” then that particular thing refers to the structure and world in which it exists. For example, “metadata” is data about data; “meta-emotion” is one’s emotions about StevenPiccione their particular emotional state; and “meta-humor” is comedy about comedy ast year I wrote a column titled, itself. This is an odd aspect of a telelvision “Even the Funniest Comedies show you say? Well, here’s an Abed quote, Must Come to an End,” in which where he talks about Dean Pelton’s (Jim I wrote, “‘30 Rock’ remains my gold Rash’s) frequent announcements over standard for primetime comedy.” the PA system: “I like it. It makes every 10 Although I still love “30 Rock” minutes feel like the beginning of a new very much, I’ve come to realize scene of a TV show. Of course, the illusion that another show on NBC has only lasts until someone says something successfully dethroned Tina Fey’s they’d never say on TV, like how much creation: “Community.” their life is like TV. There, it’s gone.” Created by Dan Harmon in 2009, Before I change the subject to some“Community” revolves around a study thing other than the main characters, group at a Señor Chang (Ken small commuJeong) is the former nity college in Spanish teacher I’ve come to realize that the fictional who constantly tries another show on NBC has town of Greenprove his worth in successfully dethroned “30 to dale, Colo. It order to be invited reeks of BreakRock”: “Community.” as a member of the fast Club, but in study group. So far, a good way. Jeff he has not succeedWinger (Joel McHale), ed, which is awful for him, because he a silver-tongued, disalso doesn’t “Chang a lot of chicks.” Not barred lawyer recovering from a fake a lot going for El Tigre. bachelor’s degree, created the group As everyone on this planet (which in order to get closer to Britta Perry (Gil- now has seven billion people apparlian Jacobs), an attractive pseudo-revo- ently) will be able to recall, I wrote a lutionary. Unfortunately for Jeff, Britta column last month about “Arrested has “douche-ray vision,” which allows Development,” which was never able her to foil Jeff’s advances by inviting to garner high viewership despite many others to this study group fantastic reviews. “Community” to learn Spanish. The other five seems to be the second pea in that members who make up the “study injust pod. With its viewership dropgroup,” are Troy Barnes (Donald ping about one million people per Glover, a former writer of “30 season, it doesn’t seem entirely likely Rock”), a jock-turned-geek; Annie that “Community” will be renewed Edison (Alison Brie), an academic for a fourth season, which breaks my crusader recovering from an ad- heart. How on earth is it possible that diction to Adderall; Shirley Ben- a petty and juvenile show like “Two nett (Yvette Nicole Brown), a de- and a Half Men” can attract an enorvout Christian mother and Pierce mous number of viewers, but comeHawthorne (Chevy Chase), a wealthy dic gold like “Arrested Development” and racist man who has turned to eduand “Community” stagger? I might cation in order to find some meaning have to blame this one on the devious in his life. monkey that Troy and Abed adopted, The last main character, Abed Nadir whose name is Annie’s Boobs. (Danny Pudi), is the one who really sets “Community” apart from all other shows. Abed is completely meta. You Steven Piccione is a junior in the College. might think that I’m using that word He can be reached at piccione@ like everyone else on this planet without thehoya.com. HULU SAXA appears every knowing what it actually means, but other Friday in the guide.
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Romantic Drama Is ‘Like Crazy’ Good ABBY REUTZEL Special to The Hoya
“Like Crazy,” a quirky romantic drama, The strength of the film comes not from follows a long-term relationship between the script but rather from the performances Anna and Jacob, who meet during their delivered by the actors. Director and cotime at university. Anna (Felicity Jones) writer Drake Doremus gave an outline of is an aspiring writer from the U.K. who the script to the two stars, and they were comes to the United States to study at a allowed to improvise most of the dialogue. Los Angeles university, where she meets This improvisation adds another layer of reJacob (Anton Yelchin), an aspiring furni- ality to the movie, but it also creates a lot of ture designer. After Anna makes the first missed opportunities. Throughout the film move, the two fall madly in love, and as there are moments when dialogue would time goes on, their love for one another fit well and where a well-written line would grows, but their relationship suffers due add clarity. The film’s two young stars do, however, deliver some very memorable and to circumstances beyond their control. moving pieces of After they both dialogue that will graduate and Anna’s stick in the viewer’s visa expires, the critihead for quite some cal drama in their time. once storybook-perfect The directing and relationship begins to LIKE CRAZY cinematography take place. Dating longadd much to the distance shows all of starring: Felicity Jones, Anton film as well. They the fissures in the reYelchin contribute to the lationship, which they did you know?: The actors improsense of reality that both try their best to is prevalent through vised most of the film’s dialogue. fix. Although each tries all 90 minutes of the to move on, there is an film. “Like Crazy” is undeniable attraction directed in a very nobetween the two, and they are unable to let go, which results in a tumultuous romance. frills, almost amateur fashion. There’s a lot The film accurately and emotively depicts of hand-held camera motion as well as puryoung love and all of the ups and downs that poseful blurriness and abstract zooming in come with it, not to mention the feelings and out, which allow the audience to relate associated with being in a long-term, long- to the film. At times it almost feels like you’re in the room with the two of them and that distance relationship. The acting is exquisite — both Yelchin it’s all happening right in front of you. At other times, however, the hand-held and Jones give their best performances to date. The audience can immediately con- method of filming can become distractnect with the two lead characters and sym- ing and even nauseating when watched pathizes with them while their relation- on a big screen. One scene in particular, ship is strong, and also when it begins to when the camera is following the couple crumble due to the distance between them. as they walk ahead, is a perfect example of the distracting nature of the directing style. In the end, however, it’s obvious that the directing and associated cinematography are necessary to help tell Anna and Jacob’s story. Another positive aspect of the film is the soundtrack. The choice of music gorgeously conveys the emotions of the characters. The piano pieces that accent each dramatic moment of tension between the two main characters make for especially moving scenes. As a work, “Like Crazy” is a beautiful portrait of young love and the way it ebbs ALL PHOTOS ROTTENTOMATOES.COM and flows throughout a person’s life. It is CRAZY IN LOVE This movie tells the tale definitely worth seeing. of a love tested by distance.
entertainment
On Sophomore Album, Wale’s Still Chillin’ DANISH ZAIDI Special to The Hoya
O
n Attention Deficit, we found Wale still discovering himself, but what he brought to the table was undeniable: a unique flow. Wale’s voice and lyrical delivery have become his most recognizable characteristics.
Sure, some of his lyrics are crazy, and “Miami Nights” could hold their but Wale’s trademark is his rhythm. In own on 100 Miles and Running. Of course, Maybach Music Group Ambition, Wale has essentially perfected his flow — something that he had has had its share of influence on been experimenting with in his debut Wale’s sound. “Legendary” and “No Days Off” have a Rick Ross feel to them. album almost two years ago. These and the The album other tracks that opens with a nod include Ross seem to Wale’s newa bit unnatural. found successes. It’s not that they He’s cocky, but he are bad songs; can afford to be. they just may not On “Don’t Hold AMBITION belong on this alYour Applause,” bum. the album opens artist: Wale The highest to a production song to download: “Slight Work” point of the althat perfectly song to skip: “No Days Off” bum is in the complements the middle. “Focused” delivery we reand “Slight Work” member from his offer instant repast work. His previous album transitions perfectly to peats. Perhaps it’s the involvement of Ambition. The next two tracks recall Kid Cudi and Big Sean on both tracks his mixtape flow; “Double M Genius” that add to their flavor, but both songs
WARNER BROS.
New Releases
ALEX SANCHEZ Hoya Staff Writer
“Love is Blindness” Jack White AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered
“Common Burn” Mazzy Star Rhymes of an Hour
evoke the Wale of old — just a bit more polished. Finally, no Wale album is complete without an ode to the DMV (District/ Maryland/Virginia). “DC or Nothing” is this album’s ballad. This time, however, Wale’s shout out to D.C. is not a club track like “Chillin’.” There is no Lady Gaga cooing at the chorus or talk of cars and frames but rather a realistic look at D.C.’s current state. Wale elegantly paints an optimistic portrait of the District in spite of its poverty, disease and crime. It’s grim, but he offers hope and a glimpse of the city’s promise. This is the lyrical pinnacle of the album. The beauty of Wale’s album is rooted in its consistency with his mixtape and his debut persona. He is what he was, only better. So don’t worry: Wale has not switched up his style. He’s still D.C. chillin’.
“Lonely Boy” The Black Keys El Camino
Following the release of a 1994 hit, Mazzy Star fell into obscurity as lead singer Hope Sandoval focused on side projects. On “Common Burn,” the band’s new single, Mazzy Star returns to its original minimalistic sound, using a simple guitar riff to complement Sandoval’s haunting vocals that flow through the song.
As part of a tribute album commemorating the 20th anniversary of U2’s Achtung Baby, the former member of the White Stripes released his rendition of “Love is Blindness.” In his take on the U2 classic, White has eschewed much of the original’s dark undercurrents in favor of a more scornful tone.
The band’s single from its upcoming record, El Camino, features singer Dan Auerbach grumbling about love gone awry with a backbeat from drummer Patrick Carney. The song’s infectious chorus of “Oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting,” will make a dancer out of the shyest fan.
RHYMES OF AN HOUR
Q MAGAZINE
NONESUCH RECORDS
11.4.11 // the guide // 15
best bets
Red was in the air when the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 90th anniversary July 1.
— leonel de velez
saturday
friday Come check out the seventh anniversary of DC9’s Liberation Dance Party, which will feature the eclectic sounds of British pop star, V V Brown. A mix of pop, R&B, jazz and punk, Brown’s music has already become No. 1 on the French digital albums chart and her new album, Lollipops & Politics is pegged to get Brown her big break in America.
Head to the Phillips Collection and join them in celebrating their 90th birthday. The day will kick off with Georgetown Cupcake treats beginning at 10 a.m., and throughout the day there will be a variety of performances, including live jazz from the Tommy Cecil Quartet and pop tunes from DJ Neville C. The Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, D.C. will also be performing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: 1940 Ninth St. NW WHEN: Friday, 9 p.m. INFO: (202) 483-5000 PRICE: $15 METRO: Shaw Metro Station, (Green and Yellow lines)
CAROLINE HORWICH Special to The Hoya
WHERE: Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. INFO: (202) 387-2151 PRICE: Free METRO: Dupont Circle Metro Station, (Red line)
sunday Two of the Washington Writers’ Publishing House Prize Winners, Melanie S. Hatter and Dan Gutstein, will be reading from their award-winning books for discussion at Politics and Prose Bookstore. Hatter’s book The Color of My Soul won the fiction prize for new novel, and Dan Gutstein’s collection of poems entitled Bloodcoal and Honey won the poetry prize. WHERE: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW WHEN: Sunday, 1 p.m. INFO: (202) 364-1919 PRICE: Free METRO: Tenleytown Metro Station, (Red line)