Arts & Culture - The Daily Tar Heel

Minor Details Help Chances Of Success

By Staff Editor | Nov. 15, 2001

I am awash in a sea of publicists. Every day I get a deluge of phone calls, e-mails, faxes and press kits from publicists trying to get coverage for their bands. At the same time, I'm sending phone calls, e-mails and faxes to other publicists who don't care if The Daily Tar Heel wants an interview. That's the way it goes -- sometimes they want something from me, other times I want something from them. On good days, the relationship is mutually beneficial, but usually it devolves into a long and tedious power struggle.

Kittie Exudes Savage Girl Rock; Cold Sides Utilize Sounds of Silence

By Staff Editor | Nov. 15, 2001

Cold Sides Cold Sides 4 Stars Finally, a band that knows when to shut up. Bringing listeners a series of haunting experiments with resonant sounds and refreshing silence, local band Cold Sides establishes its innovative talent on its self-titled debut. Choosing to mix driving rhythms with melodic guitar interludes, the band's complex songs are minimalist. A touch of Radiohead, a stab at a darker side of Cake, the band incorporates the timeless with the experimental for a sound that's both daring and comforting.

Malkmus' Clever Sarcasm, Charm Enthrall Audience

By Brian Millikin | Nov. 15, 2001

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Cat's Cradle Sunday, Nov. 11 4 Stars It's hard to take Stephen Malkmus too seriously. Heroin-thin and with hair in his eyes, the ex-Pavement frontman was the star of the show Sunday, but he never acted the part. Indie rock icon Malkmus was comfortable and comedic on the Cat's Cradle's stage. His signature speak-singing delivery and his Philly falsetto were in fine form, and he screeched his slacker yelp whenever he could fit it.

'Shallow' Contradicts Message for Cheap Laughs

By James Russ | Nov. 15, 2001

Shallow Hal 2 Stars Isn't it hilarious to see average people in relationships with morbidly obese people? No one ever says that (out loud at least), but it seems to be the driving force behind the Farrelly brothers new comedy "Shallow Hal."

Spreading the Word

By Jason Arthurs | Nov. 15, 2001

Magic Dirt, Big Blue Monkey, Milkweed and Collywobblies. Rape Vaccine's had a razor blade taped to it. These bands' records and press material are in an overflowing box tucked out of the way at Sub Pop Records. This dreaded dead-end is labeled "unsolicited demos and other free stuff." Similar promotional graveyards are at most entertainment publication and performance venues, where CDs and press kits pile up.

Dive Recommends

By Michael Abernethy | Nov. 15, 2001

- Roland Orzabal, Tomcats Screaming Outside The former lead singer and songwriter of Tears For Fears returned this year with his first solo album. Boasting an energetic blend of ambitious pop, grunge and menacing ambience, Orzabal's signature production and unparalleled vocal range make this album one of his best ever. -

Teen Queen Looks to Janet for 'Not So Innocent' Inspiration

By Russ Lane | Nov. 15, 2001

Britney Spears Britney 3 Stars Whether anyone likes it or not, Britney Spears is an icon. Or at least she's built a career alluding to those who have reached such status. With Britney, Spears is making her play for relevance. The album is her equivalent to Like a Prayer and Janet, and the icons she emulates on it are equally powerful. Spears has recast herself using the angry sexuality of "Butterfield 8"-era Elizabeth Taylor, the media savvy of Courtney Love and a Madonna-esque mission to make her dance music say something meaningful about society.

Tour Combs Campus for Covert Art

By Brooks Firth | Nov. 14, 2001

They number in the thousands, lurking in the corners, hanging in the shadows, just waiting for anyone to walk by -- "hidden art" pieces are all around campus, ready to be discovered. To showcase these various forms of art across campus the Carolina Union Activities Board held a tour of hidden art on Tuesday afternoon. The tour included oil paintings, charcoal works and etchings owned by the University, the artists or private donors.

IMAX Theater to Open in Raleigh

By Graham Parker | Nov. 13, 2001

The ear-shattering, jaw-dropping power of IMAX is coming to Raleigh. After three years of planning, Raleigh's Exploris museum, located at 201 E. Hargett St., is opening its new IMAX theater Friday. The Exploris facility is the state's second such theater and adds to the more than 225 in the world.

Local Band Hits Road For Tour

By Nick Parker | Nov. 9, 2001

Michael Triplett, vocalist and guitarist for local band Fin Fang Foom, stumbles out of his tour bus late one morning, complaining of the cold and tired of the road, but excited -- his band has finally broken new ground. Fin Fang Foom has had a cult following of its eclectic sound -- but the release of the band's first full length LP,Texture, Structure and the Condition of Moods, represents a major stepping stone on a path it has been travelling for a long time. The band boasts an interesting mix between psychedelic distortion and talented riffs and rhythms.

Walter Dazzles With Blend of Funk-Based Blues

By Graham Parker | Nov. 8, 2001

Robert Walter There Goes the Neighborhood 5 Stars

O'Connell Plays Well With Others; Deep Dish Spins Hot Set

By Staff Editor | Nov. 8, 2001

Maura O'Connell Walls and Windows 4 Stars

Dive Recommends

By Elliott Dube | Nov. 8, 2001

*

`One' Suffers From Overused Effects

By Trafton Drew | Nov. 8, 2001

"The One"

Hip Hoppers Ignite Cradle With DJ Skills, Recklessness

By Trafton Drew | Nov. 8, 2001

The Arsonists, DJ Swamp and Swollen Members Cat's Cradle Monday, Nov. 5 4 Stars It's not often a good hip-hop act comes to the area (Ja Rule does not count).

Excellent Cast, Able Voices Add Color to Mozart Opera

By Jeremy Fisher | Nov. 8, 2001

"Cos

`Monsters' Delights With Laughs, Originality

By Kristen Williams | Nov. 8, 2001

"Monsters, Inc."

Fans Get High on String Cheese Incident

By Michelle Jarboe | Nov. 8, 2001

String Cheese Incident Memorial Hall Wednesday, Nov.7 3 Stars

Setting the Date

By Brian Bedsworth | Nov. 8, 2001

It's 2:30 p.m. on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, but no sunlight reaches down a steep and narrow stairway. A man named Mouse is hard at work beneath Franklin Street. It's dark. Mouse lights a cigarette, puts a jazz compact disc on the stereo and listens intently. Mountains of folders, papers and photos are spread out before him. He looks down at the mess. "It's all propaganda," he says with a laugh. Mouse has what some people would say is one of the most important jobs in Chapel Hill.

Milo Lead Vocalist: Shows That Don't Pay Now Will Pay Off Later

By Russ Baggett | Nov. 8, 2001

As part of Milo, I've had experience with the cycle of booking, promoting and playing shows in and outside the Triangle.