From the album "Taylor Swift" (2006) Country artist Taylor Swift sings about the tenderness and innocence of young love in her track "Our Song." "Cause our song is the slamming screen door, sneaking out late, tapping on his window / When we're on the...

The wise Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi once said, "The truth depends highly on our personal points of view." But he apparently was lying. This week showed that the truth is not a malleable substance. Authors Margaret Seltzer and Misha Defonseca admitted this week...

So you don't have the money for an exotic getaway this Spring Break? Looking forward to spending a week of boredom and laziness in DeKalb? What's the matter with you? There's plenty of live music to catch. Otto's Mainroom All shows start at 9 p.m, cost...

Concept albums belong to bands like The Beatles, The Who and Pink Floyd. So what I'm about to say might shock you. Less Than Jake's album "Hello Rockview" belongs in the same category. Now I know what you're going to say. "But Ben, ska music isn't deep,...

"Good Time" - Alan Jackson Rating: 8/10 With patriotic spirit, a comforting Southern drawl and immeasurable country-music passion, Alan Jackson is back with his 15th studio album, "Good Time." Throughout the album, Jackson proves that sticking to his...

NIU's Wind Ensemble and All-University Band teamed up Tuesday night to deliver a tribute concert for those affected by the Feb. 14 shootings. Their evocative performances delivered a message of recovery, progress and remembrance. The Wind Ensemble began...

Nothing makes a sappy, pathetic crush more fun than The Hippos' "Wasting My Life." Taken from the southern California band's "Heads Are Gonna Roll" album, this song hit the waves in the summer months of 1999, along with the rest of the tail end of the...

"Penelope" Rating: 5/10 Starring: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Reese Witherspoon The Plot: Penelope (Ricci) is cursed by her evil cross-dressing step-butler to have a pig's nose in place of a human one. That is, until she can find...

Dear Tyra Banks, Congratulations on starting the 10th season of "America's Next Top Model." I dance to the new theme song when I'm home alone, and I'm excited that Marvita made it this season. While she certainly would have spiced up Cycle Nine, she still...

For a fan of ska music, or for any person delving into the genre, Catch 22's debut album, "Keasbey Nights," provides imaginative examples of what electric guitars and brass sections can accomplish. One of the most attractive attributes of the album is...

"Red of Tooth and Claw" - Murder By Death Murder By Death, the pride of Bloomington, Ind., is back with another album, "Red of Tooth and Claw." This phenomenal effort, the band's fourth overall, follows 2006's "In Bocca al Lupo," which was not this critic's...

"Punch" - Punch Brothers Rating: 8/10 This project from former Nickel Creek mandolin player Chris Thile is a fresh blend of modernized bluegrass, folk and Celtic music. If listeners can get past the original shock that they are actually listening to bluegrass,...