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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A closeup picture of one of Sparklehorse's albums on blue vinyl. The band's new album "Bird Machine" was recently released posthumously on all music streaming platforms. (Wikimedia Commons)

Sparklehorse lives again with striking new album

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | September 20, 2023

Mark Linkous, the eccentric lo-fi genius behind Sparklehorse, died by suicide in 2010.  Linkous left behind four studio albums, as well as a collaborative album with Danger Mouse. Now, a final studio album titled “Bird Machine” has been unearthed...

A TV remote points toward a screen. Lifestyle Writer Caleb Johnson recommended three movies and a show to watch. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Sci-fi, dark comedy and more, find out what to watch

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | September 20, 2023

With the movie and streaming markets being so oversaturated, it is hard to decide what to watch. That being said, we at the Northern Star got you covered with new and upcoming productions that are sure to catch your eye. “The Creator” This upcoming...

A screenshot from the trailer for the film "City of God." The movie is a crime drama that follows the expansion of organized crime over three decades. (YouTube)

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin movies

By Ibrahim Oyeyinka, Lifestyle Writer | September 19, 2023

If you're looking for some must-watch Latin movies, here are a few recommendations. "La Llorona" – HORROR MOVIE "La Llorona" is a 2019 Guatemalan horror film directed by Jayro Bustamante. The movie explores the legend of La Llorona, a weeping...

(left) Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dog perform at Yankee Stadium to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. The two artists are a part of dozens who have shaped the hip-hop genre into what it is now. (Scott Roth/Invision/AP)

Honor 50 years of hip-hop with generational artists

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | September 19, 2023

2023 is the 50th anniversary of DJ Kool Herc’s house party, the house party that started hip-hop as we know it today. Because of this momentous occasion, let’s look back at some underrated hip-hop artists from the past 50 years – one for each decade.  GRANDMASTER...

Sufjan Stevens performs at a music festival in 2016 in San Francisco. Stevens goes back to his roots in his new single "Will Anybody Ever Love Me?" (Amy Harris/Invision/AP File)

Sufjan Stevens quietly returns to his roots

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | September 19, 2023

With the release of Sufjan Stevens’ latest single “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?,” the eclectic indie artist makes an understated return to his folk roots. Since the release of his critically acclaimed masterpiece “Carrie and Lowell” in 2015,...

A screenshot from the trailer of the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet game pack. The company recently released a new DLC that expands the base game. (Nintendo)

Pokémon delivers fresh cultural experience with new DLC

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | September 18, 2023

With the newest release by the Pokémon company, players enter the beautiful land of Kitakami, a mountainous region inspired by real-world Japanese culture.  “The Teal Mask” is a downloadable content for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet. This...

(From left) Irving Bacon, Cary Grant, Ralph Bellamy and Rosalind Russell in the 1940's film "His Girl Friday." Destress from college with this ridiculously witty film. (Wikimedia Commons)

Destress with comedy films

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | September 17, 2023

With the stress of school increasing, it’s important to take the time to unwind and give your brain a rest. Here are three great comedy films to watch as you relax and decompress after a long day. “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” This 2008 breakup...

Spotify logo on a computer with a blurry background.

Groove with these ’80s tracks this week

By Northern Star Staff | September 17, 2023

The 1980's were a time of leg warmers, mullets and big sunglasses. Here's some music that reflects the tubular decade. Sarah’s picks Bruce Springsteen - “Dancing In the Dark” Prince - “When Doves Cry” Billy Joel - “We Didn’t...

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12. Several hip-hop artists joined together to give a standout performance that honored 50 years of hip-hop. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

2023 VMAs: A throwback concert

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | September 17, 2023

Nicki Minaj hosted the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards which focused on celebrating 50 years of hip hop and the music videos that further shaped the songs we all know and love.  Lil Wayne opened the show with a fiery bang by performing hit songs such...

The Hopkins Park Bandshell sits unattended on a cloudy day. On Sept. 23 The Burning Cicada Music Festival will be hosted at Hopkins Park. (Northern Star File Photo)

Join DeKalb for free music festival

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | September 14, 2023

DeKalb – Enjoy a hot day out in the sun and gather with your local community for an annual music festival. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 23, Hopkins Park will host the Burning Cicada Arts and Music Picnic Festival, 1403 Sycamore Road. This event...

Drake attends the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Drake's new album "For All the Dogs" comes out Sept. 22 on all music streaming platforms. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

Music from Drake, meet-cute film to release next week

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | September 14, 2023

Be on the lookout for new music from famed rapper Drake, witness a new love story and get a feel for British schools next week. “Love at First Sight” For Hadley (Haley Lu Richardson) and Oliver (Ben Hardy), all it takes is one flight from New...

A screenshot from the docuseries "Telemarketers" shows a man in distress while sitting at his computer. The series aims to expose the telemarket industry and expose its corruption. (YouTube)

‘Telemarketers’ highlights highs, lows of humanity

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | September 13, 2023

Editor’s note: This piece contains spoilers HBO’s latest docuseries “Telemarketers” offers viewers everything from ex-convict telemarketers shooting up heroin in a warehouse office to a confrontational interaction with a circus promoter. The...