t’s a misconception that only challenging acts that ignore traditional pop songs are critical darlings. Despite the complex layers and diverse themes on albums by The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Radiohead, at the rudimentary core of each song rests...

“In Good Company” marks a welcome break from the dime-a-dozen romantic comedies that typically show up this time of year. The movie sets a good pace with its romantic and comedic elements, but the film’s real power lies in the poignant depiction...

Warning: This article contains man-eating fish. Two NIU students are living “The Life Aquatic” with the aid of some terrifying fish and high altitude sleeping accommodations. Nick Achtien, a freshman computer science major, and Ryan Sheive, a freshman...

“Million Dollar Baby” is a film about people who need a lesson in giving. They spend their whole lives taking, not earning. After realizing they are boxers, this all makes sense. As a fighter, our narrator tells us, you don’t so much earn respect,...

Set in a dimly lit corner of the Underground in the basement of Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, is a stage about three inches off the floor. A stool sits center stage and a microphone waits idly. Normally, on any other Monday night, the stage would...

For many locals, the name of Annie Glidden is thrown around as often as the frisbees in the residence hall hallways. But who is this mysterious woman, and why is she important to DeKalb? From what research I gathered, Annie Glidden lived between 1865...

If there was an award for showing utter disregard for products someone sold at a store, I would sweep the competition hands down. The Jack of All Trades is back for another semester of becoming one with various organizations on campus. Although there...

Pete Yorn has followed the formula set by male singer-songwriters before him - start small in coffee houses, gain the respect of fans, put out an album or two, and then release a double live record. “Live from New Jersey” offers listeners songs from...

Wes Anderson has consistently provided some of the most memorable soundtracks in recent years to accompany his quirky films such as “Rushmore” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.” The strength of these soundtracks relied on Anderson’s ability to utilize...

After two years out of the loop, teen heartthrob Mario returns legal (he’s 18 now) and ready to broaden his fan base. The album title couldn’t be tailored any better to suit the new clean-cut and sophisticated look. The Motown prodigy’s style is...

While fans of the comic book “Elektra” may be gleeful the movie adaption is Ben Affleck-free, they still may be disappointed with the final results. The movie, based on a popular Marvel comic and a spinoff from the moderately successful “Daredevil”,...

Indie Swedish rockers The Soundtrack of Our Lives are back with "Origins Vol. 1." Their fourth album can be described as melodic greatness with tracks such as "Believe I’ve Found," "Transcendental Suicide," "Bigtime" and "Lone Summer Dream" showing...