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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

We have a winner

By Stephanie Gandsey | March 27, 2003

Cheers erupted from Student Association President Kevin Miller's home as the SA election results were heard over the speakerphone. Presidential candidate Shaun Crisler, treasurer candidate Andrew Josephson and student trustee candidate Kevin Miller all...

Peters to show NIU’s impact on economy

By Todd Krysiak | March 27, 2003

Today NIU President John Peters will disclose some preliminary findings of an impact study conducted by NIU's Center for Governmental Studies. Peters will be the keynote speaker at a business roundtable sponsored by the DeKalb County Economic Development...

Edwin McCain

By Kim Krichbaum | March 27, 2003

Edwin McCain is one of those artists who gets progressively better the more he releases.

With the release of his latest album, "The Austin Sessions," he makes it clear why he will be around the music scene for a long time to come.

McCain's sixth release is a perfect mix of new and old songs and even a few songs with a bit of a rootsy-like twist. The album is a mix of acoustic guitar and McCain's strong voice.

After hearing records like this, it becomes clear why some singers make it in the business today, while most don't. In McCain's case, it's a combination of a deep, pulsing voice that can send shivers down your spine and his amazing guitar playing. He ties together a unique modern-rock flair that separates him from the pack of most folk rock artists. Besides having incredible talent, McCain tells us stories while he sings, opening up his world to anyone willing to listen.

"We've had people asking for this record for a long time," McCain said on his Web site (www.edwin.com). "The core group of people that like what I do have always said they want an all-acoustic album, so here we go. It's real loose and it's not overproduced. I didn't redo the vocals, they just are what they are."

"The Austin Sessions" not only has a few new songs, but it also has covers of songs that he plays during his concerts. He chose the songs to use with the help of fans.

The best track on the album is the song "I Want it All," a sweet song about unconditional love. McCain's lyrics are extremely touching and emotional, making this an incredible track.

"Let it Slide" displays McCain's southern roots with a country sound. The song has a sound reminiscent of something you would hear on a Dixie Chicks album. He also covers the Buddy Mondlock song "No Choice." The song will make you feel like you should be sitting around a campfire singing along.

Another key song on the album is "Go Be Young." It previously was featured on McCain's 1999 release "Messenger." It is a riveting ballad about a woman getting older and regretfully drowning her sorrows with alcohol.

Track after track, "The Austin Sessions" is an amazing album. Edwin McCain is sure to be around for a while if he keeps releasing albums like this.

N.A.T.I.O.N.S. conference moves to NIU

By Tia Speat | March 27, 2003

Native Americans Together Insuring Our Nations' Sovereignty will host a three-day conference titled "All My Relatives." The conference, which started as a teacher's conference, is open to anyone and will feature crafts, guest speakers, classes and panel...

Get Funked

By Jeff Goluszka | March 27, 2003

The messiah entered stage-right into a troupe of more than 15 musicians, all of whom glowed in cool-colored light. More than a half-hour into Wednesday night's concert and 18 minutes into the third song, George Clinton finally joined the Parliament Funkadelic...

Connecting language ties

By Samantha Henwood | March 27, 2003

Knowing a second language is an asset in the job market. Many companies are beginning to reach out to minorities, especially the Hispanic community. "Many of the Spanish majors here at NIU are aiming toward business administration or business translation,"...

Roaches take over Otto’s

March 27, 2003

"I thought I had walked into a geriatric home for a second, but you [expletives] proved me wrong," Papa Roach lead singer Jacoby Shaddix yelled while hanging from the pillars in the middle of Otto's stage. That quote wrapped up the entire night as chaos,...

Don’t catch this mess

By Jessica King | March 27, 2003

Stephen King writes good books. Unfortunately, those books aren't always turned into good movies. "Dreamcatcher," the latest movie adaptation of a novel from accomplished horror writer King, follows four men who share a common past and psychic ability....

Experience a ‘Taste of Africa’

By Linda Luk | March 27, 2003

The African Student Association will present the annual Taste of Africa featuring food, traditional performances and African artifacts. "The purpose of the event is to create awareness about the different types of African food and to provide students...

Party of Helicopters

By Andy Smith | March 27, 2003

For those of you who live and die for punk music and would call today's pop-punk/glam-rock bands awful, here is a new one for you. The Party of Helicopters' newest innovative sound trap "Please Believe It" pushes the boundaries of punk. That, unfortunately,...

Baseball splits doubleheader

By Adam Zolmierski | March 27, 2003

Pitching has been a strong point for the Huskies this year, but not on Wednesday, according to NIU coach Ed Mathey, as the Huskies split a doubleheader with Bradley, 4-5, 5-3. The Huskies (10-8) had their five-game winning streak snapped in Game 1 as...

Big hitters on schedule

By Adam Zolmierski | March 27, 2003

Getting drafted in baseball is tough, but getting to play in the major leagues is even harder. Here is a look at the players from the MAC - on NIU's schedule - that could one day make an impact at a higher level. Toledo's Mitch Maier, catcher: This weekend,...