Tess Brock

I am the Arts Editor for the Univerity News at Saint Louis University. When I'm not organizing and planning the section, I love to find time to write. Here are some of my film and music reviews. Enjoy. 

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Moon Taxi: A must-see

Nashville, Tennessee has a reputation for churning out country music’s best new artists. However, the music scene down South is no longer exclusively home to country. More and more bands, from alternative to indie to pop, are adding diversity to the Nashville music industry. Hailing from Music City itself, the five-piece alternative band Moon Taxi has conquered the stages of the South, making them a must-see when they return to St. Louis on Friday, Feb. 19. 

After meeting at Belmont University, Moon Taxi formed back in 2006. They grew a steady fanbase due to their fun sound, but their first album in 2012, “Cabaret,” is what helped them establish their presence in the music scene. The different elements of electronic, folk and rock made “Cabaret” more than just an alternative album.Only a year later, Moon Taxi released their sophomore album, “Mountains Beaches Cities,” which brought even more success for the band. The jam rock album is full of good tunes with hits like “Running Wild,” “Suspicious” and “Morocco.”

Now, over one thousand shows later, Moon Taxi is touring with their third album “Daybreaker.” The band spent months on the road for “Mountains Beaches Cities,” which gave them the perfect opportunity to collaborate with one another on new music. Their website bio describes their experience on the road as a time where they were “sharing personal experiences with one another, opening up about relationships, and becoming very aware of how powerful the human bond can truly be.” The band’s connection served as the main inspiration for the album. Bassist Tommy Putnam said his influences for “Daybreaker,” mainly “came from each other” and their “diverse musical backgrounds.” 

Clearly this collaboration on the road worked out well. “Daybreaker” is Moon Taxi’s best album to date. Putnam said the album name, “Daybreaker,” comes from “seizing the day/moment.” The first track, “Year Zero” quickly captures your attention. The song is a wonderful fusion of electronic and alternative, and the steady beat of the song will have you swaying along and snapping your fingers. “All Day All Night” then brings a chiller vibe to the album; it is the type of song you would drive to with the windows down. Putnam said the song “has a great message about striving and desire.” Also, Putnam noted:  “Spencer’s guitar parts during the verse were all one take. Very creative parts on the fly.”

Another track, “Savannah” highlights Moon Taxi’s ability to find the perfect balance between upbeat and mellow tracks. The instrumental introduction paired with lyrics like “In the summer I was left behind / You’re across the ocean and never off my mind” give the song a relaxing beachy feel. “Red Hot Lights” takes the band back to their alternative roots, and the album ends with “Rooftops,” an acoustic, dreamy tune that is perfectly reminiscent of a summer evening.With “Daybreaker” added to their impressive repertoire, Moon Taxi is back on the road. They will be returning to The Grove’s The Ready Room on Friday, Feb. 19. Be sure to catch Moon Taxi and see for yourself as songs from “Daybreaker” come to life and why this band is taking the South by storm.

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‘Grease: Live’ new flair to classic hit

When I was eight years old, my parents bought my sister and me a karaoke machine. The only CD the clunky machine came with was the “Grease” soundtrack. So, what started out as annoyance for only having one CD to sing with developed into the two of us becoming absolutely obsessed with “Grease.” After falling in love with the songs, we got the movie and watched it so many times— I’m surprised we didn’t break the VCR. We knew every word to the entire “Grease” soundtrack (even “We Go Together”) and would constantly argue about who got to be Sandy and who got to be Danny. Naturally, as we got older, we stopped using the karaoke machine, but my love for “Grease” never stopped.

Since “Grease” is so iconic for myself, and basically the entire country, when the announcement of “Grease: Live” came out, all I could hope for was that they didn’t butcher the original film with a poorly constructed made-for-TV version. However, “Grease: Live” did not disappoint. Although not perfect, “Grease: Live” stretched the limits of what can be done on television and successfully added to the new pop fad that is live television musicals.

Director Thomas Krall, recently well-known for the Broadway smash “Hamilton,” managed to give new life to “Grease” by combining elements from the 1971 musical version and the classic 1978 film adaptation, while still adding a new modern moments to the iconic and beloved show.

The television broadcast started out with pop singer Jessie J strutting between the multiple sets, which were located on two soundstages and an outdoor area at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, California. This unique opening, which included characters in costume backstage taking selfies, was definitely an attention grabber that added a nice contemporary twist to “Grease (Is the Word).” Even when the characters and Jessie J got outside, they all held up umbrellas in order to avoid the light rain shower. A simple reminder that the show really was live and anything could happen.

The cast was a surprising mix of familiar faces. Julianne Hough of “Dancing With the Stars” and Aaron Tveit of “Les Miserables” starred as Sandy and Danny. The rest of the main cast included “High School Musical’s” Vanessa Hudgens as Rizzo, “Scream Queen’s” Keke Palmer as Marty, “Big Time Rush’s” Carlos  Penavega as Kenickie and “Call Me Maybe” singer Carly Rae Jepsen as Frenchy. The cast may read as a list of former Disney and Nickelodeon stars, but everyone in the group fit their role, even if it wasn’t in the traditional way. Hough fit Sandy well with her looks and impressive dance moves, and Tveit brought the sex appeal and swagger necessary for Danny Zuko. Palmer as Marty, Penavega as Kinickie, and Jordan Fisher as Doody brought diversity to the leading cast, which is an important reflection of how most high schools look these days.

However, there were moments where the acting just didn’t work. Like when Marty gushes over her military pen-pals and when Kinickie asks Danny to be his second at Thunder Row, the acting felt cheesy and too over-the-top. But overall, the cast did have great chemistry and seemed like real-life friends.

Maybe the acting took a bit of a hit in order to prepare for the musical numbers, because they were what made “Grease: Live” rock. From “Summer Nights” to “Greased Lightnin’” to “Born To Hand Jive,” each musical number was filled with incredible choreography and impressive camerawork.

Even the softer solo moments were memorable. Tveit’s version of   “Sandy” showcased his talented Broadway voice. Palmer’s “Freddy My Love” included an impressive costume change and was a catchy tune missing from the film version. Most notably, Hudgen’s “There Are Worse Things” was nearly perfect and very inspiring due to the fact that she lost her father to cancer the day before the show aired.

The only scene that did not measure up was the Boyz II Men rendition of “Beauty School Dropout.” Maybe I am biased, because Franky Avalon’s version is perfection, but Boyz II Men singing the classic song didn’t work for me. Also, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “All I Need Is An Angel,” which was written and added for this version, was unnecessary and unimpressive.

“You’re The One That I Want,” my personal “Grease” favorite, did not disappoint and transitioned smoothly into “We Go Together,” which made me desperately want to be a part of the cast as they sang along and broke into a dance party that seemed so genuinely fun.

As long as you can overlook occasional bad acting, the transitions between various sets and cutting camerawork, entertaining musical numbers and the diverse cast made “Grease: Live” a worthy follow-up to the original hit and has no doubt set the bar high for future live television musicals.

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City and Colour, soulful set

First reaching success as a vocalist for the post-hardcore early-2000’s band Alexisonfire, Canadian musician Dallas Green branched out with his own side project that had a unique folk-singer/songwriter alternative sound. He picked up the name City and Colour, released his first album “Sometimes” in 2005 and has been making music under the alias ever since.

In the midst of the painfully cold winter weather, City and Colour brought some much-needed warmth to St. Louis at The Pageant on Tuesday night, Jan. 26. Green stepped onto the simple, starry-lit stage holding his guitar, accompanied by his backup band. He began the night off with, “Woman,” the first song off of his latest album “If I Should Go Before You.” This nine-minute ballad started off the night right. Green’s flawless, breezy voice filled the room, and the crowd silently stood in awe, as we all knew we were in for a treat.

City and Colour sailed seamlessly through the next few songs, which included more of his newer work, with “Northern Blues” and “If I Should Go Before You.”

Green then played an old favorite “Hello, I’m in Delaware,” which he introduced as a “very slow and very sad song.” Even though the song is filled with heartbreak, I couldn’t help but smile as Green brought the beautiful melody to life.

Throwing a more up-beat track into the mix, “Wasted Love” got the crowd moving and dancing for the first time. The band really helped amp up the room by giving a great vibe with the drums and guitar.

While introducing his next song, “Lover Come Back,” Green checked in with the audience. He addressed the different crowds of the room. To those enjoying the show, he was grateful. If you weren’t, he was sorry and suggested at least you could grab a beer. That describes perfectly the type of person Green is. If you’re a fan, he appreciates you. And if you aren’t, he really doesn’t care. He’s not a guy craving attention; he honestly makes music because he wants to, not because he wants his name in lights.

Green next crooned to “We Found Each Other in the Dark.” The crowd swayed back and forth to this melodic tune, and I felt some nostalgia in this sweet song because it was the track that first introduced me to City in Colour back in 2011.

The last song Green played from his newest album was “Mizzy C.” This bluesy melody includes some of the best lyrics from the album: “I keep recycling stories from my youth that I’ve told before … If I try to change direction I might not find what I’m looking for, but this bitter disposition, will now must surely run its course.”

When City and Colour left the stage at the end of his set, the crowd that had remained quiet for most of the night in respect of the chill atmosphere finally let loose and cheered for more. Green thankfully came back, this time unaccompanied by his band, and played “Body in a Box,” which included a soulful harmonica solo, of course played by Green while he still strummed his guitar. “Northern Wind,” another perfectly written acoustic song, followed next, to the crowd’s surprise.

As Green tinkered with his guitar after it ended, someone in the crowd demanded him to play “The Girl.” To which Green simply replied with a smirk, “Im gonna.” The band returned and Green stuck to his promise, playing by far his most popular and adored song.

Many were moved to tears and the crowd loudly sang along. Green played one more song, “Hope for Now,” which perfectly ended the show. I left with all of the songs floating around in my head, and I am eagerly waiting until the next time I can see this hidden gem.

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‘Brooklyn’: Simple love story shines

The past few months have been filled with many record-breaking movies. From the conclusion epic to the “Hunger Games” series “Mockingjay – Part 2” to the newest installment of the massively successful “Star Wars” films, it seems that the majority of movie goers flock to the big screen only to see these million dollar box office hits. However, often nestled in between the blockbusters are smaller movies, beckoning with potential, hiding in plain sight. One of these hidden gems playing right now is John Crowley’s “Brooklyn.” The film is based off of the 2009 novel of the same name by Irish author Colm Tóibín. “Brooklyn” follows a young woman Eilis from Ireland, and the ups and downs of her immigration to United States during the 1950s. Eilis finds herself in Brooklyn, New York, a popular spot for many Irish immigrants to live. Eilis’s adjustment to the U.S. is not without a strong deal of homesickness and culture shock, but once Eilis falls in love with an Italian man named Tony (Emory Cohen) her worries seem to fade away. However, shocking news from home sends her back to Ireland where she meets a charming Irish man, Jim Farrell (Domhnall Gleeson). Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives and loves within them.

All of the elements in “Brooklyn” perfectly fit together to make this small, simple movie a beautiful story that notably stands out among the movie lineup this season. There could not have been a more perfect cast for this movie. The immensely talented Saoirse Ronan shines as the young Eilis. The Academy-Award nominated actress has steadily been making her mark in the industry since her breakout role in “Atonement.” “Brooklyn” may be her best performance yet. Ronan brings Eilis’s story to life. She perfectly captures moments of homesickness, joy, and pain, allowing you to relate her experiences to similar moments in your own life. It is no doubt that Ronan’s Irish background helped her identify with the character of Eilis. Another standout cast member is Emory Cohen. Cohen is relatively new to the big screen, but you would never know it. He plays Eilis’s Italian-American love interest, Tony. Eilis meets Tony at an Irish mixer put on by a local Irish priest. Tony spots Eilis from across the room and gives her a loving look that will make you weak at the knees. He asks her to dance and bashfully admits to her that he likes to attend these events because he loves Irish girls. From then on, Tony woos Eilis in a way that will make you nostalgic for the old school, traditional chivalry that is often missing in today’s dating scene. Cohen’s performance will truly melt your heart. His character’s pure, sweet romance with Eilis is authentic and will have you yearning for the same thing.

Domhnall Gleeson does a marvelous job playing Jim Farrell, who is the competition against Tony for Eilis’s heart when she returns to Ireland. Gleeson gives his character Jim enough charm and comfort that makes Eilis question her relationship with Tony.

Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters complete the rest of the talented cast. Broadbent plays an Irish priest who helps provide for Eilis in America, and Walters plays Mrs. Madge Kehoe, the spirited and strict watchdog of Eilis’s boarding house. They both capture the heart and soul of the Irish culture making Eilis constantly longing for home her first few months in Brooklyn.

The cinematography also perfectly captures the spirit and elegance of the 1950s. Lingering shots of Eilis walking home in the snow, looking out at the sea on the boat ride over, and strolling along the Irish coast bring the story to life in a beautiful, subtle way.

“Brooklyn” is a charming, small film that is luminescent.  This tale of romance and coming-of-age fights against all the clichés that appear often in these genres. Yes, this movie is not a grand, extraordinary epic, but it is an enchanting film that is a refreshing break from all the flashy films out today. The superb cast and endearing script make “Brooklyn” a wonderful, sweet story that is a must-see.

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Battle of the hearthrobs: 1D vs. JB

Yes, I am a fan of One Direction and Justin Bieber, and I welcome the hate that I get for loving these heartthrobs. Sometimes you just have to ignore your inner “pretentious music critic” so that you can have some fun.

So, along with every middle schooler in America, I was excited for Nov. 13 to roll around because both artists decided to release new albums. The anticipation was high for both, but for different reasons.

For One Direction, “Made in the A.M” is their first album without their original fifth member, Zayn Malik. Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik formed One Direction during the UK’s “The X Factor” in 2010. Since then, they have become one of the biggest names in music due to their catchy hits and army of fans. However, Malik parted ways with the group last March, shattering my heart and the hearts of thousands of tweens across the world. The band, however, decided to stick through his departure and created one more album before they take a two-year hiatus to explore different paths.

“Made in the A.M.” is a perfect present to fans before they take this extended break. Is the album a major leap of genius from their previous work? No, it doesn’t stretch far from their last album “Four,” but that does not mean it isn’t good. “Made in the A.M.” is full of One Direction doing what they do best, singing pop-style, puppy-love songs. “Perfect,” “Olivia” and “History” are just that. They are cheery ballads about young love – like a majority of their past singles.

This is the type of music that will never leave your head – you will play this in the car, you will listen to this while you study, you will have these songs in your dreams – they are just that catchy.  If you dont want that to happen, stay away from the songs  “A.M.” and “Love You Goodbye”

For Justin Bieber, his fourth album, “Purpose,” marks a milestone in his fluctuating career. Bieber was discovered on YouTube and immediately flooded the charts with his angelic, up-beat hits. However, with rising stardom, Bieber began garnering an awful reputation. He got arrested multiple times with an assault charge and DUI, made his body guards carry him up the Great Wall of China, and I didn’t think there was any coming back for him when he visited the Anne Frank house and wrote in the guestbook that he hoped she would have been a “Belieber.”

Despite these cringe-worthy moments, Bieber has climbed his way up from rock-bottom, restoring his image by having a Comedy Central roast for himself, publically apologizing on multiple media outlets and giving an emotional performance of his single “Where Are You Now?” at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards.

Bieber’s album “Purpose” has a similar pattern of repetitiveness seen in “Made in the A.M.,” but not in a good way. When I started listening to the album, I thought I was listening to one really long song, but it turned out to be three completely different tracks. “No Pressure” and “No Sense” are hard to distinguish. The biggest difference is that “No Sense” is much worse. Most of the songs on the new album lack any sort of real hook. However, there are some notable objections that almost make up for this.

“Love Yourself,” penned by song-writing pro Ed Sheeran, is a simple song that Bieber uses to cleverly dig at his ex. “Life Is Worth Living” is backed only by piao, and allows Bieber’s harmonic voice to shine. Other songs, “Where Are You Now?” and “Sorry” rival One Direction in their catchiness and are understandably being played constantly on the radio. If Bieber had stayed away from lifeless beats, his album as a whole would be better.

One Direction and Justin Bieber both fall into a pattern of having albums that are filled with similar songs, however One Direction’s tracks are all enjoyable to listen to, while half of Bieber’s put me to sleep.

Despite my opinion, “Purpose” and “Made in the A.M.” are battling it out for No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Industry predictors are saying the albums are too close in numbers to make a guess for which will earn the coveted top spot.

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Kodaline: Irish rockers steal America’s heart

Kodaline, a modern rock Irish band, first came on my radar back in 2012 with their first extended play, “The Kodaline EP.” There was something different about this band. After listening to their melodies, the emotions that came out in their songs would remain in my head like that lingering tingle in your fingers and toes after a long day out in the snow. Their music had a feeling of both delicacy and adventure that stayed with me well after I listened to it. Since that first EP, I’ve been hooked on Kodaline, spending the last four years hoping to see them live and filling every playlist of mine with at least one of their tracks to hold me over until then.

My dreams (literally) came true when Kodaline came to St. Louis on Oct. 8 at The Grove’s Ready Room. The group returned back to the States on their fifth American tour promoting their sophomore album “Coming Up For Air.” Before the show, I chatted with the very easygoing drummer, Vinny May Jr., who first captured my attention with his perfect head of styled hair.

Having spent the majority of the past three years on the road, the band is certainly no newcomer to touring. Touring fuels them with motivation and is the root of why they are musicians. “This is what we love doing, writing music and playing in front of people, so we’re extremely happy that we’ve been able to release two records, and we’ve been able to put on tours in America and Europe that sell out…the whole being tired and stuff like that, and always being away from home, the shows makes up for the that,” May said.

This most recent tour focuses on their newest album, which the band made in two months—nearly a blink of an eye in the album production world—after finishing their tour supporting their debut album. The album title, “Coming Up For Air,” was inspired by the craziness that came from making the album so quickly. May said: “It was like taking a step back during the making of the record and from where we were at the moment and looking at everything we have done and achieved so far…We were just catching our breath and looking at each other as people and being like, we’ve done this now, how do we go forward? ‘Coming Up for Air’ was like, we should’ve taken a break, but we didn’t.”

The fact that the album came so quickly may cause some hesitation, but Kodaline didn’t need a lot of time to pump out fresh ideas. Each track on the album is different from the rest. The band created the demo for the smooth and catchy “Autopilot” in a hotel room with random items they could find around them—like a coin filled cup and spray cans. May joked: “We probably wrecked the heads of everyone in the hotel.” They brought these sounds into the studio with them and, at one point, sat around a wicker basket with some permanent markers to continue adding unique elements to the song.

“Unclear” is another track with an unexpected twist—a children’s choir backs the song. May said the group referenced the Eminem song “Like Toy Soldiers” in the process, saying: “There is something really haunting when you have it over semi-dark music, it makes it really eerie.” One of their producers set up a laptop and some microphones and used his own child’s school choir for the song.

With these exciting new tracks to add to the set lists, my expectations for the show were high. Anticipation rushed through me as Kodaline took the stage, as I was finally seeing the band that I had spent so many hours listening to.

The band started with their upbeat single, “Ready.” As the show picked up steam, they played some old favorites, “Way Back When” and “High Hopes,” which got the crowd singing along. Throughout the set, the band bounced between their old and new material, which was a perfect balance between nostalgia and novelty. Performances of “Love Like This” and “Lost” really highlighted the talent the group holds as musicians, proving that certain songs are meant to be played live.

While coming on for their encore, Kodaline started with an unplugged version of “Everything Works Out in the End.” No microphones were used, the only thing with them was a guitar. The crowd hushed down in order to hear lead singer’s, Steve Garrigan, instructions for us to the sing the chorus. The result, with a few missed lines due to the crowd’s eagerness to sing along, was enchanting—reminding me that sometimes the simplest performances are the most memorable. Kodaline ended with their hit, “All I Want,” leaving the audience with the song that began it all.

Garrigan had a captivating stage presence. He has a powerful voice, and he croons with every ounce of his being—filling the music with life and soul. With May on the drums, Mark Prendergast on the guitar and Jason Boland on the bass, the quartet’s chemistry was present throughout each song. Most importantly, there was no feeling of separation between artist and crowd that is often present at concerts these days with artists who often robotically go through their set without connecting with the crowd.

Instead, Kodaline is just a group of down-to-earth friends doing what they are passionate about for fans they genuinely care for. That’s what makes Kodaline great. They are more than just a band; they are an honest group aching to make music and eager to witness the effects it has on people just like me.

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‘The Gift’: Thriller with deeper meaning

Everyone has had the occasional awkward encounter with someone from their past. You bump into them at the store and politely spend a few minutes chatting with them, hoping that your suggestion to catch up soon is just taken as an obligatory courtesy.  In Joel Edgerton’s “The Gift”, this exact casual happenstance reignites a strange relationship between two old high school acquaintances.

“The Gift”, in which he also acts, marks the directorial debut for Edgerton. First starting out acting in low-budget Australian television shows and films, Edgerton has slowly crept his was into the Hollywood spotlight as a prominent screenwriter, actor, and now director. He has a knack for working in films that ask important moral questions that one would not typically think of, as seen in his acting roles in “The Square,” “Wish You Were Here” and “Felony.” “The Gift” is his finest analysis of our consciences and the ability to make the right ethical decisions.

The film begins with a happily married couple, Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall), as they relocate to Los Angeles for a fresh start. While the couple goes furniture shopping, a stranger with dark eyes and an ominous presence is seen lurking in the background. He finally approaches, revealing it to be someone Simon used to go to school with, Gordon, who goes by “Gordo” (Edgerton).  Not long after, random gifts begin to appear on Simon and Robyn’s doorstep. The creepy but kind gestures lead to the couple inviting Gordo over for dinner. After a fair share of uncomfortable pauses and forced conversation, the socially awkward Gordo leaves. Simon jokes that they used to tease him and call him ‘Gordo the Weirdo’ in high school, but Robyn still feels pity for him. Gordo’s gifts become grander and his unannounced home visits to Robyn during the day begin to send Simon over the edge. Simon ends the couple’s friendship with Gordo, as he poses a threat to the idyllic lifestyle that Simon and Robyn have set out to have in California. 

After terminating the friendship, strange thing begin to happen. Water is left running in the kitchen, the koi fish in the pond out front die and the family dog mysteriously disappears. These subtle occurrences have you wondering if the couple is paranoid due to how they ended things with Gordo? Or is he trying to send a message with his looming, ghostly presence? Robyn’s vexation leads her to investigate Gordo’s past. She uncovers a horrifying secret about Gordo and Simon that explains not Gordo’s troubled personality, but reveals Simon’s true coloThe film turns into the perfect thriller. The suspense is filled with seething tension that is not quite over-the-top, and the script gives you just enough to keep you hooked without moving too quickly. The giant glass house used for most of the film adds a deep layer of anxiety to the scenario. The cinematography and music matched perfectly with the plot of the film.  Long takes and dark colors give the movie an ice-cold tone. The score of the film comes at perfect moments to add more suspense to an already tense situation. 

“The Gift” brings to light important moral lessons of how bullying and deceit leave a life-long impact on those susceptible of being the fall guy for cruelty. No matter how much time has passed, actions from 20 years earlier can easily resurface to haunt you in the present. As Gordo says in the film, “You think you’re done with the past, but the past is not done with you.” Each character’s skeletons will come out of the closet and will keep your empathy shifting back and forth between the characters until the very end of the film.

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London breaks stereotypes with art and food

It is no secret that Billikens love studying abroad. Each year, many students pack their bags for an adventure and learning in a new country. Since SLU has a campus in Madrid, most students lean toward that option. However, there are other equally exciting destinations. If you are an art lover, you should consider London. This booming English city is a cultural capital of Europe. I have been able to experience a handful of the endless artistic activities this city has to offer for the past four months.

First off, the food in London is beyond imagination. You may think Londoners only eat pub food like fish and chips, but that’s just a  stereotype. In a city of over eight million people, different cultures  converge to make great dishes. London’s wide variety of markets are the perfect places to get a taste of all the foods. Dozens of markets are open every day of the week, where one  can try foods from all over the world. Borough, Camden, and Portobello are just a few options of markets that offer a variety of foods, from mushroom pate to black truffle tortellini. Brick Lane Market is a personal favorite of mine. Under a large tent, vendors offer different cuisines from all over the world. One  can get  Chinese pork dumplings, Indian curry or Egyptian street food. The food is authentic and made fresh. The markets here are a unique fusion of English and ethnic cultures, and you will not be able to experience that anywhere else.

After filling one’s  stomach, one  can take a look at London’s thriving art scene. The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, off Trafalgar Square, offer a wide range of breathtaking portraits, paintings and sculptures. The Tate Modern houses some of the best modern art in the world. The Serpentine Galleries, in Hyde Park, have held exhibitions for some of the most important figures in contemporary art. I have spent hours walking through these galleries and failed to see everything. These museums  give one  a chance to take a break from the world and simply enjoy art. The best part: enjoying these exhibits does not come at a high price. All these museums are free to the public.

If strolling through galleries is not a favorite past time, one  can dive into London’s music scene. I saw Grammy -winner Sam Smith give a powerful performance at a sold-out show at Brixton Academy. Also, I saw an up-and-coming English band, Catfish and the Bottlemen, rock out at O2 Academy Birmingham. Music lovers can catch a show in  any genre of music. London has everything: folk music, jazz bands and open mic nights. Each show is personal, lively and fun.

I have had the most incredible time abroad. From food to galleries to music, I have been able to see art and culture from all over the world without leaving the city. If studying abroad is still on the horizon, keep London in mind. This city  offers something new and exciting every day, in the art world and beyond.

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Award season kicks off with Globes

Sunday, Jan. 11, marked the beginning of the glamorous award season with the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards. The Golden Globes highlight the best actors and actresses in television and film. The hilarious best friend duo, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, hosted the show for a third and final time. The pair brought their A-game with a witty opening monologue. The two managed to keep an upbeat atmosphere while poking fun at celebrities like Emma Stone, Matthew McConaughey and Meryl Streep. Fey and Poehler joked about the controversy surrounding Sony’s “The Interview” and the recent Bill Cosby scandal. Sadly, the hosts pretty much disappeared after their impressive opening act. They appeared briefly for a wardrobe change and a mildly funny joke with comedian Margaret Cho, acting as a North Korean representative. More screen time for Fey and Poehler would have added a much-needed break between the constant stream of awards and speeches.

The first half of the show was filled with surprises. “The Affair’s” Ruth Wilson, “Jane the Virgin’s” Gina Rodriguez, “Transparent’s” Jeffrey Tambor, “The Honorable Woman’s” Maggie Gyllenhaal, “Fargo’s” Billy Bob Thornton, “Downton Abbey’s” Joanne Froggatt, and “The Normal Heart’s” Matt Bomer all earned their first Golden Globe. Three new series took home the top television prizes with “The Affair” winning Best Drama, “Transparent” winning Best Comedy, and “Fargo” winning Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Ellar Coltraine, Patricia Arquette and other cast members of the movie “Boyhood” celebrate their win. Courtesy of the “Golden Globes” Facebook page. Ellar Coltraine, Patricia Arquette and other cast members of the movie “Boyhood” celebrate their win. Courtesy of the “Golden Globes” Facebook page. “Boyhood” earned the prize for Best Drama Motion Picture, while “Grand Budapest Hotel” unexpectedly won Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture. Michael Keaton, Eddie Redmayne, Patricia Arquette, Julianne Moore, and J.K. Simmons all received top honors that will more than likely predict the outcome for the upcoming Academy Awards. During this year’s Golden Globes, many celebrities left behind the typical crumpled piece of paper containing important names to thank, and instead opted for a brief moment to discuss important social justice issues. The creator of the hit show “Transparent” Jill Soloway spoke out against the harsh reality that face the transgender community and dedicated the award to a young transgender girl who recently took her life.

The theme continued throughout the night with “A Normal Heart” star Matthew Bomer discussing rights for AIDS victims, and Common and John Legend relating the issues in “Selma” to the racial injustices occurring today.

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Humans of STL showcases everyday folk

Every day, as we go through our lives, we usually keep to ourselves. We keep our heads down as we pass each other on the streets and fail to notice the unique and diverse characters that fill our city. Lindy Drew and Caroline Fish decided to break down the walls we put up to take a glimpse into strangers’ lives for their project “Humans of St. Louis”. “Humans of St. Louis” is a way to share photos and stories of the people of St. Louis. Inspired by the popular Facebook page “Humans of New York”, Drew and Fish created their site back in May 2014. Since then, they have posted countless inspiring stories and have gained an impressive 28,000 followers in only six months.

Courtesy of Humans of St. Louis

Drew is a second-year graduate student at Washington University, and Fish recently moved to New York after getting her Masters of Social Work at Washington University. Fish helps handle online duties and Drew conquers the tasks on the street. Drew studied photography at the International Center of Photography n New York City and has mastered her raw, documentary-style street photography. Drew also lived in South America for three years and taught photography at an orphanage. It is clear that Drew has a keen eye for combining her art skill with the desire to help those in need. Drew’s empathetic heart shines bright when she strives to hear the stories of the people of St. Louis.

There is a lot more behind the process for the pair than just simply posting the photos. First, Drew heads out, camera in hand, to a neighborhood of St. Louis. There are no areas off-limits for Drew. She will journey from the Central West End, to North St. Louis, to the Delmar Loop. Each distinct section of St. Louis provides an array of intriguing people. Often unaccompanied on her journeys, Drew has never felt threatened.

She is not there to judge, but to instead capture a moment. Most recently, she journeyed to Ferguson to cover the protests and riots from a community-arts perspective.

Accompanying Drew during a walk through the Loop, I was able to see the process unfold. Drew keeps her eye out for those passing by around her. She notices their body language and their actions, things that could potentially lead to a great story. Drew simply approaches people and explains the project. Responses to Drew’s project vary; one man was not interested and continued on with his day. Others do not want their photo taken, and Drew understands that. Once people consent to being interviewed, something magical takes place. Drew begins asking a series of questions: “What’s your biggest struggle? What is your favorite thing about St. Louis? What is one piece of advice you would give to a large group of people?” The questions flow seamlessly from Drew’s lips.

Drew reflects on people’s answers and gauges their responses. Sometimes their answers are short and simple, but the best posts come from individuals who show vulnerability and allow themselves to be truly open to the questions.

Drew and I met one man in particular who made an impression. He was homeless and struggling to find a stable job. At first he was standoffish, but he removed the sunglasses he was hiding behind, and shared his story of heartbreak and addiction. Drew snapped a touching close-up shot of the man perched on the sidewalk. Drew captured his story in his picture, as each life hardship was reflected in the soft lines of his face. Once the picture is taken, we part ways. It is not likely that we will ever meet again, but Drew has managed to give this man a voice through a simple five-minute conversation. Drew sorts through the interview for quotes that will match the picture, and sends it to Caroline who edits and posts it to their Facebook and Instagram.

The pictures spark important conversations in the comment section and allow those experiencing similar situations to share their stories.

One photograph at a time, “Humans of St. Louis” is bringing the city together. No matter what, each and every person has a story to share, and, through “Humans of St. Louis”, everyone has the chance hear it.

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Nolan shoots for the stars with 'Interstellar'

Christopher Nolan’s new sci-fi endeavor, “Interstellar,” is nothing like you have ever seen. The trailers released are vague and have left many confused as to what the film is about. You will head into the film with a cloud of mystery, but will leave awe-struck at the cinematic sensation that is “Interstellar.” Nolan has taken a giant step into the unchartered territory of space films. “Interstellar” is a bold, mind-blowing space odyssey that is an experience to watch. Examining the story closely, you may find flaws in the plot, however, these are miniscule flaws that will not prohibit you from experiencing the film the way it was intended. Ultimately, “Interstellar” is a galactic conquest that will haunt you not only because of its sheer scientific accomplishments, but also because of its raw emotional storyline, rooted in love.

“Interstellar” takes place in the near future, when the Earth is no longer able to support life. Dust storms and famine continue to wreck the frail farming based society that is left. Farmer and former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is chosen to lead an expedition that may save humanity from extinction. Cooper leads his crew on the ship Endurance into a wormhole that allows them to jump through time and galaxies, in attempt to find a new Earth. The journey goes far beyond what is expected, and Cooper must decide between seeing his children again or the fate of the human race.

The cast was perfectly hand picked by Nolan. McConaughey, who recently won an Academy Award for “Dallas Buyers Club,” proves he is worthy of leading a giant blockbuster. He makes you believe that an authentic all-American family man is capable of saving the world. Without giving too much of the plot away, McConaughey’s delicate and important relationship with his on-screen daughter will have your heart aching. Rounding out the cast with some serious lady power, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain play Brand and Murphy, respectively, powerful scientists with essential roles in rescuing humanity.

The visuals in “Interstellar” are by far the most remarkable of any space odyssey. The cinematography puts to shame the visuals in last year’s “Gravity.” The wide shots of the galaxy are beyond breathtaking. “Interstellar” will give you the awe-struck feeling of being in space, without actually having to go there. Theoretical physicist Kip Thorne was a scientific consultant for the film and even helped to confirm that the wormholes and black hole were as accurate as possible.

This is a film you need to experience, and you need to experience it now. “Interstellar” deserves to be watched on a wide screen, not at home, so you can observe the vastness and wonder of space exploration. “Interstellar” may be Nolan’s best film yet, as he continues to stretch the boundaries of what is possible on screen.

“Interstellar” is a thought-provoking tale that is not only outstanding in its stunning visuals, but in its emotional journey. As scientist Brand says in the film, “Love is the one thing that transcends time and space.”

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Praise for Swift's '1989'

Made famous by her signature curly ’do and country croons, singer Taylor Swift has left that behind for her new album, “1989.” Like all notable artists, Swift is breaking away and trying her hand at something new: a pop album.

About 10 years ago, Swift made her way through Nashville, Tenn., knocking on the doors of record companies in hopes of making an album. Her mix of feistiness and talent got her a record deal with Big Machine Records and a self-titled album, which debuted in 2006.

Swift quickly climbed the ladder of success with catchy hits such as “Our Song,” “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me.” She shot to superstardom when her sophomore album, “Fearless,” won four Grammys, including Album of the Year. Since then, Swift has sold over 30 million albums. She has become a worldwide figure known for the bold narrative songwriting seen in her hit songs.

In August, Swift announced her fifth studio album and released its first single, “Shake It Off.” Swift has made a gradual transition from country to pop, and it is clear with “Shake It Off” that the country days are over. The banjos and acoustic guitars in her early work have been replaced by trumpets and saxophones. The repetitive chorus and dance-ready beat launched the single to the top of the Billboard 100 chart.

Swift is no longer the country sweetheart singing about teardrops on her guitar. She has grown up into a chic, sophisticated, city girl, proving she can successfully transform her music, as she changes herself. “1989” is a reflection of the new and improved Swift. She has exchanged the slow, relaxed Nashville for the fast pace of the Big Apple. The first song on the album, “Welcome to New York,” is an ‘80s synthpop adventure, detailing the magic of her new home. It is the perfect introduction to the rest of her inventive album.

Some songs, like “Out of the Woods,” will have you questioning whether or not you like the new Taylor. But upon a second listen, it is clear that this new sound is part of what makes Swift great. Taylor Swift has traded her hopeless romantic attitude for a more independent, I-just-want-to-have-fun outlook on life.

Yet, there is enough familiarity on the album to keep her dedicated fans happy. “Blank Space” and “How You Get the Girl” are reminders that Swift will always have those peppy, upbeat tracks in her repertoire. Swift is still keeping up her notorious songwriting tactic of writing openly about the people in her life. “Style” is reportedly about her relationship with One Direction member Harry Styles, and Swift’s recent Rolling Stone interview has people assuming “Bad Blood” is about her riff with singer Katy Perry.

“All You Had to Do Was Stay,” “Wildest Dreams” and “Clean” are the best reflection of Swift’s change. These songs will make you an avid “Swiftie” and no longer hesitant to listen to Swift’s new music. Swift might never again be the country songbird who melted hearts, but she has proved that a bold new makeover is what you need to keep everyone on their toes. 

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'The Youngest' rock out at the Firebird

The Youngest, a fresh new indie band, took the stage at the Firebird last Thursday, Oct. 16. The band includes two recent SLU grads: Andrew Taetz who graduated in 2011, and John Quinn who graduated in 2013. Before his days in The Youngest, Quinn spent his time at SLU playing in various cover bands at popular bars in St. Louis, such as Great Grizzly Bear and Broadway Oyster Bar.

Hailing from across the country, the band formed in early 2014 through a network of mutual friends. Coming from a range of different jobs and college majors, each member shared a strong passion for making music and decided to give it a shot. Though the tough reality of the music industry is ever present, the band is dedicated and ready to give the band all their effort.

“You just have to jump in the water feet first and hope you don’t sink,” said singer Kathryn Benz. Settling down on a ranch in La Grange, Texas, The Youngest began working together. They’ve spent the last six months in Nashville writing and recording their debut album, “Feral Road”It is difficult to pinpoint the type of music The Youngest plays. Their sound dips into many different genres that can appeal to a variety of different audiences. They play a bit of rock, folk, country, and blues. Their music can be related to artists like The Lumineers, Bon Iver, and the Head and the Heart.

The Youngest, though, brings a unique whimsical presence to their music. “Feral Road” is filled with catchy tunes that are perfect for a drive in your car with the windows down. What makes The Youngest stand out is their blend of voices on different tracks. This can be most seen in the song “To the Stars, or Whoever.” Benz and Taetz sing a remarkable and memorable slow duet.

For Benz, singing has been an important part of her life since she was a little girl. She used to sing songs in her car, and one day her mom pointed out to her that she had a good voice. Benz took up singing lessons and sang in church choir. She adds her soulful voice to tracks like “Our Town” and “Gone Before You Know.”

The Youngest’s talent extends beyond their songs. They have a great stage presence too. They are all upbeat, witty, and crowd-pleasing. They even did a cover of MGMT’s “Electric Feel” to get the audience up and dancing at the Firebird show. Many friends of Quinn and Taetz attended the show, making it feel like a fun reunion.

The Youngest is definitely a band you should check out. Their album “Feral Road” is available on iTunes. Give them a listen, and be sure to see them the next time they’re in town.

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'Gone Girl' lives up to hype

It is a portrait of a perfect marriage: the doting, strong husband and the beautiful, intelligent wife. They may seem perfect from the outside, but what happens in the intimate crevices of a marriage behind close doors?

In “Gone Girl”, Nick Dunne returns home on his fifth wedding anniversary to discover his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Her disappearance causes great concern among the residents of Cape Girardeau, Mo. Amy is an important figure due to the fact her parents fictionalized her as a child prodigy in a popular book series. With growing pressure from the police and media frenzy, the fingers begin to point towards Nick in suspicion that he murdered his idolized wife.

Author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn’s beloved novel was devoured by millions and quickly rose to the top of the New York Times Best Sellers List. Many fans were uneasy when they heard the book would become a film. Rest assured, there was no better man for this job than director David Fincher. Fincher makes the mysterious maze of “Gone Girl” into nothing short of a masterpiece. The film fits perfectly amongst Fincher’s other notable works, including “Fight Club”, “Seven”, and “The Social Network”.

Fincher brings the twists and turns of the story to life. We hear the narration of Amy’s diary entries, which relate moments in her relationship with Nick. The jump between present and past is seamless and keeps the story moving forward. Along with the striking cinematography, the film has a crime-scene like element to it; every single detail seems important.

Fincher creates a memorable satire of the media in “Gone Girl”. At first, Nick (Ben Affleck) seems innocent. Yet, as the media picks him apart, the idea that he has killed Amy is planted into the audience’s heads.

Each character in the film is remarkably portrayed. Most notably, Rosamund Pike’s performance as Amy will send chills down your spine. Pike’s precise characterization of Amy’s psychotic personality is unnerving. This film is a must see for those that have read the book, and even for those who are unfamiliar with the story.

Fincher’s creation will have you thinking about how dishonesty, financial troubles, and deceptive media play a role in our lives. Gone Girl is a psychological thriller with so many mind-blowing surprises you will be utterly speechless when the credits begin to role.

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'Gotham' reveals life before Batman

Red leaves, pumpkin-flavored drinks and chilly weather are not the only things that mark the beginning of fall. This time of year can also be distinguished by the fresh new batch of TV pilots that make their premieres.

One of the most anticipated shows of this year is Fox’s “Gotham.”

Gotham is a Batman-less Batman show that follows the origin of Commissioner James “Jim” Gordon and other notable “Batman” comic book characters. The show serves as a prequel to the time when Gotham became a corrupt, crime-filled city.

Gotham begins with the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. Jim Gordon, the newest detective in the Gotham City Police Department, is paired with the experienced, irritable Harvey Bullock to investigate the gruesome homicide. Jim meets the young Bruce Wayne, who witnessed the horrific killing of both of his parents. Gordon makes a promise to Wayne that he will bring whoever committed this crime to justice. This budding friendship is part of the foundation that encourages Wayne to eventually become the Dark Knight.

The much-anticipated show premiered to the televisions of eight million people. Despite the hype, the show seemed to be a letdown to many loyal fans of the Batman series. The biggest problem with Gotham is its corny dialogue. This is mostly due to a poorly written script. Ben McKenzie (Gordon) and Donal Logue (Bullock) are both talented actors who have appeared in popular crime shows before, but their conversations are painfully cheesy at times. McKenzie has big shoes to fill portraying Jim Gordon. Oscar-nominated Gary Oldman famously portrayed this vulnerable cop in Christopher Nolan’s successful “Dark Knight” trilogy.

McKenzie shows potential as Gordon, but his character falls flat many times throughout the show. Trying to contrast Gordon’s optimism and naivety with the dark, sinful Gotham makes him sometimes come across as a dunce.

Another problem arises with the overwhelming number of villains that are introduced in the first episode. Instead of sprinkling these characters throughout the series, “Gotham” crams Catwoman, the Penguin, and the Riddler all into the pilot. Their introductions are rushed and anything but subtle. There is no mystery that these are the beginnings of the villains with lines like “You look like a penguin” and “If I want riddles I’ll read the funny pages.” These introductions are painfully obvious and are all crammed into one 45-minute episode.

It appears as though the focus of the show is to make money off of the brand name, rather than taking the time to develop a meaningful story. For “Gotham” to develop into a serious show, the writing definitely needs a serious makeover.

The show has some promise to become a hit. It has a gorgeous comic- like look and a gritty tone that is in tune with Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy. New writers and a more spread out plot may be able to turn Gotham into a success before it joins the graveyard of many other failed prequel series.

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'Boyhood' takes time with film

We all recognize it in movies. That moment where a teenager replaces the small scrawny kid 10 years in the future whose only resemblance to his younger self is his hair color.

When having a movie stretch over a lengthy time, it is necessary to find an array of actors to play the same character at different ages. It may take away from some of the authenticity of the character, but how else would they film the movie? Well, writer and director Richard Linklater decided to break away from that routine.

He gathered a dedicated crew and group of actors and decided to make a movie stretching over an 11-year period. Boyhood is a one of a kind coming of age drama that follows six-year-old Mason Evans Jr.’s journey to adulthood.

The unique filming process of this movie allows it to unravel the mystery of time and how it affects us. The direction and cinematography of the film allows the story to take shape itself without being forced. Boyhood will tug at your heartstrings by capturing each character’s development with their selves and the changing world around them.

In Boyhood, we see Mason, played by Ellar Coltran, grow up while encountering trials that many face in their youth. Mason questions his parent’s divorce and his mother’s choice in husbands. He struggles with the awkwardness of his physical appearance altering. He also experiences young love, peer pressure, and everything in between.

Coltrane is riveting in this role. Never does his performance feel forced or phony. Coltrane did not have to sign a contract, so he could have backed out at any time. Yet, he did not. We are able to see the once innocent, naïve Mason turn into a creative, soulful young man. Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette and Lorelei Linklater all bring strong personalities that help Mason shape his life.

In this film, there is not a big plot twist or action scene that movies tend to use to reel in big audiences. Critics of this movie say that it is too long and that there is not a definitive plot. But, what makes Boyhood so remarkable is its realness.

While watching this film, we are exposed to the intimate secrets of a family’s life that we do not typically see. No one’s life is filled with all the sparkle we normally see on the big screen.

Life is made up of all the little moments like getting your haircut too short, and having the awkward birds and bees talk with your dad.

There is no smoke screen in Boyhood. You see a boy grow up into the world. Boyhood is relatable and will have you recalling your own similar memories throughout the film. Linklater masterfully pulls off this project. It is seamless as each scene goes by.

Before you realize it, Mason has grown up. He has experienced the world and discovered himself.

Go see Boyhood and re-experience the beautiful, simple, and yet complicated journey to adulthood.