Setlist Issue Ii

Setlist Summer ‘09: A Look Back

Are Disney Bands Legit?

Two of Our Best Duke It Out

Reviews:

School Supplies

Paraphernalia You Need

Fabolous, Sugar Ray, Jordin Sparks, and More

The Official Music Magazine of the University of Pennsylvania

Fall 2009

Plug Into Your Audience

Advertise With Us. Full Page Half Page 2/3 Page 1/3 Page 1/4 Page 1/8 Page [email protected] for more info.

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Setlist Magazine Fall 2009

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from the editor... Dear Listeners,

Let me start off by welcoming you to the very first issue of Setlist Magazine – Penn’s only student-run magazine devoted exclusively to music. It has been a year since we held our first exploratory meetings, though it feels like just last week the first flyers were being taped onto the compass in the early morning before classes began. There were lots of meetings: introductory meetings, weekly meetings, meetings with the school, meetings just to brainstorm. Ultimately, however, there were (and now, are) SAC general body meetings, our hard work finally rewarded with an official recognition from the University. Now, with those first tentative baby steps and growing pains behind us, we can focus on doing what we originally set out to do: write about the music that interests you, the college student. As students, what we listen to is as broad and varied as the places we come from. Yet, despite the great physical distances that separate our hometowns, our music unites us; we all have and listen to the Kanye West’s and The Killers’ of today and yesterday, and we continually search for tomorrow’s next big thing lurking just beyond the horizon. While no two music libraries are the same – just as the people who compiled them are quite different – everyone can relate to finding music that speaks to us on more than just a surface level. We want to write about whatever that is, be that Britney Spears, The Shins, or Girl Talk. With this magazine, we aim to provide to you with reviews of and features on bands that you know and like, will know soon and like, or will like once you get to know them, once we’ve had the chance to properly introduce them to you. We want to give the students of Penn the chance to write about their music, what they like, and what they think other students will like as well. Popular taste is fast moving and often changing, and we think that with our help, everyone can be an expert. While there is far more music out there than one magazine can possibly cover, we promise to do our best to bring you today’s brightest and rising stars. So if you knew nothing about music and were always afraid to ask, or if you know a ton but are always searching out something new and fresh, we want to hear your voice. We welcome and encourage anyone with something to say about the music they like to write for us. There is always more than one person who will be interested in any one band or genre of music, and we look forward to providing a venue for your interests to grow and diversify. With these goals in mind, it is with great pride that I welcome you to our first issue, and invite you to listen up and explore the music around you. It’s a wide world of music, and we hope you’ll take a listen. David Faber

Setlist Magazine was produced on an HP Pavilion Entertainment PC using Adobe InDesign CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS2, and Microsoft Word 2007. Fonts used in this magazine include: Segoe UI, Constantia, and Hand of Sean. Colors used in this book are standard Process CMYK colors. This magazine was printed by The Printer’s Place and by MagCloud. The staff of Setlist Magazine would like to thank the University of Pennsylvania for its recognition of our magazine. We are indebted to AJ Snyder, without whom Setlist could never have been more than an idea, and to Professor Nick Gonedes, who helped us in the ways we needed it the most. The editors would also like to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication, and for their belief that Setlist could be more than just an idea.

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This Versus That

are Disney bands “legit”? two members of the Setlist staff tackled this question from opposite sides - now it’s up to you to make the final decision

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New Bands

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In Review

check out profiles of new artists Drake and Cobra Starship

your September soundtrack; the latest in music news; where to find free music downloads online; what our editor says you must listen to

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I Know What You Heard Last Summer check out what artists went on tour this summer, the biggest news of the summer, and which new albums wer released

inside editor-in-chief: David Faber layout/design editor: Anna-Lara Cook web-editor: Lisa Zheng business manager: Jake Walker

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Penn Page

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Paraphernalia

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Reviews

we’ve profiled a few of the a capella groups on campus for you, put together a list of where you can find music on and off campus, and tuned in for Philly radio stations

we’ve compiled the hottest in music products for listening, playing, reading, watching, and wearing

reviews of new albums by Fabolous, Sugar Ray, Jordin Sparks, and Daughtry

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Calendar

we looked ahead at all of the upcoming albums and concerts in the Philadelphia area for you

This publication is

SAC

FUNDED Thanks SAC!

this

Setlist Magazine is a music magazine written, produced, and published by students at the University of Pennsylvania focusing on album reviews, concert reviews, and artist interviews, and featuring the latest on all new and upcoming bands. For more information on upcoming issues, ways to get involved, and webonly content, please check out our website at www. setlistmagazine.com or send us an e-mail at [email protected]. Setlist Magazine is funded by both the University of Pennsylvania and advertisements. For more information on advertising or how to donate, please contact the editors at [email protected]. We recognize that many opinions will be met with criticism, and we encourage anyone with something to say in response to an article to contact the editors for more information on how to get involved. For letters to the editor, please send all emails to [email protected] with subject line: “Letter to the Editor.” All letters are subject to editorial approval and may be edited for space.

issue For more Setlist Magazine visit our website at: www.setlistmagazine.com

Setlist Magazine Fall 2009

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are Disney bands “legit”

yes...

by Liza Zheng

• To start off, I am by no means a proclaimed Disney music fan. I scoff at the Jonas Brothers’ guitarplaying abilities, discount Miley’s attempts to be taken seriously, and can’t even begin to distinguish between Selena or Demi or Vanessa or anyone else. Yet no one, and that includes me, can deny the undeniably singable lyrics of “the last time I freaked out/I just kept looking down/st-st-st-stutterin’… ” No one can resist that unassuming charm of those darned Jonas’s. And no one can escape the incredible success and probable world domination of these tween music stars of Disney. As we all know, this is not something new. Our own music scene while growing up was defined by Disney. Remember a little someone named Britney Spears? How about Christina Aguilera? Justin Timberlake? Even now these previous “Mouseketeers” are still forefronts of the music industry today, the reigning pop royalty. They obviously have talent, proving Disney knows how to pick ‘em. Yet these current Disney acts face derision from music fans everywhere, my opponent included. They list everything from their immaturity to their silly song content to their lack of originality to their downright annoyance. But this is no different from every great pop act, see: “I kissed a girl/and I liked it”, 3Oh!3, anything by The Black-Eyed Peas, and lest I forget, Lady Gaga’s discostick. And admit it, these ARE great. So why hatin’? It’s not their youth (Britney Spears was 16 when she released “Baby One More Time”, Justin Timberlake only 14 when he joined N’SYNC), nor is it their music (it’s all unbelievably catchy and incessantly sweet— exactly what pop calls for). The one obstacle that prevents them from being legitimate acts is that Disney shadow. It holds them between performing for an audience of children and marketing to potentially older consumers. It demands role model behavior yet profitable appeal. It maintains a fluffy background of rainbows and cartoons from which justifiable music just can’t be born. Those Mouseketeers were lucky to have shed the Disney name before their rise to fame. Unfortunately, the current Disney stars used the Disney name for their success. But that’s a mere technicality, all in the name. The substance, the content, the personality, the music, the talent— it’s all there. And my little declaration isn’t even necessary. They cover tabloids, are ridiculously overplayed, sell out concerts, and command legions of fans. It’s the new guard, whether you like it or not. •

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Setlist Magazine

no...

?

by Jake Cassman

• I spent an hour and a half this summer watching Miley Cyrus when one of my campers had his birthday and demanded that we watch the Disney Channel. Technically, however, only one half hour of that was from Hannah Montana – there was also the last two episodes of a trilogy entitled “Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana,” which featured characters from The Suite Life On Deck, Hannah Montana and the The Wizards of Waverly Place. Yes, that’s as painful to write as it was to watch. And apparently it’s a nationwide trauma – 9.3 million people watched the trilogy’s premiere, which made it the highest rated program on network or cable TV that night. How can so many people watch this crap – and still have the patience for more of it on their iPod? As far as I’m concerned, Christina Aguilera was the only actual talent produced by the Disney child-star factory, but even her massive success fell somewhat short ofother Mouseketeers like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. And ever since, executives at the Most Magical Place On Earth have been trying to recreate their success, but have created nothing more than a long line of wannabes who have fallen into obscurity after maybe a year and a half in the limelight. Who still cares about Hillary Duff? And while Lindsay Lohan still lurks in the hidden corners of the tabloids, we haven’t heard a song from her in years. But more importantly, when was the last time you heard any of their old hits on the radio? Disney stars are nothing more than fads and getrich-quick schemes that are discarded more quickly than pet rocks and Razor scooters – they have no staying power, other than with the D-list celebrities paid by VH1 to “remember” them. And when it becomes clear a star is fading, that star inevitably resorts to scandal to stay in the headlines. Hillary and Lindsay pretended to hate each other so they could still be on E!, and Lindsay even tried anorexia and a lesbian relationship. Already, the current crop of starlets are well on their way – Miley took off her top in a Vanity Fair photoshoot, and everybody’s seen Vanessa Hudgens naked by now. These embarrassments are what we remember about the Disney kid stars, not their movies or TV shows – and certainly not their music. Of course the tunes are horrendous and the dialogue on their shows makes you wince, because it’s not about that. It’s all about them. Miley just wants to be as famous and rich as her daddy, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, and daddy is happy to oblige because he gets more money and publicity in the process. So no, you won’t ever get quality music from the daughter of the guy whose biggest hit was – and I’m not joking – a song called “Achy Breaky Heart.” •

the newest kids on the block... Drake

by Jake Cassman

• Is he dating Rihanna? Is that song of his about Keshia Chanté? Is that album really his album? In little more than three years in the music business, Drake has been surrounded by a melee of high-bidding record labels, viral rumors and cheap imitators, not to mention hit songs. This July, he became only the second artist ever to have his first two top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the same week. Drake has only begun to conquer both the world and the charts, but it turns out that this conqueror comes from the last place you’d expect – Canada. Aubrey Drake Graham was born in Toronto to a black father and a white Jewish mother and raised in a wealthy suburb of the city. He had a strong familial musical background – his father had drummed for Jerry Lee Lewis and his uncle had written hits with Al Green – but he first entered the spotlight on the screen in the living room rather than on the car stereo. In 2001 he was cast as Jimmy Brooks on the hit Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation, which has garnered plenty of critical acclaim and large audiences on both sides of our northern border. Drake’s character had his artsy side but was best known as a basketball star until the show’s fourth season, when Brooks is shot by a fellow student and paralyzed from the waist down. Drake continued playing Brooks until this year, when the cast of Degrassi was completely overhauled. His acting career has yet to expand beyond TV and a role in the film Charlie Bartlett, but his portrayal of Jimmy Brooks hinted at what was to come – after his injury, Brooks begins rapping and pursuing a music career. Of course, growing up in the suburbs and acting in a Canadian teen drama did not help Drake develop street cred. Nonetheless, Drake managed to create quite a buzz when his first mixtape, Room for Improvement, was made available on his MySpace page in 2006. Within a year, he had released another tape, worked with Lil Wayne, and become the first unsigned rapper to have a music video featured on BET. Drake’s wordplay and metaphors, along with his talent as both a singer and rapper, caught the attention of plenty of fans and some of the biggest names in the business – he has now worked with the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, and Jamie Foxx, not to mention writing for Dr. Dre. He became so popular that an unauthorized faux album entitled The Girls Love Drake was released by an independent Canadian label and managed to find its way on to iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon. And all of this had happened before he even inked a record deal, which he finally did in late June of this year when he signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Label after a fierce bidding war between three majors. It turns out that Drake is not in fact dating Rihanna (the two are just good friends and he is featured on her next album), and that his song “Deceiving” does refer to singer/actress/model Keshia Chanté (the two dated when they were sixteen). But there’s a lot more to hip hop’s next big thing than the rumors, a lot more than you might expect. And there is certainly a lot more to come – look for Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later, before the end of the year. •

Cobra Starship

by David Faber

• To say it’s been a busy summer for Cobra Starship would be a lesson in understatement. Just as temperatures started to rise, their hit song “Good Girls Go Bad” (featuring Leighton Meester, the star of TV’s “Gossip Girl” and current it-girl) launched them into the national music scene and the Billboard Top 10. The quintet released their third album, Hot Mess, riding the success of their top-10 hit, and are busy working on an upcoming tour with alt-rockers Boys Like Girls. After three years of touring the world, waiting to bite into their slice of the pie that is popular culture, Cobra Starship isn’t about to give up the limelight. Lead singer Gabe Saporta’s first taste of success with Cobra Starship came with his song “Bring It (Snakes On A Plane),” which he recorded with members of The Academy Is…, Gym Class Heroes, and The Sounds. The band only a solo project at that time, Saporta got the song used during the closing credits of the 2006 movie Snakes On A Plane, though the makeup of the band would quickly change. Upon a suggestion from his drummer, Saporta befriended future members Alex Suarez (bass) and Ryland Blackinton (guitar) and, after watching them perform, offered them a place in the band. The acquisition of a drummer and keytarist quickly followed. Or at least that’s what they say; accounts differ on exactly what order the above events occurred, and their own website is no help at all (it has more hyperbole and rewritten history than most stories of a bad Saturday night), though one thing is for certain: when the group’s first album While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets was released in mid-2006 they began to be noticed. They went on tour opening for Fall Out Boy, which quickly led to their sophomore effort, ¡Viva La Cobra! For much of the next 18 months, Cobra Starship toured the world promoting their album; still finding time to pen “I Kissed A Boy” and “Hollaback Boy,” both of which quickly became YouTube hits. After deciding it was time for another album, the band locked themselves in a secluded cabin in early 2009 and hooked up a webcam so that fans could check in on their progress and watch as they created Hot Mess. The album now released and their already strong fanbase growing with every playing of “Good Girls Go Bad,” they don’t look to be stopping anytime soon. Listening to Hot Mess is like having that second slice of pie or watching Grey’s Anatomy; hardly a benefit worth mentioning, but a guilty pleasure as delicious and entertaining as anything out there. Perhaps this explains why their recent rise to national stardom has been so meteoric. And unlike most bands, Cobra Starship is glaringly aware of their sound and the way it’s perceived, and they embrace it with open arms. In fact, they even write their music for it. As guitarist Blackinton says: “Well, we like to have a lot of fun when we play, so we try to make songs that will be fun for us to play on stage, so I guess fun would be the theme.” With that attitude and the musical chops to back it up, you better get used to them – their ascent to the top may have put them into orbit permanently.•

Fall 2009

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the times they are a-changin’ Your September Soundtrack Start off another year at Penn with songs perfect for those unavoidable September moments. by Ruani Ribe

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Whether it’s your first time experiencing the legendary NSO or you are back early to party like it’s freshman year, do yourself a favor and let Asher Roth help you plan that first week: “Pass out at three, wake up at ten, go out to eat, then do it again” (Asher Roth, “I Love College” from Asleep in the Bread Aisle). Enjoy yourself, because after the initial euphoria wears off, reality sets in through long lines at the bookstore, a full course load, and for the really unfortunate, a 9 am recitation section. When getting out of bed becomes an almost impossible chore, I prefer to take cautionary advice from Fall Out Boy and “set my clocks early ‘cause I know I’m always late” (Fall Out Boy, “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More Touch Me” from From Under the Cork Tree). Still, sometimes there are other unavoidable obstacles to make us late. Stuck on Locust Walk behind someone too absorbed in their text messages to realize that other people might actually have somewhere to be? In case a loud “Excuse me,” doesn’t work, you could try yelling “Move, bitch /Get out the way,” (Ludacris, “Move Bitch” from Word of Mouf) or simply blast it on your iPod if you’re the passive aggressive type. Who knows? Once you get to class you might discover some TA eye candy to encourage you to be on time. Don’t worry about dozing off while trying to catch his or her attention in the front row. Aerosmith has the perfect excuse for you to use at office hours later: “I don’t want to close my eyes, I don’t want to fall asleep, ‘cause I’d miss you, baby, and I don’t want to miss a thing” (Aerosmith, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from Armageddon: The Album). Finally, when the time comes once again to hit the books, don’t dread those long hours you’ll soon be spending in Van Pelt; it only means you are preparing for another great year at Penn. Whether you’re getting your group study on in Weigle or holed up in a carol on the 5th floor, you can’t fight it; you’re “so excited/’cause [you’re] reunited/and it feels so good” (Peaches & Herb, “Reunited” from 2Hot!). •

Setlist Magazine

Music News

by Ruani Ribe

POP: Panic At The Disco members Ryan Ross and Jon Walker leave band citing musical differences. Remaining members Brendan Urie and Spencer Smith will continue with upcoming tour and album plans. POP: After five years, VH1 revives Divas Live concert for 2009. Guests to include Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Adele, and Leona Lewis. POP: The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, dies at age 50 on June 25th. R.I.P. MJ. ROCK/ALT: Pearl Jam posts new single on Myspace titled “The Fixer”, a glimpse into their ninth album, Backspacer, due this fall. ROCK/ALT: The Matches go on indefinite hiatus and play final show at the Fillmore in San Francisco, CA. ROCK/ALT: Blink-182 embarks on reunion tour with new single and continues work on upcoming album. ROCK/ALT: Bands will soon be able to upload and sell their own songs at the Rock Band downloadable store. ELECTRO: Daft Punk to compose music for Disney’s Tron Legacy, may tour in support of soundtrack. WTF?!: Lil Kim and Jewel to compete on upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars. WTF?!: Blogger Perez Hilton gets his own label imprint from Warner Bros. WTF?!: The Daily Swarm dubs Confide and their cover of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights” as the worst band and song of 2009. INDIE: Jack White forms supergroup The Dead Weather, comprised of Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs) on bass, Alison Mosshart (The Kills) as frontwoman, Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) on guitar, and White on drums. INDIE: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah frontman Alec Ounsworth goes solo, plans to release debut album, Mo Beauty, in October. INDIE: Animal Collective to sample the Grateful Dead on an upcoming EP. HIP HOP/R&B: Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch diagnosed with cancer; album release postponed. HIP HOP/R&B: Lil’ Wayne and Kanye West make Time’s Most Influential People of 2009. HIP HOP/R&B: Whitney Houston collaborates with Alicia Keys, Akon, R.Kelly, and more on comeback album, I Look To You. HIP HOP/R&B: After nearly sixteen years in print, VIBE magazine shuts down CLASSICAL: The International Mozarteum Foundation announces that two new Mozart compositions have been discovered.

Finally, Break Free: Where to Find Free Music

by David Faber

Let’s face it: music these days is expensive. Concerts routinely cost upwards of $30, CD’s are $12.99 a pop, and just one song will run you a buck on iTunes. Sure, that may not seem so staggering individually, but without other options, you can easily spend six hundred dollars a year getting your music. And how many college students can afford to pay six hundred dollars a year on their music? Being a part of this demographic ourselves, this is an easy question: not many. Limewire and torrenting are often poor choices for this problem on college campuses; their wireless networks (ours included) search out these programs and those students found to be using them are often disciplined, and they may even be sued by the RIAA. So where else can you turn? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get free and legal music,without breaking the law or campus wireless decorum:

RCRD LBL (http://rcrdlbl.com/): Easily the best site for free and legal music downloads, RCRD LBL features entire songs and exclusive remixes of over 1,000 artists. The Ting Tings, Cut Copy, Moby, Kid Cudi, and Santogold all feature their music here, and it’s easy to navigate website makes finding new bands a snap. You can stream the music live or download it straight to your hard drive, but it doesn’t much matter; enjoying this music takes no effort at all. Pretty Much Amazing (http://prettymuchamazing.com/): If you can’t find what you’re looking for on RCRD LBL, check out Pretty Much Amazing: leaked, remixed, and new tracks abound from artists like Kanye West, The Killers, and Justin Timberlake. The website’s namesake is certainly an applicable moniker, as the breadth and quality of what they have is second to none. Check it often: the next song you hear on the radio just might be here before it gets some bigtime airplay. Amazon.com: Yes, you read that right – believe it or not, Amazon has a fairly large and impressive collection of free music. While there may not be huge names like Lady Gaga or Daughtry available for free, some well known bands are: The Donnas, Chickenfoot, and Sixpence None the Richer all have free downloads available. All songs are iTunes compatible, and although a separate Amazon Downloader is required, it is well worth the extra memory. When it comes to getting your music for free, “legal downloading” is a phrase not heard very often. But with these sites, staying current with your music is easier than ever, and certainly worth the extra effort. Because, after all, the best things in life are free.

Editor’s Picks by David Faber

It seems like every time I turn on the radio I hear the same old tunes, and not the “oldie but goodies”, either; despite what XM’s Top 20 likes to think, there are only so many times I can listen to Boom Boom Pow before I Boom Boom Pow-er the radio off. While driving along, before my head explodes from hearing Akon’s “Dangerous” for the umpteenth time, I’ll pop these in and stave off a painful verdose of overplayed songs. Because without enough variety in your music diet, you’re bound to suffer from a lack of Vitamin V – variety – and these delicious treats have more than enough of it to go around.

•The Temper Trap, Conditions: It’s no wonder they’re signed to Infectious Records – their simple, yet captivating riffs and the haunting falsetto of the lead singer are sure to get you hooked. Hear: Sweet Disposition, Science of Fear •Jay Sean: By now, you’ve probably heard his song, “Down,” the latest hit to feature a Lil’ Wayne cameo and an autotuned chorus. But did you know the first British star signed to Cash Money Records has already had five consecutive top 20 hits just across the pond? Check them out. Hear: Ride It, Tonight

•While most of us were off doing internships, working summer jobs, or hanging back home for the past four months, those lucky few who stayed in Philadelphia had some great chances to see live music. Because you missed it, Hear: Matt Duke, The Goodnight Anthem, The Scenic, and Love Is All. •Shakira, “She Wolf”: After a four year hiatus, Shakira’s first single off of her similarly titled upcoming album is like nothing you’ve heard from her before. Guys, be sure to check out the music video.

Fall 2009

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summer tours... artist: Taylor Swift tour: Fearless began: 04/23 # of shows: 53 artist: Beyoncé tour: I Am... began: 03/26 # of shows: 93

i know what you heard last summer American Idol crowns Kris Allen the eighth season winner and Adam Lambert fans cry foul; Lambert comes out of the closet publicly to Rolling Stone in his June cover article two weeks later. No one is surprised.

05/20 06/11 06/15 Bonnaroo Music Festival held in Manchester, Tenn. Five days of music heaven ensue.

06/25

Michael Jackson dies of apparent heart failure, only weeks before beginning his scheduled comeback concert series in London.

07/07

The world celebrates the life of Michael Jackson at his funeral in Los Angeles. Millions worldwide watch performances by Usher, Mariah Carey, and John Mayer.

artist: Britney Spears tour: Circus began: 03/03 # of shows: 94

08/0708/09 Thousands converge on Chicago’s Grant Park for Lollapalooza 2009; the debate over best music festival of the year is on.

artist: No Doubt tour: Summer Tour ‘09 began: 05/02 # of shows: 57

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Setlist Magazine

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Fall 2009

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Penn A Cappella: It’s Instrumental by David Faber • You know what they say: if it happens once, it’s a fluke; twice, it’s a coincidence; three times, and it’s a full-blown trend. But what do they say about twelve times? I don’t think it’s ever gotten quite that far, but I think they might say Penn’s a cappella groups are pretty close to a cosmic certainty. Regardless of if you think there’s too many or too few, one thing is for certain: you’ll never have to work hard to find a great show. Here’s our look at some of what you’ll see:

Off The Beat

Who Are They: With an urban vibe, this crowd favorite can always be counted on to give a high-energy show. What You’ll Hear: Mostly popular and alternative tracks, with outstanding arrangements that entertain from the first harmony. Special Notes: They have recorded 18 albums since their founding. 18 albums!

Penn Masala

Who Are They: Since forming in 1996 as the nation’s first Hindi a cappella group, this all male troupe has performed around the world and released six stellar studio albums. What You’ll Hear: Both Hindi and popular music, often in the same song. Slick harmonies and powerful singers are abundant, and it’s tough to find a track you won’t like. Special Notes: Looking for south-Asian males who can really, really sing.

Penny Loafers

Who Are They: Penn’s self-described “co-ed modern rock/pop/indie a capella group.” Though they now favor a more modern sound, they were founded to sing standards from the 50’s and 60’s. What You’ll Hear: Past albums include exactly that: modern rock, pop, and indie tracks. If you see a show, chances are you’ll be able to (and want to!) sing along to more than a handful of songs. Special Notes: They have a really awesome name.

Shabbatones

Who Are They: As their name suggests, they are Penn’s Jewish a cappella group. Only eight years young, they have recorded and produced four superb albums. What You’ll Hear: Their talented singers will serenade with a diverse mix of popular hits and Jewish songs, the latter with Hebrew lyrics. Special Notes: If you go to Drexel or Temple don’t feel left out; you too can be a Shabbatone.

Dischord

Who Are They: A co-ed a cappella group with three enjoyable albums to their name. What You’ll Hear: Excellently prepared popular songs with clean harmonies that sound just like the originals, only without instruments. Special Notes: Their cover of Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am” was commended by the artist herself on her MySpace page. •

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Setlist Magazine

where to find music at Penn... Remember students: enriching your soul is just as important as enriching your mind. Put down the books and seek out music. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Off-Campus 1. The Electric Factory is my personal favorite. Not a far walk from the subway and there’s always many irresistible concerts each semester. Some of the highlights already posted for the fall include Regina Spektor, Arctic Monkeys and Colbie Caillat. 2. Theatre of the Living Arts is also a great venue. Promising shows this fall include Moby, The Academy Is… and Peter Bjorn & John. 3. Though I have not yet been to The Trocadero, I don’t think I’ll be able to resist going to at least one of these shows: Streetlight Manifesto, RaRa Riot, Senses Fail, The Gaslight Anthem. 4. The First Unitarian Church is a smaller and typically less expensive alternative to the previous three more mainstream venues, though lacks none of the starpower when it comes to touring bands.

Philly R a dio

On-Campus 1. If you’re looking to play music, my recommendation is Penn Band. Everyone is welcome and I doubt any other musical group on campus has as much fun as they do. 2. If you want to sing, Penn has no lack of opportunities for you. Check out the complete list at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/osl/perfart.html. 3. Even if you aren’t so eager to get involved in one of these groups, do go to a couple student shows every semester. I guarantee all groups will be quite vocal (and deservingly so!) about upcoming performances, especially down Locust Walk. 4. If you’re looking for something more intimate, The Kelly Writer’s House holds a Speakeasy every other Wednesday night. 5. UP ON STAGE is another excellent open mic event held on campus. It is held in the basement of the Platt Performing Arts Center three times a semester. 6. Fraternities can be an easy place to catch a show, just pay attention what’s being shouted on Locust.

Wired 96.5

by Rafe Pilling

Q102.1

The most well known Top 40 station in Philadelphia, it plays what’s on the charts right now with little focus on older songs. You can hear: Taylor Swift, Sean Kingston, Pink, Nickelback…

TOP 40 93.3 WMMR

The oldest Philly rock station, it plays mostly modern rock with a fair amount of classic rock and alternative music thrown in. Every weekday morning The Preston and Steve Show is broadcast; far and away the funniest show on air. You can hear: Shinedown, Rush, Pearl Jam, U2, Linkin Park…

by Leah Abrams

Radio 104.5

A new station on the dial, here you can hear alternative and modern rock with a little indie thrown in to the mix as well. It is lighter then WMMR and has a more modern focus. You can hear: Green Day, Taking Back Sunday, Kings of Leon, Anberlin…

ROCK

A hip-hop/hits station, here you will find the most popular songs on the charts today with a focus primarily on rap and hip-hop. You can hear: Drake, Maino, Black Eyed Peas, Serani…

100.3 The Beat

Another hip-hop/rap station, but here you can hear not only the most popular songs on the hip-hop/rap charts, but some of the older ones as well. You can hear: Jadakiss, Drake, Pleasure P, God in Me…

RAP/HIP-HOP 88.5 WXPN

Penn’s professionally run radio station is one of the best stations currently on air. The main station plays adult alternative and features the popular program World Café with David Dye. The station also has an online/on air program called Y-Rock, which features the newest indie and alternative songs as well as the classics; my favorite station. You can hear on WXPN: Grand Funk, The Police, Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor… You can hear on Y-Rock: Animal Collective, Ra Ra Riot, MGMT, Harlem Shakes…

Alternative

Fall 2009

13

Paraphernalia listen

Beats Headphones by Dr. Dre: Forgot about Dre? Not anymore, once you’ve listened with these stylish headphones, which give you the chance to hear like Dre hears. They aren’t cheap, but perfection never is.

$299.95 Best iPhone Music Apps

1. Shazam: Have you ever heard a

song but couldn’t think of the name? Never again with this app. FREE

2. Pandora: Free Internet radio from the giant of the industry. What’s not to love? FREE

3. Wunder Radio: Need even more

free streaming music? This app gives you access to over 30,000 Internet radio stations. $6.99

4. Simplify Music: Stream music

directly from the music libraries of you and 30 of your friends. Will your library measure up? $3.99

5. Ocarina: Turn your iPhone into a

flute and share your music worldwide. Perfect for aspiring satyrs. $0.99

14

by David Faber

watch

Woodstock 40th Anniversary DVD:

In honor of the infamous music festival, this four-disc collector’s edition DVD has hours upon hours of footage and never before seen extras. Plus, the box is dressed like a hippie.

$41.99

Taking Woodstock: Didn’t get enough Woodstock? Then watch the new movie chronicling the decadedefining festival in upstate New York. Hits theaters on August 28th.

It Might Get Loud: Three of the best guitarists of all time star in this new documentary: Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, U2’s The Edge, and Jack White of the White Stripes. If you want to make volume II, you better start practicing.

read

A great coffee table book showcasing 400 of the greatest vinyl records of all time. It’s almost as good as having the real thing, without worrying about scratches.

Extraordinary Records:

$39.99

play

Les Paul Standard: Be the coolest kid on the block with this guitar also played by Neil Young, Paul McCartney, and Eric Clapton. Guitar God status not included.

Virtual DJ: Vinyl is so last century. Now you can spin and mix like a pro, all from the comfort of your own computer, without ever even touching a record.

$299 or free to try

wear

iPod Blazer:

For the guy who has everything; now you can listen to your iPod and look awesome doing it. Trust us, it’s harder than it looks.

Animal Collective T-Shirt: Show off your great taste in music with this Animal Collective T-Shirt. Perfect for a night out to party or to the ballet.

$3899

$248

$20

Setlist Magazine Fall 2009

15

Reviews

• Fabolous - Loso’s Way - by Drew Samoyedny - Fabolous’ last album, From Nothin’ to Somethin’, was a hard act to follow; as the Brooklynborn R&B/rap artist’s first Billboard #1 smash, it left quite a large pair of shoes to fill. Fabolous has stepped up to the plate once again with his newest release, Loso’s Way, and well… it wasn’t a total strike-out, but it wasn’t much of a home run, either. Loso’s Way is a 16-track concept album that revolves loosely around Al Pacino’s gangster flick Carlito’s Way, and reflects Fabolous’s own personal experiences in his rise from the streets of Brooklyn to national fame. The cornerstone of Loso’s is its diverse and widespread selection of collaborating artists and producers, including Lil’ Wayne, Ne-Yo, DJ Kahlil, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. This makes the backing tracks irresistibly catchy, and truly musically engaging in and of themselves. They run the spectrum from grandiose brass bands to smooth funk, from eerie piano to infectious loops. As a recording artist and relative layman in the world of rap, I found these backing tracks to be the most enjoyable aspect of the album. I found (and think listeners will too) that the collaborating artists and producers are as important (or even more so) than Fabolous himself in Loso’s Way. Lyrically, I would describe the album as solid, but not overly remarkable. Fabolous is able to drop such clever lines as “My attitude is celibate I don’t give a fuck,” and “Somebody better tell ‘em that we in this bitch like an unborn baby”. But his rhymes don’t get much better than that, and so are overshadowed by the incredibly creative backing instrumentation. A good example of this is in the chorus of “Everything, Everyday, Everywhere”, in which Fabolous teams up with Keri Hilson in an edgy, sassy duet that truly defines the album. Another thing that holds this album back is Fabolous’s inability to depart from his characteristic “ladies’ man” persona. It really interrupts the flow of the whole “gangster story” vibe that the album was supposed to sconvey. Some tracks to look out for are “Imma Do It”, “Throw It In the Bag”, and my personal favorite “Everything, Everyday, Everywhere,” which has the most radio play potential. My verdict: Loso’s Way is a true departure from Fabolous’s previous style. It is one of the most heavily produced and processed albums I have heard in a long time. Lyrically and vocally, this album falls short in many ways; musically and instrumentally, however, it exceeds most rap albums I have heard. I give Fabolous’s Loso’s Way a 7 out of 10, though even that may be too kind. •

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Setlist Magazine

• Sugar Ray - Music For Cougars - by Alicia Willet - You know how cougars refer to women who desperately try to hold on to their youth by having a love affair with a younger man? Well, recently it seems that Sugar Ray is also trying to relive the success of their younger days. The resulting new album Music For Cougars is a slightly watered-down mix of songs patterned after hits that brought them success back before the new millennium. All band members are now in their forties, and two of the four are married with kids, yet their music more than ten years after they first achieved fame shows virtually no evolution; these middleaged men are still singing about girls, scandalous women, and summer flings. Sugar Ray continues to try to portray themselves as a bunch of carefree young men from California, but I wonder if it is believable. Not to say that the album is bad. The songs are musically solid, and remain loyal to Sugar Ray’s pop-rock-with-a-hint-ofreggae sound. While Music For Cougars in its entirety is not that heavy on songs with reggae influence, Sugar Ray chose “Boardwalk,” a song that particularly shows this influence, as their first single. The backing vocals in the chorus add a bit of a Caribbean feel to the song, as well as the Jamaican drum track that joins during the middle eight. This choice of a single follows the trend the band set with their 1997 album Floored; “Fly,” Sugar Ray’s first hit that brought the band their initial fame, featured the reggae artist Super Cat. The easy, beachy feel given by the acoustic guitar, back-up vocals, and clapping-to-the-beat sound effect make “Boardwalk” one of the more memorable songs off of this album. Songs like “When We Were Young” and “Going Nowhere” further reveal that Sugar Ray might be dwelling on their past. The former has a funky bass line that climbs up and down as well as spirited ska guitar riffs, although dragging out the clapping sound effect yet again is beginning to get old by the time this song plays. Vocalist Mark McGrath sings, “When we were young/we all lived for fun/we thought we were special,” hinting at their troubled past and talking about playing music that makes people feel good. “Going Nowhere” expresses feelings of being lost and frustration at not being where one wants to be in life despite working hard, although the meaning of this song remains a little hazy. It is unclear whether the band is talking about a midlife crisis or frustration they felt when they were young, or just generally being discouraged. Still, Sugar Ray takes their own advice and chooses to “Dance Like No One’s Watchin’.” It seems that Sugar Ray acknowledges that people might criticize these middle-aged men for refusing to act their age, but they are defiantly committed to making the music that they love, regardless of what others might think. •

Loso’s Way Fabolous 07/28/09

Music For Cougars Sugar Ray 07/21/09

Battlefield Jordin Sparks 07/21/09

Leave This Town Daughtry 07/14/09

• Jordan Sparks - Battlefield - by Christian Albornoz - Battlefield is American Idol winner Jordin Sparks’ second critically acclaimed album in two years, and, oh yea – she’s only 19 years old. Needless to say, Ms. Sparks possesses a rare combination of talent, drive, and class (qualities that Ms. Perry and Ms. Spears regrettably lack) that has set her apart from other female singers. Battlefield opens with the upbeat “Walking on Snow,” chronicling a failed attempt at love. The second song, “Battlefield,” is a powerful ballad and the underlying theme that carries throughout the entire album. Lyrics like “Love is a battlefield/ So you better get your armor,” illustrate Sparks’ feminist zeal, as well as her vocal range. “S.O.S. (Let the Music Play),” ready made for the radio, aims to please as a dance club hit, making it the least remarkable song on the entire album. The album quickly redeems itself with the at first slow and piano-driven “It Takes More,” which transitions with a moving chorus and self-provided backup vocals. The next track, “Watch You Go,” is musically uninspired, unoriginal, and immediately forgotten once the next song starts playing, itself being nothing memorable. “Let it Rain,” however, makes up for both of the prior clunkers. Arguably the second best song on the album (“Battlefield” clearly being the frontrunner), “Let it Rain” soars with an organ background and an eventual accompaniment with some distorted guitar. Despite settling for a relatively common song title (Ok Go, Eric Clapton, and Jojo each have such titled songs), Sparks’ signature voice and the instrumental arrangement make her version both worth remembering and a cornerstone of the album. “Emergency” is an energetic pick-me-up that playfully likens boyfriend problems to medical emergencies without sounding callous. Not a particularly clever or soulful tune, it’s a dance party song seemingly destined to play in the montage of a straight-to-DVD Mike Myers movie. “Papercut,” the second-to-last track, sounds nothing like the prior songs and certainly makes this album more complete; the intro acoustic guitar has a homey feel and the song’s progression is straight out of the book of Michelle Branch – not necessarily a bad thing, but certainly not groundbreaking. Herein lies my biggest complaint with the album: lack of risk taking. Vocally, instrumentally, and melodically, the album never pursues any specific direction, playing it safe in a way that annoys but doesn’t anger, solely because of Sparks’ dynamic talent as a singer. Her career is young, and while Battlefield definitely doesn’t fall on its face, Jordin Sparks establishes a promising foundation for future growth as one of today’s premiere solo artists. • • Daughtry - Leave This Town - by Rafe Pilling - Former idol contestant Chris Daughtry is back with his band’s second album, Leave This Town. This sophomore effort follows his hugely successful debut album Daughtry. His newest release though, doesn’t seem so much like a follow up, but more like a postscript. Leave This Town opens up with the “hard rocking” “You Don’t Belong,” and unfortunately, this song sums up the entire album very well: simply put, clichéd. From the bland, overused guitar riffs to the reverb laden back up vocals, this album sounds a little too familiar. It has all of the requisite songs for a modern rock record: the arena rocker, the power ballad, and the heartfelt acoustic tune. This unoriginality is partly due to the fact that only one of the songs is solely credited to Chris Daughtry; contributors include Chad Kroeger of Nickelback and Ben Moody of Evanescence. Kroeger’s presence especially can be felt on the songs that he co-wrote, “Life After You,” and “No Surprise”. Each song begins with an acoustic guitar intro and soon transforms into an arena rocking balled, reminiscent of every song Kroeger has ever had a hand in writing. Also adding to the unoriginality is the over production. There is very little excitement or life on any of the tracks; instead, it sounds as if the band followed a simple equation and did exactly as their producer told them. Despite the mundane song writing, what is most disappointing is the lack of vocal ability that Daughtry himself displays. In most of the verses he simply sings the same melody over and over again, while in the choruses he just shouts. Nowhere on the album is any of the vocal virtuosity he was known for on American Idol. Also interesting is his (or his producer’s) effort to make this album sound more country-like than its predecessor. This attempt, however, sounds a little odd because only through his vocals does he try to explore this different genre. The rest of the band never seems to realize that they are trying to reach a new audience. This country style almost works on the penultimate track “Tennessee Line,” which features country star Vince Gill on vocals. His softer, sweeter voice adds much needed credibility to Daughtry’s effort. Despite these flaws, the record is still catchy and very radio friendly. At its core it is a rough around the edges pop album, and nothing more or less. Fans of Daughtry will certainly not be disappointed by this follow up, but those looking for something different from the modern rock albums that dominate the airwaves and charts should look somewhere else. •

Fall 2009

17

Arctic Monkeys frozen in time

by David Faber

• From the time they released their first single, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” in late 2005, the Arctic Monkeys have been a staple at the top of the charts. Responses to the song were so positive that when the full album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not was released three months later, it became the fastest selling debut album in UK history, selling more copies than all of the other albums on the Top 20 combined. After such auspicious beginnings, one would be forgiven for thinking that the Arctic Monkeys would have difficulty equaling their very early success; topping what they had accomplished, after all, would take nothing less than making one of the most popular albums of all time. Conventional wisdom, however, was once again proved wrong, as their second album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, was just as big a smash as their first record. Although they failed to sell as many albums, they nevertheless debuted at number one and eventually gained platinum status twice over. Now, with worldwide fame and recognition already achieved, the Arctic Monkeys third record, Humbug, aims to launch them into the echelon of the truly great. But can they live up to the hype, shake off the pressure, and deliver a record that is as good as (or better than) their previous two, each of which garnered critical acclaim and racked up awards? In short, no. With Humbug, the Arctic Monkeys have opted for a darker, edgier sound, one that hinges on bass-heavy riffs and pounding drums to explore new territory for the band. While the music is undoubtedly that of the Arctic Monkeys, it is markedly different from their previous two albums; their evolution is evident in songs like “Crying Lightning” and “Potion Approaching,” where more purposeful and mysterious melodies replace the electricity and quick-tempo of songs like “D is for Dangerous” and “Fluorescent Adolescent” from their previous album. After having wide success with such an upbeat and exciting sound, one that has been called “very, very fast and very, very loud,” it begs the question: why change what works? Not to say that Humbug is a bad record – quite the contrary, in fact. It’s ten songs are well-written, enjoyable to listen to, and, very probably, wildly popular. In looking forward to this album though, as an owner of the two previous Arctic Monkeys discs, I expected much of the same of what had made them so successful in the past: big hooks, catchy lyrics, and a pace that would rival the fastest runners. And while I applaud the effort to evolve their sound and explore new musical territory, the ground the band is walking on is certainly not somewhere where I expected them to go or somewhere with which I am completely comfortable. To be fair, though, the album does grow on you; by the third listen, I was enjoying the tracks far more than I had been when I first put in the CD. To be frank, the record lives up to its name, Humbug. The songs are good, but not great, as if in departing from their signature style they have left something behind. The Arctic Monkeys have made a record that expands the boundaries of their ever-growing music library, the latest manifestation of a musical journey that started only four short years ago. But by no means is this an early exit; the band will continue to make music for years, though if they wish to recapture the excitement and lauds of their earlier records, they had better return from whence they came.•

Calvin Harris

by Lauren Yates

gets us “Ready for the Weekend

• Known for a funky electroclash sound that incorporates 80’s dance music, Scottish DJ and electronic artist Calvin Harris returned with sophomore album Ready for the Weekend. Harris’ debut album I Created Disco was released in 2007. His signature 80s sound is still prevalent on his second effort, but he features more of a 70’s sensibility with his neo-disco title hit “Ready for the Weekend,” a throwback tune with disco diva vocals by Mary Pearce. While the album is upbeat and features many standout tracks, it lacks the freshness of I Created Disco. Tracks such as “Stars Come Out” and “Relax” are reminiscent of MGMT psychadelia, and downtempo track “Burns Night” sounds more like Morcheeba or Zero 7 than Calvin Harris. Singles “Dance Wiv Me,” featuring Dizzee Rascal and Chromeo, and “I’m Not Alone” are by far the strongest tracks on the album. “Dance Wiv Me” is a brilliant fusion of electrofunk and British grime, while “I’m Not Alone” build ups into a club banging anthem. Another commercial success is “Yeah Yeah Yeah (La La La),” which was featured in a Coca-Cola ad earlier this year. Another noteworthy tune is “Flashback,” a perfect description for much of the album’s sound. “You Used to Hold Me” is a catchy house track while opening track “The Rain” combines a futuristic electro sound, 80s horns, Prince-like vocals, and a little bit of early Michael Jackson flare (think “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”). While the album features a mix of outstanding and fair tracks, it is dragged down by its similarity to the work of other electronic artists. Ready for the Weekend also features a few ironic tracks that utilize dance-friendly music and depressing lyrics. Sunny break-up tracks such as “Blue” and “Worst Day,” which features Timbaland protégé and Georgia rap artist Izza Kizza, are prime examples. The tracks are listenable, but fail to add to or take away from the album. Overall, what Calvin Harris lacks in cohesiveness, he makes up for with three or so standout tracks. Even if Ready for the Weekend does not describe Calvin Harris as an artist as well as I Created Disco, it still carries a lot of appeal. The album is currently number 1 in the UK, but whether U.S. audiences are ready for Calvin, we’ll have to wait and see.•

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Setlist Magazine

Upcoming CD Releases: Week of August 30th: Black Crowes, Before the Frost Whitney Houston, I Look to You Pitbull, Rebelution The Used, Artwork

Week of September 6th: Boys Like Girls, Love Drunk Phish, Joy Vivian Girls, Everything Goes Wrong Yo La Tengo, Popular Songs Jay-Z, Bueprint 3

Week of September 13th: Muse, The Resistance Drake, So Far Gone

Week of September 20th: Sean “Diddy” Combs, Last Train to Paris Madonna, Iconography Mika, The Boy Who Knew Too Much Pearl Jam, Backspacer Wale, Attention: Deficit

Week of September 27th: AFI, Crash Love Mariah Carey, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel Nelly Furtado, Mi Plan Paramore, Brand New Eyes

Upcoming Events in Philly: Sunday, September 13th: Ladyhawke Frankmusik Mitchel Musso at Theater of the Living Arts

Thursday, September 17th: Ingrid Michaelson at Theater of the Living Arts

Saturday, September 26th: Mat Kearney at Theater of the Living Arts Shwayze Beardo at Trocadero Theater

Monday, September 28th: Phoenix Chairlift at Electric Factory

Saturday, September 19th:

Wednesday, September 30th:

The Sounds at Theater of the Living Arts

Arctic Monkeys at Electric Factory

Sunday, September 20th:

Friday, October 2nd:

Moby at Theater of the Living Arts

Relient K Barcelona Copeland at Theater of the Living Arts

Monday, September 21st: Sufjan Stevens Cryptacize at Johnny Brenda’s

Wednesday, September 23rd: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band at Kung Fu Necktie

Saturday, October 3rd: Pink The Ting Tings at The Wachovia Center

Wednesday, October 7th: Grizzly Bear Beach House at Electric Factory

The Walkman Here We Go Magic at Theater of the Living Arts

Thursday, October 8th:

Thursday, September 24th:

Gossip at Theater of the Living Arts

Maximo Park at World Café Live

Senses Fail A Skylite Drive Closure in Moscow Fact at Trocadero Theater

She Wants Revenge Kill Hannah at Trocadero Theater Regina Spektor at Electric Factory

Friday, September 25th: Mute Math As Tall As Lions at Theater of the Living Arts

Saturday, October 10th: The Bravery at Theater of the Living Arts

Tuesday, October 13th: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band at The Wachovia Spectrum Titus Andronicus The So So Glos at The Barbary

Wednesday, October 14th: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band at The Wachovia Spectrum Colbie Caillat Tiesto at Electric Factory

Friday, October 16th: Built To Spill at Trocadero Theater The Avett Brothers Jessica Lea Mayfield at Electric Factory Carbon Leaf Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers The Guggenheim Grotto at World Café Live

Friday, October 9th: Dinosaur Jr. Bob Mould Lou Barlow at Theater of the Living Arts

Fall 2009

19

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