THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY AUGUST 17, 2009
MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
5C
Album: Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King' by Dave Matthews Band
LeRoi Moore, saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band for 20 years, died last August at 46 of complications from injuries suffered in an off-road-vehicle accident on his farm in Virginia. He died early in the production of "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King." However, his presence is felt in every aspect of the album. The first track, "Grux," begins with a tribute to Moore, with a high pitched saxophone melody backed up by drummer Carter Beauford and bassist Stefan Lessard. Not only is LeRoi's presence felt throughout the album, but his death creates an ominous
presence that can only be created by a tragedy. His death allows Matthews to dig deep within his lyrical genius to pull up some of his most meaningful songs
yet. Matthews also brings out his infamous growls in almost a rocker type fashion throughout his song "Squirm;" creating not only dark lyrics but also an all around dark tone.
The album's undertones are not all about LeRoi's death, but also a eulogy dedicated to his life. After mixing Moore's solos, death undertons, and lyrical praises, "Big Whiskey" seems a funeral procession in itself, contributing to the deepest album Matthews has made yet.
Hannah DeClerk
Album:'Paris in the Morning'by Joe Purdy
Don't let Joe Purdy's scruffy look fool you — his voice is soft and delicate. An Arkansas native, Purdy first made his mark in 2004 with "Wash Away" in the series "Lost." But most would remember him from the Kia Spectra gas station commercial, in which "Can't Get it Right Today" is playing while frustrated commuters have a hard time filling up. Purdy's beautiful voice goes beyond these two songs though. My favorite album of his is "Paris In the Morning," which features a mixture of guitar and piano. The majority of the songs on the album focus on heartbreak and new beginning, and the lyrics in "Make It Up" and "The Sun" leave me speechless. I highly recommend this album to anyone looking to find a connection with a love song. Purdy's voice and lyrics provide a calming and hopeful feel anyone can benefit from.
— Steph Schneider
Book: 'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen
The feelings of failure, sorrow and loss are often associated with the Great Depression.
The novel is narrated by an elderly protagonist, who tells his tale of a personal tragedy and an accidental fall into a life-altering circus world. The experience reveals a backstage appearance
However, in "Water for Elephants", author Sara Gruen displays a colorful aspect of the period by introducing the audience to an unknown world of the depression-era circus.
of the "greatest show on earth." That is, behind all the glitz and glamour lies a world dedicated to 'sex, robbery and debauchery
Through extensive historical research, Gruen is able to bring the reader into an unthinkable world. The world of the depression-era circus is rough, erotic and full of people who lack any sense of morality. It makes for a fantastic read, one that not only enlightens but also entertains.
Hannah DeClerk
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Book:'Cows are Freaky When they Look at You' by William S. Burroughs
Though first published more than a decade ago, this rare nugget should be required reading for all inhabitants of Lawrence. The book is made up of mostly random vignettes by hippies who lived in Lawrence and throughout Kansas in the '60s and '70s. Although a foreword by William S. Burroughs weaves a loose connection between the stories through a description of the marijuana harvesters of Lawrence and the surrounding areas, the stories themselves are mostly stream of consciousness memories. Lawrence landmarks such as Massachusetts Street and the Gaslight Tavern play prominent roles throughout the tales, as do places that have since faded into history. Not all the stories
recount drug-hazed memories. Many defy the stereotypical picture of the '60s we've been raised on. Some are deeply personal confessions by those who were caught up in the "free love" and hard partying, but longed for monogamy and the domestic life. Then there are the paranoia-tinged drug deal stories that range from knee-slapping hilarious to downright terrifying. Whatever tale is being told, the essays capture a fascinating time in the nation's history through the unique lens of Lawrence folk playing out their versions of the hippy scene. Though the essays are credited to aliases (ex: Buzzy Flashback) part of the enjoyment of the read comes from scanning the faces of old town-
ies downtown and wondering:
Is this their story?
Dylan Sands