REVIEWS
Born Again in the USA MUSIC by Loose Fur
Loose Fur is probably the best explanation for Wilco's experimental noisiness in their last few albums. The side project consists of Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy and drummer Glenn Koxche and Sonic Youth's Jim O'Rourke. After the trio together at the Noise Pop Festival in 2000 and released a self-titled album in 2003, they have found time, despite touring and recording, to keep up their side project with
their latest release, Born Again in the USA.
The album sounds like a laidback noisy jam session between the collaborators. It consists mostly of short and sweet (with the exception of the B 1/2 minute-long "Wreckdom") folk rock songs that are infused seamlessly with the trio's signature distorted noisiness. The singing is split between Tweedy and O'Rourke, but Tweedy does more.
If you can find it, download the video for "Hey Chicken," which consists entirely of Japanese Power Rangers clips and is edited to appear to be some sort of goofy dance-off — it's hilarious.
★★★★
Joe Sibinski
Take the Lead
MOVIE
During the opening shots of Take the Lead, all the main characters are dressing up for a night on the town. The camera jumps from inner-city kids, who are going clubbing, to Antonio Banderas's character, as he dons tails for ballroom dancing. The dichotomy between the two lifestyles and economic classes is evident throughout this film. The dancing that fills most of the film unites both types of people and creates empathy between all members.
Based on a true story, Take the Lead is
Banderas gives a solid and buoyant performance, putting his passionate personality to good use. One of the best scenes is when Banderas shows the audience his dancing shoes and he and an advanced student dance
from drug use to physical abuse to prostitution. As the story progresses, the students teach Banderas the meaning of hip-hop and, in return, he teaches them about life.The second half of the film becomes clichéd with stereotypical characters but it is engaging nonetheless.
a cute, stylish and predictable movie. But what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in compelling dancing and laughs. The always-suave Antonio Banderas plays a refined ballroom dancing instructor who teaches wealthy New Yorkers. One night he encounters a kid vandalizing a car. The following day, he visits the kid's school to notify the principal. While there, the instructor volunteers to teach ballroom dancing to the kids in detention. Detention is full of students with problems ranging
a smokering tango. While the ending is rather implausible, you still will find yourself tapping along with the beats. If you go to this movie just to have fun, you will not be disappointed.
Rated PG-13, 108 minutes South Wind 12
★★
Sarah Tucker
★ You'll wish you were dead ★★★ You'll want to leave the theater early ★★★ You'll say "eh" ★★★★ You'll rave to everyone who asks ★★★★★ You'll have...
04. 13.2006 JAYPLAY < 17