THE ITHACAN

‘Metals’: Indie artist darkens sound

By Allie Healy, Staff Writer • October 12, 2011

Feist, a Canadian indie pop singer-songwriter, took the United States by storm with her 2007 release, “The Reminder.” Four years later, she returns with a fifth solo album that trades her upbeat, spacey sound for a more serious style.

‘Conatus’: Innovative goth princess produces demonic sound

By Jared Dionne, Staff Writer • October 12, 2011

For Nika Roza Danilova, otherwise known as Zola Jesus, a wintry recording environment is a necessity, as the frigid backwoods of Wisconsin have translated directly to the icy and mysterious nature of her gothic dream-pop. On her newest album, “Conatus,” she transcends reality and composes songs for another time and place.

‘The Ides of March’: Star cast shines

By Ian Carsia, Staff Writer • October 12, 2011

Alluding to William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” George Clooney’s well-crafted new drama chronicles the struggle between personal integrity and political ambition.

Lovato stands for survival

By Benjii Maust, Staff Writer • October 5, 2011

After spending almost four months in treatment for emotional and physical distress, Demi Lovato is back with an album that turns personal hardship into soulful gold.

Indie-rock group hails heritage

By Jared Dionne, Staff Writer • October 5, 2011

Girls, a folksy San Francisco duo, wowed the indie scene with their catchy throwbacks to 1950s rock ’n’ roll on their debut LP, “Album,” in 2009. Two years later, they have returned with a full-length sophomore effort that proves the first time around wasn’t just luck.

Band echoes ’60s invasion

By Allie Healy, Staff Writer • September 28, 2011

In their newly released third album, “Junk Of The Heart,” The Kooks deliver a fresh plate of indie rock tracks full of vintage flavor with a hint of romantic desire.

Chili Peppers refresh sound in upbeat modern release

By Taylor Palmer, Contributing Writer • September 28, 2011

More than five years after the release of their Grammy-winning opus, “Stadium Arcadium,” the funk sensation Red Hot Chili Peppers trade in their amateur antics for a deliciously developed tone.

Unusual calm from Beirut

By Lisa Purrone, Contributing Writer • September 21, 2011

While a band named after the capital city of Lebanon might inspire thoughts of turmoil in the Middle East, Beirut’s new album, “The Rip Tide,” is an indie rock release with a complex but serene sound.

Top Nashville sweethearts sing two sides of romance

By Emily Helwig, Contributing Writer • September 21, 2011

After dominating this year’s Grammys, Lady Antebellum is back with its third studio album, “Own the Night,” that stays close to the modern country sound that earned the band its fame.

Mr. Carter breaks tradition

By Robert Rivera, Staff Writer • September 14, 2011

After more than a year of incarceration, Lil Wayne is back with a new album that shows prison doesn’t always reform people for the better.

Soaring alternative band attempts electronic sound

By Allie Healy, Staff Writer • September 14, 2011

In its newly released fourth album, “Night Shades,” Cobra Starship hides its typically quirky and catchy lyrics, infamous guitar riffs and complementing keyboards in a mix of bumping beats. While club-goers may be wearing sunglasses at night, the band’s older fans may be using them to hide a tear or two.

No shine from Streisand

By Benjii Maust, Staff Writer • September 7, 2011

Even with top-of-the line songwriters, Barbra Streisand’s new album fails to answer the call from her adoring fans.