THE ITHACAN

Review: Frank Ocean’s visual album ‘Endless’ addresses his fame

By Lisbeth Perez, Contributing Writer • September 14, 2016

Ocean’s 45-minute film gives viewers more than expected. With a combination of mesmerizing lyrics and several look-alikes, he presents himself as prodigal and self-aware. Under the limelight, it’s difficult for artists to remain down-to-earth.

Review: Bayside makes waves with seventh studio album ‘Vacancy’

By Stephanie Miller, Contributing Writer • September 6, 2016

“Vacancy” provides a sense of Bayside’s old sound, which fans can get behind, while still introducing a unique, complicated change to its music.

Review: ‘Little Prince’ transports viewers back to childhood

By Jake Leary, Contributing Writer • September 4, 2016

Netflix’s “The Little Prince,” based on the classic work of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, delivers such a rich range of emotion, moral and visual complexity. This complexity is evident in “Prince” — each chapter of the Prince’s quest, from his home on the minuscule Asteroid B-612 to the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, is rendered in stop-motion.

Review: Emotional distress contributes to depth of Michaelson’s album

By Erica Dischino, Staff Writer • September 3, 2016

Despite the title, Michaelson’s new album is her most logical and cohesive compilation to date. Her typical quirky sound, complete with witty lyrics and sweet sentiment, sounds much more mature than in her previous albums.

Review: Spears’ signature sound cannot appeal to modern listeners

By Angela Weldon, Staff Writer • August 30, 2016

Her signature 90s sound — the peppy synth beats, generic bass drops and basic lyrics — feels stale compared to her contemporaries, like Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé. Each song may have topped the charts in Spears’ heyday, but now the tracks feel forced and inauthentic. Her album may have been better received had she made more of an effort to stay current.

Review: Glass Animals’ alt-indie album shatters expectations

By Kate Nalepinski, Assistant Life and Culture Editor • August 30, 2016

Somehow, Glass Animals created a sound so intricate that regardless of the listener’s environment, the album feels full and complete. This album is ideal for loud parties on Friday nights, but it also includes tunes that can create a calmer atmosphere more appropriate for a rainy evening.

Review: ‘Squad’ adaptation refuses to stay true to comics

By Kate Nalepinski, Assistant Life and Culture Editor • August 22, 2016

The concept of the Suicide Squad — a group of supervillains who are signed up to do the government’s dirty work — is strong. But when a director subtracts the action, emotion and comedic relief, and replaces it with backstories and unaddressed abusive relationships, it fails.

Review: Musician goes back to roots on ‘Golden’ album

By Angela Poffenbaugh, Staff Writer • August 22, 2016

Walker’s unexpected instrumental changes work to his advantage: While the songs take a bit of time to adjust to, the different style will slowly grow on the listener.

Review: AJJ’s altered sound disappoints listeners

By Mary Ford, Life and Culture Editor • August 21, 2016

In “The Bible 2,” harmonized vocals, heavy guitars and percussion give the music a disappointingly generic energy.

Review: Simon’s talent shines on thirteenth release

By Matthew Radulski, Staff Writer • June 22, 2016

Simon proves he has not stopped being innovative. His latest effort, “Stranger to Stranger,” shows Simon just as inspired as ever. The album is a harmonic convergence of sound, and Simon makes the listener consider each word carefully.

Review: Grande proves powerful with new album

By Jacqueline Borwick, Staff Writer • May 30, 2016

The title track of the album, “Dangerous Woman,” left an imprint on her fan base — who are referred to as the Arianators — and the general public alike, when it was released in March. Notwithstanding the great array of songs on the album, this single is particularly impactful — Grande’s use of lyricism and instrumentation leave a mark on listeners.

Review: Film pleases mothers and fathers alike

By Jacqueline Borwick, Staff Writer • May 4, 2016

The film addresses deeply emotional familial issues like divorce, the loss of a parent or partner, insecurity about marriage, a daughter’s trying to reunite with her biological mother, and sisters’ trying to making amends with their parents. Each moment is brought to life on screen by the cast in a way that is honest, relatable and believable.