The Ithacan

Though the “Sonic” franchise has always focused on speed, the true triumph of the series is the way it promotes exploration.

The most satisfying moment of “Breath of the Wild” is not a cutscene, nor is it a battle — It’s a revelatory moment that occurs within the player.

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.

The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser” is exactly what its title alludes to: It’s a messy celebration of self-destruction.

We Are Scientists’ latest, “Helter Seltzer,” struggles with genre, lacks standouts, and is, unfortunately, a forgettable album.

The Belgian band’s fourth album, “What You Need,” boasts a varied and exciting electronic sound that is only pulled down by ill–thought-out vocals.

Award-winning comedian Steven Wright is set to perform at Ithaca’s State Theatre on March 26.

Tracks like “Ultralight Beam” and “Real Friends” are superb, and the album’s themes of depression, marriage and fame are examined from various angles.

“American Idol” has produced only a handful of legitimate mainstream pop acts, and Lee DeWyze is not one of them.

With deep characters and a nostalgic plot, “The Force Awakens” pays respect to the previous “Star Wars” films and creates intrigue about the future of the “Star Wars” franchise, but it plays it a bit safe.

“Creed” completely breathes new life into the saga while respecting the legacy of the previous “Rocky” films, and it is an original film in its own right.

“Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven” is not a hip-hop record, and that is a very good thing for artist Kid Cudi. The shift in genre has inspired Cudi to create an intelligent and different record, but it unfortunately struggles with clarity.