James McGrory

Voices

It’s easy to quit smoking—I’ve done it tons of times

It’s mid-February, which is the perfect time to evaluate all those attempted resolutions of only six weeks ago. The new year ushers in a sense of determination that has the potential to last, but usually disappears within a few weeks, a few days, or even a few hours—usually about when that New Year’s Eve whiskey buzz turns into a New Year’s Day headache. I, like so many before me, took it upon myself to throw away that nasty habit that comes at an unreasonable price in packs of twenty.

By February 18, 2010

Leisure

DeLillo gets to the Point

If you read reviews of any of Don DeLillo’s last four novels, you are certain to find the critical buzzword “post-Underworld.”

By February 4, 2010

Leisure

A portrait of the author as a middle-aged man

Goodloe Byron may have graduated from the College in 2004, but when he returns to the Hilltop from time to time, he brings with him his vigorous spirit, a few... Read more

By November 12, 2009

Leisure

Low Fidelity: Deep down, we’re all emo kids

I’ve got Daitro’s new LP Y constantly humming through my headphones recently. Juxtapose the mid-tempo, atmospheric chaos of five French dudes with Dashboard Confessional’s whiny pop and try to understand... Read more

By November 12, 2009

Leisure

Troubled troubador or smiling songsmith?

Tortured souls often write the best music. The heartbreak, the sorrow, the deviance, it all boils down to a yearning that, despite being too dramatic for listeners to completely associate... Read more

By October 29, 2009

Leisure

Low Fidelity: The sun is rising on soundtracks

Maybe we haven’t yet found a way to make music work as narrative, as discussed by my High Fidelity counterpart in this space last week, but narrative and music have... Read more

By October 15, 2009

Leisure

Critical Voices: Lightning Bolt – Earthly Delights

Lightning Bolt do not live up to the imagery evolved by their moniker. In fact, Lightning Bolt is more like the accompanying thunder than a swift discharge of energy—a bellowing... Read more

By October 8, 2009

Leisure

Critics, critiqued

Nowadays, we as listeners don’t stroll to the closest magazine stand, pick up the latest Rolling Stone, flip through the pages, and decide what our next music purchase will be.... Read more

By October 1, 2009

Leisure

Critical Voices: A Place to Bury Strangers – Exploding Head

When was the last time you’ve gone shoegazing, losing yourself in a detached and introspective state, with any and all hostility far from your mind? There’s a reason why this... Read more

By September 24, 2009

Leisure

Low Fidelity: Clap your hands say what?

“What’s in a name?” asks Shakespeare in Romeo & Juliet, perhaps referring to the linguistic restrictions in defining something. But who is this “Shakespeare” character anyway, and what does he... Read more

By September 17, 2009