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Reviews and think pieces on music, movies, art, and theater.

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Power to the people

In The U.S. vs. John Lennon, the Beatle and his fellow radical, anti-war activists such as Abbie Hoffman and Bobby Seale represent life. Richard Nixon and conservative, pro-war politicians such as G. Gordon Liddy and J. Edgar Hoover represent death.

By October 5, 2006

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“Real” hip-hop: a group effort

Nearly everybody has that one annoying friend who clings to dusty copies of what he considers “real” hip-hop while shunning much anything else that enters the rap market.

By October 5, 2006

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Vice and virtue in art

The power of contradiction in Erik Sandberg’s latest exhibition, Contrary, is not to be underestimated despite the show’s small size and intimate setting.

By September 28, 2006

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The Voice interviews Cursive

The Voice got in touch with guitarist and back-up vocalist Ted Stevens for a phone interview in anticipation of Cursive’s show at the 9:30 Club on Tuesday, Oct. 3rd.

By the September 28, 2006

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Critical Voices

Built on a complex series of metaphors and semi-autobiographical characters, the album is anything but background music.

By September 28, 2006

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All organic cows are equal, but some less equal than others

All I wanted to do was buy some milk, but even at the supermarket, “politics, politics, politics” was all I heard.

By September 28, 2006

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Weekend preview: cultural festivals

Do you frequently find your Saturday and Sunday afternoons sorely lacking in excitement?

By September 28, 2006

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Jesus Camp saves

core evangelical Christianity. Ewing and Grady manage the controversial subject with delicacy and keen observational skill, and while the film may fall short of its lofty ambitions, it nonetheless raises important questions about home-grown fundamentalism.

By September 28, 2006

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Sleep just a disjointed series of dreams

The film is, ultimately, a case of the parts exceeding the sum of the whole.

By September 21, 2006

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Frankenstein stumbles

While Frankenstein shines in its technical achievements, it fails in its presentation of the story. Synetic is great with images and movement, but in this setting it seems that they are unable to turn the story into anything more than a quick anecdote.

By September 21, 2006

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Pointillist perfection and scandalous photos

Rows of thousands of miniscule cells fill each of the monochromatic canvases, resembling a microscope slide of some gaudy specimen.

By September 21, 2006

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Shining light on Sunset Rubdown

In anticipation of Sunset Rubdown’s concert at D.C.’s Black Cat on Wednesday, Sept. 27th, The Voice caught up with the group’s accordionist and backup vocalist Camilla Ingr to discuss hype, baking, and ostrich feeding.

By September 21, 2006

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Pipettes deliver girl-powered pop

The trio, while almost excessively retro, is not to be taken lightly as their debut album, We Are the Pipettes will most likely end up as this year’s finest straight-up pop record.

By September 21, 2006

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Continuing the AIDS dialogue

Two playwrights walk out onto the sparsely set stage wearing black tank tops and black slacks, the audience left wondering what to expect. Is this the beginning?

By September 14, 2006

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Lez’hur Ledger: D.C.’s hamSTARS run for glory

This past weekend was hot, but it wasn’t the heat outside that ignited a fire in the hearts of hamster enthusiasts in the D.C. Metro Area.

By September 14, 2006

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Art galleries in the area

For lovers of art, and for those who pretend to be in order to impress the girls, the District has plenty of art galleries to offer. Georgetown’s campus hosts its own set of collections, and the Georgetown area is sprinkled with many more.

By September 14, 2006

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Poetry readings, live music and vegan pizza

Whether you’re an environmentalist, a feminist or just plain hungry for good food, Busboys and Poets will provide you with a fine dining experience free of popped collars.

By September 14, 2006

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D.C. Filmfest isn’t “short” on talent

The annual D.C. Shorts Film Festival, running this Thursday through Sunday, showcases 94 films, chosen from 495 entries, in 10 different screenings of about 10 films each.

By September 14, 2006

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Pan-Asian Raku is good food for you

Steak Out: a bi-weekly column about food

By September 14, 2006

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Dead Beats: Breaking down the commercial misuse of music

Dreamy, overdubbed vocals hovering over drumstick scratches and distorted guitar loops ask, “what’s that riding on your everything?” as a silver Nissan minivan cruises by the screen.

By September 7, 2006