Leisure

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

Leisure

Vegans and root beer

Twenty years ago, in April 1981, the Wilson Center, a community space at 15th and Irving streets N.W., opened its doors for the first time to the burgeoning D.C. hardcore... Read more

By the November 1, 2001

Leisure

Sex and violence

Among the many terms of popular music discourse, “mainstream” is probably one of the most appropriately applied terms. Given, what may be classified as mainstream may very well be hard... Read more

By the November 1, 2001

Leisure

A very special holiday feature

Voice Leisure presents … A very special holiday feature Top 10 Halloween costumes involving health and beauty products, prominent enlightenment figures, or neither of the above: Giant can of shaving... Read more

By the November 1, 2001

Leisure

Life, Liberty, and Pop

A month and a half after the Sept. 11 attack on the United States, the pop world descended on Washington, D.C. to put on the benefit concert to end all... Read more

By the October 25, 2001

Leisure

Hip-hop Manuvas in Britain

So, you think you know hip-hop. You’re the guy who says, “I listen to hip-hop but not rap,” the one who only listens to underground artists. You’re sure you’ve heard... Read more

By the October 25, 2001

Leisure

Strokes of Brilliance

It seems that every so often, just to prove to itself that it still matters, the surprisingly reified entity known as the “rock press” decides to tell the rest of... Read more

By the October 25, 2001

Leisure

PBS dishes out fresh new series

What comes to your mind when you think “PBS?” Classical music concerts? Jim Lehrer? Sesame Street? Chances are, you generally look to PBS for the good, clean, reputable and (gasp)... Read more

By the October 25, 2001

Leisure

Throbbing play from Nomadic

Nomadic Theater kicks off its 20th-anniversary season this weekend with Paula Vogel’s Hot ‘N’ Throbbing, a play that explores those oft-equated concepts, sex and violence. Charlene, a single mother, struggles... Read more

By the October 25, 2001

Leisure

New Order returns with Get Ready

Dance music is too often given short shrift by contemporary rock writers. Certainly there are no shortage of dance ?zines, but their emphasis has always been on the scene?the clubs,... Read more

By the October 18, 2001

Leisure

Garbage, indeed

I am the first to say that Garbage is one of my favorite bands out there. I was first introduced to that heart-wrenching ”#1 Crush” from the Romeo and Juliet... Read more

By the October 18, 2001

Leisure

Psychedelia

Whether you are aware of it or not, D.C. is currently experiencing its annual blessing from on high by the gods of contemporary music. That is, we are and have... Read more

By the October 18, 2001

Leisure

Lynch’s Drivedoes it again

To set the scene?Lincoln Plaza Cinema on a perfect New York City Indian summer day. However, instead of enjoying the sun, I am below ground, along with what seems to... Read more

By the October 18, 2001

Leisure

L.I.E.all but banned

L.I.E.received an NC-17 rating because it deals with a taboo topic in our society: pedophilia. This should not frighten anyone into not seeing this superb film with exceptionally good acting.... Read more

By the October 18, 2001

Leisure

Dave Brubeck at D.A.R.

Dave Brubeck was the first jazz musician to appear on the cover of Time magazine. His most famous piece, “Take Five,” is still the most recognizable jazz song ever recorded.... Read more

By the October 18, 2001

Leisure

Hollywood taste strikes again

It is striking that nothing is able to approximate the truth and depth of human feeling more than those pursuits we take up during our moments of leisure. Movies, books,... Read more

By the October 11, 2001

Leisure

Tool at MCI Center

If you like Tool, go buy their new album Lateralus.If you like Tool, psychedelic nightmare video screens and contortednaked acrobats, go see a Tool concert. On Friday of last week,... Read more

By the October 11, 2001

Leisure

12 Angry Men a joy

We always think we have the answers. Everyone has an opinion, and inherent in that opinion is the idea that we know best. If only everybody else just understood matters... Read more

By the October 11, 2001

Leisure

Training from Denzel

If you were looking for that sort of on-screen performance that steals your idealism for a couple hours but gives it back to you at the end after the bad... Read more

By the October 11, 2001

Leisure

Madam’s Organ?

I was recently informed that this humble column’s format has expanded, and it is now my purview to ensure not only that you are appraised of upcoming musical experiences, but... Read more

By the October 11, 2001

Leisure

Roots rock. Blackalicious, not so much.

I dunno. Maybe it was just the acoustics … As an admitted suburban white boy born to liberal parents (admitting you have a problem is the first step towards recovery),... Read more

By the October 4, 2001