Leisure

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

Leisure

A United Kingdom: Not a Failure, But Hardly a Success

Biographical films are tough as they tell the story of usually unknown real-life heroes that rose to the occasion and defied the system. Therefore, on one hand, filmmakers feel pressured... Read more

By February 23, 2017

Leisure

The Lego Batman Movie Builds a Better Batman

The Lego system has served as a building block for many people’s childhoods. With Legos, children and adults can create while limited only by the bricks in hand and the... Read more

By February 22, 2017

Leisure

CV: Wyclef Jean, J’ouvert

After an almost four year hiatus, Wyclef Jean has returned with the release of his new EP, J’ouvert. The former Fugees frontman demonstrates that despite years of musical absence, he... Read more

By February 22, 2017

Leisure

Don’t See Fifty Shades Darker With Your Mother

The release of the long-awaited sequel to the box office hit Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker is sparking excitement among a large range of viewers. From teenagers to... Read more

By February 22, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Feb. 21, 9:30 Club

Ever since the release of their first record Black Joe Lewis ten years ago, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears have entertained listeners with their soulful, fun blend of blues... Read more

By February 19, 2017

Leisure

The Voice Predicts the Oscars

Best Picture Who Will Win: Moonlight Who Should Win: Arrival It is tempting to place La La Land and its bevy of Oscar nominations here, but after winning the Golden Globe for... Read more

By the February 17, 2017

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Spirit and Soul in “The Café Life”

The beautiful paintings of Rodgers Naylor’s collection “The Café Life” inspire a cozy feeling in the Susan Calloway Fine Arts gallery. The bright colors and happy scenes glow against the... Read more

By February 17, 2017

Leisure

Concert Review: Blind Pilot, Rams Head Live!, Feb. 4

Blind Pilot played to an enthusiastic crowd at their show at Rams Head Live in Baltimore on Feb. 4. The Portland-based group’s music does not fall squarely in the category... Read more

By February 16, 2017

Leisure

CV: The Radio Dept., Running Out of Love

Amid global political turmoil, relentless violence, and perpetual uncertainty, it’s tempting to avert one’s gaze, but The Radio Dept. has taken a courageous step to face these challenges head-on with... Read more

By February 15, 2017

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Critical Voices: Homeshake, Fresh Air

Homeshake’s new album Fresh Air uses a blend of traditional guitar, electronic sounds and everyday noises such as footsteps to produce an album fit for chilling out and clearing your... Read more

By February 15, 2017

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CV: Kehlani, SweetSexySavage

Kehlani may be best known for her prior collaborations with Chance the Rapper and BJ The Chicago Kid on her album You Should Be Here (2015); but SweetSexySavage is the... Read more

By February 13, 2017

Leisure

CV: Sampha, Process

Sampha Sisay’s debut album has been a long time coming. The South London singer-songwriter has recently collaborated with big names such as Drake, Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Solange. But every... Read more

By February 13, 2017

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Critical Voices: Original Broadway Cast, Dear Evan Hansen

Broadway is no stranger to bringing complicated and often taboo issues into the spotlight. From RENT, an honest examination of living with AIDS in New York City, to Next to... Read more

By February 13, 2017

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Critical Voices: P.O.S, Chill, dummy

P.O.S, born Stefon Alexander, wears his punk influence on his sleeve, opening his newest album Chill, dummy with a weighty electric guitar bassline and growling vocals, as he lays claim to his bold and... Read more

By February 11, 2017

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Critical Voices: DREAMERS, This Album Does Not Exist

DREAMERS embody just about everything that defines an indie band, from their bold, pop-rock sound and to their upbeat acceptance of failures. Their debut This Album Does Not Exist (2016)... Read more

By February 11, 2017

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CV: Train, a girl a bottle a boat

The title of Train’s newest album, a girl a bottle a boat, reflects the band’s excessive effort to appeal to pop trends, but hardly matches the album’s actual emotions in... Read more

By February 7, 2017

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Preview: Story District’s Sucker for Love-A Valentine’s Day Special

In theory, all you need is an audience, a mic, and a way with words to be in the business of telling stories. Formally known as SpeakeasyDC, Story District joins... Read more

By February 7, 2017

Leisure

Rings Satisfies Newcomers and Old Fans of the Cult Classic Alike

After fans of the The Ring (2002) waited for 15 years for a sequel to settle The Ring’s uneasy aftertaste, the sequel Rings succeeds in satisfying audiences. The movie opens... Read more

By February 7, 2017

Leisure

CV: Kidz Bop, Kidz Bop 34

“Kidz Bop 34” is the mind-boggling 34th offering from the children’s music brand. Created in 2001 as some sort of elaborate device for making prisoners talk, Kidz Bop has been... Read more

By and February 6, 2017

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CV: Migos, Culture

For a group that both invented the dab and subsequently declared it dead, it took Migos quite a while to get their big break. Migos’ revival of Memphis legend Lord... Read more

By February 3, 2017