Leisure

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



Leisure

Critical Voices: Macklemore, This Unruly Mess I’ve Made

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have not released an official album since “The Heist” in 2012, which contained hits like “Can’t Hold Us”, “Thrift Shop”, and “Same Love” and thrust them... Read more

Leisure

Job (Half) Well Done: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Brings Laughs but Lacks in Depth

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot makes perfect sense—under certain conditions. It is undoubtedly the combination of directors Glenn Ficara and John Requa’s (Crazy, Stupid Love) rom-com orientation, writer Robert Carlock’s (30 Rock;... Read more

Leisure

Beautiful Yet Self-Aware: The 1975 Releases Expansive New Album

Last June, all of The 1975’s social media accounts dramatically disappeared for 24 hours. The move resulted in a mini frenzy among loyal fans, who anxiously speculated what was happening.... Read more

Leisure

Journey Down the Mekong: Alfie’s Offers a Taste of Thailand

The Capital’s Asian food scene could not be hotter right now: from the ramen experts at Daikaya and the eclectic, commercial, and culinary presenter Maketto, to the unexpected success of... Read more

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Dull Bits Cut Out: Oscar Thoughts

For the 88th year in a row, the Oscars have come and gone. There’s already been plenty of digital ink spilled on the topic, of course – from the #OscarsSoWhite... Read more

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Critical Voices: Ra Ra Riot, Need Your Light

Ra Ra Riot has been on the scene for a full decade now, but their most recent album, Need Your Light, still manages to be refreshing and offers something unique... Read more

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Not Your Average Underdog: Egerton Delivers in Charming Eddie the Eagle

The Winter Olympics probably don’t receive the credit they deserve. Sure, it’s fun to get fired up about Shaun White, but how often do our nation’s children huddle around the... Read more

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Blue Roses: Ford Theatre’s The Glass Menagerie is Rare, Delicate

“So is this gonna be an upper?” My friend — unfamiliar with The Glass Menagerie — leaned in and asked me about its happy-ending status as we waited for Ford’s... Read more

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Critical Voices: Dr. Dog, The Psychedelic Swamp

There are a plethora of factors that can go into naming an album. Maybe the name comes from a hit single, or some particularly clever lyrics on a song, or... Read more

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Critical Voices: Lake Street Dive, Side Pony

If there’s one word to describe Side Pony, it’s different. On the cusp of mainstream success, Lake Street Dive has refused to repeat themselves and this record takes their sound... Read more

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Right on Track: Race Fails to Wow but Tells an Important Story

Some stories should have no expiration date. Such stories, often true, are important because they compel us to reconsider societal truths. These stories serve as reminders, as affirmations of justice,... Read more

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Hunches and Hopes: Voice predicts the Oscars

Best Picture Who Will Win: The Big Short Who Should Win: Mad Max: Fury Road The Oscar race this year has been all over the place, and for the first... Read more

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Clarity and Comedy: Cyrano Shines at the Poulton Theatre

A few dirty jokes, poetry, sword fights, and a bit of panache sum up Mask and Bauble’s most recent production, Cyrano. The show, created by Michael Hollinger and Aaron Posner,... Read more

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How to Be Single: Fun, Energetic, and Relevant

A film depicting the single life of millennials was long overdue. We are constantly bombarded with articles that talk about the different ways our generation views love and enters into... Read more

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Cherry Tree Massacre Continues to Grow and Delight

On Friday, the Georgetown Chimes continued their three-weekend a cappella festival called the Cherry Tree Massacre, one of the biggest college a cappella festivals in the country.  The concept of... Read more

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Small Space, Big Talent: Spagnuolo Gallery Showcases Wickiser’s Versatility

The latest exhibition in Georgetown’s Spagnuolo Gallery, “Ralph Wickiser: A Retrospective,” examines the Illinois-native painter’s transition from representational to abstract nature painting. Wickiser’s paintings fit nicely into the Spagnuolo’s modest... Read more

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Mouthy and Magnificent: Reynolds Makes Deadpool a Manic Success

After about a minute of watching Deadpool, it is abundantly clear that the film is not taking itself the least bit seriously. Instead of listing the standard rundown of actors... Read more

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Dull Bits Cut Out: The Best of the Coen Brothers

With the release of Hail, Caesar! last weekend, Joel and Ethan Coen have put out their seventeenth feature film, more than 30 years on from thei r 1984 debut Blood... Read more

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Critical Voices: Porches, Pool

Indie artists have increasingly incorporated synth pop vibes and unrefined vocals into their sound. On the surface, Porches, a NYC-based band spearheaded by couple Aaron Maine and Greta Kline, appears... Read more

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Mischief, Magic and Musical Interludes: Folger Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

At 8:00 PM on the dot, Puck — that merry wanderer of the night — ambled up the aisle of the historic Folger Library Theatre. Played by Erin Weaver (Puck... Read more