Western Courier

Marimba player extraordinaire Kai Stensgaard entertained an audience largely comprised of students from the music department in the College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall Wednesday, Oct. 26.… Post the First Comment

Satan was smiling up (and God frowning down) at the raucous audience that gathered in the College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall on Thursday, Oct. 27 to celebrate the most unholy of all holidays and pagan celebrations: Halloween.… Post the First Comment

Joseph Webb gave an impressive performance titled "Taps and Words Meets Coltrane and Bird" that showcased his versatile dancing on Thursday, Oct. 27 in the Western Illinois University Union Grand Ballroom.… Post the First Comment

Through the magic of puppets, animatronics and realistic monster makeup, "Labyrinth" comes alive. With Muppet genius Jim Henson directing stars David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, "Labyrinth" instantly becomes a classic childhood movie you hate to admit you love.… Post the First Comment

The sky may be falling, but "Chicken Little" is poised to launch Disney to new heights. Released today, the film marks the first completely computer-animated Disney production. In advertisements, the company dramatically declares, "A whole new era in Disney animated entertainment begins."… Post the First Comment

The forefather of the first-person shooter video game genre, "Doom," is now on the big screen.… Post the First Comment

The second installment of Leigh Whannell's psychological thriller, "Saw," hit the nation by storm over Halloween weekend. With a current gross of over $31 million, it's one of the best sequels to a horror/thriller film ever.… Post the First Comment

What are you supposed to do when people with all the power hurt those with none? You stand up.… Post the First Comment

The latest compilation to come from the pressing plants of San Francisco's Fat Wreck Chords' music headquarters has allied itself with a good cause: helping children.… Post the First Comment

After producing multi-platinum records with '90s pop-rock icons, Bush's Gavin Rossdale is back with his new band, Institute.… Post the First Comment

Wow … where to begin? As a fan of the unique, revolutionary Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the buzz about the new album "Howl" said it would be different. This certainly turned out to be true. "Howl" is not only a departure from the band's previous sound, but almost the most radical evolution ever recalled from a single band. The best way to imagine this album is unplugged and seated on the back porch in the Deep South. From the beginning track, "Shuffle Your Feet," it sounds like this song is 100 years old with its acoustic strumming style and a gospel choir filling the air in the introduction. The influences of gospel, blues, hard rock and even country are everywhere throughout the album. "Ain't No Easy Way" is a short blast of acoustic jamming, very reminiscent of a few tracks from the Led Zeppelin IV album. But most songs, including "Restless Sinner" and "Gospel Song" are pensive. "Fault Line" is one of the highlights. This slow acoustic ballad with wailing harmonica will reminds listners of a laid-back Guns N' Roses song set in the 1930s. Fans of Wilco also will appreciate this album. The style and sound of Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy can be heard on tracks like "Promise" and "Devil's Waitin.'" Lastly, this album will remind listeners of the spirit of the "O Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack. It's no surprise then that legendary composer/producer T-Bone Burnett contributed to "Howl" as well. Harmonica, intense slide guitar, original sound and songs with a message are all elements that make "Howl" and the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club what they are. This is a strong, unique album that many listeners will enjoy and appreciate. So grab the ole guitar, sit on the porch, stomp your feet and break free.… Post the First Comment

If there is a revolution tomorrow, the trio that comprises the Canadian thrash-punk rock musical machine Propagandhi would be in the front lines spouting off words and shunning capitalism, selective compassion and war-fueled atrocities.… Post the First Comment

If there is anyone in the world who knows how to do a romantic comedy properly, after seeing "Après Vous," you'll start believing it's the French.… Post the First Comment

Do you ever get sick of cheesy horror movies like "The Grudge," "Boogeyman" or "Cursed"? Apparently, the French also are getting fed up with the PG-13 craze that is engulfing scary movies today.… Post the First Comment