Broken Hearts Music

MUSIC THE BUZZ

M A R C H 2 , 2 0 0 6 T H E B U Z Z @ D A I L Y T I T A N . C O M

THE MUSIC SCOOP PART TROIS

By Jimmy Stroup

Daily Titan Staff Writer

I have returned again in my quest to release you from the rampant commercialism that has throttled music and driven it from its real purpose: girls. That’s correct – the reason why music exists is to aid in getting laid (for those who make it, as well as those you use it).

Fortunately, almost any music can help in attaining this goal.

And these next five beauties might be what you ought to pick up and try out toward that end.

(11) Nighthawks at the Diner by Tom Waits. I agonized over this pick. Because Waits is as diverse an artist as you’ll ever find, choosing one over others becomes a real hassle since he’s a musical chameleon and his albums reflect that. Mule Variations, for example, is really great. But I settled on Nighthawks because it’s accessible, and if you like this, you can move on to the more complex. Sort of an homage to whisky and dive bars, this live double album is a nice mix of jazz tunes with Waits on vocals, piano and guitar (but only two at a time), and four other guys filling out the standard quintet. Especially good are “Better Off Without a Wife” and “Big Joe and Phantom 309,” a cover of the old Red Sovine ghost truck driver song (it’s OK – I know none of you know who Red Sovine is).

(12) Aja by Steely Dan. This is my favorite band named after a dildo. Aw, it’s just one of my favorite bands period, name or no. I liked their early stuff, but I’m partial to the period in their career that Aja (pronounced Asia) came out of: just after they quit touring and before they quit altogether. And though reunited and again making music, I still think Aja’s my favorite. Some of you will recognize instantly the beats and rhythms taken out of several of these songs and “sampled” underneath some popular R&B tunes of the last 15 years. Just remember that there’s a reason the R&B guys are ripping this off to make their crap better – because it’s totally killer. With

Th e reason why music exists is to aid in getting laid.

JIMMY STROUP

great funk, the jazz-rock on Aja combines the best in construction of very poignant and unforgettable tunes that stick with you long after you’re done listening. Best on the album: “Peg,” I think. It doesn’t hurt that Michael McDonald lends his considerable talent to the backing vocals throughout, either.

(13) A Bigger Piece of Sky by Robert Earl Keen. Though not much a singer, Keen’s best album is an excellent example of how great songwriting will compensate for other inadequacies. I admit that this is a country album; I think it’s the pedal steel that really gives it away. And the backbeat. And the fiddle. But forget all that, because this album is like crack. I keep it in the car at all times. “Jesse With the Long Hair Hanging Down” is as good a fast-paced ballad ever written, and “Paint the Town Beige” describes growing older in startlingly touching terms. “Daddy Had a Buick” is also a noteworthy tune, just because it’s so much fun.

(14) The Commitments Soundtrack. I wouldn’t be recommending a soundtrack if it were the usual collection of lame movie tunes. Set in Dublin during the never-ending recession, The Commitments is a 1991 film about a rhythm and blues band made up entirely of white Irishmen (and women) – and they’re fantastic. The album’s a collection of soul covers the band performs during the course of the film. “Dark End of the Street,” “Mustang Sally,” “Destination Anywhere”; they’re all there. And when I tell you that the guy who sings lead (Andrew Strong) was only 16 at the time, you’re going to call me a damn liar, but it’s true.

By Cindy Tullues

Daily Titan Staff Writer

ARTIC MONKEYS FACE FIERCE COMPETITION

Is it me or did the Arctic Monkeys appear out of nowhere?

They might not be the next best thing in the music industry, but the British rockers’ hit single, “I bet you look good on the dance floor” has created a musical buzz in the indie rock community and are slowly creeping their way onto your radio!

The monkeys walked away with several British music awards this year, proving they are worth listening to.

After much hype from the British music press, the group released their first debut album titled “Whatever people say I am, that is what I’m not” across the nation on February 21.

Catchy lyrics fueled by a rollercoaster of guitars and drums have transformed them from an unknown band into a No. 1 phenomenon in the United Kingdom, even daringly being compared to The Beatles. But their music seems to be a mix between The White Stripes and Franz Ferdinand – also under the same record label. The only resemblance the Monkeys have to The Beatles is an unassuming British accent.

(15) Graceland by Paul Simon. by Paul Simon. A staple of any complete musical collection, Simon brilliantly blends his folk style with South African influences to create a new standard for experimental fusion. The popular “You can Call Me Al” (some may remember the video featuring Chevy Chase – himself a musician in his own right) was a popular radio hit, but “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” and the title track “Graceland” have proved to be more lasting. “I Know What I Know” is my favorite track, but I could be argued out of it, since it’s all so good.

That’s it for this week. Check back next Thursday as I line up five more albums for you t.o go buy.

The album is undoubtedly filled with a lot of young energy that drives the musical talents of 20- year-old singer Alex Turner.

Though he cannot be considered a musical poet, his relentless stories about women, clubs and fame is refreshingly amusing.

But, most of their songs seem to be clones of one another and of all other indie bands. Despite their monotonous music, listeners will find themselves bobbing their heads and humming to “Dancing Shoes.” I do not doubt that the Arctic Monkeys will become sensations, but I fear that they will only become another face in the music industry. “Whatever people say I am, that is what I’m not” is a good start, but the competition is fierce.

THE BUZZ THE BACK PAGE M A R C H 2 , 2 0 0 6 HIDE LADY LUMPS WITH

SPRING FASHION TRENDS

By Lauren Padilla

Daily Titan Staff Writer

The cold weather brought pretty coats, holidays, presents, snowboarding, wonderful comfort food and unfortunately for many some extra winter pounds.

Now spring is steadily approaching and it’s time to lose the coats and show some skin.

This can seem a little scary if one’s body is not yet up to “par.”

So how can one sport the latest fashions while still maintaining the confidence that your body is in line with its oh so fabulous wardrobe? Now is the time to beat the winter bulge and revel in spring’s beauty.

First off, start with revamping your lingerie.

It’s not only made to make you look sexy, but also to enhance the areas you love and the not-soloveable areas.

If your beautiful booty got a little jiggly with all the holiday sweets, you might want to pick up some fuller briefs or boy-cut underwear, they will make your rear look just right under springs flimsy skirts and adorable sundresses.

A six-pack is rather hard to maintain when it has been masked all winter by luxurious coats and sweaters.

Springs feminine silhouette will be quick to remind anyone that their tummy might be lacking some firmness.

It might sound a little grandmaish but a higher top control brief will turn one’s physique goddesslike under a body clinging spring dress. If you would rather skip the body armor, the very stylish empire dresses are perfect for

drawing attention away from a not so perfect waistline.

If you are still feeling remnants of the winter chill, opt for some wide leg trousers paired with a soft feminine blouse. The wider trousers will pull the eyes away from the tummy, and make it look much smaller proportionally creating a beautiful overall balance. The wider cut also works wonders on disguising one’s thighs if that’s a problem area.

If your arms feel a little flabby, especially after watching Madonna’s 40-year-Pilate-toned arms in her latest MTV video, a girly cardigan is your remedy. It will add a soft comforting touch to any of springs dresses or delicate ensembles and do the trick of making everyone forget that you don’t have the time to spend 23.5 hours of the day toning up like America’s Material Girl.

CHEAP FUN AT THE SANTA ANA ZOO

By Jackie Kimmel

Daily Titan Columnist

Since last week I told you all how to become movie star extras, I thought I would add something different to my activity list.

This time I am offering a place where you can spend the day with a swamp wallaby or a mosquito fish.

You are probably thinking that I have been shot too many times by a laser gun, but I am referring to spending a day at the Santa Ana Zoo.

It is not surprising that visiting the zoo would not be anywhere in the top 50 things a college student could do. Yet, zoo attendance could be the missing link in the chain of usual entertainment ideas. The Santa Ana Zoo is first and foremost local, and those who live in the city of Santa Ana, get in for free.

A visit to the zoo can help in a homework assignment that requires you to write about something different or unique in your life.

Zoos are always a hit when it comes to dating.

The zoo is not the most romantic place, but could come in handy if your mate is scared of a certain animal, bird, or bug and clings to you for safety.

Plus, the zoo is the perfect setting if you have children, baby-sit children, or have younger siblings to watch over.

For those who truly enjoy the company of animals and have some spare time the zoo is always looking for volunteers, ranging from zoo ambassadors to assisting in special events.

The Santa Ana zoo is $6 for adults, and children under 3 get in free.