---ilUSIC REVIEW]i----- Folk Implosion explosion

by Adam Greenerg assistant a&e editor

They didn't use the kitchen sink, but the Folk Implosion utilized almost everything else, including a cookie sheet, on their latest album.

That kitchen accessory is listed among the numerous instruments played by Folk-sters Lou Barlow and John Davis on "One Part Lullaby," an album teeming with interesting sounds.

The modem rock duo first gained attention in 1995 with their song "Natural One," which was featured on the soundtrack to the film "Kids." Blending a hip-hop beat with acoustic guitar, punctuated with a jagged post-chorus riff, the song became a bit.

Taking that approach further on "Lullaby," the songs are layered with organic instruments, like acoustic guitar, glockenspiel, and even a harp, on top of phat mechanical beats. The Folk Implosion craft musical collages in the vein of Beck, but with a slightly more pop feel.

On "Mechanical Man," Barlow imagines himself as the perfect person, but seems resigned to his flawed nature in the conclusion when he sings "I'm not perfect after all, I still get jealous when he calls."

"Gravity Decides" creeps in with a spare arrangement, riding on a thick, 2 a.m. bass groove before the beat kicks in on the second verse.

This eclectic song cycle also includes the wicked instrumental "Serge," which plays like the theme to some imaginary spy flick.

Barlow's heartfelt vocals are sometimes reminiscent of a lower-register Neil Young and Davis' backup singing complements the lead on many of the songs, such as the joyous chorus of "Chained to the Moon."

The country-rock finale "Back to the Sunrise" has an Eagles-like chorus and contains the throwaway line " My soul's on cruise control," which aptly describes the feeling one gets when listening to this joyride of an album.

While the radio is ruled by overly polished teen-oriented acts, fans of quirky, skewed-rock will find what they are looking for on the Folk Implosion's" One Part Lullaby."

ilbeCritic Sqys... #

queen at the Family Dinner Dance. Senior Karen Hassel and junior Derek Scates wore their crowns while friends cheered their names and gave them hugs and kisses. By 11:30 p.m. the Grace Hall Atrium's legal dance was filled with booming music and Cabrini's finest dressed in their party clothes.

The weekend came to an end with an event that was well worth the wait. The official opening of the Red Cloud Coffee house began at 8 p.m. Cavalier Attitudes, Cabrini's own Improv Troupe, gave a performance that had everyone hysterically laughing. The group was announced individually by a song that Mike Butler wrote about each individual. The president of the Improv Troupe, Lisa Finegan, was proud of the turnout. "This was the best opening since I have been here. It was the perfect ending to a surprisingly fun weekend."

-...BALLYHOO~

• There will be a legal party with a hawaiiantheme and karaokeevent held on Sat., Oct. 2 in the Widner Cen• ter at 9 p.m.

• Music video bingo will be held on rues..Oct. 5 in the Widner Center at a pm.

• Aft:~ Sight, a co ent works created by 55 legally .,._:from the United States of ... Exhibits by Blind~ i& ing at the PhiladelphiaMuseum The exhibit will be featured until No . 14.~. . callt11 more information.

•The val will be ped Oct. 13 through Nov- • • Sat. at 8 p.m.and Sun., Wed.• and Thurs. at 2 p.m. Generaladmissionis $20.00, $15.00 for students and seniors and $12.00 for PhiladelphiaShakespeare Festivalmembers. For tickets call UpStages215-5699700.Thefestival locationis 2111Sansom St. Philadelphia,PA.

•Three-and-a-half rubber smiles out of five•

• There will be a Woodcrest yearbook· meetingon Thurs., Sept 30 at 3:15 p.m. All are encouragedto.attend and get involved

by Terry Cipollini staff writer

"War is hell," a famous quote by General William T. Sherman, still holds true today. Just ask anyone who has been there. But a non-profit, primarily volunteer organization has spent the last 58 years trying to make hell a little better. The United Services Organization was established in February 1941.

The goal of the USO was to bring a "touch of home" to members of our armed services. Those who are aware of the USO may remember Bob Hope on the deck of an aircraft carrier hitting golf balls, or pictures of the faces of young men being entertained by Marilyn Monroe. Well, the USO is growing stronger. They maintain their original mission to provide all military personnel with "morale, welfare and recreation-type services."

The USO continues to entertain our military personnel abroad. Recently, Billy Joel and Elton John performed in Japan. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders did their 36th USO tour in the Persian Gulf. Hootie and the Blowfish performed their second USO tour in Hungary and the Persian Gulf. Other artists to volunteer their time include Sheryl Crow, Paula Cole and Jay Leno. These are all free performances that include time for the military personnel to meet the artists. These testimonials can be found on the USO website; "The military audience is like no other audience I've played to. They are so appreciative, and I'm proud to perform especially for them," said Billy Joel. "The USO is alive and well and something ALL American people should support with either their time or money," Sheryl Crow said.

On April 22, 1999 the USO formed an alliance with the Time For America Foundation. This foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs to inform Americas youth about the military. In a press release General Carl E. Mundy, president of World USO, said "This association will help the USO perform one of its key missions - to educate and remind the American people that there are still 1.4 million troops out there now - potentially in harm's way."

The Senate designated a National Military Appreciation Month. This was initiated by the USO to honor all men and women of active duty, inactive duty and retired. These men and women span every branch of the military service. Prior to this first celebration to take place in May 2000, we honored the deceased on Memorial Day and those involved in foreign wars on Veterans Day.

This May will provide a wonderful opportunity for anyone willing to involve themselves in a first. If you are the pioneer type, take a minute to log on to the USO website at www.uso.org or www.nmam.org. Start the new millennium by participating in a new celebration.