10.14.15 - VOL. 12, NO. 8 - MAROONWEEKLY.COM
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maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 3
Music Reviews Mayday Parade Album: Black Lines
Release Date: October 9, 2015
By Jordyn Smith
Mayday Parade is back with “Black Lines.” The band brings a great, well-rounded sound to the alternative genre. The 12-track album expertly displays the band’s many talents. Their ability to mix hard-rocking tracks with ballads showcases their natural talent. Each song stands out well on its own. The band clearly shied away (in a good way) from their “emo” impassioned yelps, seeing how they do not connect as well anymore. The band’s overall sound has matured greatly since their last album. On this release, there is a song for any listener’s mood. Want to rock out? Try “Keep In Mind, Transmogrification Is a New Technology.” Getting over a bad break-up? “Letting Go” is the ballad you may want to tune into. Overall the band has done a great job with “Black Lines.”
Selena Gomez brings delivers a run-of-the-mill pop album with “Revival.” The 14-trackrecord is a nice addition to her previous work, and is an overall decent piece of work. That being said, only a couple songs really stand out well—the rest seem to fade away. A few songs on the album raise the question of “is she pulling a Taylor Swift and writing about her exes?” Unfortunately, Selena Gomez is not Taylor Swift and does not execute it as well. “Camouflage” is the best track on the album. With minimal auto-tune, the real Selena Gomez shines through. The song is also highly-relatable. If you are a Selena Gomez fan, you should enjoy this album. If you are not, you probably are not going to rush out to get this one.
Toby Keith has brought his fans exactly what they expect: an American, drinking, good timing album with “35 MPH Town.” “Drunk Americans” attempts to bridge the gaps that drive all of us apart. For anyone, it is worth a listen, you may learn something. If you are a drinker (of legal age), especially a rum drinker, Toby Keith has brought you a theme song “Rum Is the Reason” – something that even Captain Jack Sparrow would be proud of. For those needing a classic break-up country song, Keith delivers with “Haggard, Hank, & Her.” If you grew up in a small town, you will connect with the title-track “35 MPH Town.” Keith also enlists the help of living-legend Jimmy Buffet on “Sailboat for Sale.” Overall, the record resonates stronger than his other recent releases.
For those who like Ben Rector and the singer/songwriter genre, Jon McLaughlin is someone you need to invest in ASAP. “Like Us” is a fantastically-written and produced album. His smooth vocals and complimentary accompaniment help make this album shine. The real winner on this release is the songwriting. Jon’s ability to convey different emotions and connect with his listeners is essential. To say the 11-track album is eclectic is an understatement. Each track stands out as its own piece of art. When he put these tracks together for this album, he really was able to put together a complete album, showcasing an extreme attention to detail.
pg 4 • MAROON WEEKLY •Oct. 14, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Selena Gomez Album: Revival
Release Date: October 9, 2015
Toby Keith Album: 35 MPH Town
Release Date: October 9, 2015
Jon McLaughlin Album: Like Us
Release Date: October 9, 2015
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maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 5
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: STATESBORO REVUE By Annabeth Reeb
Statesboro Revue was formed in 2007 when lead singer Stewart Mann picked up and headed to Austin in search of his sound. He brought together a band of five; Todd Laningham and Will Knaak on guitar, Rob Alton on Bass, and Beau Wadely on the drums. The group sought out for the makings of a groovy, danceable sound.
in Austin, Statesboro Revue did just that.
Mann gets a lot of his songs and sound from the influence of those he listens to. Even his band name, Statesboro Revue, came from a favorite of his. The Almann Brothers—one of man’s alltime favorite bands—covered a song by Blind Willie McTell that was about “Statesboro,” which “I wanted something people could move their feet happens to be the name of a town in Georgia. to,” Mann explained. “I didn’t know when I first chose the album name, With his new band and their music-inspired home but since then we’ve had so many people ask us if
pg 6 • MAROON WEEKLY • Oct. 14, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
we’re from Statesboro Georgia,” Mann said. The second part of the song is spelled Revue to avoid the misinterpretation of being a magazine or newspaper. Even so, the band has received many emails about posting things in their newspaper, Statesboro “Review.” So, no folks, they aren’t from Georgia and they aren’t a newspaper. Statesboro Revue just released a new album, “Junkhouse Revival,” in
August with Gordy Quist and Scott Davis of the Austin-based band, Band of Aggieland won’t be a new experience for him. Heathens. The album has a deeper country sound than other releases that Statesboro Revue has produced, which Mann suggests is due to the music “We’re playing with a few friends during this show, so everyone will have to he been frequenting at the time of its production. step up their game. We love a little friendly competition.” “Subconsciously, I think, my songs are always a product of what I’m listening Statesboro Revue will be playing alongside Whiskey Myers and William Clark to at the time. Whatever I write is a usually a product of what I’m listening Green. to and consuming myself with at the time. I was listening to a lot of older country stuff.” “It will be one giant jam session,” Mann added. Mann credits his Junkhouse Revival sound to older artists such as Waylon, Merle Haggard, JJ Cale, and Jim Croce. “It wasn’t intentional, it just happens,” Mann continued.
We asked him if he had a favorite spot to frequent in College Station. “When I was in school I would always hang out at Dudley’s Draw. So when I come in town for shows I usually make sure I go there. And the Chicken of course.”
The band just finished filming a music video for their single “Undone,” the first video for their most recent songs. Statesboro Revue will be playing at Hurricane Harry’s on Friday, October 16. “We’re really excited about it,” man said. “There are a lot of great things coming.” This is also Statesboro Revue’s first professionally done music video. “It was great having professionals guide you and tell you what to do. It’s a totally different ballgame,” Mann said. Their first music video was for their song, “Huck Finn.” “That one was a lot of fun; it was mostly us just hanging out by the river. Pretty typical.” Along with filming a brand new music video, Statesboro Revue just returned from their second international tour. The band traveled for two months, doing 37 shows in 60 days. “It was absolutely unreal,” Mann explained. “We got a really good response from all of the countries. I think people are really spoiled here; they can get music whenever they want it. They appreciate it a lot more over there.” Although the music video will be of their song, “Undone,” there are other favorites in the album as well. We asked Mann if he had a favorite song to preform form his newest album. “Tallahassee,” Mann responded. “I wrote that one with Adam Hood. We usually close the show with that one; it’s always a crowd pleaser.” Mann graduated from Texas A&M himself, so his show in
maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 7
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GRANGER SMITH @ WOLF PEN CREEK
By Jordyn Smith
inaugural SEC Midnight Yell before the opening game against the University of Florida in 2012. Granger had played a set at First Yell while opening for Robert Earl Keen, but at the completion of his performance, everyone knew a certain song was missing. As Midnight Yell began, Granger emerged with a guitar and a microphone. He sang “We Bleed Maroon” in front of 55,000 Aggies at Midnight Yell. That moment, that song, will remain engrained in the memories of everyone who had the honor of being there on that historic night. Following the success of “We Bleed Maroon,” Granger released “Don’t Listen to the Radio” in 2009 and “Poets and Prisoners” in 2011. His fan base had grown exponentially and Smith was now able to tour consistently outside of Texas. What helped to propel him forward was his brand consistency. Granger continually put out music that connected to fans all over while continuing to put on great shows. Famed Texas A&M former student Granger Smith makes another pass through Aggieland for a show at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater on October 16. Smith, Fightin’ Texas Aggie class of 2002, rooted his career in Texas from the very beginning, and he would slowly build his fanbase to carry his shows to the nationwide stage—resulting in nine albums, an alter-ego, and a new record deal as he continues to enhance his brand. Granger first began his musical journey back in 1998 with the release of his first album “Waiting On Forever.” Since then, he has seen a steady progression in his music. While the country genre has been overhauled since the release of his first album, Granger has found a way to mature his music without losing his trademark sound. A truly independent artist for most of his career, this allowed him to produce the music he knew his fans wanted. This dedication to his roots helped Granger build a fiercely loyal following.
In 2011, Granger released a video that would take his brand to national prominence. He released “Earl Dibbles Jr.” a video about his alter-ego. From the inception of a simple catch phrase, Granger was able to take his presence to a new level. YEE-YEE! Granger saw his merchandise sells go through the roof. He was then able to incorporate this character into his shows. Granger even released the “The Country Boy Song” on his 2013 album “Dirt Road Driveway.” The success of this character has led to new opportunities for Granger. Earl Dibbles Jr. even has a weekly “Dip’em and Pick’em” segment that airs weekly on CBS Sports during the college football season.
The success of his music, his brand, and Earl Dibbles Jr. has paid off huge for Granger. In August of this past year, he signed his first major-label record One of the major identifiers associated with Granger Smith is his ties to Texas deal with Broken Bow Records in Nashville. Broken Bow’s careful attention to A&M. Granger wrote the hit “We Bleed Maroon” as a reflection on his time at their artist’s music and brands makes them the perfect fit for Granger. Smith Texas A&M. From its release in 2006, the song found its way into the hearts is slated to begin recording his next full-length album for his Broken Bow of Aggies and stands as a favorite at dancehalls in Aggieland and through the Records debut. speakers of Ags across the world. Be sure to grab tickets at grangersmith.com at head out to Wolf Pen Creek One of the highlights of Granger’s monumental career came during the this Friday, Granger takes the stage 7:00pm!
maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 9
CHARLIE DANIELS @ THE BRAZOS COUNTY FAIR By Jordyn Smith
In 1971, Daniels released his first solo album, “Charlie Daniels.” His breakthrough as a solo-artist came in 1973 with the release of his third record, “Honey in the Rock.” Daniels had his first hit with “Uneasy Rider,” it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. In 1975, the Charlie Daniels Band reached double-platinum status with the album “Fire On The Mountain.” The album included rebel anthems “Long Haired Country Boy” and “The South’s Gonna Do It.” Following several label changes, in 1976 the group signed on to Epic Records’ rock roster. The contract became the largest ever given to a Nashville act at the time. With the support and loyalty of the label, Charlie Daniels released the megahit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in the summer of 1979. The single would go on to reach platinum status, topping both the country and pop charts. It also won Daniels a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal, three Country Music Association awards, became an international phenomenon, and became a staple in the movie Urban Cowboy. Daniels would even make an appearance in the hit movie. With the success of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” it The legendary Charlie Daniels and his band will headline the Brazos County propelled the album “Million Mile Reflections” to Triple Platinum status. Fair on October 16. Charlie Daniels grew up in Gulf, North Carolina, where he became skilled at several instruments including guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. He was also fed a steady musical diet, ranging from Pentecostal gospel to local bluegrass, blues to country. He began his career as a writer and performer in the 1950s. After graduating from high school in 1955, he formed a rock ‘n’ roll band and began performing. Later in the 1960s, he took his talents to the studio. Being a multi-instrument player, Daniels was able to work as a studio musician. Daniels often worked with producer Bob Johntson, who had produced an album for Daniels’ rock ‘n’ roll group back in 1959. Daniels’ most notable studio work was with Bob Dylan. Daniels played on Dylan’s “1969-1970 Nashville Skyline,” “New Morning,” and Self Portrait.”
pg 10 • MAROON WEEKLY •Oct. 14, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Since the huge success of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” The Charlie Daniels Band has consistently toured and released new music. The song has transcended through generations, allowing the Charlie Daniels Band to grow their audience. Charlie Daniels, over the years, has become a huge influence on country music and southern rock. He has set the tone for what is expected out of artists. His love for both genres is known and well-respected. On January 19, 2008 a dream became a reality for Charlie Daniels as he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is considered to be one of country music’s highest honors. After years and years of successful records and tours, the Charlie Daniels Band shows now inclination of slowing down, and now they’re bringing their can’t-miss show to Aggieland.
PUMPKINS, EVERYWHERE By Adrianna Zampieri
Love them or hate them, pumpkins are a mouth-watering addition to favorite foods: pumpkin pies, pumpkin spice lattes, and pumpkin bread. They fill our homes with a comforting, spicy aroma when using pumpkin-scented candles, lotions, and soap. And let’s not forget the most important use for pumpkins: jack-o’-lanterns. There are many different ways you can use these orange gourds to embellish your home during the fall season, not just during October. If you’re a fan of glitter, then listen up. You can transform any boring pumpkin into a colorful decoration that suits your style. Just use a can of glitter spray paint to cover your pumpkin, let it dry, and voilà! It’s a quick and simple way to add some sass to your décor. You could also opt to only cover the stem with glitter and then paint over the orange with a bright color such as teal or magenta to shake things up even more. If you don’t want to be finding glitter all over your home for the next six months, then here are some glitter-free ideas for you: Bedazzle your pumpkin with multi-colored buttons and rhinestones, or use fabric paint in squeeze bottles to create dazzling designs or spell out words on the rind. Also, by bringing stickers and non-toxic finger-paints into the mix, kids can have fun decorating, too. Last, but most certainly not least, to show some Aggie pride, paint your pumpkin maroon and white. Alternate the colors. Do half-and-half. Draw a picture of Reveille, or if you’re feeling talented, carve out the Texas A&M logo on your pumpkin. You can even throw a dash of glitter in there somewhere. Let future Aggies decorate their pumpkins with Texas A&M-themed stickers. Display your personalized work of art indoors or out. Line the stairs with a rainbow of pumpkins, set a large gold pumpkin in the middle of the dining table as the centerpiece. Stack a bunch of small, glitter-covered ones next to your front door. Pumpkins are a perfect fit everywhere.
maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 11
Singer-songwriter Ben Rector is partnering up with Nashville-based folk band Judah and the Lion for a fall tour, and they’re making a stop in Aggieland. Both groups have been to the Grand Stafford Theater before, and this is not Ben Rector’s first time in Rudder either. The combination of these two is sure to be a concert to remember. Judah and the Lion arrived to a sold-out Stafford last fall. Their sound is a little more indie/folk and their most-recent album—“Kids These Days”—dropped in September 2014. While their first EP’s, “First Fruits” and “Sweet Tennessee,” were a little more relaxed, “Kids These Days” was much more upbeat with the folk feel. The group is incredibly casual in concert and have been known to remix songs with an indie feel (think: R. Kelly’s “Ignition” with banjos). They’ll immediately make you feel like you’re part of their group and you definitely want to see them live. Ben Rector released his newest album, “Brand New,” in midAugust to the welcoming arms of adoring fans and earned the third spot on iTunes for top album of the week. He’s consistently had great responses to his honest albums and soulful voice, but “Brand New” seemed to be a league of its own.
BEN RECTOR
The album reflects more of Ben’s personality and is even more of an authentic delivery than normal (listen to “The Men Who Drive Me Places” and “Crazy” off the album for more information). He is prominent on social media—which he runs himself—and his shows always feel more like a gathering of friends than a concert.
By Linley McCord
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A Tale as Old as Time, Broadway’s smash hit musical returns to Rudder Auditorium on October 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. as part of the MSC OPAS “Positively Enchanting!” season. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman who never felt a sense of belonging. Then there’s the Beast, a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress because of his arrogance. The beast must learn to love and be loved for the curse to be lifted and transform back to his former self – but time is running out. If the Beast cannot learn his lesson before the enchanted rose loses its petals, he and his household will be doomed for eternity. Based on the 1991 Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is celebrating 21 years since its Broadway premiere in 1994—making it the ninth longest running musical in Broadway history. The production has become an international sensation seen by more than 35 million people in 22 countries, and translated into nine different languages.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST @ MSC OPAS By Madison Matous
The original creators of the Broadway production have reunited for this new touring production. The play is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with costume design by Tony Award-winner Ann Hould-Ward, lighting design by five-time Tony Award-winner Natasha Katz, scenic design by Stanley Meyer, sound design by John Petrafesa Jr. and music supervision by Michael Kosarin. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast features the Academy Award winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs composed by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. Don’t miss this classic production, acclaimed for its beautiful costumes and catchy songs. Tickets are on sale now at the MSC Box Office, and range from $35 to $85 with special prices for students. More information on this show and others on the roster for the rest of the OPAS season can be found on website mscopas.org.
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WHISKEY MYERS @ HURRICANE HARRY’S By Jordyn Smith
Whiskey Myers is returning to Hurricane Harry’s gotten us to the point we’re at,” said guitarist John this Friday, October 16. They will enlist fellow Jeffers. “We really want to continue on that same Texans William Clark Green and Statesboro Revue track.” to open for them. That mantra has been reflected in the group’s The band is comprised of Cody Cannon, Cody Tate, music, progressively getting better and better. John Jeffers, Gary Brown, and Jeff Hogg—a group of guys that have been consistently praised for The group’s debut album “Road of Life” was making “honest” music. The group grew up together released in July of 2008. Since then, they have in Palestine, Texas. gone on to release two more albums. In 2011, the released “Firewater” which peaked at number 26 on This bond has allowed them to keep nothing off- Billboard’s Top Country Albums. The album included limits in their music. Any and every topic is on fan favorites like “Bar, Guitar, and a Honkytonk the table during songwriting sessions, and this Crowd” and “Ballad of a Southern Man.” authenticity is what has kept Whiskey Myers in the Texas Country spotlight. In 2014, they released “Early Morning Shakes.” They brought on Dave Cobb to produce the album. Cobb Whiskey Myer’s brings a great edge to the Texas has produced for great talent such as Waylon country format. Influenced by southern rock, rock and Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson. Cobb’s ‘n’ roll, and country, the band has made a sound mastery and Whiskey Myer’s authenticity brought that is inherently their own. The result has been this album to another level. wild success and fans that come out in droves to see the band perform. One can understand Combining southern rock soul and country grit, why. they knocked it out of the park. The album was wildly successful, peaking at 10 on the Billboard “Staying true to ourselves and to our music has Top Country Albums. Included on the album was
a tremendous cover of David Allen Coe’s “Need a Little Time Off for Bad Behavior.” Between albums, the group released two singles. They released “Summer 2005” in the summer of 2009 and “Home” in October of 2013. Opening for Whiskey Myer’s is fellow Texas country star William Clark Green. Green hails from Flint, Texas and attended Texas Tech. He released his first album “Dangerous Man” in 2008 while he was studying at Tech. Green has steadily released new albums every few years since then. In 2012 he released “Rose Queen.” The album peaked at 34 on the Billboard Top Country Albums. “Rose Queen” had his first number one regional hit with “She Likes the Beatles.” The album yielded three Top 10 singles on the Texas country charts. In April of 2015, he released his latest album “Ringling Road.” It debuted at 18 on the Billboard Top Country Charts, with the first single off the album went 1 on the Texas country charts. Green has since enjoyed great success as a headliner and as an opener for other Texas country artists.
maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 15
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RICH O’TOOLE By Jordyn Smith
As if there wasn’t already enough hype for the Top 10 Division Rivalry between Texas A&M and Alabama coming up at Kyle Field on October 17, the tailgating scene promises to be epic – a huge tailgate concert with have Aggie fans lined up at center stage well before kickoff to catch a performance by Texas A&M Former Student Rich O’Toole.
releasing “How Bout Them Aggies.”
took a different route into creating the album. He rooted himself in Los Angeles to perfect his country-rock sound. This change of scenery allowed him to really dig-deep for this album. With a heavy influence of Springsteen, the album shines and brings a new perspective to Texas country. The richness of the album lies in the songwriting. The album captures O’Toole’s great sense of honesty and transparency.
O’Toole graduated from Texas A&M in 2006 and has been bringing his own style to the Texas music scene ever since. He has found great success here in Texas, including more than a dozen Top 10 hits on Texas radio. However, like many of his fellow Texas country artists, his dedication to his music has led him to opportunities outside of the The Beyer Cook and Deuce Tailgate Party in state. He has opened for huge acts like Willie tailgate party will be located Lot 65 behind the Nelson and Dierks Bentley, as well as the Josh Outside of music, O’Toole has found success in Kleberg Center, and O’Toole will kick-off the party Abbott Band, and many more. collaborating with “Sorry I’m Texan” to create at 12:00 p.m. O’Toole has showcased his Aggie TexMoji. A collection of smartphone emojis pride with frequent trips back to BCS as well as His last album, “Jaded,” was released in 2014. He based on Texas favorites. O’Toole and company
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY •Oct. 14, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
saw a gap in emojis and a demand for Texasrelated icons. By creating this app, he has given his fans and Texans everywhere a way to show-off their Texas pride even more. He has also started his own clothing line, 17 Army. 17 Army is not just about selling his brand, it is about helping artists.
our whole team is coming down for this. It’s just so special, I’m dying to be there. It’s A&M versus Alabama. It just worked out perfectly to come to the game and play. The Aggies are doing so well, you know when I was in school from 2001 to 2006, we weren’t that great. MW: This game is a Top 10 division rivalry; We sat down with Rich to discuss the tailgate predictions for the outcome? concert, his predictions for the game, coming back to Texas A&M, and his involvement with RO: We looked decent versus Arkansas, versus TexMoji and 17 Army. Mississippi State we looked really good. I’m just hoping we practice really hard and if we show MW: First off, this tailgate concert is bound to be up, I think we have a great shot at beating a party; what goes into prepping for something Alabama. Alabama is especially no one to joke like this? with but at the same time, I believe in Sumlin and the team. They’ve been working so hard and RO: Uh lots of gear hahaha, just kidding. It’s I think we can do it. Hopefully we can do it by definitely a party you know, it’s one of those two touchdowns. I hope we can show the whole things where it’s a tailgate and people are getting country that we’re here. psyched and pumped up for the game. It’s going to be a concert and kind of a celebration for how MW: You’ve played with some major talent, from well the Aggies are doing. I’ll play a lot of my Dierks Bentley and Willie Nelson to Josh Abbott; older stuff that I wrote when I was in school at what are some of your favorite memories out on Texas A&M. the road? Anyone you’d love to play with? MW: Alumni love to come back to campus, very few have the chance to perform for a crowd at an event like this; how special is it for you to play at your alma mater?
RO: Josh and I grew up playing music together in college while he was at Tech and during my A&M days. I just played with him last Saturday. Bucket list was definitely Willie Nelson. I’m a giant Bruce Springsteen fan and I would love one RO: Oh it’s so great! It’s one of those things day, to have the opportunity to open for Bruce where the guys want me to do it, they’ll call me. Springsteen. The next record that we’re doing is I’ll do it for so cheap because I want to come like our “Born In The USA” type album, he’s been a back and do it. We got tickets to the game and big influence on what I’m doing right now.
MW: You partnered with “Sorry I’m Texan” to create TexMoji, and it’s been wildly successful. Any plans for more Tex-Mojis? Maybe one of Kyle Field or the Dixie Chicken? RO: For sure, I want to get more Aggie stuff in there. We have to dance around copyright issues because they are all kind of knock-offs, so we don’t want to get sued. There are definitely meetings that are going to happen. I’d love to do the Aggie Ring and the Dixie Chicken. I own half the company so I have a lot of say and Aggies, in my eyes, come first. You’re going to see a lot more updates, we had to play it safe when we first released it, but as it continues to grow of course you’re going to see more Aggie stuff in there. MW: Let’s talk about your clothing line, 17 Army. You’ve brought a great product to your fans and have introduced an interesting way to give back to artists. What was the concept behind giving 10% to artists supported by the company? RO: In this economy, it’s so hard for people to go out and create art, it’s so expensive. If you’re a painter, dancer, musician, or songwriter, it is expensive; guitar strings, touring, gas, all of that. It’s getting sad to see that people with rich parents are doing well versus talent doing well. So it’s a way that we can sell a lot t-shirts, hats, and other merchandise that allows us to give a chunk of money back to people that are locally trying to be artists.
maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 17
There’s An #AppForThat weekly essentials By Madison Matous
DON’T STARVE: POCKET EDITION This whimsical role-playing game will have you hooked for hours on end. The goal of the game is simple; survival. This, of course, means don’t starve or get killed. There are no instructions or tutorials, through trial and error you can figure out how to survive even longer. The game comes with several characters all equipped with unique strengths. Choose your path as a young scientist, a pyromaniac, or a lumberjack with an enchanted axe among others, and take on a world intent on your demise. COST: FREE
EPICURIOUS From the popular recipe website of the same name comes the app, which is a must-have for your average foodie. Browse endless recipes, add ingredients to your grocery list and even set a timer for when you are ready to cook – all within the app. One of the best features is the smart timer that can help you cook various foods to perfection, putting an end to constantly checking foods to see if they are done – a helpful tool for beginners and meal-time veterans.
COST: FREE
ORDERUP The next big thing in food delivery is here. OrderUp is a fantastic app that brings food from great restaurants and fast food chains to you, easier than ever – something that might pose negative impacts on your diet. Without having to get off the couch, you can have your fix of Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, Grub or even Chipotle. Right now, there’s a good variety of restaurants to choose from, but more would be nice, something we think will change as the app grows. COST: FREE
pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Oct. 14, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Tennessee Williams; southern classic, The Glass Menagerie, is going on its last stretch of performances by the StageCenter Theatre in Bryan. Your last chances to catch the show are from October 15 – 17. Tennessee Williams’ roots were planted deep in the south, which is where he drew much of his inspiration for his plays. For The Glass Menagerie, the script is not just about the dynamics of a poor family, but is in fact a bigger statement on the state of the post-Civil War American South – a theme played out in the differences of a mother and daughter. To look into the plot and development of this storied classic, you begin with Laura Wingfield – a painfully shy young woman with her head in the clouds and a mother (Amanda) stuck in the past and who is desperately trying to find Laura a suitable beau. Prodded by his mother, Tom Wingfield (Laura’s brother) asks his co-worker Jim over to dinner as a potential suitor for his sister Laura. What begins to unfold next is the subject matter for the remainder of the play.
The Glass Menagerie @ The StageCenter Theatre
The Glass Menagerie first premiered in Chicago in 1944. After a rough start, the show caught on once critics began to respond with acclamation. A year later, the show hit Broadway in New York, a release that catapulted Tennessee Williams to fame as his first successful play and led him to become one of the greatest playwrights in American history. The Glass Menagerie has seen various renditions, from the small stage to Broadway, radio waves to the silver screen, Williams’ original hit has seen many portrayals and all unique in their own right. Be sure to make it out to Bryan to catch it at the StageCenter before the final curtain call.
By Madison Matous
maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 19
The Martian Sci-Fi (PG-13)
By Linley McCord This is the late-season blockbuster we’ve been waiting for. It follows abandoned astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) as he battles environmental obstacles while living on Mars. It’s a story of fighting against the odds, bold personalities, and believable-yet-incredible plot points. A true mustsee.
AHS: Freak Show NETFLIX By Adrianna Zampieri
Fans of “American Horror Story” are probably still reeling from last week’s season five bloody premiere, and watching these familiar When Watney and his team (featuring Jessica Chastain) are caught in a sandstorm on a manned actors might have made you feel a nostalgic yearning for the trip to the red planet, Mark is hit by debris and the team is forced to leave him behind. He survives, characters of past seasons. You’re in luck. Netflix now has all of miraculously, and must decide if he wants to fight for survival or leave himself to die in the midst the previous seasons available for viewing now that they’ve added of the Mars wasteland. “American Horror Story: Freak Show” to their collection. Meanwhile, the team continues back to earth and NASA is alerted that Watney did not make it back on the ship. Thus begins the various splits of plot. You’ll bounce between Mark and his video diaries on Mars, his teammates aboard their ship, and NASA command in Houston as they move forward after leaving Mark. But because he’s an astronaut, and therefore brilliant, he is able to make contact with NASA from Mars. And the rescue mission begins.
As the fourth season of the series, “Freak Show” had a lot to live up to. Set in Jupiter, Florida, “Freak Show” follows the lives of the members of one of the last performing freak shows as they encounter violence, betrayal, and a murderous clown.
The plot and character development is incredible. Events throughout the movie will leave you awestruck, terrified, and laughing. You’ll probably experience all of these emotions within the same ten minutes, too. A star-studded cast (think: Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, and Jeff Daniels) draws you in and gives real emotion and life to the characters. You begin to care for them within the first half hour of the movie.
Jessica Lange, a staple in the “American Horror Story” franchise, plays Elsa Mars, a German expatriate that runs the show and harbors a dark secret. “Freak Show” also brings new, incredible talent to the set. Finn Wittrock is cast in a role that requires him to depict a spoiled, emotionally stunted, sociopathic character. He kills it (pun intended).
Aesthetically, the filming and CGI is unreal. Mars truly is made to look beautiful despite the fact it’s Although “Freak Show” showcases quite a few gifted actors, there a red clump of sand and rock. And space feels like the vast and mysterious place we paint it to be. are some glaring problems. Many actors are cast in roles similar to ones of previous seasons, thus creating a sense of monotony. As It’s a heart-pounding movie—especially the last twenty minutes—and the ending doesn’t leave you a result of presenting more than several different storylines, there disappointed. In terms of other new space movies, it’s more equitable to “Gravity” than “Interstellar” doesn’t seem to be an actual main plotline. And, with the exception but “The Martian” is definitely its own film. It earns itself a solid 8.5/10 stars and a well-earned spot of the murderous clown, it’s really not that scary. You’ll either love in any movie-lovers library. “Freak Show” or hate it.
pg 20 • MAROON WEEKLY • Oct. 14, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
maroonweekly.com • Jan. 21, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 21
get two rooms, you two Across 1 Words before Congress or contrition 6 Language spoken in “Airplane!” 10 Capital by a fjord 14 Food at cook-offs 15 Coloratura’s performance 16 Red-bearded god 17 *Wrestler, at times 19 “Animal House” chant 20 Ending for mountain or musket 21 Tattoo parlor supply 22 Cement smoother 24 Pinter products 26 Check a melon, say 27 Oscar the Grouch’s pet worm 30 Replied sheepishly? 33 “Nerd Do Well” author Simon 36 Soft powder 37 Non-protruding navel 38 Masi of “Heroes” 39 *Tedious detective duty 41 Spleen 42 Motˆrhead head Kilmister 44 Cornhusker’s st. 45 ___ chai 46 “Don’t get any ___” 47 It’s America’s fifth-largest, according to FDIC data 49 Ominous forecast 51 Snarls seen from a helicopter 55 Othello’s finale? 57 Part of a rose 59 OMG or LOL 60 Circle of light 61 *Karate class feat 64 Billy and Stephen’s brother 65 Event with booths 66 “30 Rock” executive producer Michaels 67 Escritoire, for one 68 Part of iOS 69 Furry Endor dwellers
Down 1 Had sore muscles 2 Merriment 3 Crown 4 Prehistoric 5 Of a daughter or son 6 Ten beater 7 Bugs 8 Contend 9 Google ___ 10 Armchair partner 11 *Tremble in fear, maybe 12 Expensive seating 13 Spoken or sung 18 Like some inspections 23 Inventor of a six-color fad 25 Chop suey additive 26 Babe Ruth rival 28 Selleck sleuth 29 Actor Cary of “Saw” 31 Dublin’s country, to residents 32 Monopoly card 33 ___ Sci 34 Got (by) 35 *Nintendo’s yearly concern 39 Spray brand 40 Like the “21 Jump Street” movie 43 Andy Griffith series 45 Comedian Barinholtz 48 Surefooted 50 Judicial garb 52 “In ___” (Nirvana album) 53 Engage in a recent fad (not owling) 54 “___ alive!” 55 Herring type 56 Like some electrical plugs 57 Drains 58 Pace for a pony 62 Acne-fighting brand 63 Squabble 2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)
pg 22 • MAROON WEEKLY • Oct. 14, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Answers
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan. 28, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
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maroonweekly.com • Oct. 14, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 23
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