Entertainment
Barcelona
Hayley Bupp News/Opinion Editor
rable chorus, but this does not mean the song is happy. “Lesser Things” is delightfully bitter and aggrieved. This is shown in the opening line, with the biting, “you look good, but you don’t look great.” The sarcasm can clearly be heard in the undertone of Fennell voice. The intro is paired with an almost jazzy drumbeat by Stonelake. This beat makes for a classy and just plain fun song. My personal favorite song of Barcelona’s is called “The Takers.” This song is amusing on the relationship between men
photo courtesy of discourseband.com
Barcelona is an indie-rock band from Seattle, made up of Brian Fennell; vocals and piano; Chris Bristol, guitar; and Rhett Stonelake, drums. Barcelona was accidentally created when Brian Fennell brought on the others as temporary additions to his solo-artist run on tour. But soon after, he realized that he and the band worked better together than just him alone. The underground band released their own album by creating their own record label, called NBD Music, so they could focus on writing their songs. The debut album, entitled Absolutes, was released in 2007, and is described by the band as piano-driven rock. Absolutes’ cover art features a foggy, yellow sepia city-scape. The single parking garage and the surreal feeling from the distorted color somehow resonates the actual tone of the album; a earthly and somber breakthrough, from an average boy band, Barcelona’s tracks are full of emotion and a genuine love for the music. To start off, the band immediately brings in the piano. The first track, “Falling Out Of Trees,” features a softly synthesized melody and the velvety and peaceful voice of Fennell. This track is a good example of Barcelona’s sound, with the calming singing and earnest piano, soon reinforced with swelling, and smoothly distorted guitar riffs. This song is only a simple example of the greatness of Barcelona’s lyrics; the song contains a metaphor of losing hope with falling out of trees. For example, Fennell sings, “fall out of trees into the street, all on my own,” and continues later with, “my legs are steady now, the angels warned me never to fall down.” One of the more upbeat songs, only in the rhythm, however, is “Lesser Things.” The song has a catchy beat, and a memo-
Central High School Zone Newspaper
and women, especially on that of boys who take advantage of girls. “What makes these boys fall hard, over all the girls they have fought and won?” Fennell begins. He continues accusingly, “these kings work hard and long, just to ensure that their girls don’t run.” The song is somewhat of a parody, bringing to light the seriousness of the trust too easily placed in men through the
Volume 8 Issue 5 Page 7
metaphors of kings, thieves and monsters. “What makes these monsters cry? You can see the gold reflecting in their eyes,” showcases one of the metaphors. “Oh no, nobody taught them to let go, they don’t know,” the song passionately continues, starting to reach a climax. “Why don’t you stay with me? I think you could save this beast.” The song specifically targets the notion that girls fall for “bad boys,” hoping to “save” them with the powerful vocals and lyrics of, “well, I think you can save this beast. But I’ll leave you with an empty room.” The most emotional song, by far, on the album is “Please Don’t Go.” Upon the first listen, the pure, devastatingly heart-broken mood and sound is overwhelming. A huge barrier and goal of musicians is to have their listeners experience the journey that the writers felt as they wrote the song. This song accomplishes that goal more than most ever could. The vocals are raw and intense, the piano is solemn and grave, and the strings are beautifully and heartbrokenly haunting. “If you want me to break down and give you the keys.” Brian Fennell’s voice is perfectly powerful and cracked with emotion. “I can do that but I can’t let you leave.” These lyrics are definitely the apex of the song, as the listener hears the tenderness and complex ability of the band. Barcelona has the talent to produce amusing to heart-rendering songs, somehow staying within a range of a familiar sound; all driven by piano, guitar, and strings. Barcelona has something different to offer from the indie competitors. Barcelona has a complete, well-rounded, and individual sound that should not be left unrecognized. Barcelona receives 4 out of 5 lightning bolts. Absolutes is available both on iTunes and Amazon for $7.99. You can also check out Brian Fennell’s solo album, Safety Songs for $9.90.
Afghan Star: The New American Idol Amara Thomas Staff Writer
“We are late to watch Afghan Star,” says a little boy, who is covered in dust. Thrown over his shoulder is a sack nearly as big as him. Together, he and another little boy run through the dusty plains of Afghanistan, on a race to get home to watch one of the most popular shows in Afghanistan, Afghan Star. As they run, their oversized sacks slam against their backs, slowing them down. “We’re running late,” he repeats, trying to run faster only to get tired and slow down. This is a scene from the documentary, Afghan Star. From beginnin to end, Afghan Star is amazingly filmed and directed. The documentary travels through the streets of Afghanistan and listens to what the Afghan people think about the television show. Through this documentary you are shown how one television show can have an impact on a whole country, as well as the current politics and culture in Afghanistan. Director Havana Marking follows four contestants, two men and two women, as they compete to win Afghan Star. With the same name as this documentary, the show is a spinoff of “American Idol” and the English pop culture show, “Pop Idol”. The pop culture show may seem the same as Pop Idol and American
Idol, but it is really a revolution. When under the rule of the Taliban (an Islamic political group overran in 2001), music was forbidden by law in Afghanistan. No one was allowed to play music, have musical instruments, or sing unless it was religious. If you were caught breaking these laws you received a harsh punishment. Even though the Taliban has been overrun, many political figures have the same views due to the Taliban reamaining presence and influnce on the government and political decision. They disapprove of the show and feel as if it is corrupting the minds of the Afghan people and goes against the teachings of Islam. The channel producing the show, Tolo TV, and the contestants have received threats. Even though they’re putting their lives on the line, they are having a positive impact on society by encouraging the people of Afghanistan to participate in music. The show also brings unity among the 34 provinces that were once war torn. After watching Afghan Star, I felt as If I had a better understanding of the Afghan people. We’re so alike, but at the same time very different and the documentary gave me insight on how the Afghan people are living under a strict government. It encouraged me to find out more about the current situations in Afghanistan.