THE PENDULUM STYLE WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 9. 2009 // PAGE 19 PERFORMANCE REVIEW Ensemble group electrifies the stage RACHEI. SOUTHMAYO! PtKJtogf»ph« The Elon Electric Ensemble performed a two-hour set of energy-filled covers. Rachel Southmayd Reviewer “You may be right, I may be crazy,” but it just might be the Elon Electric Ensemble Elon students are looking for if they like music, talent and an all-around good time. The show was a two-hour set of 23 well-known songs (and an additional much-called for encore piece) from the past 40 years. The group got off to an energetic start with John Lennon’s “Please, Please Me" and didn’t let the energy level fall until the very last note of Lennon and Paul McCartney’s “Hey Jude." While all of the songs were excellent, some standout performances included John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane," Sting’s “Every Breath You Take” and Paul Simon's “Bridge Over Troubled Water." What made these songs great was the outstanding featured performers. Junior vocalist Josh Carswell with junior Jacob Danieley accompanying on acoustic guitar literally made this reviewer cry in “Bridge.” The song raised the question, why in the world is Carswell still here at Elon instead of in a recording studio in New York or Hollywood? He is that good. Junior Frank Hurd was also impressive with his strong vocals and imitation of the tones and accents of Lennon, Mellencamp and, most amusingly. Bob Dylan. He also played guitar and harmonica seamlessly while singing as front man for many of the songs. Danieley proved his versatility by jumping from the piano to both acoustic and electric guitar, as well as leading on vocals in Neil Diamond’s “I’m a Believer." Sophie Duensing Reviewer On “Christmas in the Heart,” Bob Dylan sings classic Christmas carols and remixes less traditional tunes. The first question that comes to mind when learning Dylan recorded a Christmas album is, “is he serious?" Yes, Dylan is serious. But he’s having a whole lot of fun, too. Artists Tony Gamier and Donnie Herron join Dylan on the album. Adding to the Christmas spirit; all of the U.S. profits of the album will go to the hunger relief charity Feeding America, a reason to feel good about spending the $7.99 it costs on iTunes. The album’s single, “Must be Santa," is a festive polka jingle that sounds like it’s great fun to dance to after several glasses of eggnog. Watch the music video — you’ll want to be invited to Dylan’s next Christmas party. Dylan lists “Reagan, Bush and Clinton” as a few of Santa’s “eight little reindeer.” There’s witty humor also present on the opening track of the album, “Here Comes Santa Claus." It’s easy to picture Dylan in the studio performing a holiday jig while recording. Background singers flirtatiously coo “Aloha" on “Christmas Island," a Hawaiian track Dylan gets “groovy" on. Yet Dylan makes it clear his feelings toward Christmas run deeper than jolly debauchery. In “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and “O' Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles),” there is sincerity to his voice that warms the heart more than sitting by the fireplace. Dylan made news in the late 1970s with his widely publicized conversion from Judaism to Christianity. The honest, soulful feel of “Christmas in the Heart” shows Dylan is still strong in his faith. Senior Stefan DiMuzio was also a major source of entertainment, jumping from keyboards to vocals and providing a very strong voice for Bon Jovi's “Wanted Dead or Alive” and David Bowie’s “Space Oddity," among others. The lone female on the stage, senior Ashleigh Bauer, held her own. She had a commanding yet sweet persona and was a charming presence on a stage full of men. She demonstrated a pure yet powerful voice, especially in Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi" and James Taylor's “Carolina in my Mind.” Seniors Mike Lobacz and Andrew Pressly were both excellent guitarists and shined during their solos, juniors Chris Lorch and Adam Scalici also provided solid performances on the drums and bass, respectively. This performance wouldn’t have been as impressive if not for the excellent lighting design of “Little Drummer Boy" is one of the best tracks on the album. His iconic voice sounds uncharacteristically soft, crooning an excellent “pa rum pum pum pum." Dylan also does a great jazz version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” another noteworthy track. He breaks out the harmonica on “Christmas Blues,” a blues tune that evokes visions of dancing next to a fireplace on Christmas Eve. Dylan sounds older, raspier and out of breath on a few songs. Compared to other more traditional Christmas albums, the timing of the notes are quicker and shorter. For an agmg musician who has been dubbed the talking singer,” Dylan sounds clear and makes up for lack of vocal range with a whole lot of soul (and a great set of backup singers). Yet the warmth^ Matt .Artigues and the very urban scenic design, with plain panels, a projected "eS” and hanging chain link fence. The stage setup always reflected the mood of the song, with musicians either seated or standing, and no one ever upstaged the respective center of attention. The show truly looked and felt like a real rock concert. The only thing that could have been added to the show would have been a heightened “performance level” from a few of the musicians. If more people knew what an outstanding show the Electric Ensemble performed, McCrary Theatre would have been completely packed, and it would have been met with the demand for encore shows. It was an extremely pleasant surprise to encounter this performance, and the experience should have been shared with the entire student body because yes, it really was that good. present on the album melts any possible criticism. If you wanted a Christmas album for its impeccable vocal range, go buy the “Glee” cast’s Christmas album. For those already annoyed by Christmas music playing everywhere in the United States, “Christmas in the Heart” will get you in the holiday spirit. Other respected rock 'n' roll artists have come out with Christmas albums, as well, such as My Morning Jacket in 2000 with “Xmas Fiasco Style." Yet of all the new Christmas albums out this year, Dylan's is the one worth investing in. Dylan doing Christmas songs doesn't come along everyday. And besides, kissing under mistletoe is so much more fun when Dylan is playing in the background. fashionable voyages: TIPSOFTHETRADE ° FASHIONABLE TRAVEL Alexandra Johnston Columnist The holidays are the perfect time to travel, whether that means going to see family and friends, or taking a much-needed ski or beach break. But travel can sometimes be stressful in the fashion department. What should you wear on the plane? How does one pack everything and still be able to lift that suitcase? Try these simple tips and tricks to ensure a happy holiday season. Make a list; When getting ready to leave on a trip, start by making a list of the days and activities that will be taking place. Under each title, list what outfits and accessories are needed. Try to create outfits that will use items multiple times in order to save space in the suitcase. Most pairs of pants and blazers can be worn more than once and accessories have infinite wear. Once the list is complete, head to the closet and pull out all the listed items, along with a suitcase to pack them in. Pack it up: Pack shoes and heavier items at the bottom of the bag, as well as smaller items that can fill in the spaces between. Shoes with sizable holes in them, such as sneakers or boots, can be used to hold pairs of socks or small scarves to save space. Underwear and other small items will do well when packed in large, clear Ziploc bags with the air removed. This will ensure all items stay clean and fresh during travel. If all the items do not fit into the suitcase, look at the list again and purge excess items. Although it is best to be prepared for everything, packing a summer dress for the mountains isn't necessary, so be judgmental when deciding what to bring. Removing wrinkles; Wrinkly clothes seem to be a given during travel. Clothes get packed tightly into suitcases without breathing room and come out virtually unwearable. Bringing along an iron is not a practical solution to the wrinkles, but something most women already own might be. While they have been dubbed “not for household use,” hair straighteners are a great alternative to dragging along an iron. Not only are straighteners compact, but they are also a great way to smooth the hems of jeans and dresses that don't need a full Iron. But a word of caution; straighteners without temperature control should not be used on delicate materials such as silks and synthetics, as the high heat will burn them. Plane and simple: Air travel isn't exactly what it used to be. After going through security checks, it feels almost like getting dressed all over again. To avoid holding up the line for too long, consciously think about what to wear on the plane. One tip is to wear a pair of shoes that will be easy to get on and off. Slip-on flats or skimmers are great options, as are loose boots. Another important point about footwear is to always wear socks when traveling through security. Not only do socks keep feet warm, but they also prevent germs and other unsavory airport floor items from infecting the skin. Layers are key to warmth and comfort on the plane, but can be a hassle to remove in security. Try to leave space in a carry-on bag to store a jacket so it does not have to be screened separately. While travel stress can be daunting, planning ahead will not only ensure everything gets along, but also makes planning to go on vacation a little easier for all. Try these tips this season when heading home, or away, for the holidays. CD REVIEW Christmas is a changin'with Dylan's new holiday album PHOTO COURTESY OF NYMAQ.COM Bob Dylan recently released his first Christmas album, "Christmas in the Heart.” It is comprised of various Christmas carols with Dylan's own twist. Alexandra Johnston Fashion Columnist