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