Soil Compilation

This week on The Lit Show, Writers’ Workshop graduate Alexander Maksik discusses his debut novel, You Deserve Nothing. Listen to the full episode at litshow.com: http://litshow.com/archive/season-04/alexandermaksik Set at an international school in Paris, the novel focuses on 33-year-old star teacher, Will Silver. His senior seminar in English not only introduces students to the best, fiercest writing of Shakespeare, Faulkner, Albert Camus, and Jean-Paul Sarte—it challenges them to define, then defend, their personal values. With the verve and tenacity of a French philosopher, Silver attacks his pupils’ assumptions about literature and living; and under his guidance they become better readers, wiser … Continued

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By L.C. Graf-Juarez 8 EP’s and still kicking, Mogwai’s “Earth Division” is striking and magical just like everything else they’ve ever created (any surprise there?). Although a question needs to brought up when “Get to France” opens with its haunting piano. Just how much time did Mogwai spend playing Kingdom Hearts before recording? Not that this is at all a bad thing, just that the song is very much like the melody that would play somewhere between the Boss and (if you know anything about Kingdom Hearts) losing Kairi. The composer of the Kingdom Hearts scores, Yoko Shimomura is a … Continued

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By L.C. Graf-Juarez Chill Sunday afternoons, incense burning, music slow, maybe a cigarette or two—it’s all part of the mood that the band She Keeps Bees creates with their 7th released album, “Dig On” the third release to be self-recorded. “All or None/Dark Horse” opens with strong vocals from Jessica Larrabee, and a great drum beat played out by Andy LaPlant. Larrabee gets low and passionate, giving the song a soothing rhythm; LaPlant only compliments her vocal style with a simple pattern. Perhaps what is most attractive about the song is the pure easiness it possesses. It doesn’t have distractions—ridiculous … Continued

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Tune into Local Tunes Tuesday night starting at 10 PM and ending at midnight to listen to local band “The Treats” play some of their songs live in the studio. So far, there’s no word on if they will be playing fully electric or acoustic; you’ll have to tune in to hear.  We’ll also be playing some Dead Larry from their latest album “As The Radio…” one of the best local albums in recent times, Kelly Pardekooper from his 2007 release “Brand New Bag,” also some David Zollo and more!  You can check out more about The Treats here. Also, we … Continued

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By Dolan Murphy One of KRUI’s new shows this semester, The Rastafarian explores Jamaican culture and reggae music from 3-4pm every Tuesday on KRUI 89.7 FM. This week’s episode was an exploration of the foundation on which Roots reggae was built – a little bit of ska, a little bit of rocksteady, and some skinhead reggae. Here’s the playlist: 1. Jimmy Cliff, “Miss Jamaica” 2. Toots & the Maytals, “A.B.C.” air break 3. Prince Buster & the Skatalites, “It’s Burke’s Law” 4. Clancy Eccles, “Fattie Fattie” 5. The Silvertones, “Old Man Say” interview excerpt – Derrick Harriott 6. Derrick Harriott, … Continued

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The Russian Circles have announced their new album Empros, with a release date of October 25th. Formed in Chicago in 2004, the Russian Circles have played Iowa City several times over the past few years. Listen to the Russian Circles here. 

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