Stream

News
Des Moines’ plan to solve its budget crisis: gentrification.

By

Des Moines is facing the culmination of multiple long standing budgetary crises resulting in its present $17 million annual deficit. Without room in the general fund, transportation is facing cuts, utility rates have been hiked, and agencies reorganized. The city manager Peter Zamansky in January released a proposal to lay out reductions in spending to shrink the deficit this fiscal year. However, policy makers are looking for larger cuts and structural changes to address the city’s long increasing debt burden. Image via axios One of the largest services under scrutiny is Des Moines’ DART bus system. Reimagine Dart is the … Continued

Music
On Speaking Aloud and Breaking Boundaries: Mannequin Pussy Mission Creek Festival

By

Ignore the name. Or don’t, because truthfully the heart of Mannequin Pussy’s art lies in its name. Mannequin Pussy, of Philadelphia origin, gracefully blessed the hall of the Englert Theater for Iowa City’s annual Mission Creek Festival in April. As someone who has been a longtime listener, I was ecstatic when I learned they were performing on day 2. For those who are new to the band, Mannequin Pussy consists of 4 artists, Missy Dabice on vocals and lead, Kaleen Reading on drums, Bear Regisford on bass and secondary vocals, and Maxine Steen on guitar. They weren’t always called Mannequin … Continued

Music
eric intlekofer

Grizzly Bear and Owen Pallett @ The Englert Theatre – 4/4/13

By

The atmosphere at the Englert Theatre on April 4 couldn’t have been more appropriate for a concert. Patrons lined from the doors all the way to the Ped Mall. All of this, in anticipation for Grizzly Bear’s return to Iowa City for the first time since 2007. Grizzly Bear is currently touring with Owen Pallett in support of their hailed album Shields (2012). Started as the project of guitarist/keyboards/vocalist Ed Droste in 2002, they have since become Daniel Rossen, Chris Bear, and Chris Taylor who together create one of the most respected bands around today. With four studio albums and … Continued

Keep reading...

Placeholder

Album Review: Grizzly Bear – Shields

By

Grizzly Bear is one of those bands that continue to stand out by creating an engaging auditory experience. Their breakout album Veckatimist was lauded by music fans and critics alike, and it is probably safe to say Shields will follow suit. Shields is unique in that it doesn’t have a standout track, the quality is inherent in every song; each has its own handsome virtues. The single “Yet Again” is arguably the most accessible song on the album, but it still maintains the haunting aura the album strives for. From the moment the album begins with “Sleeping Ute,” it is … Continued

Keep reading...