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Music
The Best of 2021: Music Staff Picks

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20. Snail Mail – Valentine “Snail Mail retains the same wounded lover ethos and hazy, scorned vocals but with a noticeably more pop-inspired instrumental palette. Indie rock guitars and peppy drums provide a sturdy melodic base, while additions of piano or dreamy synths give this album a sometimes danceable effect.” –Sydney Sjobakken 19. Lingua Ignota – Sinner Get Ready “Lingua Ignota has always incorporated a regal and grandiose instrumental palette, but SINNER GET READY shows a slightly softer side to her work with elements of religious hymns and neofolk. Yet, despite drawing back a bit from her more abrasive tendencies, she still … Continued

Music
Music and our Mood

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We listen to music every day. In the shower, on our way to and from work, while we’re making dinner– the list goes on. How does the music we listen to affect our mood, productivity, and all-around well-being on a given day? (Image via Professor Ramos)

Music
The Best Releases of October: Music Staff Picks

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The Body & BIG|BRAVE – Leaving None But Small Birds  The Body and BIG|BRAVE have each earned their tenure in metal, but together they have created an album that defies any preconceived notions one might have had for them. On Leaving None But Small Birds, both bands veer into a brand of folk rock that is rife with an eerie grit. Twangy layered strings mesh with the heavy distortion of guitars that both The Body and BIG|BRAVE are known for, creating a delicate and foreboding atmosphere. Similarly, the guttural shrieks and growls of The Body are replaced by the haunting croons of BIG|BRAVE’s lead vocalist Robin … Continued

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eric intlekofer

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

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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

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Album Review: Grizzly Bear – Shields

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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

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