Soil Compilation

Music
The Fruit Bats and Matthew Logan Vasquez Raise The Crowd

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Article by Myles Ackman and Kade Grierson | Cover Photo by Cat Dooley For the first time in fifteen years, Fruit Bats returned to Iowa City on October 21 for a performance at The Englert Theatre, with support from Matthew Logan Vasquez. “Iowa City was the first place I ever traveled far to, and I thought, ‘this place resembles freedom,’” – Fruit Bats and permanent member Eric D. Johnson. The three of us—Elle, Myles, and Kade—were the youngest people in the audience by far, and sat near the front on the edge of a sea of double denim, floral shirts, … Continued

Online Content
Rob Sand and Zach Lahn Go Head-to-Head One Final Time Ahead of the Iowa Gubernatorial Election

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With the midterms just one week away, Iowa Gubernatorial candidates Rob Sand (D) and Zach Lahn (R) went face-to-face in their third debate of the season. Both candidates are competing to replace Gov. Kim Reynolds, who chose not to run for reelection after nine years. As Sand and Zahn settled into their podiums ahead of the debate, both were given one minute to provide their opening remarks. Sand, who has heavily emphasized cross-partisan viewpoints through his campaign, did just that to kick off the evening debate. “There are a lot of people in leadership in both the democratic and republican … Continued

Sports
In Defense of Not Watching

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To watch or not to watch? Ryan Paris recaps his experience taking in Iowa’s devastating loss from the Minnesota student section.

News
 Miller-Meeks and Bohannan Face Off in One Final Push Ahead of Iowa Elections

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Former state representative Christina Bohannan (D) and U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) met at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, on October 20 for Iowa’s First Congressional District debate. Both candidates discussed issues weighing on Iowans’ minds, including agriculture, healthcare, and the economy. Once opening statements concluded, Bohannan and Miller-Meeks were questioned on what immediate actions they would take to lower the cost of living for Iowans. Miller-Meeks voted for no tax on tips or overtime back in May of 2025, when she voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In reference to lowering the cost of … Continued

Music
Track of the Week

Track of the Week: “Slow It Down” by the Lumineers

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The Lumineers are “an amalgam of heart-swelling stomp-and-clap acoustic rock, classic pop, and front-porch folk” who got their start when front-man Wesley Schultz teamed up with drummer Jeremiah Fraites, the younger brother of his late best friend, Josh Fraites. The two began making songs and playing gigs around New York and later relocated to Denver, Colorado where they placed an ad on Craigslist for a cellist. Neyla Pekarek was the first to respond. The trio joined forces and began playing at the Meadowlark, a basement club where some of Denver’s most talented songwriters came together for an open mic and … Continued

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Track of the Week

Track of the Week: “Goin’ Down” by The Pretty Reckless

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You know that sweet, innocent little girl who played Cindy Lou Who in the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas? As it turns out, she (Taylor Momsen) is now the lead singer of an alternative rock band: The Pretty Reckless. The Pretty Reckless released their debut album, Light Me Up, on August 30, 2010. They have since been on two world-wide tours, released a second EP, been featured on the soundtracks of  Kick-Ass and Frankenweenie, and were nominated for two Virgin Media Music Awards (Best Group, Best Newcomer) in 2010. I purchased Light Me Up in 2011 and immediately … Continued

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Track of the Week

Track of the Week: “Find Your Way” By The Role Call

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You may have not heard of the Minnesota based, indie pop band The Role Call yet, but it’s only a matter of time before they’re on your radar. As I waited in the cold outside The Rave in Milwaukee last weekend for a concert, I met the band and listened to a sample of their music. I instantly gravitated toward their fresh alternative pop sound. “Find Your Way” is my pick for track of the week, because it’s a song we all can relate to, and enjoy while doing it. The song is about a troubled relationship, and the confusion that that involves. Singer and songwriter … Continued

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Track of the Week: “Harlem Roulette” by The Mountain Goats

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The Mountain Goats are an American folk band that was created by John Darnielle in his small studio apartment with nothing more than his poetry, a dual-cassette recorder, and a guitar that he got for a couple dollars up the street. He went on to share his poems with his friend Rachel who just happened to play the bass. They went on to tour the US and Europe, along with the Midwest and San Francisco. Then in 2001, when asked if he’d like to make records, John called his friend Peter and the two went on to make Tallahassee, We Shall All Be Healed, … Continued

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The Mountain Goats

Track Of The Week: “Dead in the Water” by Ellie Goulding

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Last March, Ellie Goulding’s long-awaited first full album Lights was released. Only a year and seven months later (Tuesday, actually), Halcyon hit the stores. Personally, I have only ever been a fan of a few of Ellie Goulding’s covers, and I never really got into Lights. However, Halcyon has a slightly different feel to it. The pop, almost techo vibe of Goulding’s previous work is still present, but there is a new hint of alternative that really has me hooked. It is most apparent, to me, in the more laid-back track “Dead in the Water.” The first two minutes of the … Continued

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