By Michael Houston
WATCH Arcade Fire this Saturday night at 1 a.m. on Austin City Limits (channel 10). The PBS program features the band playing progressive rock songs that continue to build until the end. Arcade Fire has two albums out - its most recent is entitled "Neon Bible" and was released last year. It didn't get as much critical acclaim as the band's first album ("Funeral"), but it is still a worthwhile album. Though not as prolific as other bands, Arcade Fire has made its name recording rock anthems that feature steady beating drums and climactic guitar riffs. Austin City Limits has a knack for featuring some great artists that don't get much air time on popular television. Check out one of the original indie rock bands on the public channel.
LISTEN to Minus the Bear at the Crystal Ballroom tonight at 9 p.m. The Seattle band plays some of the catchiest songs around. Minus's drummer switches the beat often, and the second guitarist plays the fret board like a piano. The group has completed three albums, the most recent called "Planet of Ice." Some of the band's previous work has included unique track titles: "Thanks for the Killer Game of Crisco Twister" and "Damn Bugs Whacked Him, Johnny," to name a few off the group's freshman album, "Highly Refined Pirates." Minus the Bear's dancy, poppy songs are definitely worth checking out, whether at the venue or on record.
SEE "Darfur Now" when it is released this Friday at select theaters. The documentary provides six different perspectives of the current genocide that is ravaging the small African country. The film follows people from diverse backgrounds (from a UCLA graduate to a woman in Darfur who joins the rebel forces) who are striving to respond to the humanitarian tragedy.
Not only does this documentary open our eyes to the ongoing conflict in Darfur, it acknowledges the lack of support humanitarian agencies receive from the U.S. government and American individuals. One scene shows an activist on the streets of America, searching for people to donate money or time to the cause. No one stops. This film encourages the flow of news and information from other continents to the U.S. Don't ignore it.
