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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (April 10, 2000)
Alex Chilton doesn’t live up to early standard on latest release 'Set’ By Shelley Mika Staffwrtier Do you like good pop? Not manu factured pop like that of Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys that’s played so often you really do want to be hit one more time (so as to be put out of your misery): What I’m talking about is honest to goodness pop; music that comes from the soul but doesn’t take 850 listens to palate (or to understand for that mat ter). If so, Alex Chilton is a! man to be familiar with. Though you may have never heard of him, Chilton is the king of this genre. Since his breakthrough in 1967 at the age of 17 with the Box Tops, Chilton has managed to produce numerous simple yet soul-searching tunes. In 1970, after the split of the Box Tops, Chilton went on to form the more impressive but under-appreciated band Big Star, in which Chilton’s true talents as a musician flourished. As a tried and true fan of Big Star, I had high expectations for Chilton’s lat est album “Set.” Though Chilton’s career has been left by the wayside, much like Big Star’s and even the Box Tops’ were, it seemed certain that his part-grit, part-sweet, part-sexy voice could never disappoint. And it hasn’t, for the most part “Set” starts with the typical Chilton vocals and charmingly simple lyrics he’s known for with “Never Found a Girl” (“You’re a poor man’s dream/And a rich man’s prayer/But I don’t need money honey cause you’re always there”) and “Lipstick Traces” (“Lipstick traces/On a cigarette/Every memory lingers/With me yet”). Chilton’s poppy yet original guitar riffs make their way from the ‘70s onto these tracks as well. So far so good; the core of Chilton remains, with some fresh tunes to sing in the shower. And then something happens. It’s not bad, but definitely not Chilton. With “You’s a Viper,” Chilton looks beyond his roots and goes for more of a Sinatra-esque vocal style. It’s not that Chilton suddenly sucks or anything. Rather, it’s painMly obvious this isn’t a Chilton song. Prior to “You’s a Viper,” the songs fit, with simple lyrics and catchy tunes that escape the feeling of selling out But the lyrics of “Viper” are so out of Chilton’s dialect that it feels out of place. Immediately following is “I Remember Mama,” and later, “Single Again,” which would seem more at home on a Wilco album than that of a Big Star alumni. From there, Chilton experiments with his jazz sentiments on “April in Paris” and “There Will Never Be Another You,” neither of which are bad, but neither of which are particularly striking, either. For the rest of the album, Chilton wavers between styles but finally redeems himself with the final track, “Goodnight My Love.” Don’t get me wrong. If Alex Chilton wants to fool around with dif ferent genres, he’s free to do so. But it’s a little less credible when checking out the credits, only to find that Chilton didn’t write any of these songs. He takes credit for production and direc tion, but no nods go to him for any indi vidual songs. Maybe that’s why this album fails to reincarnate the underground pop spirit Chilton so expertly evokes in his earlier music. It’s a huge disappointment that Chilton, who once recorded an incredi ble song he wrote at age 13, has now officially turned his talents over to the artistic explorations of others. “Set” manages to be a good album to hum along to, but not to take very seriously. Undoubtedly, Chilton has put his own spin on a few songs and made them successful, but on the whole, “Set” fails to accomplish what Chilton is (or at least was) capable of doing. If you’re a Big Star fanatic and want more, “Set” will satisfy at least a few of your cravings. But if you’ve never heard of Alex Chilton but like indie Alex Chilton TITLE: Set tT LABEL: Bar/None Records GRADE: B FIVE WORDS: Listen to Big Star instead. music, on which Big Star had a huge impact, don’t buy this CD. Instead, do yourself a favor and buy a Big Star album. ‘Black and White’ takes a different, meandering look at pop culture, leaves questions By Samuel McKewon Senior editor Watching James Toback’s “Black and White” is to witness a pop-culture volcano erupt unmitigated. There’s rap pers playing rappers, rappers playing gangsters, models playing students, a pretty baby playing a filmrqaker, Bijou Phillips playing a pretty baby and Mike Tyson playing himself. It is, then, quite a good thing that Toback’s medley of stories all portray a rift in the pop culture this movie immerses itself in - specifically the hip-hop culture of black America and its gradual embrace by white suburbia. Long thought of as the Hunter S. Thompson of the film industry, Toback offers no genuine revelations on the sta tus of race relations; rather, he takes what is known, or thought to be accept ed, and shoots at it from an alternate direction Or improvises it In other words, his is a drug-addled, 45-degree approach - a mix of scathing and straight-faced. Unfocused and loose-fitting, “Black and White” is an incomplete picture with motivations not fully known and conclusions pur posely left undone - much unlike the cynic-friendly, catchier brethren that holds “American Beauty” as a charter member. The result is a hodge-podge of mul tiracial dramas - ones I’m not entirely sure could exist in real time - about where the pop pulse is and who’s oh it And in Toback’s vision, the hip-hop of New York calls the shots with a little help from Tyson, in a strange and effec tive cameo. There’s enough movie bait for three movies, but a few major players emerge, and most of them move through the life of music producer/gangster Rich Bower (rapper Power and member of the Wu-Tang Clan), who’s introduced in the first scene as the male protagonist between two white girls in a Central Park three some. One of the groupies (Phillips) heads home to luxury, complete with black butlers and quail dinners, where she talks smack to Daddy and plays phone tag with male callers. Later, she admits to a teacher her whole lifestyle is a transitory phase: “I’ll get over it. I’m a kid in America.” Bower’s entourage grows larger to include college basketball star Dean (Allan Houston), who’s about to walk into a point-shaving sting employed by a cop (Ben Stiller) looking for redemp tion. Model Claudia Schiffer is Dean’s girlfriend, Greta, an anthropology stu dent whose ideas of manhood leave causalties in their wake. On the periphery are the white wannabes, who stake out the NYC wall to prove their loyalty to the black code. One brother tandem (Eddie K. Thomas and William Lee Scott) are particularly involved. And much of it is caught on tape by documentary filmmaker Sam Donager (a game Brooke Shields), while her obviously gay husband (Robert Downey Jr.) tags along and has a too close encounter with Tyson. The pfctf evolves in bits and pieces, until everyone is eventually thrown together. Plot devices are hardly the point, though - “Black and White” cares not about a driving story. Characters are dropped and added along the way. Not the point. Toback’s vibe is. The movie is all feel, and individual scenes contain hilarity and truth, though not necessarily connected with scenes before or after. Tyson’s appear ances - he has three major ones - take on a life of their own, especially in an encounter with Power’s character, who asks for advice. Free-form verse, courtesy of Wu Tang Clan member Raekwon, provides the movie’s key monologues, filmed voice-overs, if you will. And Shields’ hand-held camera images provide the second filter of the film - an even high er intensity from the whites who yearn Black and White STARS: Mike Tyson, Power, Ben Stiller, Brooke Shields, Robert Downey Jr. DIRECTOR: James Toback RATING: R (language, threesome sex scene) GRADE: A FIVE WORDS: “Black and White” has vibe. to get close to blacks. “Black and White” bursts with too many ideas to stay without flaw. There are useless tangents and subplots. The ending is abrupt. Greta makes choices that the script cannot justify. The film seems content, even obligated, to leave some motivations unexplained, maybe because they cannot be explained. As Tyson says, “It’s an age-old tale - deceit and treachery.” “Black and White” plays that self-awareness out to its very end - that in pop culture, a few lines can sum up the entire story. Daily Nebraksan $5.25/15 words 20 Nebraska Union m T A P PTTITTl'PV O $3.50/15 words (students) ..... ... OQ ■ I 7n I ■ j I ■ i I % $0.15 each additional word bri)472-1761 v>LA^MrliiDa stxs @un*' * , Deadline: 3 p.m. weekday prior ■ - - - - ^ ... Blue’s Bike & Fitness ALL 1999 BIKES ON SALE) Buy one bike, get 2nd at 1/2 price (see store for details). We service all brands. 3321 Pioneers Blvd. 488-2101. www.bluesbike.com. 3 piece sectional with recliner and queen fold out hide-a-bead. Clean, neutral color, $500 OBO. High back desk with shelves, $100 OBO. 483-1634. Matching sofas, love seat, oversize chair. Only 8 months old. Also, coffee table, 2 end tables and 2 lamps. Call 328-8381. Kenmore washer/dryer for sale. Good condition. $250 for the pair. 466-4995. ‘98 VOLVO S70 T5. Loaded, 52K, beautiful, wholesale $22,500. 402-489-9100, 434-9110.__ 1986 VW Jetta, Wolfsburg Edition, clean, good condi tion, 40mpg. $1300 O B O. 435-0221 after 4pm or 472-5023 before 4pm. 300s Services i . ADOPT A young loving couple long to provide your newborn with endless love and secunty. Full time mom and pro fessional dad. Expenses paid. Please call Denise and Paul 1-800-243-9247. Natural Herbal Breast Enlargement Safe, effective, and affordable. Please visit www.figureplus.com, 1.-888-603-9800. Distributor ships also available. 1 _._X. Auto Accidents & DWI Other criminal matters, cal Sanford Pollack, 476-7474. For all your insurance needs: auto, home, health, life and business, call Jim Wallace at American Family Insurance, 1340 L St., Lincoln, NE 68508 or call 402-474-5077.' _ Need help moving? Moving help within Lincoln or Nebraska for home furni ture, office or merchandise. By the hour. NR Express Movers. 470-2970, Summer Storage Advance Self Storage. Safe, secure and low, low rates! Call 464-8829. Free Pregnancy Test Birthright is a confidential helping hand. Please appointment or more information, 483-2609. out our website www.birthright.org. Female nonsmoker to share 3BR apartment, $175/month+ 1/3 utilities. Call 476-1159 or 472-6364. Looking for a place to live? www.housing101.net... Your move off campus! Free roommate sublet listings. Male roommate to share nice 2BR apartment. $170/month + 1/2 utilities. Near campus. Call 438-4105. Two roommates needed. May-August 1. $250+ 1/3 utilites, dose to UNL 435-7448. 400 Terrace Road, 3 bedroom, A/C, garage, fence yard, references, no pets, $850.483-4887,483-7720. 1880's house, restored; 2 bedroom apartment in the garret with balcony; pitched roof, all electric/NC. 17 blocks south of Sheldon Art Gallery, owner is an interi or designer. 476-2522. Furnished or unfurnished. $450 plus electric bill. April 1 availability. 2BR, newly decorated. Central air, all new appliances, dose to campuses, off-street park ing. $575 range, garbage and water paid. 489-5358, messages returned Immediately. Great houses dose to UNL available in May or earlier. 432-0644: • 1237 Court, 3BR, $650 • 1438 N. 21,4BR, $800 • 1541 N. 26,5BR,$900 • 1426 N. 23,5BR, $050 $900. 5BR, 2BA, central air, new carpet, new paint, dishwasher, W/D. no pets. 3735 Cleveland. Available now. 4 months of 1 year 580-1121. Newer 4 bedroom, 2 garage, 2 bath, family room. $1,050 a month, no pets. Available in May. 432-0415. Nice 5BR, 3266 Dudley. 2 and 1/4 bath, ceiling fans, A/C, appliances include W/D no pets, parking. $1100. 432-8180. Off-Campus Student Housing ♦ Bet Campus, parking, AC ♦3 BR duplex, $6Co ♦4 BR house, $850 Cal, 489-6168. We Love Students! Avoid noisy apartment complexes! Great 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes near UNL. A/C, washers, dyers, dishwashers. Reserve for summer or fall now, and relax! 423-1535. 4BR duplex for rent, 2 car garage, close to campus, $950/morith+utilities. Excluding water. Available May 1. Call 484-7737, ask for Clint or Troy. 1439 N 20th, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths,rfireplace, wash er/dryer, no smoking, no pets, $650. Available May 1st. 421-7611. 2131 D or 3010 Center. 4BR, 2 bath. Fireplace, all ap pliances, double garage. $1150. August move-in. 430-6328. BRAND NEW-CAMPUS 3 and 4BR, 2 Bath, washer/dryer, garages. Available May and August. $750-$995. (402) 438-3393. Newer 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 garage, family room, fire place, no pets or smoking. Available for May and Au gust. Reserve yours nowf $875, 432-0415. Newer Close to campus, nice, 3 bedroom, 3 bath, garage, W/D, all appliances, $795. HIP, 465-8911. * Brand New Duplex * 3434 “P” St. -Available in August 4BR, 3 full bath, 2 family room, double garage and off-street parking. Call 308-487-3819 or 30&487-5314. Ask for Ron or Pat !!! GREAT LOCATION!!! 2BR, 1 bath w/fireplace, very nice. 42nd & Normal, $485/month plus utilities. Garbage, water paid. Available May 5. For info call Dave or Ryan, 327-9702. HSunny and Cheerful!! 1 Bedroom 2000 J St. Clean $310 4 Bedroom, 2 baths, garage 5350 Cooper $795 No Smokers or Pets 440-3000 ♦STUDIO* Efficiency in 8-plex between campuses, appliances, patio^arklng, super clean, 2627 Vine, $265.00, 4 BEDROOM/2 BATHS Built for students. Recently built. Washer/dryer fur nished. Low utilities, parking. Must seel Reserve now for August or May. Call Phoenix Properties 474-5327. 2 BR, fireplace. Near east campus, bus routes. Available May 10.325-0491. ♦ 700 S. 17th FURNISHED ♦ Available now. 2BR $410 and 1BR $360, includes utilities heat/cabie. Laundry. 488-6707,450-8895. AMBERWOOD APARTMENTS “OPENING DOORS TO BETTER LIVING” Pets Welcome (Select Breeds Restricted) One, two, & three bedroom apartments. 3, 6, 9, & 12 month leases. 3 Swimming Pools, 2 Tennis Courts, Sand Volleyball, Fitness Center, Sauna & Spa. Only 5 miles from the UNL campus. Call or come visit today. 40th St. & Hwy 2, (402) 423-0978. Commercial Investment Properties SELECT A HOME TODAY Move-In May 1st NORTH LINCOLN Fountam-GJen 436-3452 Highland View 436-3483 Northridge Heights 436-3415 tniciencies start $oyu 1 Bedrooms start $440 2 Bedrooms start $550 3 Bedrooms start $635 WEST LINCOLN Lake view Park 436-3464 Folsom Ridge 436-3422 Efficiencies start $440 1 Bedrooms start $465 2 Bedrooms start $585 3 Bedrooms start $720 Select Options Available: • Loft, Den, or 2 story floorplans # Controlled Access Entries • Laundry facilities, W/D hook-up or W/D units in the apartment • Clubhouses with Outdoor Pool & Fitness FacMUes www.rentcip.com Equal Housing Opportunity 2350 North 44th (44th & Leighton). One bedroom, f/p, big, dean and safe. 466-1733. 3501 Baldwin, 4-plex, 2 BR, nicely decorated, clean, parking. No smoking or pets. Open mid-May for sum mer or year lease. >450.423-4323 or 483-4600. 4910 Madison, 1 bedroom, A/C, references, no pets, $390. Call 483-4887 or 483-7720. Apartments on UNL Campus One studio and 1BR available now and other units available May 1. No smoking, no pets, controlled ac cess, laundry, assigned parking, UNL shuttle stop, $325-$450. Brick Yard Apartments, 17th & Holdrege, 477-6578. Available now. 2BR, second floor of remodeled house. Student tenants, central air, gas heat, parking, deck, wood floors, clean, well maintained. $460/month+ de posit and utilities. 1136 A Street. -AND Top floor of duplex. A/C, washer/dryer, off street park ing, garage available. $410/month. 1121 Sumner. 402-540-1842 or 402-895-5890. Clean 1BR apartment, newly remodeled kitchen and bath, rent $295 plus electric. For more information call Melody or Pat, 402-434-2610 or hearing impaired/TDD 402 434-2613. ★ A ★ ★ We’re extending the Housing Fair $pecial. Qualify and lease an apartment for 1 year and recieve last month rent FREE! 1 year too long...we’ll deduct $50.00 from the first month’s rent on summer and fall term leases. Swim, tan, bike to class, from our tree-nestled 1-2 bedroom community. Jones Properties-640 South 20th-475-7262 Large 1BR apartment available May 1. 4151 Normal. 483-0070. Large three bedroom, 2 1/2 stall attached garage. $750 plus deposit. Available May f. 2501 E. 432-6476. One bedroom, basement apt. CA, free W/D, parking, one block to Harper Hall. $295.489-9294. m c mi it i One, two, three bedroom apartments available. 438-0946. SSSsadb Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, central air, dishwasher, off-street parking, on site laundry. Close to campus. Reasonably priced. 465-8911. <®> Century We provide: ♦ Locations throughout Lincoln ♦ 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance ♦ Professional & Personable Leasing Staff Call us today! 402-437-8300
