‘In Rotation’: My Top 6 Albums Of The Week That You Need To Hear

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November 18, 2016

In Rotation, a listicle for music lovers, and seekers of new and different things to listen to. So, if you’re looking for new music, something different, or maybe music to suit your mood this week, here is the place to get a diverse offering each week. In Rotation this week, will have some leftover horror from Halloween, some Mexican Surf rock, new music, and an interesting Christian band.

So, without further ado, lets dive into this week’s albums In Rotation.

1)

Band: Rezurex

Album: Beyond the Grave

In Rotation‘s first, is a fantastic California horrorbilly/psychobilly band Rezurex. California is where many of the genre’s finest stars hail from. The singer has his own unique sound in a music genre full of copies, and takes them a little further away from punk than a group such as Nekromantix. Their album Beyond the Grave shows their Mexican flavor, seasoned in a few areas, with one being the opening track “Dia De Los Muertos.” This happens to be one of two of this writer’s favorite songs of the same title (The other being from a hellbilly band Ghoultown).

If you love a blend of Gothic, ’50s rockalbilly, and horror, then you’ve found a new album for your collection.

2)

Band: AFI

Album: The Blood Album

AFI, or A Fire Inside (formerly Anthem For Insubordinates), is on the cusp of producing another album.The Gothic Punk act, that has gone through a few other additional genres through their long history, is set to put out an album that blends their releases Decemberunderground and Sing the Sorrow, much to the delight of disaffected fans who loathed their second to last album Crash Love.

The song “Snow Cats” and “White Offerings” offer up an exciting return to form for the AFI, but the preview disc leaves one unsure.

3)

Band: Dead Man’s Bones

Album: Self titled + Live unreleased tracks

Ryan Gosling had a Gothic, Indie, Folk, Horror, rock band. I repeat…Ryan Gosling.

Well, in any case, that is the same Hollywood heartthrob Gosling that you were assuming it was. Consequently, the album is fantastic. It is full of atmosphere, gloom, melancholy, and Gothic romanticism. Believe it or not, Gosling is highly fond of horror and the macabre. As stated, there are around 6 or so songs (Including a cover) that didn’t make the self-titled release, but may have been meant for the follow-up Witch Stories. Though, that album never materialized. Oh, it is important to highlight the creepy children’s choir that vocally accompanies the band, as it has already off put someone this album was recommended to.

If it sounds appealing, or a simple curio, than you need to check this album. Right now.

4)

Band: (Danny Amis Y) Lost Acapulco

Album: Terremoto

Active:

Surf rock, as a genre, is certainly not new. Also, by Surf rock, we are not speaking about The Beach Boys (Not that there is anything wrong with Barbara Ann). Surf rock allows many artists to add their own flare, and Lost Acapulco adds a Mexican flavor, and slightly more solid, punk rock chords, but are also heavy on the ’50s melody as well. They have much more expansive albums, but this just happened to be In Rotation this week.

Further inspection and study is necessary, as this is a new band to this writer, but if you’re a Surf rock fan to, there is nothing stopping you from checking out this album.

5)

Band: The Deadlines

Album: Death and Life Of

Christian bands tend to get a bad rap in the greater music scene, but even the coolest and hippest ones, tend to be known for their Screamo or Hardcore music. Enter The Deadlines, in the late ’90s, and this Christian band managed to attach themselves to another genre…Horror Punk. The Deadlines second album, though their first is a punkier, synth-less demo version of the second, is chock full of horror lyrics with Christian metaphors abound.

Even if you’re not devout, check it out.

6)

Band: Drift

Album: Black Devotion

Dark Wave/Electronica music has a wider swath of artists today than you might think. Drift branches off from another Dark Wave band, but leaves the majority of the band behind. The band is Nathalia Bruno, formerly of the Dark Wave/Shoegaze band Phosphor and the Dream pop/Shoegaze band Leave The Planet, and her band Drift is in a similar vein. Shoegazing, dissonant vocals with minimalist synth that appears to always meander around the higher notes, and occasionally a slight dance-like feeling exudes from the albums short track list. Dark and beautiful, but certainly a departure from what you may be used to.

You would be wise to check it out because, if you don’t, you may never know if it is your cup of tea. Also, it is some tasty tea.

Thank you for taking a short journey into a vast collection of various genres that hopefully will give you something new to listen to this week.

Stay tuned or next week’s In Rotation.

[Images Via Public Domain/Various Artistss]

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Review: ‘Steven Universe’: Gem Harvest: A Family Gathering

By

Anthony Wendel

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November 17, 2016

Steven meets someone new while visiting the barn.

SPOILER ALERT
Steven Universe finally decides to answer one of the biggest questions the fan base has been curious about for a long time. Does Steven have any family from his father’s side? The answer to this question is yes and they are introduced in this episode.

Uncle Andy (actually Greg’s cousin, so Steven’s cousin-once removed) flies in and gets to know the Gems. This doesn’t go very well at first, especially with Peridot and Lapis still using the family barn as a studio apartment for them to experiment with all their weird art projects. From their, the rest of the crystal gems arrive and Steven suggest to have a family dinner. This is where the episode really takes off.

This episode perfectly captures what it’s like to be in a family, especially when it’s a dinner with people you don’t see on a regular basis. Every little element of awkwardness which comes into play, such as jokes no one else gets, references you had to be there to understand, and a family member walking off in frustration. It’s an episode which feels real and makes you almost miss the feelings which comes from such an event because despite how uncomfortable they can be, a lot of good can come out of a family dinner.

The only real downside is once again how the Crystal Gems are portrayed. The excuse of them being aliens from another planet really can only so far to explain their unfamiliarity with human culture. Pearl, Garnet, and Amethyst have lived on the planet for hundreds of years. Why would they think buying wedding, funeral, and birthday supplies would be a good idea for a simply family dinner? The joke is getting a little old and outdated but still it doesn’t detract from what is an otherwise very heartfelt episode of Steven Demayo. Yes, it is his real name.

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Review: ‘Aquaman’ #11: A Prequel Of Forgiveness

By

Anthony Wendel

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November 17, 2016

“THE DELUGE” prologue! Aquaman’s mission to unite the sea and surface has taken a great leap forward. But N.E.M.O.—the secret terrorist organization—has other ideas. Black Manta deploys the agents of N.E.M.O. to provoke hostilities between Atlantis and America. The Deluge—the prophesied, all–out global war—is about to begin.

Writing

Since the first issue in Rebirth, Aquaman has been working hard to try and balance being a man with connections to the land with trying to be King of Atlantis. With the actions N.E.M.O. took in previous issues, he has been labelled as a terrorist who is plotting to overthrow America despite his efforts to keep peace. This has put him at odds with fellow teammates of the Justice League, the American government, and even with his soon to be wife Mera. This issue focuses on the aftermath of a long battle and takes a moment to breath and reflect on all Aquaman has been fighting for.

Writer Dan Abnett has been spinning a great tale with his tenure on Aquaman and it seems to come to a head as he works towards the multi-part story, “The Deluge.” Seeing how Aquaman feels out of place with who is in this new world and trying to do all he can to stop war which hinges on the decisions is a wonderful read. It’s the kind of story many people who feel they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders feel.

Artwork

This issue is filled with pages which tell a great story without any dialogue. The best moments come from the wordless pages showing Aquaman beaten and dragging himself back to the ocean. In these panels, artist Philippe Briones was able to show not only how injured he was after the fight in previous issues but also how suspicious the public was to offer him a hand. Artwork which goes above and beyond like this is truly admirable.

Conclusion

Aquaman is one of those heroes everyone likes to joke about instead of giving him the proper respect he deserves. This new run has helped to showcase what he is as a hero and as a character. If more people were willing to give this story arc a read it may just help change the public’s perspective on who Aquaman is as a character. Especially if the “Deluge” storyline is as good as this prequel is showing it to be.

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‘Game Of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke Cast In Han Solo Film

By

Matthew Sardo

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November 17, 2016

It appears Daenerys Targaryen is headed to the Star Wars Universe, or at least Emilia Clarke will battle wits with Alden Ehrenreich and Donald Glover in the untitled Han Solo Star Wars movie

According to Deadline, Clarke, known for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has joined the upcoming untitled Han Solo Star Wars movie helmed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

Ehrenreich stars as Solo and Glover as Lando Calrissian, the film is set before the events of the original Star Wars trilogy. Han Solo and company will hit theaters in 2018.

The plot is unknown but could center around the events of Solo’s time in the Imperial Navy.

What do you think of the casting? Comment below and check back as more details become available.

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First ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Trailer Reportedly Debuting With ‘Rogue One’

By

Aric Sweeny

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November 17, 2016

The first trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming will reportedly be attached to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, according to an exclusive scoop from Comicbook.com.

If their report is indeed correct, expect to see the trailer online on December 16.

Additionally, the news outlet reached out to Sony for a comment, but they declined.

Spider-Man: Homecoming features Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, Robert Downey Jr. and Marissa Tomei; Jon Watts is the director.

Spider-Man: Homecoming swings into theaters on July 7, 2017.

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‘Aquaman’: Willem Dafoe’s Vulko To Play “Principal Role”

By

Aric Sweeny

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November 17, 2016

A few months back it was reported that Willem Dafoe will be playing Vulko in next year’s Justice League. Now we have an interview published in The Guardian confirming the actor in another DC Extended Universe film, Aquaman.

“Justice League is very particular because it’s an ensemble movie and my character is being introduced here in order to be a principal role in Aquaman. These films are a different experience. They have different responsibilities, different resources and different intentions. It’s nice to go between those worlds if you can. They serve different impulses.”

As stated in Dafoe’s quote above, the character will be introduced in Justice League and play a substantial part in Aquaman.

Justice League hits theaters on November 17, 2017.

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

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BREAKING NEWS: Archie Comics-based Drama ‘Riverdale’ Set To Debut Thursday, January 26th At 9pm On The CW

By

Manuel Gomez

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November 17, 2016

*For immediate release

Mark your calendars – your trip to Riverdale has been booked.

Everyone’s favorite teenagers, Archie, Betty and Veronica, Jughead and more, will take over Thursday nights starting January 26th at 9pm ET with the premiere of Riverdale on The CW. The one-hour live-action drama based on the classic Archie Comics characters will be followed a week later in comic shops by a special one-shot comic book that ties into the show. The Wednesday, February 1 release will provide previously-unknown backstory for key members and storylines on the show.

“This is a historic moment for Archie Comics – and it’s been a long time coming,” said Archie Comics CEO and Publisher Jon Goldwater. “Partnering with Roberto, Greg Berlanti Warner Bros. and The CW has been a wonderful experience, and it’s been stunning to see the show bring our iconic characters to life, adding to the mythos and legend of Archie and his gang. You will be hooked from the first scene, I promise you.”

The show will be written by Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and produced by Warner Brothers Studios and Berlanti Productions and has been described as a subversive take on the classic Archie mythos. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schecter, Jon Goldwater, and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa serve as executive producers.

The live-action series offers a bold, compelling take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade. The show will focus on the eternal love triangle of Archie Andrews, girl-next-door Betty Cooper, and rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and will include the entire cast of characters from the comic books—including Archie’s rival, Reggie Mantle, and his slacker best friend, Jughead Jones.

Riverdale stars KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, Ashleigh Murray as Josie McCoy, Luke Perry as Fred Andrews, Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom, Ross Butler as Reggie Mantle, Casey Cott as Kevin Keller, Mädchen Amick as Alice Cooper, and Marisol Nichols as Hermione Lodge.

For more information about ‘Riverdale’, visit the official Archie Comics website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Lucasfilm Releases ‘Rogue One’ Story Featurette

By

Manuel Gomez

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November 17, 2016

Lucasfilm continues to roll out promos in lieu of the upcoming release for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Earlier today we reported on two new TV spots. Now the production company has put out a new featurette that dives into a few more story details and features some behind the scenes footage as well. You can watch the featurette below.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelsen, Ben Mendelsohn, Alan Tudyk, Donny Yen, Valene Kane, Riz Ahmed, Genevieve O’Reilly, Jimmy Smits, James Earl Jones, and Forrest Whitaker. It tells the story of the rag-tag team who steal the famed plans for the first Death Star, an act that allows for its destruction by the rebels in Star Wars: A New Hope. The film is directed by Gareth Edwards, from a screenplay written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will hit theaters on December 16, 2016.

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Holly Hunter Headed to HBO for Alan Ball Family Drama

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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November 17, 2016

The world always needs more Holly Hunter, and now it seems we’ll have more soon.

Hunter is set to star in Alan Ball’s upcoming HBO family drama, as yet untitled. Here is a breakdown of the story from the Deadline report:

Written by Ball, the yet-untitled series is described as a tragicomic meditation on the complicated forces at work on us all in America today. It focuses on a contemporary multi-racial family. Philosophy professor Greg Bishop and his lawyer wife Audrey Black (Hunter) are socially conscious idealists who decided to build a family by adopting children from Vietnam, Somali and Colombia before having their own child in their forties. This seemingly perfect, progressive family is in actuality harboring deep rifts. Then, one of the children begins to see things others cannot. Is it mental illness? Or something else?

It sounds like there’s more on this story’s mind than just straight drama. And nobody should expect less from Ball, who brought the world Six Feet Under (awesome) and True Blood (groan) a few years back.

Nobody has been added to the cast aside from Holly Hunter, who isn’t in nearly enough these days. She was in Batman v Superman but… yeah… anyway. But hey, she’ll be back for the sequel to The Incredibles.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Top Five Fruity Beers For Non Beer Drinkers, And Beer Drinkers Alike

By

Devon Kenney

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November 17, 2016

As someone who was once not a beer drinker, I can completely understand when someone doesn’t like beer. I have even found myself going towards the fruity beers more than IPAs. The light taste and citrus flavors have won me over. Below is a list of my favorite non-beer tasting beers. This theory has been tested and proven by my best friend Laura, who absolutely hates beer.

5. Curious Traveler Grapefruit Shandy-4.4% ABV, 7 IBU

My usual go to. The taste of grapefruit is apparent, and it basically tastes like juice. You can drink the six-pack without even knowing it. It is made with real grapefruit, Hallertau-Hallertau hops, and is available basically everywhere.

4. Schofferhofer Grapefruit– 2.5% ABV

This tastes less like beer than any of the rest of them. It is a hefeweizen, which is my personal favorite genre of beer. A 50/50 mix of the hefe, and juice. I gave this to Laura, and now she drinks it on her own. I get the occasional Snapchat and it makes me so proud.

3. Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat-5.5% ABV, 14 IBU

Literally my favorite beer of all time. Tangerine in a wheat ale, you cannot ask for anything better. This one does have more of a beer taste to it, but you really get the tangerine in each sip.

2.Leininkeugels Grapefruit Shandy– 4.2% ABV, 11 IBU

Do we see a grapefruit theme going on? Another juice like beer, and unlike the other Shandy from Leininkeugel, this one is available year round. It is a Weiss beer mixed with natural grapefruit flavors, which basically makes the taste of summer all year long. This one you can also find very easily, I have found it in CVS and also the liquor store.

1. Huckleberry Ale- River City Brewing– 5% ABV, 6 IBU

I believe this was my first Huckleberry beer experience, and I was not disappointed. It is more beer tasting than the others, less so than the Tangerine Wheat, however. If you are really lucky, you can experience it on nitro in the brewery. I warn you, it is even better on nitro.

Time to get all those non-beer drinkers to try the fruity beers. They won’t regret it, and neither will you

Until next time beer snobs!

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