ALL CAMPUS RADIO NETWORK

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Fox Searchlight; 2015] Rating: 3.5/5 Brooklyn is a standout movie in an extremely generic and recycled cinematic category: the historical romantic drama. In a genre filled to the brim with eye gouging-inducing films like Titanic and The English Patient, Brooklyn stands tall and shows off its interesting characters, brilliant costumes and bright colors. Although it can get a little formulaic near the second half, Brooklyn is still worth a watch.

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Columbia; 2016] Rating: 4.5/5 Key Tracks: “★,” “Lazarus,” “I Can’t Give Everything Away” ★ (pronounced “Blackstar”), David Bowie’s 25th studio album, is difficult to talk about--not just because of its complexity, but because Bowie passed away two days after the album was released. The fact that this is his final record is hard for many to accept. Listening to ★ with the knowledge of his passing makes it all the more personal, especially since

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Southern Lord; 2015] Rating: 3.5/5 Key Tracks: “Kannon 2,” “Kannon 3” If one were to discuss the genre known as “drone metal,” there is no reason that Sunn O))) should not be talked about. Named after the former amplifier company, they are possibly the most notorious band in the entire genre, having made albums like Black One and Monoliths & Dimensions which are considered essential. Kannon is a 33 minute-long album made up of only three tracks

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Atlantic; 2015] Rating: 2/5 Key Tracks: “Hymn for the Weekend,” “Adventure of a Lifetime” One can say whatever one wants about Coldplay, but there’s no doubt that the London-based band’s earlier work has been pretty influential in the indie genre. It’s clear that albums like Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head helped shape the sound heard from a lot of beloved bands today. The band’s 2009 album Viva La Vida marked the start of their pop

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Peaceville; 2015] Rating: 2.5/5 Key Tracks: “Children of the Filth,” “The Withering Death” Autopsy is a band infamous for bringing the style of “gore metal” to the masses. Since 1987, the group has gone through several lineup changes and released albums filled with violently exaggerated lyrics and heavy distortion. Records like Severed Survival and Mental Funeral have proven to be some of the harshest and nastiest metal albums of the past few d

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Motown; 2015] Rating: 3.5/5 Key Tracks: “Cel U Lar Device,” “Phone Down,” “Hello” Erykah Badu is one of the biggest names in modern R&B and soul. With albums like Baduizm and Mama’s Gun under her belt, she’s become legendary for her funky instrumentals as well as her distinct vocals and stage presence. With more concept-based releases like the New Amerykah albums, she has proven herself to be one of the greatest acts of the early 21st century.

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Mute; 2015] Rating: 4/5 Key Tracks: “Mutant,” “Anger,” “Front Load” Arca is a producer that has worked with huge names since his start in 2012, including Kanye West, FKA twigs and Björk. He received critical praise for his debut album Xen, as well as past EPs and mixtapes which are filled with haunting synths, heavy bass, and glitchy production. Arca’s second album, Mutant, is similar to his past material. However, everything is turned up a not

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Rough Trade; 2015] Rating: 1.5/5 Key Tracks: “No, No, No!” Parquet Courts is the prime example of a dad-rock band in the new millennium. The Brooklyn-based post-punk outfit has been adored by fans for their tight groovy melodies and catchy choruses, and questioned by critics for weirder releases like their last album Content Nausea and their forgettable debut album American Specialties. With their second EP Monastic Living, Parquet Courts go in

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [Numbers; 2015] Rating: 4.5/5 Key Tracks: “Bipp,” “Hard,” “Vyzee” London-based producer SOPHIE has quickly become one of the biggest in the music industry, working on tracks for artists like Le1f, Charli XCX and Madonna, as well as helping create the style of label-slash-collective PC Music with the help of fellow producer A.G. Cook. His earlier singles like “Lemonade” caught the attention of music news outlets like Pitchfork, who called the tra

By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor [XL; 2015] Rating: 3.5/5 Key Tracks: “Swirl,” “Koi,” “Umami / Water” New York rapper Le1f has been turning heads by being one of the most popular LGBT rappers in an industry infamous for being prejudiced and homophobic. His three mixtapes and two EPs have created a unique voice for those in the LGBT community who have been afraid to express themselves. Riot Boi, Le1f’s debut album, is a collection of songs that covers a huge range of topics like