Posted June 29, 2016in The Sound
Brooke Eden has, over the past few years, written or co-written more than 100 songs. So it is somewhat ironic that her first big shot at mainstream success is likely to come from a song she did not have a direct hand in creating. The song is “Daddy’s Money,”
Read More →To be paid on 6/9/2016 Amount: $41,990 To: Iowa Demolition Inc. For: Total demolition cost for three buildings at 2421 E. 36th St., 2412 E. 37th St. and 3935 Mattern Ave. Amount: $15 To: Des Moines Area Community College For: Billed to fire department for “poison emergencies”
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Posted June 29, 2016in Film Review
The two most historically accurate portrayals of the Civil War committed to film are Ronald Maxwell’s “Gods and Generals” and now Gary Ross’ “The Free State of Jones.” Coincidentally, both films focus upon the Confederacy. Not coincidentally, both are receiving poor reviews. “Gods and Generals” was almost universally reviled for
Read More →There is more good stuff coming to you courtesy of Hoyt Sherman Place. Last week, the venerable Sherman Hill venue announced the addition of “The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute” to its schedule. The Beatles tribute show will come to the venue on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.
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Posted June 29, 2016in Sound Check
“Digital Distortion” Def Jam Iggy Azalea has not collapsed into a black hole of her own suck just yet. After her first release, “The New Classic,” was certified platinum off of what one can only assume were mostly hate-purchases, Azalea embarked upon a 2015 headlining stadium tour, which was
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Posted June 29, 2016in Locker Room
Let’s be honest here. Polo is a word that — at least in the prevailing sporting circles in the U.S. — summons thoughts of a Ralph Lauren line of clothing more than it does an actual sport. That’s just the way it is. We are not a country of polo-ites.
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Posted June 29, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
The Paris waiter stands immobile at the top of the sidewalk. Tall. Imposing. White shirt, black vest, white waiter’s arm cloth, black bowtie, white apron, black shoes. Everything is where it should be. His right arm tucked behind his back and left arm bent to drape his white arm
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Posted June 29, 2016in Sound Circuit
Matthew James’ voice comes over the phone from his hometown of Carlton, Michigan. The 31-year-old musician moved to Des Moines two years ago, and now he has taken his new band on the road. “We’ve been out for a week,” he said. “Once we get back, we’re gonna finish editing
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Posted June 29, 2016in Book Review
Garth Risk Hallberg’s first novel, “City on Fire,” is a behemoth, weighing in at more than 900 pages. Readers who might be intimidated by the size of this novel should know that it’s worth it. After reading this book, I was left wanting more. It takes place in New
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What to do about our dividedness? Small steps can lead us down the path to progress
The evidence is strong: Americans are dividing themselves by category and issue, including personal values, politics, healthcare, international engagement, trade, war, terrorism, guns, wealth, income, housing, education, integration, race, religion, geography, sexual identity and family structure, to name a few. And what does that produce in our public and private
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