With more than 13,000 undergraduates at Cornell, there are bound to be a few young rock stars on the path to fame and fortune. Five of them have teamed up to form Weggalo Star, a band comprised of Jordan Bernstein on lead guitars, Dave Vieira on vocals, guitar, and keyboard, Ricardo Villareal on drums, Ariyan Basu on vocals, guitar, keyboard and bass, and lastly, Brian Han on vocals, guitar, keyboard and bass. Their music is funky and eclectic; it’s a unique mix of rock, electronic, blues and experimental pop you can chill or rock out to. Their diverse musical backgrounds and varying tastes surface through their original music, influenced by classic legends like the Beatles to Radiohead and Grizzly Bear, just to name a few of their favorites. The members are “jack of all trades” with all music and witty lyrics written and produced by the band released under the name Weggalo Star. In addition, they’re media savvy with not only Myspace and Facebook pages to promote themselves, but also an easy-to-navigate and creative website. Weggalostar.com exhibits all of the band’s information, songs, and videos on an old-school television box they call “Weggalovision.” One can control the music by turning the “channel changer” on the television.
The members first joined forces as freshman, living as residents of Cornell’s Just About Music program house, first playing together sporadically for fun. By sophomore year, their interests aligned when they all moved into an off campus house and transformed their attic into their treasured practice space with microphones hanging from the ceiling. This space cultivates their talents and creativity resulting in some sweet sounds. In addition to recording their music from their home, they plan to take advantage of the studio time they won at Rep Studios through WVBR’s University of Rock competition. After watching them rock out live at the Nines at their first show of the semester, one of my favorite songs of Weggalo Star is “I’ll Wait” for which they made a hilarious and professionally done music video (although I’m pretty sure the “blood” looks like ketchup!). Go check it out on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WfgmZ3FMtY. Also, their new song “Dandelion Pie,” inspired by the band’s summer travels to various continents, is amazing: Hans’ soothing voice provides instant relaxation. Come see them play for a night of fun out on the town in Ithaca at the new music lounge in the Commons called Wildfire Bistro (where Lost Dog used to be) or at the Nines (look at their Myspace page for dates and times). When I asked Hans what awaited Weggalo Star post-being stuck in Ithaca, he said, “If things pan out for Weggalo Star and we become an intergalactic music phenomenon, so be it. If not, Dave’s going to be making rocket ships and working on Pixar films. Ricardo and Jordan are going to be world renowned doctors. Ariyan’s going to be a psychology professor. And I’ll most likely be back home in Los Angeles working on audio post production for films and such. Either way, I think we’re all definitely blessed with the options we’ve ended up with, so we’re always thankful for that.” Clearly, the band has the right attitude: the energy, enthusiasm, and fun they bring to the stage is contagious and the crowd is soon up on their feet joining in. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness our Cornellian peers’ hard work and go watch Weggalo Star live! Warning: prepare to be mind- blown by their talent.
By Elise Jacobs
Artist: Lily Allen
Album: It’s Not Me It’s You
Capitol Records
Tabloid queen and infamous internet blogger Lily Allen has much to say about celebrity culture and life’s rollercoaster of ups and downs. The British songstress from “Alright, Still” fame is back with her sophomore album “It’s Not Me, It’s You.” The album title plays a clever twist on the classic break-up line of expired lovers and hints at Lily Allen’s whimsical yet brutally honest musical style.
Similar to her previous album, her vulgar lyrics juxtapose with playful pop melodies. Her upbeat opening track “Everyone’s At It” laments the popularity of abusing prescription pills and antidepressants. Allen then brings up society’s obsession with fame and wealth in her single “The Fear”, as she even admits “I am weapon of massive consumption/ And it’s not my fault it’s how I’m programmed to function.” In “F*** You (Very Much)”, Allen takes on a critical politically-charged stance against homophobia. Her potty-mouthed sarcastic ways are set to such pleasant tunes that one can’t help but sing along with the chorus.
Some critics say that Lily Allen reminds them of a spoiled rich girl stuck in her own bubble. However, her newest album attempts some deeper exploration, while maintaining a vibrant youthful feel that reminds me of an adult version of a playground. Overall, “It’s Not Me, It’s You” is filled with fun catchy songs and is definitely worth checking out for old and new Lily Allen fans alike.
Author: Janice Hurh
Artist: Ryan Leslie
Album: Ryan Leslie
Casablanca
Ryan Leslie’ first album is worth taking a few minutes out of your day to listen to in entirety beyond his most notable track “Addiction” ft. Cassie and Fabolous. Songs like “I-R-I-N-A” written during a photo shoot with Russian fashion model Irina Sheik attract listeners for his unique inspiration for writing and his authentic delivery. “Gibberish,” is the one track for fellas trying to land that “diamond girl”. The song is self-explanatory and makes for fun private after hours. Check out the YouTube page and witness how this Harvard alum who graduated at age 19, writes and creates his masterpiece.
Inside Scoop: Fabolous aka “loso” was alleged to be Slope Day 2009 artist.
Author: Alex Muir
Artist: Little Joy
Album: Little Joy
Rough Trade
Little Joy hit the scene in 2007 when singer/ songwriter Rodrigo Amarante of Los Hermanos and drummer Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes met at a music fest in Portugal. They rooted the band in Los Angeles but their music still retains a shade of that sunny, laid-back vibe. Little Joy’s self titled debut album, released November 2008, is the perfect pick-me-up. It has a retro, easy listening feel with a modern alternative twist. There are, however, more subdued pieces as well, such as “Don’t Watch Me Dancing,” featuring the sultry, antique-sounding vocals of Binki Shapiro. There’s even a little kettle drum and ukulele thrown into the mix. The diversity of this album is driven home by the final track “Evaporar,” sung entirely in Portuguese. Overall, it is a very solid production. Little Joy, we hope to see much more from you in the future. Until then, take it easy (not that you should have any trouble).
For Fans of: The Fratellis, The Strokes, The Bird and the Bee, The Pierces
Author: Kathryn Laughlin
