A uniquely symbiotic partnership exists between architecture and photography. Even the most breathtaking building might have only a limited number of visitors. It’s through the photographic image, however, that most structures gain the admirers they are due. As the documentary “Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman” makes clear, few architectural photographers have done more […]
Phil Bacharach
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Death Cab for Cutie sells out Tulsa show, proving confidence of its indie-rock audience
The members of Death Cab for Cutie see their chart-topping rock band as something of a strange fit. Despite having racked up fiercely loyal fans, Grammy nominations and a gold-certified record with last year’s “Narrow Stairs,” the four-piece outfit remains uncomfortable with the notion of mainstream success. Death Cab for Cutie bassist Nick Harmer is […]
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Electric Six transform the Opolis into ‘Gay Bar, Part 2’
Electric Six has been described as possibly the least sincere band in current rock ‘n’ roll ” fighting words in an industry not particularly known for earnestness. The sextet’s genre-bending blend of disco, post-punk and hair metal has framed a sonic canvas for lead singer-songwriter, Dick Valentine ” real name Tyler Spencer ” to serve […]
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Michelle Williams turns in remarkable performance in ‘Wendy and Lucy’
Woman loses dog. If you’re a bottom-line kind of person, the aforementioned sentence is essentially the bare-bones plot of “Wendy and Lucy.” That slender narrative, however, offers more than enough space on which to build a singularly haunting tale of desperation, resilience and sacrifice. In short, this low-budget indie says more about the human condition […]
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Documentary examines the historical roots of LA gang violence
In chronicling the evolution of gang violence in Los Angeles, “Crips and Bloods: Made in America,” which screens Thursday through Sunday at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, opens with an upside-down aerial view of downtown L.A. The image is striking, if unsubtle ” a visual announcement that this iconic sun-drenched oasis of opportunity has […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Coraline
Picasso mused that every child is born an artist, but that the hard part is how to remain one as he or she grows up. I don’t think Picasso meant dexterity with paintbrushes so much as he was talking about the palette of the mind. No frontier is more surreal or vivid than the imagination […]
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The Toadies nearly croaked in 2001, but have returned with new album
As lead vocalist for the Toadies, Vaden Todd Lewis does a lot of singing ” and snarling, for that matter ” about rage, resentment and toxic relationships. His most famous song, “Possum Kingdom,” alludes to vampirism and, perhaps, murder. But Lewis insists his lyrical obsessions are not an admission of psychosis. SOPHOMORE EFFORTFRIDAY SHOW “I’m […]
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Haunting and evocative, country noir chanteuse does things her way
It is nearly impossible to resist the voice of Neko Case. The flame-haired beauty is blessed with a full-throated, powerful croon that channels Patsy Cline through a Southern Gothic prism; her vocals are among the most evocative in pop. But the last time Case had a gig in Oklahoma City, she found herself surprisingly silenced. […]
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Panelist details debate, deliberation, decision with selecting state’s rock song
Editor’s note: Phil Bacharach, Gov. Brad Henry’s press secretary and a regular Gazette contributor, was among a group of panelists chosen to pick potential official state rock songs on which Okies could vote. Public service can be heady stuff. I’ve worked in state government on and off for a number of years now, but only […]
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Edmond is home away from home for British Sea Power
British Sea Power is nothing if not idiosyncratic. Hailing from the British coastal city of Brighton, the band is renowned for its vintage nautical uniforms and quirky shows where the stage is bedecked in foliage and tree branches. The band will play at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Norman Music Festival on the West Main […]