Becky Barry

Only Rock and Roll Can Save Us

admin — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:02:00 +0000

Tyler Read’s new album Only Rock & Roll Can Save Us is a refreshing meld of new sounds with classic rock influences. The lyrics are raw and alluring, while the melodies remain catchy. But don’t worry; there is nothing “bubble gum” about this album. The music borders on heavy metal, but the influences of rock and roll legends, such as Queen, keep the sound and lyrics from being too hard. I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Only Rock & Roll Can Save Us. The title track offers a modern take on the basic rock anthem. The songs are just edgy enough to be cool without being too much for the average listener.

There are a couple of songs that I do have an issue with, such as “Baby’s Got A Temper” and “Private School Girls.” The lyrics in these two songs are very demeaning and offer a stereotypical rocker’s view of women. It is a shame that Tyler Read’s talents have been wasted on sexist clichés when the band has so much to offer. I can only hope that their future endeavors will focus their talents on worthwhile lyrics as opposed to the traditional bad-boy fare that degrades women.

Written by: Becky Barry, June 21st 2007

Our Daily Bread

admin — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:10:00 +0000

Directed by Nikolaus Geyrhalter

Icarus Films

Our Daily Bread uses visual images to show the deplorable conditions that are inflicted on animals and the toxic spraying of crops to awaken the public to the reality of our food supply. This film also shows the isolation and monotony faced by workers in the industry. Our Daily Bread was a thought-provoking film that left me horrified by its disturbing images and concerned for my family’s welfare. Unfortunately, some of the scenes were so upsetting to me that I was unable to watch them. My husband would tell me when the worst of the cruelty was over, so I could continue viewing.

Overall, I enjoyed Our Daily Bread and found it very insightful. One aspect of the film that left me baffled and a bit annoyed. Throughout the documentary, not one word is spoken. I understand the reasoning behind the filmmaker’s decision. However, the final product had too much of an artsy flair, which hampered the important message. In fact, there were several times while watching Our Daily Bread that my husband and I had to pause the film, so we could try to decipher what was happening in the scene. Our Daily Bread is definitely worth watching, but could have been a truly powerful film with the right (or any) narration.

Written by: Becky Barry, June 16th 2007

My Country, My Country

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 23:16:00 +0000

Directed by Laura Poitras

Zeitgeist Films

I admit that I popped My Country, My Country into my DVD player with genuine trepidation. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this film and had prepared myself for the agonizing boredom that is inflicted by a truly awful movie. Fortunately, My Country, My Country was a captivating and heart wrenching tale that exposes the truth behind war. When we watch the evening news, we see images of soldiers, tanks and insurgents, but what we seldom see is the toll that is levied on the people living under these conditions on a daily basis. These are regular people who are forced to survive in an unimaginable situation. After watching My Country, My Country, I have a deeper understanding of the hardships that the people of Iraq face every day.

Although I enjoyed this movie immensely, I must admit that there were elements that made my blood boil. Before I elaborate, I would like to state for the record that I was never in favor of George Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. However, my respect for the men and women of the armed forces is unwavering. The various scenes that portrayed U.S. servicemen and women as bloodthirsty warmongers left a very bad taste in my mouth. I don’t doubt that there are a few bad apples among our military personnel, but I believe that the majority are descent individuals serving their country.

If you can keep an open mind and understand the political intent behind the negative portrayal of our military, you will find a deeper empathy for the Iraqi people after watching My Country, My Country. Regardless of your feelings about this war, you will be mesmerized by the exquisite cinematography that highlights the beautiful landscapes in Iraq. At the same time, you will be horrified by sights of a war torn country, as well as some of the apparent injustices being levied on the Iraqi people. My Country, My Country left me with many questions needing to be answered by U.S. officials. In the end, it is a movie well worth watching, but be prepared to have your feathers ruffled.

Written by: Becky Barry, April 5th 2007