You may find “The Hunger Games“ in the “Young Adult” section of the bookstore (or more likely, your e-reader), but don’t be fooled – this is not your typical teen novel. 

There’s no democracy, no food, and teenagers are forced to kill each other while everyone else watches. Not exactly sexy vampires, eh?

“The Hunger Games” is the first of the three-part dystopian series by Suzanne Collins. Set in the post-North American country of Panem, the land was divided into 13 districts. After District 13 rebelled against the Capitol dictators and perished, the Capitol created the annual televised Hunger Games to remind the remaining 12 districts that they hold absolutely no power. Each year, the Capitol randomly chooses two “tributes” from each district, one girl and one boy, 12-18, to fight to the death in a Capitol-controlled arena. The landscape, tools, food – everything, even the weather – depends on the Capitol, which likes to keep things interesting for the viewers.

Protagonist Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old from District 12, finds herself in the Hunger Games for the first time – by choosing to take the place of someone else.

Though only a teenager, Katniss is used to putting others before herself. After her father died in a mine accident and her mother crumbled under the weight of the loss, Katniss was forced to become the provider for the family, including her 12-year-old sister, Prim. Almost always starving and desperate, Katniss and her friend/accomplice (and possible love interest?), Gale, illegally hunt to survive, a skill Katniss learned from her father – a useful skill in the Games.

Because of this, Katniss is better prepared for the Games than some of the more privileged tributes that are not accustomed to going without food and having to fend for themselves. But Katniss is not prepared to find that Peeta, the boy tribute chosen from District 12, has been in love with her since they were kids. Together, they fight their way to the end of the Games, until they are the last two standing …

While their partnership plays a large part in the novel, this is no love story. The only way to win the Games is to kill everyone and save yourself. Some of the tributes stay alone and build their own strategy, while others gang up and embrace the wild pack mentality – and things get ugly. Katniss has some close calls of her own that will make you cringe with anxiousness.

The book has gained such popularity since its release in 2008 that the movie of the same title is coming out in March 2012, starring Jennifer Lawrence. The movie also features Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks – and Lenny Kravitz? Well, as long as it stays true to the book, I have a feeling this series is about to be the next big craze.

-Written by Melissa Cowan

Melissa

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We have to give a hand to Army Navy for their brilliant and disturbingly hilarious look at a man who loves his own hand just a little too much.

Army Navy’s new video for “Ode to Janice Melt” stars Parenthood’s Jason Ritter and the tune will have you happily humming along to lyrics about lobotomies and love in no time.

“Ode to Janice Melt” is off The Last Place, recently released July 12, 2011 on the Fever Zone Records. Army Navy is on tour October 2011 and full dates are available on Army Navy’s website.

Bethany Smith

I'm a geek; I love music, technology and grammar.

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The Honda Civic Tour has rightfully become one of the most anticipated concert tours of the year. Each year, the Honda Civic Tour boasts some of the most popular and talented bands on its line-up and this year was no different. Although, this year’s line-up did boast something that many of the years lacked: a sense of humor. The Honda Civic Tour’s 2011 roster features Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and Matt & Kim and it’s hard to not to chuckle at Matt & Kim’s fun cover of Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend” or to laugh along at some of the ridiculous banter of Blink-182. In other words, if you’re heading out to this year’s showcase, be prepared to rock and smile.

Midcoast Station caught the Bonner Springs (Kansas City) stop and the weather did not look promising for the start of this outdoor concert. Rain had been falling consistently and did not look like it would let up in time for Brooklyn duo Matt & Kim to start the show, but Kansas City got lucky. Kim grabbed her drumsticks and began playing so fiercely, that each bang on her drums seemed to drive the storm clouds further away. That woman is ferocious behind the drums! At first look, the most noticeable thing about Kim is that she never stops smiling – her enthusiasm for performing made their set extra fun as she gleefully played and stood up on the bass drum to bang her sticks together in encouragement of crowd participation. But once you move on from her enthusiastic smile, you realize that Kim is all biceps – she is ripped and unsurprisingly so when you watch how intensely she plays her set.

Matt is equally entertaining to watch, While he didn’t match Kim in bravely standing on the less stable keystand, he too played with enthusiasm and sang with a jovial ferocity that was necessary to match Kim’s playing. The duo played their playful hits such as “Daylight,” but also threw in some fun, yet surprising covers. The audience “jumped around” to covers and original songs.

My Chemical Romance‘s set seemed a bit serious in comparison to their tourmates, but it was nonetheless an entertaining performance. Two shout outs about their Kansas City performance: (1) James Dewees represent! The KC local has been rocking the keys for MCR for a few years now.

And (2) Jarrod Alexander did a great job keeping up as a last minute addition on the drums for the band. He had less than a week to learn the tunes in time for Kansas City show and he seemed as though he had been with the band for years. My Chemical Romance played a lot of their newer and more theatrical tunes, but surprisingly “Sing” was absent from the set. Fortunately for those only familiar with their radio hits, there were plenty others to hear and “The Black Parade” made for what felt like an epic closer. The band surprised with one final number, “Cancer,” so singer Gerard Way could say a final goodbye to the audience with this solo performance.

Anticipation grew in conjunction with clouds of pot smoke as the audience waited for Blink-182. Would the trio be as on top of their game as they were prior to the break-up? The answer is yes. Though the guys spent a few years apart, Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge still had great repartee. They even joked about the break-up and made a fun puns in reference to their “Stay Together for the Kids” song. They made a few jokes that bordered on either cringefully disgusting or downright hilarious, depending on how your sense of humor is.

One of the most fun moments, was when Tom claimed he saw “man-cub” in the audience. “Mowgli?” Mark asked to Tom’s surprise and then Mark jumped into a quick cover of “Wanna Be Like You” from the Jungle Book. Now even though a lot of time was devoted to stage banter and joking around (even while playing), the guys still played a monstrous amount of songs – old and new – and proved that they are jokesters, but also serious musicians. Tom said he was a little under the weather for this show, and some strain could be picked up on if you critically analyzed his every move. But like the pro he is, he didn’t let his little cold hold him back.

It was easy to get distracted by the loud mouths and wild theatrics of Tom and Mark, but Travis should not be overlooked. Though the drummer was raised up away from his bandmates and lacked a microphone to add his own commentary, the guy was an amazing drummer to watch. He did get a moment to shine with an improv drum solo midway through the set.

The band really gave their all and when it came time for the encore they played well past the obligatory 1-2 song encore and added balloons to the party.

The Honda Civic Tour continues through U.S. cities this fall and is a show not to be missed.

Bethany Smith

I'm a geek; I love music, technology and grammar.

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Gadzooks! There is a shake up in the world of comics –DC Comics that is. The Warner Bros. subsidiary and comics giant revamped 52 of their premiere graphic novel series late August. All-time favorites: Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Justice League are all getting makeovers, all the way back to issue.#1.

DC Comics hopes that the “do-over” will invite new comic readers to jump on the crime fighting fantasy bandwagon and boost staggering sales the company has seen in recent years. DC Co-publisher, Jim Lee, explained that the reissue would also allow DC creatives to explore new story-lines and short-lived ones, as well as look into new aesthetics, and development. The idea is to make it easier for Sci-Fi fans to pick up any issue, start reading, and not have to worry about back-tracking on an ambiguous back-story.

Never fear though, the revamp does not entail a total makeover. Small adjustments to the superheroes’ aesthetics and character, such as Wonder Woman’s do-away with the vintage jeggings to the scantily clad shorts, or Superman’s intrinsic change from the All-American go-getter to a slightly despond personality, will be noticeable to long time comic book fans –allowing for fans to have a little bit more of a connection with their favorite do-gooders.

Another revision to the DC classic series is the patchwork of lost detail found in it’s preceding issues. Writers will go more in depth with character storylines and grant readers more insight into their superhero’s [or super villain’s] development over the course of a few issues, rather than illustrating such complex storylines through a few story panels. In the first issue of the Justice League, readers will find the initial meeting between the Green Lantern and Batman surprisingly uncongenial. The two heroes clash because of their strikingly opposite personalities: a sententious loner -the Dark Knight, put against an egotist -the Green Lantern.
Does the great comic book reissue do itself ‘justice’ and warrant an increase in comic book readership, or will it lose it’s fan base, as well as it’s goal of gaining new readers?
DC claims to have it covered. Aside from the traditional publishing of comic books, DC Comics is aiming to make it’s “new” series more accessible via digital platform. Anticipating readers can purchase their newly released issue on digital tablets, enhancing their graphic novel reading experience to a new a level. Readers with tablets and computers can enjoy seeing their favorite hero or heroine on color saturated, illuminated screens. Price point of the DC’s basic comic book will be kept at a reasonable $2.99 –another part of how DC plans to gain readers.

Whatever the case may be, our favorite graphic novel heroes will always be there –whether in print or in digital – it’s all in a matter of keeping up with them on the story of their lives.

AJ

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Love her or hate her, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of country and pop powerhouse Taylor Swift, who will be playing at Arrowhead Stadium this coming Saturday. However, you may not be familiar with her opener, Atlantic recording group Needtobreathe. Listen up, because this is a band you want to know.

Hailing from South Carolina, the band has released three albums, with their fourth album The Reckoning releasing this Tuesday.  In a world full of autotuned airwaves, lead vocalist Bear Rinehart’s soulful voice cuts through the air like a knife, and the band’s extraordinary musicality and contagious energy prove there are still genuine musicians in existence. Needtobreathe treated Kansas City to the release show of their third album The Outsiders in 2009, and captivated a small but crowded bar with southern charm and rocking songs. The band is an ideal opener to energize a packed stadium, and will undoubtedly leave Kansas City with new fans to add to their following, known as The Breathers.

Get tickets for this show here. Get band and tour info here.
NEEDTOBREATHE – The Reckoning by NeedToBreathe

Listen to the single Drive All Night here or catch their performance from Leno last week on the video below.

Marina

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Here’s a snapshot of some of this week’s anticipated DVD & Blu-Ray releases. Be sure to check for our Midcoast Review links to get our scoop on what we thought about the film.

Bridesmaids

“Gut-bustingly funny!”(Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly). From the producer of Superbad, Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin comes the breakout comedy critics are calling “brazenly hysterical!” (Alynda Wheat, People).

In “Bridesmaids,” thirty-something Annie (Kristen Wiig) has hit a rough patch but finds her life turned completely upside down when she takes on the Maid of Honor role in her best friend Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph) wedding. In way over her head but determined to succeed, Annie leads a hilarious hodgepodge of bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to the big event.

Dumbo: 70th Anniversary Edition

Lovable little Dumbo‘s mother thinks he’s the most perfect baby elephant ever, but the rest of the circus herd can’t get over mocking his oversized ears. When Dumbo’s mother is locked up for trying to defend her baby, the little elephant is left at the mercy of the mean elephants and the uncaring circus crew, who make him into a clown. It’s up to tiny ringmaster pal Timothy Mouse, a pack of wise-talking crows, and a “magic” feather to show Dumbo that his ears, which make him different, can also make him shine.

Hung: The Complete Second Season

Desperate times call for desperate measures and Ray Drecker‘s situation couldn’t be much tougher. The former high school sports legend turned middle-aged high school basketball coach is divorced and struggling to provide for his kids when his already run-down house catches fire. Looking to take on a second job, Ray decides to exploit his best asset in a last-ditch attempt to change his fortunes.

Modern Family: The Complete Second Season

WINNER OF SIX EMMY®AWARDS including Outstanding Comedy Series “Modern Family” is a refreshingly hilarious look at what it means to be a family in today’s hectic unpredictable world. While fledgling fathers Cameron and Mitchell struggle with learning the ropes of parenthood long-time parents Claire and Phil try to keep the spice in their marriage amid the chaos of raising three challenging children. Meanwhile family patriarch Jay has more than his hands full with his sexy spirited wife Gloria and her precocious son. Still no matter the size shape or situation family always comes first in this laugh-out-loud critically acclaimed hit.

Nathan

Nathan enjoys film, music, sports and most of all, speaking in the third person.

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Sunday night I danced in the most carefree way, wondered what Ferris Bueller was doing on stage, swore I saw a better version of Kings of Leon and watched one of my favorite musicians play in a parking lot. One concert. Okay.

Locals O Giant Man opened Sunday night’s show at Record Bar, one of my favorite Kansas City venues. With a drum kit iced in white Christmas lights, the members bounced around stage to their own happy, peppy beats. The lead singer sounds pleasantly like The Kooks’ Luke Pritchard. Be still, my heart. O. Giant Man trademarked its sound with a range of acoustics I haven’t heard from a live band in quite awhile, a refreshing change that added a little something extra to the group’s already cohesive, solid sound. As a final note, I would like to award O Giant Man with the esteemed Least Sweaty Drummer Ever award. I perspire more at my job hocking iPads than he did in a 20-minute set and he was working hard. Magnificent!

White Girl piqued my interest immediately. The four-piece’s warm up involved a lot of deep, resonating notes and the set-up of a projection screen. My toes tingled with the anticipation of dancing to sweet beats, but, alas, White Girl did not deliver as hoped. Though the group brought a big presentation, the members themselves lacked the energy needed to fully hype the crowd. Meanwhile, too much music seemed to happen at once, turning quickly to mush in the small venue. Bethany and I discussed it, and we see a good future for the group writing soundtracks to 1980′s flashback films. Consider this, dudes. Bethany also noted that the group sounds like a “sad Owl City.” This writer whole-heartedly agrees. Miscellaneous kudos include: lead singer Martin Bush’s impressive commandeering of higher-range notes, my undying appreciate for anything that sounds remotely like the 80s and Bush’s eerie resemblance to Matthew Broderick, circa “Ferris Bueller” days.

The show shifted vastly when Tennessee indie rock band The Features took the stage. Forget the pep and electronics of yore, these guys filled the room with a serious, guitar-driven sound. My notes from halfway through their opening song probably best sum up the entire set: “These dudes do not fuck around.” I  enjoyed listening to the group start a song with a simple theme and then play with and distort it through the piece, as well as the major intensity The Features brought to their set — and managed to sustain appropriately throughout. The group has a great understanding of how to taper things at the end of a song to let the audience down gently…and then picks right back up at full force with the start of the next song. I felt exhausted in the best possible way by the end of the set. True sign that The Features are doing it right? The two bros (backwards ball caps and all) directly in front of me danced like crazy for the entire set.

Of particular note in The Features’ set, the drummer had some of the tightest drumming I’ve ever seen. Every beat was perfectly on point, and I noticed that he drummed on his leg throughout the set to ensure he kept accurate time. Overall, if you’re looking for an intelligible, in-tune version of Kings of Leon (for whom, coincidentally, The Features have opened on a few tours), these are your guys.

And at the end, there was Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band. Oh, Kevin. Kevin, Kevin, Kevin. He melts my heart every time. Let’s not pretend this section is an unbiased review. But let’s pretend.

Devine played a few songs off his new album, Between the Concrete & Clouds, which was released last Tuesday, a few days after the show. This album, as well as Devine’s performance Sunday night, showed a great deal of growth from his earliest shows and recordings. While his lyrics have remained heartbreakingly honest and poignant, his vocals and instrumentals have matured vastly, giving his newer work a recognizable, consistent sound.

Devine opened with “You’re My Incentive,” eliciting plenty of squeals and cheers from the crowd. From there, he transitioned straight into my favorite, “No Time Flat.” He slipped in some new lyrics to more accurately reflect the current state of political affairs, and, per usual, he delivered it all with the ache of someone who genuinely cares. This performance marked Devine’s first time in Kansas City in over a year, since he last played The Midland with Thrice, and also served as his first headlining tour since the “Brother’s Blood” tour (2009). Based on the crowd’s reactions, this visit, not to mention this tour, was long overdue. Certainly Devine’s fan base in Kansas City has grown substantially — Record Bar was teeming with enthusiastic, dedicated fans.

Due to Record Bar’s strict curfew rules, and what seems to have been an extra opening band, Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band skipped most stage banter in favor of more time spent playing — no one in the crowd complained. Despite this, 11:45 rolled around all too soon, and the venue brought up the house lights halfway through the band’s final song, “Brother’s Blood.” The band finished up, despite a half surprised, half irked expression from Devine. Record Bar shooed most of the crowd out immediately following this, but a reluctant handful lingered around the merch tables chatting with Devine until staff starting pulling drinks straight out of hands. The remaining 30 or so fans trickled into the evening, only to be followed by Devine, who pulled an acoustic guitar from his van and treated the group to an additional five-song set.

And with that said, well, I’ve seen Kevin Devine play several times, but none were quite as excellent as this. Crushing on him and obsessed with his music already or not, I have a lot of respect for an artist who will hang out with fans after the venue shuts him down so he can finish his set in a parking lot. Devine created an exceptionally notable night for a lot of already die-hard fans that evening, a favor Kansas City won’t soon forget.

*Photos contributed by Bethany Smith

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Some of the most important artists in the world have painted pieces that no one will understand. They create a series of works almost like tracks on a CD compiling their feelings into color, canvas after canvas, searching for meaning in a world that doesn’t make sense. Thrice has continually produced albums that highlight that exact idea. They write records in ways and move in directions that not all of their fans might understand. On September 20, Thrice will release “Major/Minor” on Vagrant Records, which to me, after my very first listen, makes perfect sense. It’s the one album that I believe is going to make sense of all the work that Thrice has done the last 13 or so years. I put my headphones on and everything just immediately made sense. I guess after creating music by utilizing a slew of different musical tactics, they have developed an arsenal of writing and arranging techniques, all which boisterously burst through on “Major/Minor.”

Out of all the albums in Thrice’s musical catalog, “Major/Minor” is the most solid and well-rounded record since “Artist in the Ambulance” (2003). Though “Major/Minor” and “Artist” are two completely different records, each was created almost like a final project or thesis. Their freshman E.P. “Identity Crisis” and sophomore E.P. “The Illusion of Safety” explored the realm of punk rock’s fusion with metal riffs and hooked choruses. They were aggressive and uptempo, all which culminated in the refined and polished “Artist in the Ambulance.”  In the next five years, “Vheissu” (2005), “Alchemy Index” series (2006), and “Beggars” (2009) would each explore a range of instrumentation, (keyboards, strings, electronic samples, hand percussion), advanced writing techniques, song arrangements, and a refined guitar/bass tone. All would stretch the boundaries of the genre Thrice helped shape with other Warped Tour and Taste of Chaos regulars alike, but all would emphatically result in 2011’s “Major/Minor.”

Vocally, Dustin Kensrue delivers with his sincerest and most honest record yet, belting triumphantly in tracks like “Yellow Belly,” “Promises,” and “Blur” while sailing high in tracks like ”Anthology” and “Treading Paper,” highlighting his range and ability to capture the ever so important hook. “Words in the Water” is Dustin’s highlight, capturing pure emotion not only in his melody but in his lyrics. He is one of those vocalists that hasn’t received the credit and recognition he deserves. Dustin sings about humanity and love, and wears his faith on his sleeve. He has the tone of voice and presence that makes you care about what he has to say. He cuts to the core by providing the listener with his honest take on humanity and his hope for something better, almost pleading with the listener to really pay attention and to look at what we are turning into as a human race.

Each guitar track, rhythm, and lead have my favorite tone out of any record yet. Crunchy, but clean enough to hear the colors in the chords, which allows the bravado of the rhythm section to nail each grove and carry the chord changes in the songs. Not only is the record sonically huge, it’s engineered and mixed wonderfully, most likely thanks to the help of producer David Schiffman (Weezer, Bayside, The Bronx). Having produced “Vheissu” (2005), it seems the relationship between Schiffman and the band is a good one, turning up the rock factor and accentuating the dark progressive feel that Thrice has been known for in the later part of its career.

This is hands-down my favorite album with Eddie and Riley Breckenridge. Whether it’s the mixing or the song arrangements, I haven’t felt this big of a bass guitar and drum set match up, tone, and presence in Thrice’s history. Each bass tone that is struck drives home the emotion in every single song. Along with Riley’s impeccable ability to provide the perfect drum arrangement, the Breckenridge brothers mainline the energy in “Major/Minor.”

Plain and simple this record feels right. I raised my hands in the air with a rush of adrenaline more than I have with any album in the last five years.  Each song has a unique way of keeping you on your toes. They leave you marinating in the verse and it’s nothing less than a celebration when the chorus comes thundering in.  Each track is rounded around a memorable moment, whether it be vocally or instrumental.  No matter what record Thrice has written or will write, the band is always exciting to listen to because it isn’t afraid to grow and not afraid to disappoint.  Its attitude and bruiting musical agenda reverberates the entire record, whether it be heavy, riffy, ambient, organic, uptempo, quiet, loud, electronic, and of course, major and/or minor.
Thrice – Major/Minor (Preview) by Vagrant Records

Todd

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It’s hard to review “Red State” without mentioning the unique way in which its director, Kevin Smith, has decided to release it. Smith made the movie independently, self-distributed it at road-show style screenings around the country, and has now released it as a VOD (Video On Demand). As a fan of Smith and his work, I was probably more aware of this movie than any that has come out this year. Smith has worked tirelessly (shamelessly, some may say) to promote “Red State,” amassing literally dozens of hours of content to promote it. He has said that he made the movie without any studio financing to keep his vision of the movie true (and perhaps no one was interested). The only question left is does it deliver?

“Red State” starts by telling the story of three teenagers who go to a backwoods town in search of a “good time.” There they are taken hostage by a family (the Coopers) that is more than a little similar to the Phelps family and their Westboro Baptist Church. It gets more grim for the boys as they find out that the Cooper clan is looking to punish the wicked. To avoid giving away too much, I will say that from there the movie switches from a very good psychological thriller to an almost all-out action movie.

The first thing that should be mentioned about “Red State” is the performances. Just about everyone in the cast delivers excellent work, whether they appear for five minutes or for the full feature. Michael Parks, playing the patriarchal Abin Cooper, stands out amongst a very solid cast. His performance is incredibly haunting and it really anchors the movie. John Goodman appears at about the 40-minute mark and becomes the central figure for much of the remainder as an ATF agent that is stuck in a bad situation with an unhelpful bureaucracy not doing him any favors.

While people have agreed almost always that Smith can write, some have long criticized his visual style (or lack thereof, depending on who you ask). “Red State” has a visceral and engaging look to it. Most everything here is shot handheld or moving and it really draws you in to the action with its use of quick cuts and shoulder mounted camerawork.

After all the press that has surrounded the movie since day one, I was really hopeful that it wouldn’t disappoint. “Red State” was a really taut (about 85 minutes), interesting thriller.

It is available now through most VOD distributors (iTunes, Vudu, Amazon) and will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray on October 18.

4 out of 5 stars

Nathan

Nathan enjoys film, music, sports and most of all, speaking in the third person.

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Singer/songwriter Kevin Devine‘s set at Kansas City’s Record Bar on September 11, 2011 got cut short by venue curfew laws. However, Kevin Devine still treated a small group of fans waiting outside the venue to a special acoustic encore. Kevin Devine performed about five acoustic songs in a parking lot in Kansas City and Midcoast Station caught it all on the video.

The set included: “Tomorrow’s Just Too Late,” “The Burning City Smoking,” “Just Stay,” “Every Famous Last Words” (Miracle of 86) and “Ballgame.”

The videos also include some pretty amusing chatter that offers a great glimpse at Kevin Devine’s personality.

Enjoy!

Bethany Smith

I'm a geek; I love music, technology and grammar.

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