The Return of Beavis and Butt-head

 MTV’s Beavis and Butt-head are back. Although the beloved ’90s show now makes fun of reality shows like 16 and Pregnant and Jersey Shore, they also make fun of music videos.

That’s right. The channel that legally changed its name from Music Television to MTV has music again.

The show ran from ’93-’97 and gathered a cult following. Since then, channels like Comedy Central have shown re-runs. They released soundtrack CDs. All of the seasons have been released to DVD, and there’s been no shortage of Beavis and Butt-head action figures. The show had a spinoff, “Daria,” which also became popular. Marvel made a Beavis and Butt-head comic book. The show’s movie, “Beavis and Butt-head Do America,” got $60 million at the box office.

A whole new generation will be exposed to music through the (mentally challenged?) teenagers. From fresh dubstep to the bubble gum horrors of Katy Perry, artists will get the opportunity to be made fun of (and get some new fans).

So it’s safe to say that both artists and fans are excited about the show’s return. It’s just as funny (and as lewd) as it ever was.

So far, they’ve shown videos from MGMT, Skrillex, LMFAO, Deadmau5, Cage the Elephant and Benny Banassi.

This could mean the return of the music video. The art of the music video has faded over time. What was big in the ’80s has lost appeal for artists, since most TV channels don’t feature music videos anymore. Sure, there’s YouTube, but many artists don’t want to put a costly video out there without getting paid.

It’s too early to tell now, but since the season premiere on October 27, MTV has been linking the videos on their site. They’re getting a lot of views. That comes as no surprise to all the B&B fans out there. And they’re definitely out there.

Beavis and Butt-head airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m., EST. on MTV. Enjoy.

Check out Skrillex’s “First of the Year” video they featured. Spoiler alert: a little girl kicks a child molester’s @$$.

-Heather Butterworth

Four Years Strong Produces Weakest Album

In Some Way, Shape or Form

from  Four Years Strong

 Released: November 8, 2011

 

Rocks like: Story of the Year's The Black Swan,

Recommended Tracks: "The Infected", "Fairweather Fan"

Overall Rating: Two and a half stars

There is a sad, recurring tale within the music industry.  Once upon a time, a rock band formulated for the love of music and to find unique ways to express themselves. Years go by, band members change, and so does their unique sound.  The band falls prey to maturity and Four Year Strong’s newest album, In Some Way, Shape, or Form, is a perfect example of this fairy tale. 

Sadly, this album is the quintessential story of reckless, loud punk/alternative rock bands maturing and beginning to stray from their roots.  The lyrics have grown up and their unique, fast paced music accompanied by the ever-preset sounds of keyboards and synthesizers is obsolete, and the quirky, random song titles have too died down and have become just run of the mill.

The biggest change for this album and the band itself is the departure of keyboardist Josh Lyford, who added a recognizable resonance to the band by playing the synthesizer, which most rock bands feel is “too uncool” to use anymore.

Now my initial comments may scare off readers and those who have been listening to Four Years Strong for quite some time, but I feel that is only right to play Devil’s advocate and talk about the pros to the album too.  In Some Way, Shape or Form at its core is still pure Four Year Strong.  Each song still has the classic vocal trade offs of Alan Day and Dan O’Connor, and the guitar riffs remain snappy and quick. 

“Fairweather Fan” is a classic example of how Four Year Strong still stays true to themselves, from the brash lyrics, to the fast paced drums and heavy focus on swift guitar playing.  “Fairweather Fan” is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for those who have been following the band since their tremendous 2005-breakout album, Rise or Die Trying (listen to the lyrics, there is a tribute to that album hidden within the bridge).

The album kicks off with “The Infected,” which sets the tone for the reminder of the album: mature, new, and experimental.  Unfortunately, a majority of the tracks blend in together and do not offer any individual flavors.  Songs like “Unbreakable” offer those oh-so happy lyrics that try to empower their listeners and make them feel good about themselves.  The songs themselves can borderline embody the typical rock radio, singsong, catchy energy, which is very different for Four Years Strong.

Overall, give the album a listen and a chance.  To the die-hard Four Years Strong fans, this is not their best work and is a turn for the worst, however there are worse albums out there that you can listen to.  For those who do not know much about them, the album is catchy, the songs can really strike a cord within you, and has some real stand out singles that are perfect workout/driving music.

Mr. Red and White

Imagine 11 men prancing around in their swimsuits in the winter and you get Mr. Red and White.

Today, many members of James Madison University's music community gathered for an interesting event offered by the women's music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota: Mr. Red and White, a men's beauty pageant.

Mr. Red and White is a gathering of men from James Madison University, who pit against each over for the chance of becoming Sigma Alpha Iota's sweetheart for the year.

There were five sections: Group dance, swimwear, talent, and question and answer.

First, all the men gathered and performed a dance choreographed by a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, set to a customized mix of popular songs.

Then the men all lined up back stage and showed off their bikini bodies in an effort to impress the judges.
The judges consisted of influential members of the music community like Scott Rikkers, Marching Royal Dukes director.
Many laughs were shared by the crowd as the contestants flexed and strutted across the stage.

The next section was talent, where each of the men did a unique routine.
While many of the contestants played piano and sang there were a few unique entires.
Will N did a beat poetry rendition of Lil' Jon's Get Low accompanied by I-pad.
Another notable performance consisted of several member's of the Marching Royal Dukes poking fun at traditional warm-ups played by the band.

The question and answer portion of the event was littered with witty answers and laughs.
Each contestant was given a random question and asked why they believed they would be a great selection for Mr. Red and White.

Many contestants had very convincing answers:

"I can be anything you want!"

"It's like, you know, macaroni, pick me!"

"... Because the Ladies of [SAI] are the most beautiful."


After the final portion, the judges left to decide oh who will become the 2011 Mr. Red and White.

While waiting, the audience watched a video depicting the men getting ready by practicing their dances and posing by the kissing rock on the quad.

The air was thick as the contestants stepped out and awaited the verdict.

Mr. Congeniality was awarded, which was voted on by the contestants themselves.
After awarding first and second runner-ups, Will N. was crowned Mr. Red and White 2011.

Afterwards, the ladies of Sigma Alpha Iota gathered and thanked the audience of about 100 people for coming out. The proceeds from the ticket and baked goods sales will be going towards the chapter and a to be determined philanthropy.

-MR