Homecoming King & Queen 2009

On Friday, October 15th, the last night of Homecoming, Troy Robinson and Jackie Brown were crowned Bandon High’s Homecoming King and Queen of 2009. Students of Bandon High voted earlier that day for this prestigious title and Troy and Jackie came out on top. When asked about the victory, Jackie said, “I didn’t expect to win.” However, when Troy was asked to comment on his title, he said “I like my chicken.” Regardless of whatever feeling this may convey, this year’s Homecoming court sure was a pretty one, and congratulations to Jackie and Troy.

At War With The Mystics (review)

Released in 2006, At War With The Mystics is The Flaming Lips’ fourteenth album. As unusual as they are erratic, The Flaming Lips have been stirring up trouble since 1986. True to form, this album is full of abstract lyrics and titles, stemming from the imagination of the drug inhabited mind of front man, Wayne Coyne. The creativity and spontaneity in this band, and particularly Coyne, is shown in such songs as “Free Radicals (A Hallucination of the Christmas Skeleton Pleading with a Suicide Bomber)” and “The Wizard Turns On…The Giant Silver Flashlight And Puts On His Werewolf Moccasins”. Almost every Flaming Lips song that I have listened to has had me replaying it over and over, trying to make some sense of the lyrics (instrumentals are the exception). I have come to the conclusion that there is only one way to fully enjoy their music without the pressure of trying to make something of the lyrics; that is to understand that quintessentially, most of the lyrics are simply incomprehensible. Despite their ill-mannered behavior and incredibly strange sound, The Flaming Lips do have a tendency to infuse socially and politically relevant issues into their songs.
It is very safe to say that this band is not for everyone. I would not recommend this album to those who look for any sort of structure or consistency in their music. I would however, recommend this album (and band) to those seeking music from far, far beyond the pale, or any brave soul who has the time and patience to try and decipher the Lips’ code.

Kyle Lawrence

On the morning of August 28th, Bandon High Senior Kyle Lawrence was hit by a vehicle on Highway 101 near Pacific High School. He was soon transported to Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital in Portland, where he was listed in critical condition. Kyle sustained serious injuries from the accident, including a fractured skull, a broken thumb, and a broken leg. Since the accident, Kyle has undergone surgeries for his injuries and is now in stable condition. Though he has shown great improvement, he has yet to regain consciousness.
Almost immediately after Kyle’s accident, meetings were held to organize benefits for he and his family. People in the community have become especially active in helping the Lawrence family through this hardship. The people of Bandon show a great willingness to help; be it dropping a few coins in the can at the grocery store or volunteering at a fundraising event. There will be several events in the near future to raise money for the Lawrence family. It is urged that anyone who can volunteer any time at all does so. The efforts of those who volunteer are greatly appreciated. We are eagerly awaiting the return of our friend to school and wish him a full and quick recovery.

Push Barman To Open Old Wounds (review)

Released in 2005, Push Barman To Open Old Wounds is a compilation of seven of the band’s EP’s from 1997-2005. Belle & Sebastian has a very unique style that is especially prevalent in this compilation. Nobody quite tackles the issues of the middle class subculture quite like this band. Their songs are dosed with witty undertones to everyday situations that seem to be swept under the rug by most other indie musicians. I would recommend this album to anyone, regardless of musical preference. Because everything in their music is so relatable and real, anyone could get into this band. This compilation contains songs ranging from a fast paced 1960’s style song about the excitement of an affair, to a narrative about an ongoing friendship with an indifferent (and living) Elvis. “Old Wounds” also contains many references to literary figures and
historical events. In the song “Le Pastie De La Bourgeoisie” (a pun on épater le bourgeois, meaning “shock to the middle class”) there are references to JD Salinger (author of Catcher in the Rye), Jack Kerouac, and Judy Blume. Through the use of humor and the occasional mocking of characters in their songs, Belle & Sebastian takes common dilemmas that people encounter and showshow pathetically they are handled. Although they seem to portray a more negative outlook on social issues, Belle & Sebastian also has many songs about being in love. There are love songs on the compilation both on the unfortunate and the fortunate sides of a love affair. To put icing on the cake, B & S has a brilliant sound. With the band consisting of six men and one woman, there is a plethora of instruments in every song. The combination of piano, electric and acoustic guitar, drums, violin, harmonica, keyboard, cello, and bass creates a musical melody that could turn even the blandest of lyrics into a beautiful composition.