This post was updated June 25 at 4:36 p.m. Upcoming albums aim to be the soundtrack of the summer as the world emerges from pandemic restrictions. Read more...
Photo: (Illustration by Katelyn Dang/Illustrations director)
Arts Columns
Arts, Arts Columns, Lifestyle
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June 1, 4:33 pm
Book review: Readers ride in joyful train of queer love in Casey McQuiston’s ‘One Last Stop’
Casey McQuiston makes the subway sexy in “One Last Stop.” Released Tuesday, their sophomore novel takes on a more wistful tone than their sprightly debut “Red, White & Royal Blue.” Yearning for a place to feel at home after floating between cities, protagonist August hopes to find it in New York City. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of St. Martin’s Publishing Group)
Arts, Arts Columns, Film & TV
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May 28, 5:45 pm
Movie review: ‘Cruella’ delivers powerful acting, soundtrack despite its lack of plot originality
“Cruella” mixes ’70s fashion, edgy music and its famous Dalmatians in a prequel that would be almost too cruel to miss. Much like its 2014 film “Maleficent,” Disney’s newest live-action follows the origin story of the notorious villain in the Disney classic “101 Dalmatians.” Now playing in theaters and streaming on Disney+ with premier access, “Cruella” takes place in 1970s London amid the contrasting worlds of fashion and music. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of Laurie Sparham)
Arts, Arts Columns, Film & TV
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May 27, 4:31 pm
TV review: ‘Friends: The Reunion’ leaves fans nostalgic while celebrity guests distract
Seventeen years later, it’s the one where they finally reunite. Directed by Ben Winston and executive produced by the six main cast members, “Friends: The Reunion” is now available to stream on HBO Max. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of HBO Max)
Arts, Arts Columns, Lifestyle
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May 26, 6:26 pm
Restaurant review: Alfred Coffee brings original brews but steep prices to Westwood
Toss your Starbucks card – Alfred Coffee is Westwood’s hottest brew. The Los Angeles-based coffee shop chain unveiled its newest Westwood location Monday. Located across from the Hammer Museum, Alfred Coffee brings well-crafted beverages and vibrant interior decor to Westwood Village. Read more...
Photo: On Monday, Alfred Westwood Village opened its doors and began serving beverages and bold interior design to Bruins. (Ashley Kenney/Assistant Photo editor)
Arts, Arts Columns, Music
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May 21, 3:41 pm
Album review: Olivia Rodrigo’s sweet songwriting delivers tale of teenage heartbreak in ‘SOUR’
This post was updated May 23 at 7:03 p.m. Olivia Rodrigo is sour with a sweet aftertaste. After her record-breaking hit “drivers license” blasted through car radios around the nation, Rodrigo has officially released her debut album “SOUR” on Friday. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of Geffen Records)
Arts, Arts Columns, Music
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May 21, 1:40 pm
Album review: Twenty One Pilots delivers dynamic sound, battles inauthenticity in ‘Scaled and Icy’
Twenty One Pilots has scaled up its production and chilled out its melodies. While better known for its Tumblr-esque emo hits like “Stressed Out” and “Ride,” the duo’s sixth studio album “Scaled and Icy” is a significant deviation from its alternative sound. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of Fueled by Ramen)