Blind Guardian “A Twist in the Myth” Nuclear Blast Records (Out Of 5) To judge from their musical exports, the Germans have had it tough. Ever since the ’80s, the only way they’ve been able to rock is like a hurricane, which, ironically enough, is something they probably had little experience with until the Scorpions’ 1984 hit. Read more...

It pays to be honest. Ever since Art Brut formed in 2004 and released its first single, “Formed a Band,” the down-to-earth London-based quintet has become an unstoppable machine of indie rock. Read more...

Correction Appended For the fourth year in a row, UCLA students can look forward to two well-known musical acts playing for free during Bruin Bash tonight at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Read more...

“School for Scoundrels” Director Todd Phillips MGM (Out Of 5) Jon Heder can only sigh and shake his head as he recounts the moment from his youth when he made the conscious decision to strip to his underwear and plunge into a freezing pond. Read more...

“The Science of Sleep” Director Michel Gondry WARNER INDEPENDENT PICTURES (Out Of 5) According to scientists, the average human being spends more than six years of his life dreaming. Read more...

Dave Eggers is a celebrity. After shooting to fame with “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,” the author has successfully employed both his quirky, instantly recognizable literary persona and his easygoing, normal-guy charm to become the rock star of the book world. Read more...

Few would look at an old sponge or a scattering of spare sequins and think to put them to any sort of use, let alone incorporating them as a key component of a piece of art. Read more...