MAINSTREAM MUSIC
EMINEM
Background: From Detroit’s underground rap scene, Eminem climbed his way to become the best-selling artist of the 2000s. But controversy has always dogged him. One of his first hits was a song about taking his infant daughter to dispose of his wife’s body. Eminem’s lyrics are very raw, with language, imagery, and subjects that teenagers shouldn’t be exposed to. He’s had problems with prescription drugs and alcohol but became sober about five years ago.
Albums: The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013), Recovery (2010), The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
What Eminem Says: About using homophobic slurs, he says, “I never really equated those words [with homosexuality]. That word was just thrown around so freely back then. It goes back to that battle, back and forth in my head, of wanting to feel free to say what I want to say, and then [worrying about] what may or may not affect people.”
Explore: The explicit video for Eminem’s new song “Berzerk” is available here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab9176Srb5Y
| C HRISTIAN MUSIC
SWITCHFOOT
Background: Although Switchfoot dislikes being called a “Christian band,” their faith shines through in all they do. Their catchy songs have in-your-face lyrics, and this lack of sugarcoating seems to contribute to their popularity. Switchfoot’s music has been featured in TV ads and movies, and they’ve garnered many awards. The latest album also serves as the soundtrack of a documentary about the band, which loves to surf.
Albums: Fading West (2014), Vice Verses (2011), Hello Hurricane (2009), The Beautiful Letdown (2003)
What Switchfoot Says: Singer Jon Foreman says, “None of these songs has been born again, and to that end there is no such thing as Christian music. No. Christ didn’t come and die for my songs; he came for me.”
Explore: You can read more of that insightful interview here: www.ctkblog.com/2013/12/05/why-switchfoot-wont-sing-christian-songs/
|
Movie: I, Frankenstein
Genre: Action, Horror
Rating: PG-13
Synopsis: This film is based on a graphic novel, where gargoyles and demons fight for power. Somehow this is related to Frankenstein and his creation, Adam.
Our Take: This is from the same people who made the “Underworld” films. Those weren’t good movies for teenagers, so we’d advise caution.
Movie: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Genre: Action, Adventure, Suspense
Rating: Not yet rated (likely PG-13)
Synopsis: This new film is a reboot of author Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan character. Here Ryan (Chris Pine) uncovers a financial terrorist plot.
Our Take: With Clancy’s recent death, there might be more press and hype surrounding this film. In the past, these have been well-done and action-packed.
|
IDEO GAMES