Palika Kohli
The Silhouette
The following books serve as a guide to defining my version of the “coming-of-age” genre. What they have in common is that, in one way or another, they have all resonated with me at some point in the past six months. They are listed in as chronological an order as I could possibly create.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
by J.K. Rowling
As a lifelong fan of Harry Potter, I reread the series every few years. That being said, the fifth instalment has never been high on my list—yet this summer, I found myself getting emotional over its pages. OOTP is the turning point in the series, when the story officially gets darker and Harry, having been through horrible experiences, is singled out and ostracized for sticking to the truth. When I first read this book, I was fourteen or fifteen – the perfect age to develop a crush on the new, hardened Harry, who raged at the world for all his misfortune. This time, I read the book with an adult’s perspective, shaken by Harry’s situation and the oppression he faced. Maybe it was my own life experiences that shaped my newfound understanding and sympathy, or maybe it was my knowledge about the “hero’s journey” and the Jungian archetypes that many of the characters filled. All I know is that this time, I somehow got it. And when Harry had that fateful meeting with Dumbledore in his office, I too understood the difference between being forced into facing our adversaries versus doing so head on and gracefully.
Favourite Quote: “Don’t worry. You’re just as sane I am.”
Fangirl
by Rainbow Rowell
I read this novel at the precipice of my fourth year, believing it to be the last year of my life where I can happily remain in that hazy area between my comfort zone and (that oh-so foreign concept) adulthood. Needless to say I was feeling nostalgic, preferring to look upon my years here at McMaster with rose-tinted glasses than to face the colder and infinitely harder future. Fangirl took my hippie glasses off, and reminded me of first year, the last time that future was as frightening and mysterious as it appears now. While reading, I found myself in Cather, the protagonist, remembered how debilitating shyness can be, how difficult it is to be estranged from the ones you love, how hard it is to move on from someone so familiar to you. But she also reminded me of how it felt to find my niche, how the most wonderful relationships can be woven out of our greatest mistakes, and finally, how comforting our favourite habits can be.
Favourite Quote: “Real life was something happening in her peripheral vision.”
Anne of the Island
by L.M. Montgomery
This is Anne of Green Gables, all grown up. There was a time when my expectations for the future were clearly outlined in my copy of this worn out, blue book. I would read and reread it in an effort to get even one page closer to my own happy ending. I did not just see myself in Anne – there was a part of me that was (and probably still is) her. I remember learning from Anne’s teacher Miss Stacy that by the time I was twenty, I would have my life figured out. And I remember sitting in my room with this book, the day after my birthday almost a year ago, flipping to the scene where I could share my confusion with Anne, relieved that neither of us had any clue what was going on, even after having reached the age of twenty. This time when I read the story, I finally realized that Anne’s life isn’t nearly as idyllic as I had once assumed—except that this just meant that I had even more in common with her than I had originally thought.
Favourite Quote: “I do know my own mind...The trouble is, my mind changes and then I have to get acquainted with it all over again.”
Perfect Fifths: A Jessica Darling Novel
by Megan McCafferty
I began reading the Jessica Darling series
when I was in grade 12, and unceremoniously stopped reading halfway through the series after graduating high school. I recently picked them up again, and finally finished the series, going from the first to the fifth (listed here) in the span of a month. Perfect Fifths is, in a word, perfect. This novel features a mature Jessica Darling; she’s graduated university, has a job, and she’s started to figure things out. I cannot yet envision a time when I will be at a more secure place in my life, and Jessica’s adventures prior to this final novel always served to assure me that no one really does. This book was quieter; there are only three settings; the rest of the story is taken up by either conversation or memory. As I was reading, I was reminded of the importance of things left unsaid, of those people with whom we form everlasting and unmistakeable connections and of the security we can find in knowing that the future is so uncertain.
Favourite Quote: “Excuse our appearances. We are taking apart yesterday, to make way for tomorrow.”
And:
“The tales we tell ourselves about ourselves make us who we are.”
And:
“Tongue your mind.”
Album: Red
Artist: Taylor Swift
I’ve been a semi-closeted T. Swift fan ever since her self-titled album first released in 2006. Usually, it’s only teenage girls who share my love for her, but with Red I’ve found that her demographic has suddenly changed. No matter where you go, I promise you that someone will be (rather shamelessly) listening to Tee Swizzle.
Considering the difference in her sound on this album, it’s not so surprising. With Red, Swift is experimenting, having approached different producers and by exploring new genres. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is possibly the catchiest tune of the summer, with sarcastic voiceovers that somehow sound endearing instead of annoying. “I Knew You Were Trouble” makes use of dubstep, while the title song “Red” includes an auto-tuned chorus. But perhaps the most relevant song is “22,” which begins with a hipster reference and continues along in an “I no longer give a fuck” vein.
And while there are the requisite Swifty ballads (“Begin Again,” “All Too Well”), certain ones are complimented by featured artists like Ed Sheeran in “Everything Has Changed” and Gary Lightbody in “The Last Time.” Swift said that the album title comes from all of her recent feelings, summed up in one passionate colour. But perhaps if you listen more closely, you’ll feel green-tinged envy, blue-hued tragedy, and glowing yellow “Starlight,” too.
Palika Kohli
Achieving success with both Death Cab For Cutie and the Postal Service, it was only a matter of time before Benjamin Gibbard released a solo album. And now seems a more opportune time than ever, following his public break-up with Zooey Deschanel. Those expecting to hear an earnest, heart-wrenching album will be shocked to find Former Lives surprisingly upbeat. Complete with catchy lyrics and poppy tunes, you can’t help but tap your foot as you listen along. Gibbard claims that Former Lives summarizes the past eight years of his life in a single collective experience. Though songs cover a range of topics, the album still remains a cohesive entity. “Bigger Than Love,” a duet with Aimee Mann, captures the hope of reigniting a dwindling romance, while “Teardrop Windows” personifies Seattle skyscrapers, pitting the Smith Tower against its nemesis the Space
Tina Cody
Those who aren’t already fans of Odd Future may be unaware of MellowHype, one of the many sub-groups in the rap collective. Though most have either jumped on the Odd Future bandwagon or sworn off anything associated with the group, albums like Numbers are deserving of a good listen from anybody with a fondness for hip hop.
The biggest improvement on this album from MellowHype’s previous two is Left Brain’s production. It’s been almost five years since his debut as a producer, and his progress with layering and beats has grown by leaps and bounds. Hodgy Beats, the rapper of the duo, is one of the more established rappers in Odd Future, and he makes this even more obvious on Numbers.
For those who never stopped loving MellowHype’s more traditionally dark and eerie tracks, give “Grill” and “Beat” a try. Songs like “Untitled L” and “Monster” remind me of the dynamic chemistry that separates this duo’s sound from their other groups in Odd Future.
The many guest spots keep the album varied, from Frank Ocean dropping in for a subtle but melodic chorus in Astro to verses from Earl Sweatshirt and Mike G on “P2” and “666.”
Brody Weld
The Inner Mansions opens with “Heart of God,” a reflective, ambient piece that immediately sets Teen Daze’s latest record apart from the rest of his discography - it’s more evocative of Julianna Barwick’s ethereal vocal studies than Balearic house or disco. The soft, shimmering pads that mark the Fraser Valley-based producer’s style are still ubiquitous, but The Inner Mansions finds him substituting gauzy guitars for glo-fi funk.
Tracks like “Discipleship” are rhythmic exercises anchored by a four-on-the-floor beat that’s constantly being reinvented. Likewise, “Divided Loyalties” features layers of cymbals and hi-hats caked in hazy effects that mutate around a 4/4 kick drum.
Although “Always Returning” closes the LP on the same meditative note that is opens with, the mood of the album is undone by its disjointedness. “Spirit” dips into post-rock territory, while parts of “By Love” could be mistaken for Yanni. “Union,” the album’s biggest offender, resembles some of No Age’s less confrontational work.
It’s hard to fault Teen Daze for evolving musically, but The Inner Mansions is ultimately let down by its indecision.
Michael Skinnider
Green Day - American Idiot
American Idiot is one of the most controversial albums of the last twenty or so years, mostly because of its clearly "political" nature and overblown and bizarre concept. I,however, have no problem with either, and in some cases they make the record more interesting. While Green Day may not be the most well-informed when it comes to politics, I applaud them for attempting something different from the usual derivative pop-punk album.
Some of the songs on here are even pretty good. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is one of the best pop-punk songs I've heard in a while, “Give Me Novocaine” is an underrated rocker and “Whatsername” is a solid closer. But unfortunately, there are some annoying tracks; “Holiday” immediately comes to mind as being one of the most irritating songs of the last ten years. Other duds, such as the boring “Are We The Waiting” and the uninteresting “St. Jimmy” add nothing to the album.
The big talking points of American Idiot are the two nine minute songs, “Jesus Of Suburbia” and “Homecoming”. The former is fairly interesting, with its intricate structure and many different parts. “Homecoming” is the stronger of the two, and features Tre Cool singing for one of the few comic relief moments on the album. Regardless of its political wisdom, this is a strong pop-punk album whose pros outweigh its cons and while some may disagree with me, that's fine - all
I ask it that you listen with an open mind.
3 out of 5.
- Alexander Sallas
Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?
Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? was, for a while, my favourite Megadeth album. This has since changed (with Rust In Peace overtaking it in my books), but that doesn't make this CD any less fantastic. It boasts some amazing tracks, from thrash anthem "Peace Sells," to the superb "Good Mourning/Black Friday," to closer "My Last Words." The guitar playing on this album is incredible - every song features at least one wickedly fast guitar solo (most contain two, three or even more), and the rest of the instruments are superb as well. I find that there are three main points of discussion with this album: Mustaine's vocals, the production, and the length.
First, I thoroughly enjoy Mustaine's vocals. He may not have the sleekest voice ever, but his trademark “snarl” fits the music perfectly. He really has established his own style, and it works.
Second: the production. I own the 2006 re-release of this record, so I can't really comment on it since it has been improved. But I will say, however, that the rough production only increases its raw sound.
Finally, the length. Here is where the main problem lies. At only thirty-six minutes, this record flies by. With that said, though, every song on here is quality, and I would take an awesome thirty-six minute album over a terrible 78-minute one any day. However, a song or two more would have been welcome here. The bottom line: should you buy this? Yes. It is a classic thrash album that should be heard by anyone who considers themselves a metalhead (and everyone else for that matter).
4.5 out of 5
- Alexander Sallas
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan is his second album, the one that established Dylan as a legitimate artist at the age of 22 and led to his rise as an icon during the 1960s protest movement.
It begins with “Blowin’ in the Wind,” the anthem of every freedom movement that has occurred since it was released. Perhaps that’s because we are the same age as Dylan when he produced this album—that right now, we get it; maybe it’s that we can relate to it when we’re in the middle of a midterm, staring into space, because there we are: looking for the answer that’s blowing in the wind.
Dylan sings of long-distance love in “Girl from the North Country” and then laughs about it in “Down the Highway”. He is disgusted by the politics of war in “Masters of War” but again finds a satirical perspective in “Talkin’ World War III Blues.” His contradictions spell out your latest existential crisis, and then he sends your emotions a shock with the poignant accuracy of his words in “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.”
Dylan’s true artistry lies in his lyrics. His rhythm is punctuated with messages that will resound forever. He reminds you of the power of all things blue – the stormy haze of it in your dreams at night, the depths of it as you stare out at the sea, in the endless expanse of the sky, and finally in a haunting melody that wakes you from a prolonged stupor.
4 out of 5
- Palika Kohli
The Clash – The Clash
It’s sort of funny how the noisiest, grungiest, shoutiest bands are often the ones with the most to say. In 1977, The Clash reinforced this by releasing a self-titled album with more political messages than guitar chords.
Amidst the beautiful noise of the English punk band’s overdriven guitars are statements on everything from the Americanization of Europe (“I’m So Bored With The USA”) to the ailing job market of 1970s England (“Career Opportunities”). The scope of their insight is pretty formidable too.
“Remote Control” is a complaint song about bureaucratic control of local concerts, whereas “White Riot,” with the line “all the power’s in the hands of people rich enough to buy it,” rings true about capitalism on a global scale.
The craziest part of this album is that it was hugely successful, peaking at the 12th spot on the billboard charts and becoming known eventually as one of the greatest punk albums of all time. The Clash’s self-titled album may be over three decades old by now, but it’s still a shining testament to the general rule of politically inspired music: if you are loud enough, you will be heard.
4 out of 5
- Brody Weld
The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern
This is the book to turn to when you are suddenly no longer impressed by your own reality; when everything seems grey and bleak. When I picked up this book, I found a story of love and magic, the most wonderful imagery and an overwhelming reminder of the poignancy of opposites, of black and white.
Favourite Quote: “It is like realizing someone in a photograph is no longer the same age as they were when it was taken, and they seem farther away because of it.”
The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephan Chobsky
This story is for anyone who has ever had an existential crisis; for someone who loves music on an almost transcendental level; for someone who finds it impossible to name just one favourite novel; or for you, if you get it when Charlie says he feels infinite.
Favourite Quote: “The outside lights were on, and it was snowing, and it looked like magic. Like we were somewhere else. Like we were someplace better.”
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
When you forget that you already have everything you need, read this book. When you are reminded that there is more to what meets the eye, when you’re stuck at the bottom of your personal wheel of fortune – read this book. When you have a moment, and all the other books on your list are too long or too daunting, read this book.
Favourite Quote: “You must always know what it is that you want.”
Complete Journals of L. M. Montgomery (The PEI Years, 1889-1900):
As I read through her journals, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s writing style reminds me of myself, aged 8, 10, 14, 17: (re)reading Anne’s adventures, and graduating, finding my own Patty’s Place, falling in love. There is almost a feeling of ‘inception’ because suddenly I find myself reading and maturing along with Montgomery – someone who would grow up only to affect my childhood.
Favourite Quote: “What care I if it be ‘wild and improbable’ and ‘lacking in literary art’? I refuse to be any longer hampered by such canons of criticism. The one essential thing I demand of a book is that it should interest me. If it does, I forgive it any and every other fault.”
Time Was Soft There: A Paris Sojourn at Shakespeare & Co – Jeremy Mercer
This summer (which was possibly the best one of my life), je suis tombée en amour avec Paris. Extremely cliché I know, yet with my friends, I did much better than just fall in love. We found, like many before us, the famous Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, the star of this story. While reading this memoir I could hear, amidst all of the colourful characters, the trilling of an old piano, low laughter, the clacking of an old typewriter, an occasional snore – and the sounds of pages turning.
Favourite Quote: “In a place like Paris, the air is so thick with dreams they clog the streets and take all the good tables at the cafés. Poets and writers, models and designers, painters and sculptors, actors and directors, lovers and escapists, they flock to the City of Lights.“
