Arts

The Weeknd sometimes struggles on 'Kiss Land'

When young artists surrounded by a great deal of hype see success, they will often stick to their original style for as long as possible. Even after his fifth album, The Weeknd’s music still includes his trademark sensual singing and electronic-inspired beats. His new album, “Kiss Land,” is an enjoyable display of this brand — a relaxed listen despite its anxious vocals. Although The Weeknd’s lyrics have recently begun to edge towards ridiculous, “Kiss Land” remains a solid play and a pleasant 55 minutes of his signature sound.

The League' delivers mediocre episodes

"The League" (2009-present) has just started its fifth season on a new network, the FX-owned FXX. Unfortunately, it appears that though the network has changed, the series has not. After a somewhat stale fourth season, "The League" is in need of a shakeup. Many of the jokes are getting old and the dynamic between the characters has barely changed over the last four years. Yet the show still has extremely funny moments (especially amusing to new viewers) that give "The League" hope - maybe, just maybe, the show will be able to return to its once outstanding form.

Concert Review: Alt-J showcases musical prowess and energy in live show

Despite the fact that Alt-J, or ?, is new to the music scene, the band's breakout was remarkable due to its unconventional genre, originality and unique sound. The newly emerging British alternative art-rock band Alt-J has already attained considerable success merely months after the release of its first album. After playing at several high-profile music festivals this year, including Lollapalooza and Reading and Leeds, Alt-J began an intense U.S. tour. Passing through various cities across the country, the band finally made it to Boston, playing a concert at the Bank of America Pavilion on Sept. 13.

Theater Review: 'The Libertine' goes too far

"Equal parts gritty, funny, sexy, dark and moving," according to the Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company website, the Boston premiere of "The Libertine" (1994) certainly sets out to accomplish a lot. Produced in collaboration with New York-based theater company Playhouse Creatures and the Bridge Repertory of Boston (new to the local theater scene), "The Libertine" is the first production of the Bridge Rep's first full season. Perhaps the added pressure of being the new kid on the block helps explain the very high expectations surrounding "The Libertine" - and maybe even a few of its bungles. Regardless, "The Libertine" can in no way be called a modest production.

Okkervil River's new album maps singer's childhood

Music — good music — is almost always personal. More often than not, songs seek inspiration from memories, and records are rooted in real life experiences. It is this autobiographical element that attracts audiences time and time again; for listeners, authenticity is compelling.

HBO's 'The Newsroom' is entertaining despite flaws

For some inexplicable reason, “The Newsroom” has been a lightning rod for criticism and mockery since its premiere in June 2012. That could be due to the main name associated with the series: “Newsroom” is the creation of Academy Award and Emmy-winning writer Aaron Sorkin of “The West Wing” (1999-2006) fame, which certainly gave the series a level of hype above that of a typical HBO show. Although the show — which will wrap up its second season on Sunday, with a third nearly confirmed — is nowhere close to perfect television, it definitely isn’t as awful as many reviewers and bloggers make it out to be. Structural flaws and script issues aside, “The Newsroom” remains an enjoyable, if at-times frustrating, show that has only continued to improve over time.

Second Boston Calling Music Festival a huge success

Boston’s City Hall Plaza was transformed this past weekend, the usual unsightly concrete and brick monstrosity converted into a bustling, bubbling concert venue for Boston’s own, second-ever music festival, Boston Calling. Last May, the plaza hosted Boston Calling’s inaugural show, which was a huge success despite long lines, wind and rain. This time around, the festival certainly exceeded expectations — the September edition brought better weather, big crowds and an even broader range of some of the best acts in music right now.

Boston's 'Cool Globes' exhibit promotes environmental awareness

Commuters, students and tourists who ventured into Boston last month noticed something a little different about the city: huge sculptures of colorful globes have been installed around Boston Common. These structures are a part of “Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet,” a unique public art project that opened in Boston on Aug. 15 and will continue through mid-October.

Ellie Goulding releases expanded version of album

Following the success of her second studio album “Halcyon” (2012), Ellie Goulding on Aug. 26 released “Halcyon Days,” an extended version of the former, which features 10 new tracks in her signature ethereal indie pop style.

Haim thrills with sold-out show in Boston

Eager concert-goers traveled to Boston’s Paradise Rock Club Sunday to see Haim at a sold-out show. The band, who in recent months has generated a great deal of buzz for their unique sound and eclectic image, is comprised of sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim and their male drummer, Dash Hutton.

Lyric Stage Company celebrates anniversary season

Boston’s oldest professional theater, The Lyric Stage Company of Boston, is entering its 40th season this fall. Established in 1974 by Ron Ritchell and Polly Hogan, The Lyric Stage performed in the Community Church of Boston on Boylston Street. By 1991, it moved to its current location at 140 Clarendon Street.

Tedeschi Trucks Band excels with 'Made Up Mind'

For a band that just formed in 2010, Tedeschi Trucks Band (TTB) has been remarkably productive over the past few years. While their 2011 album “Revelator” (which won the 2012 Grammy for Best Blues Album) was a fine debut, it only hinted at the group’s potential. In concert, the 11-piece blues-rock TTB is an improvisational force to be reckoned with, demonstrating a level of finesse and interplay between its members seen in few touring bands today. Fronted by husband and wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, TTB has clearly gained more experience in the past two years, and their progress is readily apparent on their second studio album, “Made Up Mind.” The group’s recent release successfully harnesses the power and energy displayed in the group’s live performances, resulting in a remarkable sophomore effort with excellent songwriting and tight structures — an album that finally showcases their true capabilities.

Boston Calling Music Festival returns to City Hall Plaza

After a wildly successful inaugural show last spring, the Boston Calling Music Festival returns to City Hall Plaza this weekend for round two. And the September edition of the two-day music extravaganza promises to be just as good, if not better, than the first.

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