scene

Ronson makes a 'bang' with new 'Record Collection'

By The Observer · Friday, Oct. 8, 2010

Guitarist/musician/producer/hipster-socialite extraordinaire Mark Ronson is back with a new album after his critically acclaimed 2007 disc of cover songs, "Version." Under the name of his new band, Mark Ronson & The Business Intl., "Record Collection" has entirely original songs that feature Ronson, his band and a slough of assorted American and British musicians, from rappers to the London Gay Men's Chorus to ‘80s pop icons. The album is full of Ronson's typical brand of hipster dance floor music, featuring an assortment of synthesizers and other electronic tools and eccentric instruments to supplement the more typical drums, guitars and vocals.

Right on 'The Mark'

By The Observer · Friday, Oct. 8, 2010

The weekend has finally arrived and you decide to stroll down to the newly-built Eddy Street Commons with friends in hopes of an early dinner out. South Bend's sleek and trendy Eddy Street is located across the street from Notre Dame's main entrance, a prime location for those students with an eager appetite. You walk through the doors of The Mark Dine & Tap and you are instantly taken in by the aroma of fresh ingredients, and the smile of friendly servers. The lavish bar is packed with people enjoying a crisp beer and good conversation. Waiting to be seated it is hard not to notice the contemporary and chic décor that drapes the restaurant's walls and ceilings. You are seated and given a colorful menu with anything and everything you could imagine. With everything from mouth watering burgers to crisp and fresh salads, The Mark does not disappoint.

The Mark Dine & Tap: Q&A with Jonathan Lutz

By The Observer · Friday, Oct. 8, 2010

Jonathan Lutz, a native Chicagoan, moved to South Bend with his wife seven years ago, and four years later opened up his flagship restaurant, Uptown Kitchen in Granger. Now, his latest venture, The Mark Dine & Tap, is the only locally owned business in Eddy Street Commons. With "high quality and fresh ingredients," a student friendly to-go window and an upscale diner feel, Lutz is hoping it will be a stand out among South Bend eateries.

Sounds of British Radio

By The Observer · Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010

The Department of Film, Television, and Theatre and the Institute for Scholarship in the Liberal Arts will present FTT Talks with Tony Stoller tonight. Stoller was the regulator of commercial radio in the UK until his retirement in 2006. He has just published the definitive history of the medium, in "Sounds of Your Life: The History of Independent Radio in the UK", describing an experiment in blending commercial and public service which is unique in the English-speaking world.

ARTgenda: October

By The Observer · Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010

This month marks the 13th annual Chicago Artists Month. Every year, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs hosts events across the city in an effort to raise awareness about the arts in Chicago. As part of Chicago Artists Month, free gallery tours are offered throughout gallery districts around the city, such as the River North and West Loop Districts.

Jimmy Eat World Maintains their Laid-back Pop-punk Sound on 'Invented'

By The Observer · Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010

Hailing from Mesa, Ariz., the pop-punk veterans of Jimmy Eat World have a legacy of creating albums that combine driving rhythms and massive hooks with introspective, poignant lyrics. Most famous for the 2001 breakthrough single "The Middle" and its accompanying video, the band's newest full-length, "Invented," can be accurately viewed as a combination of its previous studio efforts.

Weekend Events Calendar

By The Observer · Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010

Thursday: Acousticafe

Kanye West's new album: Push-backs and hot tracks for Nov. 22 release

By The Observer · Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010

Does Kanye West have the potential to make a bad album? "808s and Heartbreaks" was a scare, but proved its worth over the long haul. With four dynamite albums behind him, three of which place on almost every American "Best of the Decade" list, Kanye West has set a high standard for himself.

Now & Then: Campus concerts

By The Observer · Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010

In case you haven't heard, OK Go is coming to Notre Dame this weekend to perform at halftime of the Pittsburgh game and later in the evening at Legends Nightclub. Some other musical acts that have graced South Bend with their presence in the last couple of years include Good Charlotte for "The Show" in 2008 and Papa Roach with Trapt at Club Fever just last week.

Fit or fad

By The Observer · Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010

Reebok Easy Tones promise a nice posterior, Skechers Shape-Ups claim to give Joe Montana better posture and myriad knock-offs at stores like Target and Wal-Mart offer all the benefits at half the price.