Whitman Wire

Beach House’s Sub Pop debut ‘makes good on its ambitions’

Andrew Hall • January 24, 2010

Teen Dream is Beach House's best album. There is no question about this; the Baltimore duo's first album for Seattle's superindie label, Sub Pop, sees the band finally shake all of its inappropriately...

Holiday films: What to see, what to skip

Becquer Medak-Seguin • December 7, 2009

With the usual plethora of films coming out around Christmas, Pioneer movie review Becquer Medak-SeguÃn sorts out the hits from the bombs.

‘For Your Entertainment’ modernizes glam rock

caitlinhardee • December 7, 2009

Adam Lambert's new album "For Your Entertainment" helps Lambert live up to title "the wild idol."

‘Precious’ deserves an honest chance, despite harsh criticism

Becquer Medak-Seguin • December 7, 2009

Critics who claim "Precious" reinforces African-American stereotypes ignore key elements of the movie's characters.

‘Broken Embraces’ not to be missed

Becquer Medak-Seguin • November 27, 2009

Pedro Almodóvar's "Broken Embraces" challenges authorial control and still manages to engage in spite of convoluted plot.

‘Ashes Grammar’ proves compelling despite potential problems

Andrew Hall • November 23, 2009

"Ashes Grammar" album overcomes its non-song-friendly organization, several detours and confusing band name to offer the least generic dream pop record in some time.

Humor simmers in ‘Pirate Radio,’ Emmerich lugs ‘2012’ plot along

Becquer Medak-Seguin • November 18, 2009

With Richard Curtis as Director, "Pirate Radio" loses chance to offer biting satire. "2012" meanwhile relies too much on CGI to tell tired story.

Films to watch (or not to watch) over break

Becquer Medak-Seguin • November 17, 2009

With the free time and perhaps wider selection Thanksgiving break affords your movie watching, here's Becquer's list of what movies to watch and what to avoid.

Live in Seattle: The Mountain Goats

Andrew Hall • November 16, 2009

Pio Music reviewer Andrew Hall saw The Mountain Goats live at Seattle's showbox earlier this month. There, he saw frontman John Darnielle lead his audience like a preacher.

‘Damned United’ shines, ‘Couples Retreat’ flops

Becquer Medak-Seguin • November 9, 2009

"The Damned United" transcends sports movie stereotypes, while "Couples Retreat" spews nothing but stereotypes without any laughter.

Murdoch stumbles with ‘God Help the Girl,’ ‘Stills’

Andrew Hall • November 8, 2009

Belle and Sebastian front man Stuart Murdoch misses the mark on his newest project with too many vocalists who don't fit the concept to begin with.

‘First Days of Spring’ brings art out of grief

caitlinhardee • November 2, 2009

Risky concept pays off for "Noah and the Whale's" new album. Diverse instrumentation and poignant lyrics carry out post-breakup theme.