Crimson staff writer
David J. Kurlander
Latest Content
‘Life’ a Frightening Look at Alien Discovery Gone Wrong
Calvin is a pulsating and terrifying Martian-octopus. He comes to life aboard the International Space Station, after scientist Hugh Derry (Arion Bakare) nurses the beast from a suspended flagellum to a virtually invincible, shockingly bloodthirsty beast.
Bruno Mars Excels in His 1980s Imitation Game on ‘24K Magic’
When Mars tries to bring 2016 into his pastiche, however, the illusion falls apart—the crudity and pop sensibility of some of his verses breaks the spell of his time capsule appeal.
‘The Boat Rocker’ Deftly Explores Media and the Chinese Diaspora
Jin’s vision of the relationship between Chinese-American media, the War on Terror, and the rise of Internet-reputation provides a fascinating origin story for the turbulent East-West dynamics of the social media age.
'Dear Mr. M' A Jarring Mystery Without a Clear Conscience
Koch is so capable a literary technician that he manages to mold clichés into an enigmatic and unique intrigue that is simultaneously political and timeless, pulpy and profound.
Arts Vanity Issue: On How 21 is the New 40+
Since I’m about to take my first legal drink (hooraaay...), I decided to dig up some rad dranking shanties from my real-feel year of birth, somewhere in the 1971-1974 range depending on whether one uses exponents.
‘The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12’ A Triumphant Glimpse at a Revolutionary Moment
The collection provides further proof of Dylan’s revolutionary zeal and genius assemblage of talent.
'Beach Music' Alex G's Assured and Somewhat Remote Label Debut
Despite the fact that “Beach Music” often trades in warmth for exactitude, Alex G continues to prove that he has the ear and the raw skill to create beautiful noise.
Hear Me Out: Beach House, 'Elegy to the Void'
Beach House’s elegy is a restrained, heartbreaking examination of mortality.
'Pawn Sacrifice' Succeeds Due to Its Performances
Though not without flaws, "Pawn Sacrifice" provides a compelling portrait of the enigmatic Bobby Fischer.
Talk of the Titans: Lee Child in Conversation with Stephen King at Harvard
“A writer can be stereotyped much as an actor can—I thought I’d do the second book as different as possible as the first while keeping the same character,” Lee Child said.
Travis Scott Energetic but Scattered in Debut Album
Whereas in his earlier offerings Scott seemed content to offer an opaque, often-nihilistic lyrical landscape, “Rodeo” often drowns in the dissonance between Scott’s ostensibly lofty biographical elements and his continued ambiguity.
Hear Me Out: 'My Side'
"My Side" necessarily softens the bravado of Drake’s recent sound and offers a potential glimpse of a pared-down approach for the rapper’s upcoming album, “Views From the 6.”
Conducting Change
While the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra has undergone some major shifts in the past couple of years, most prominently with respect to its grading system, its members and director remain united in their commitment to success. Since 2009, HRO Director Federico Cortese has worked toward an ambitious goal: to create the best liberal arts orchestra in the country.
'The Mikado' Generates Astonishing Energy
The Hypocrites’ “Mikado”, in spite of a deck intentionally stacked miles from coherence, was uproarious, sounded beautiful, and didn’t result in a banjo through someone’s eye—a true triumph for all involved.
Hear Me Out: 'Let It Happen'
"Let it Happen" works equally well as an intimate psychedelic exploration and a Daft Punk-esque banger. In short, it’s a stunning reemergence.
