Mountain Views News          Saturday, November 24, 2012

10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

 Mountain Views News Saturday, November 24, 2012 

SEAN’S SHAMELESS 

REVIEWS: 


JASMINE’S CORNER

Book Reviews by Jasmine Kelsey Williams 

Review By Sean Kayden

LOOKING BACK AT ONE OF THE BEST 
ALBUMS OF THE LAST DECADE

 I don’t know what’s more shocking, how Interpol’s stellar debut album came out 
10 years ago or the fact it still can stand toe-to-toe with any rock album released today. While the band may 
be on an extended hiatus (anyone’s guess if they’ll regroup), I wanted to go back to the period when this 
album came to light. I was a freshman in high school when “Turn On The Bright Lights,” a post-911 record 
by a foursome band hailing from NYC at the time, was released. I distinctly recall that precise moment 
in my life when I was in a car with the radio playing good music and the DJ hailed “PDA” by Interpol the 
best song on the airwaves after it ended. In a rare occurrence, the man on the radio was absolutely right. 
Incidentally, what he failed to mention was that the entirety of the album was something quite grand and 
deeply majestic. “Turn On The Bright Lights” was a game changer. As rock music was slowly decaying, the 
90s alternative/grunge era was fading out, and indie rock on the rise, Interpol’s introduction couldn’t have 
been at a more ideal time. With their sophisticated panache, dark lyrics, and post-punk revival sound, the 
quartet was doing something very few bands at the time ever succeeded on accomplishing. 

 Eleven tracks clocking in just shy of 49 minutes, the opus was effectively powerful and demonstrated 
complete catharsis. The cacophonous guitars, unexpected tonal shifts, and skillfully cadenced flow shone 
throughout. The record was extremely layered and rarely do any songs feel redundant in their resonance. 
There are the more slow-burn tunes like “Untitled,” “NYC,” and “Hands Away.” Then there’s “Obstacle 1,” 
a shimmering, commanding song that showcases Paul Banks’ stark and drone-like vocals in the absolute 
best way possible. His vocals are reminiscent of the 80s band Joy Division—a downbeat sort of delivery 
that touches on both dramatic and harrowing elements. When “PDA” begins, the record is taken to new 
heights. It’s a fierce tune that is utterly in your face and you have no problem with that. There is this 
intangible cool factor to it that is incomparable. Even Interpol themselves were never able to replicate that. 
Despite the fact that “Turn On The Bright Lights” has had ten years now to collect rust and decompose, 
the sound of the record feels more sprightly and refreshing than ever before. I must forewarn you when 
listening to this record again, you may experience extreme nostalgia and yearn for another place and time 
- possibly to the first time this sound wonderfully graced your eardrums. 

 There is such a strangely intoxicating fog that hovers over the record. Lyrically distance and cold, but 
also uplifting and boisterous, the band’s songwriting really shines. It’s as if you can sense the blood, sweat, 
and tears that went into this masterful work of art. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most fervent albums of the 
past decade and one that seemingly can stand the test of time. At the end of the day, for me at least, it’s 
not a perfect album. A near perfect album? Sure. The problem is the song “Roland,” a punk rock type of 
song with unpleasant discordant vocals and unappealing music arrangements. The song saves itself in the 
final stages when it becomes instrumental, as Interpol once again turns heads and delivers their typical 
wow factor. There are some other minor complications, but as far as debut records go, it’s in a league of 
its own. However, even in spite of being only a debut, the album just works on all levels, something you 
noticed more in seasoned veterans. “Turn On The Bright Lights” is dark, menacing, tender, and drenched 
in unconventional beauty. It will be talked about in another ten years. And probably another ten years after 
that. Trust me as I tell you that this, my friends, is a classic album never to abandon and one never too late 
to discover for the first time, no matter how well it gracefully ages. 

Grade: 9.5 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Obstacle 1”, “PDA” “Say Hello To The Angels”, “NYC”, “Stella Was a Diver and She Was 
Always Down”

*NOTE: Turn On the Bright Lights (10th Anniversary Edition) will be released on December 11th, 2012 through 
Matador Records. The set includes a disc with bonus material like unreleased demos and b-sides.

LIFE IS FRIENDS: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE LOST ART 
OF CONNECTING IN PERSON By Jeanne Martinet 

The Thanksgiving holiday has passed and now we 
transition to the upcoming Christmas holiday, 
which means that this next selection will help you 
to become much more comfortable when visiting 
family and friends. ‘Life is Friends: A Complete 
Guide to the Lost Art of Connecting in Person’ is 
the perfect choice for those with the desire to socialize, 
as well as gaining insight to the art of mingling 
and interacting with others. In today’s day 
and age, technological devices such as the iPhone 
and laptops have become our common modes of 
interaction and socializing. Jeanne Martinet makes 
wonderful points on this topic, as the art of mingling 
and social interaction in today’s society is less 
frequent. Rather than a phone call, a text or e-mail 
is now the norm of quick communication, Skype or 
e-mail is more common for long-distance friendships, 
and then there are the claims with so much 
to do in a day, one does not have time for friendships 
or social outings. Here is where Martinet 
works her magic, where she not just explains the 
art and skill of being social with others, but also instructs the reader on proper etiquette 
that comes with socializing in different situations, such as how to be a proper host for dinner 
parties, mingling in large groups, and the unexpected overnight guest. ‘Life is Friends’ 
is an excellent choice for if you want to improve upon your etiquette, but also if you desire 
companionship or if you simply wish to see more people. Published and copyrighted in 
2009, ‘Life is Friends’ is not only a newer read, but one that also will help greatly if the 
principles of this book are applied and if the reader has a desire for a much more fulfilling 
life with others beyond family. If you are a reader who enjoys the company of good friends 
and wish to expand with that idea, then ‘Life is Friends’ will not disappoint. 


A participation musical! 
The Sierra Madre PlayhouSe . 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, Ca 91024auSd does not endorse or promote this program. Participation is voluntary and at the discretion of parents.
VBaCK By PoPular deMaNd!
SaTurdayS 11:00amNov. 24, dec. 1, 8, 15, 22Special aSl performance dec. 15th 
TiCKeTS: $18.00Children 12 and under $12.00Call for special performances or group rates.
reSerVaTioNS: (626) 355-4318CrediT Card SaleS 
www.sierramadreplayhouse.orgCinderella’S 
CHRISTMASJune Chandler’s Fairy Tale TheaTre
HEALTH & FITNESS

THE JOY OF YOGA

THANKSGIVING AND BOUNTY

ene
During this season 
of Thanksgiving 
and bounty,
it seems natural to 
reflect upon the idea 
of abundance. Just how can we get everything 
we want, anyway? Well, it’s about gratitude.
Abundance is not necessarily about material 
things or money but about the relationships 
in our lives -- especially that unique 
relationship with ourself. Do you wait until 
2 p.m., to ask yourself how you feel that 
day? How about asking that question 
first thing in the morning and honoring 
the answer throughout your day. 
Think of a tired, thirsty, lifeless plant. It’s 
existing in a state of scarcity. But give it some 
water and sunshine, and it totally regenerates. 
Stands taller, blossoms. It’s then able to share 
its gifts -- the beauty of its flower and fragrance, 
and the life-giving oxygen it produces. 
Care for and nourish yourself in supportive 
ways that energize and allow you to thrive: 
get adequate rest, drink plenty of water, eat 
well, breathe completely and do your yoga. 
Receive each breath as a gift, and practice 
receiving gracefully . . . and gratefully. The 
more attentively you receive the gift of breath, 
the more you will start to notice all the other 
gifts you’ve been receiving all day long. 
You’ll likely rediscover the powerful truth 
that your life is abundant and full already. 
Namasté, René

ASK Dr. Wei-Ching Lee: 


CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: 

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Question: I have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome 
with pain and numbness in both my hands from my office 
work where I type a lot. I was told to have surgery for carpal 
tunnel release but I don’t want surgery. I haven’t tried any other 
treatments yet. What are some non-surgical options for carpal 
tunnel syndrome?

Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressively painful hand 
and arm condition caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist. There 
are a number of contributing factors to carpal tunnel syndrome, including the anatomy of 
your wrist, certain underlying health problems and possibly patterns of hand use.

It is the most common entrapment neuropathy in America with an incidence rate of over 
6 million Americans each yearnce rate of over 6 million Americans each year. 

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway bound by bones and a ligament called the 
transverse carpal ligament. It is about as large as your thumb located on the palm side of 
your wrist. This tunnel protects a main nerve, known as median nerve, in your hand and 
nine tendons that bend your fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is cause by the pinching of 
this median nerve in this tunnel. This produces the numbness, pain and, eventually, hand 
weakness that characterize carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Fortunately, for most people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome, proper treatment by 
a physician specialist can usually relieve the pain and numbness and restore normal use 
of their wrists and hands. 

There are few nonsurgical options for carpal tunnel syndrome. This may include using a 
wrist splints, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, therapeutic 
exercises, activity modification (ergonomic modification of your work space), vitamin B-6, 
or dynamic stretching of the transverse carpal ligament by manipulation or specialized 
splinting. 

A promising new treatment consists of using a dynamic splint prescribed by a physician 
specialist. This dynamic splint provides a stretch of the transverse carpal ligament 
and thereby opens the carpel tunnel and releases pressure on the median nerve. This 
comfortable dynamic splint can be worn 15 to 30 minutes twice a day at home. Research 
has shown significant relief of pain and numbness after two months of treatment with this 
prescription dynamic splint.

It is important to have your carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed by a Physical Medicine & 
Rehabilitation physician specialist that can perform the appropriate testing to determine 
the severity of your carpal tunnel syndrome and develop the appropriate treatment plan 
for you. 

Wei-Ching Lee, M.D. is a UCLA-trained board certified physician specializing in Physical 
Medicine & Rehabilitation at Arc Motion Rehab Medical Clinic at 55 E. Huntington Dr, 
Suite 219, Arcadia, CA 91006, where she provides non-surgical care for muscle, bone, and 
nerve injuries. If you have any pain, injury, or exercise questions for future articles, please 
email Dr. Lee at info@PainRehabMD.com. Phone (626) 817-3422. www.ArcMotionRehab.
com