Mountain Views News     Logo: MVNews     Saturday, August 24, 2013

MVNews this week:  Page 14

14

 

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

 Mountain Views News Saturday, August 24, 2013 

SEAN’S SHAMELESS REVIEWS: 


JASMINE’S CORNER

Book Reviews by Jasmine Kelsey Williams 

By Sean Kayden

WASHED OUT

“Paracosm” is the sophomore album from solo artist Ernest Greene who performs 
under the moniker, Washed Out. His 2010 album, “Within and Without,” 
received generally favorable reviews as it made him a well-known figure 
in the rising chillwave scene. While I was never a fan of his earlier work, it 
wasn’t until this release that I found myself completely enthralled by his latest material. The songs 
off the debut record never impressed as they merely 
played as background tunes. Nothing jumped out and 
I was quite underwhelmed by the project. As for now, 
Greene has written and crafted songs that are more free, 
open and expansive. The nine ornate tracks off “Paracosm” 
possess more texture than his previous outing. 
A deeper resonance is at play with “Paracosm” without 
the artist compromising his initial sound. If anything, 
Greene has artistically grown and ventured out rather 
than simply being pigeonholed as a one-note chillwave 

performer. “Paracosm,” true to its meaning, places you on a fantasy island to run freely and wildly. 

 

Ultimately, “Paracosm” is a peaceful and serene record. The delicate and somewhat psychedelic arrangements 
unfurl slowly on many of the songs, particularly on the title track. The song “Paracosm” 
really has a way of mending one who’s feeling down and out. Lyrically speaking, it’s pretty straightforward. 
When listening to Washed Out, it’s more of a feeling one gets with the multilayered sounds 
that drives the songs rather than the lyrics. The experience from listening to “Paracosm” is definitely 
a memorable one. The tranquility at hand is blissful and escapism permeates throughout. Danceable 
tunes are still present within this album, but it’s on a different playing field from before. More idyllic 
than ever, “Paracosm” has Greene at his best—a place where he accentuates his strengths and dips 
into a much broader soundscape.

 

The record’s carefree vibe is soothing and satisfying. With the abundant amount of instruments at his 
helm, Greene isn’t tied down to just synthesizers. He flourishes with the layered sounds that make for 
an effervescent aura. “Don’t Give Up” is quite the jam. One of the more upbeat tracks, “Don’t Give 
Up,” segues into R&B territory. No doubt about it, the song will put you in a trance. Ultimately you 
wish it never comes to an end. In conclusion, the nine (more like 8 complete) songs won’t change 
you in anyway, but perhaps become the soundtrack to the moments in your life that seek you out 
rather then you seeking them out. “Paracosm” is a fully layered, escapism record that demonstrates 
a musician growing creatively. The world created here is definitely a place we’d all like to be, even if 
the trip is short-lived. 

Grade: 8.3 out of 10

Key Tracks: ”Don’t Give Up,” ”Weightless,” ”Great Escape,” “Paracosm” 

ANNE FRANK: THE BIOGRAPHY

By Melissa Muller

The next choice we arrive to may seem unexpected, but at 
the same time may come in handy for any future research 
or school studies. “Anne Frank: The Biography” by Melissa 
Muller is sure to be an eye catcher by its title alone, and the 
iconic imagery of Anne Frank will be successful in making 
you curious. “Anne Frank: The Biography” comes with 
additional, updated, and expanded material that elaborates 
upon the story and history of Anne Frank herself. 

With a foreword by Melissa Muller, as well as an epilogue, this 
rich and thorough history of Anne Frank tells her story, but with added information, 
the histories and stories of her family, and even black and white photos that give the 
reader a peek inside her life. The chapters themselves tell her story in sequence as 
well, from the beginning to arrests, to its conclusion, and even a note from Miep 
Gies, an important character that helps Anne when her family goes into hiding. 

Muller has done her research, as the tone of this book is strong, but not heavy, as 
Anne’s biography contains highlights and low points, moments of happiness, brief 
periods of small comforts and joy, and even the low points of the danger that grows 
which affect Anne and her family. Another key point that readers will notice is that 
there is the mention of Anne’s diary, which provides insight, perspective, and even 
wisdom for readers who are able to find comfort and courage from Anne’s words. 
Even as the tone starts to turn somber as the events of Anne and her family’s life 
play out towards the depressing conclusion, readers may be able to find solace and 
strength from Anne’s positive outlook and hopefulness. 

Copyrighted in 1998, then again in 2013 (for a recent translation), and receiving 
praise from critics, Time, The Nation, and The Chicago Tribune, “Anne Frank: The 
Biography” is a wonderful selection for readers, which will not just educate you, but 
one that could also provide strength, courage, hope, and inspiration. 

http://jacketupload.macmillanusa.com/jackets/high_res/jpgs/9780805087314.jpg
D. HART ST. MARTIN

This author’s first book, “Fractured,” received an impressive 
5-Star Review from the 2013 Indie Reader Discover Awards. 
There’s more to follow this first work of the Lisen of Solsta trilogy 
filled with intrigue and adventure as 17-year old Lisen Holt is 
abducted and transformed into a human-like marsupial by the 
sorcerer, Hermit Eloise.

D. Hart St. Martin does a masterful 
job with her creation of a story of 
pathos, passion and sheer force of will. She has captured a world 
where sexism never existed as she drops unobtrusive clues as 
to the whys and wherefores of a society that functions without 
gender-specific roles or titles.

This creative work lays the groundwork for “Tainted,” the second 
book in the trilogy, scheduled for publication in 2014.

Learn more about Authors Tour USA members, upcoming 
booksigning and more at: www.AuthorsTourUSa.com.


SIERRA MADRE FARMERS MARKET 

The Sierra Madre Farmer’s Market hours have changed to 3:00pm through 
7:00pm every Wednesday in fall and winter. Vendors include Dry Dock 
which has fresh and wild caught fish, Rustic Loaf with artisan breads, Cutie 

Pie with fresh pies and much more! For those interested in being a 
vendor contact Melissa Farwell with Raw Inspirations at 818-591-8161 
ext. 806. 


Also Coming To The Playhouse...............

“THE LION IN WINTER” 
OPENS SEPTEMBER 
27 AT SIERRA MADRE 
PLAYHOUSE

WHAT: “The Lion in Winter.” 
A play.

WHO: Written by James Goldman. 
Directed by Michael Cooper. 
Presented by SMPH 

WHERE: Sierra Madre Playhouse, 
87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., 
Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Ample 
free parking behind theatre.

WHEN: September 27- November 
16, 2013. Fri. & Sat. at 
8:00, Sun. at 2:30. A Champagne 
reception and buffet follows the 
Friday, September 27 opening 
night performance.

 “The Lion in Winter,” a comedic 
drama, was originally produced 
on Broadway in 1966 and 
made into an Academy Award 
winning film in 1968. It is an 
enduringly popular stage comedy 
that combines keen historical 
insight with humor that bristles 
and burns. 

 The award-winning Michael 
Cooper directs. His long resume 
includes many shows including 
the acclaimed SMPH production 
of “To Kill A Mockingbird”; 
and “One for the Road” (partial 
listing). 

TAP CHICKS AT SIERRA 
MADRE PLAYHOUSE ON 
SEPTEMBER 8

 The Tap Chicks are seasoned tap 
dancers who dazzle with youthful 
energy. A favorite at the L.A. 
County Fair for many years, their 
previous performances at the Sierra 
Madre Playhouse have sold 
out.

 The Tap Chicks were originally 
formed at Pasadena Senior Center. 
They are choreographed by 
Pam Kay, who also provides musical 
accompaniment, comedy 
and vocals.

 The fully costumed act dances 
to music ranging from Broadway 
tunes to 40s favorites to contemporary 
songs. The dancers are 
mature in years (ranging in age 
from 50 to 84) but young at heart. It’s a good idea to reserve tickets. Their last ten appearances have sold out. 

 There will also be a special guest 
vocalist., Franny McCartney.

 Sunday, September 8, 2013 at 
2:30 p.m. The Sierra Madre Playhouse 
is at 87 W. Sierra Madre 
Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. 
Tickets are $20 general, $17 for 
seniors (65+), $12 for children 
under 12. 

MURDER IN DISGUISE,” 
ONE NIGHT ONLY, 
AUGUST 25 AT SIERRA 
MADRE PLAYHOUSE

WHAT: “Murder 
In Disguise,” an interactive 
murder mystery.

WHO: Presented by SanZman 
Productions Renaissance 
Murder Mystery 
Players.

WHERE: Sierra Madre Playhouse, 
87 W. Sierra Madre 
Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 
91024.

WHEN: Sunday, August 25, 
2013 at 7:00 p.m.

ADMISSION: All seats $20.

 

 When a distinguished judge is 
murdered, the evidence points 
to a prominent lawyer. Things 
look grim, and his only option is 
to conduct his own defense and 
uncover the real killer in this, 
the trial of his life. The tension 
mounts, the clues are elusive, but 
can he put it all together? You, 
the audience, are the jury, and 
must ultimately decide if he does.

We’d like to hear from you! 

What’s on YOUR Mind?

Contact us at: editor@mtnviewsnews.com or www.facebook.com/
mountainviewsnews AND Twitter: @mtnviewsnews


RESERVATIONS: (626) 355-4318.

ONLINE TICKETING: 

www.sierramadreplayhouse.org