The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Jay-Z's new album goes back to roots

By ADRIAN RUHI | Nov. 7, 2007

Jay-Z may have left the Brooklyn underworld more than a decade ago to establish himself as one of the most successful figures in the music industry, but that didn't stop him from revisiting his dark past on "American Gangster," his 10th studio album in 12 years. Inspired by the Ridley Scott film of the same name, Jay-Z weaves tales of a young drug dealer over 70s soul beats to mixed, but mostly positive, results.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Wes Anderson's latest coming-of-age movie shows his growth, too

By AARON SWAN | Oct. 31, 2007

Judging from his films, the coming-of-age story seems to be Wes Anderson's favorite genre. At the end of every one of his films, at least one of the protagonists has arrived at some enlightened state of maturity, and this nirvana is usually acknowledged by a sentimental slow-motion shot accompanied by heartfelt music.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Realistic graphics make new Call of Duty game come to life

By RYAN LEVICK | Oct. 31, 2007

It used to be that everyone's favorite pixilated plumber, Mario, was on the cutting edge of graphical power.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

New Guitar Hero delivers more rock, less cord

By ADRIAN RUHI | Oct. 31, 2007

It was hard trying to be a rock star while tethered four feet from the TV and Playstation 2.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

'American Gangster' will make audiences root for bad and good guys

By DANNY DJELJOSEVIC | Oct. 31, 2007

Take a good look at the poster for "Scarface" with that famous black-and-white image of Al Pacino. Now imagine Denzel Washington in the place of Pacino (he even holds a pistol in the same hand) and plop Russell Crowe behind him for good measure, and you have the poster for Ridley Scott's new film, "American Gangster," which was surely no accident.

THE AVENUE | SEX

For really great sex, think outside the box

By PAIGE USYK | Oct. 31, 2007

Hate to break the news to you, but better sex is not going to happen just because it's harder, faster or longer (though I'll admit, those don't hurt).

THE AVENUE | SEX

If you want great sex, say 'no' to fake O's

By PAIGE USYK | Oct. 24, 2007

I have only a few rules when it comes to sex and relationships. But the one that I view as my golden rule, that I treasure and adhere to religiously, that is my number one tip for both men and women having lackluster sex, is this: Never fake an orgasm.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Yea yeah, Matt & Kim's concerts are more like parties

By BETH ROMANIK | Oct. 24, 2007

Nowadays, it seems too many bands have fights and power struggles, too many albums are seen as status symbols and too many shows are treated as recitals.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Best of The Fest: Gainesville's annual music festivus for the rest of us

By BETH ROMANIK | Oct. 24, 2007

If it seems as though there are a lot more bearded, PBR-chugging 20-somethings in tight jeans roaming Gainesville today than usual, it's not your imagination.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

N.C. hip-hop duo Little Brother, sans one member, releases new album

By ADRIAN RUHI | Oct. 24, 2007

Little Brother - GetBack

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Indie rockers Nada Surf play on campus tonight for free

By LANE NIESET | Oct. 24, 2007

After more than 10 years as a band, the world of Nada Surf has remained constant.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Battle of the (video-game) bands: Guitar Hero III vs. Rock Band

By RYAN LEVICK | Oct. 24, 2007

I love rock 'n' roll.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

New UF library online only

By RYAN LEVICK | Oct. 17, 2007

Some days, you just don't want to get out of your jammies.

THE AVENUE | SEX

If a 24/7 relationship is too much, consider this

By CEDRIC HARRIS | Oct. 17, 2007

Ah, the eight-to-eight. It's a date, a guaranteed hook-up and a secret friend all rolled into one.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

New 'Elizabeth' film a royal disappointment

By MARK KEREMEDJIEV | Oct. 17, 2007

"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" was like a long walk in the park.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Local band's first music video a wrap

By PAIGE WILSON | Oct. 17, 2007

With a major local fan base and big shows such as Warped Tour and Gator Growl under its belt, the only thing Gainesville-based band Ten 13 Concept hadn't done yet was make a music video.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC