Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

All content by Spencer Doar

“Because I sound like me”

by Spencer Doar
Published September 10, 2014

Rapper David “Tuki” Carter spent his share of time homeless, but he’s found new digs with his Taylor Gang labelmates. Always a creative, Carter’s breaks came from networking as...

Korean screen gem: 2008’s “The Chaser”

by Spencer Doar
Published July 11, 2014

Combine the aesthetic of “Oldboy” and the frustration and ineptitude of “Fargo” with “Seven’s” early introduction to a murderous culprit — now you have a...

Dutch screen gem: 2013’s “Borgman”

by Spencer Doar
Published June 28, 2014

“Borgman” is a perfect blend of WTF and thriller.  At its simplest, “Borgman” follows the typical, unusual stranger plotline — an odd guy strolls into the lives...

Spider John Koerner at the Book House Sunday

by Spencer Doar
Published June 22, 2014

It’s Sunday.  If you’re absolutely sick of USA vs. Portugal World Cup fervor, maybe a little nostalgia nugget is just what the doctor ordered.  From 5 – 8 p.m. tonight, the...

Some Eddie Izzard miscellany

by Spencer Doar
Published June 13, 2014

Here are some other things comedian Eddie Izzard mentioned when speaking with A&E.  Izzard said he decided not to pursue an accounting degree because in the years it would have taken to become...

King Khan fronts a number of eclectic groups with the same theatrical panache.

No wrath in this Khan

by Spencer Doar
Published June 11, 2014
After taking time to address his mental health, King Khan feels reborn, ready for a new American tour with the Shrines.
Eddie Izzard is a political and comedic force to be reckoned with.

London’s Mayor Izzard?

by Spencer Doar
Published June 11, 2014
Eddie Izzard battles extremism the only way he knows how — via comedy in English, French and German.

Fatboy Slim loves the World Cup

by Spencer Doar
Published June 10, 2014

The World Cup starts in two days and Fatboy Slim has a proper musical tribute to get you feeling football festive.  The DJ put together “Bem Brasil,” a two-disc ode...

1990’s “Darkman,” Liam Neeson and the Batman connection

by Spencer Doar
Published June 6, 2014

After my desired fix of Liam Neeson badassery wasn’t fully sated by his recent airplane hijacking thriller “Non-Stop” — an average, no-nonsense Neeson installment filled with plot...

Die Antwoord’s nutty LP “Donker Mag” par for their zef course

by Spencer Doar
Published June 3, 2014

Die Antwoord burst onto a scene of their own creation with 2009’s video for “Enter the Ninja,” a darkly surreal South African rap track with a killer chorus from their debut album, “$O$.” ...

Silver screen gem: 1977’s “Sorcerer”

by Spencer Doar
Published May 31, 2014

The only thing funky about this ‘70s gem is its misleading title.  “Sorcerer” is a moody, beautifully shot and tensely scored character study with a simple premise executed perfectly....

Wiz Khalifa performs at Soundset at Canterbury Park on Sunday. Wiz Khalifas appearance was a relief for fans after worries that he wouldnt make his set because of an early morning arrest in Texas.

A bigger, badder Soundset

by Spencer Doar
Published May 28, 2014
This year’s festival hinted at the best and worst to come.

Soundset 2014 quick takeaways

by Spencer Doar
Published May 26, 2014

Another day of hip-hop in Shakopee bites the dust — and there was a lot of dust.  Here are some of A&E’s findings from the seventh Soundset hip-hop festival. -Wiz Khalifa, in Texan...

Soundset fast approaching

by Spencer Doar
Published May 24, 2014

The Soundset hip hop festival in Shakopee, Minn. looms large this Sunday, and unlike previous years, it’s supposed to hit 80 degrees and be partly sunny. The concert staple has grown in size...

Ingredients for Super Bowl success in Minneapolis

by Spencer Doar
Published May 21, 2014

Now that Minneapolis secured the 2018 Super Bowl (a mere presidential term away), it’s time to start speculating on how it will go.  Here are some essential ingredients for a successful Twin...

#1. An assembled view of the Nerf Maverick REV-6.
#2. An inside view of the Nerf Maverick REV-6 after removing the outer shell. 
#3. All firing mechanisms of the Nerf Maverick REV-6 displayed with cocking mechanism on the far left and the magazine on the far right.
#4. An isolated view of the magazine separated into the dart housing and air restrictors.

It’s Nerf modding or nothin’

by Spencer Doar
Published May 8, 2014
Watch your eyeballs and proceed only under close adult supervision.
The Pixies Indie Cindy is a hodge-podge that can only leave listeners wondering what could have been.

Album review: Pixies’ “Indie Cindy”

by Spencer Doar
Published April 29, 2014
Pixies release their first “new” album in 23 years — it isn't worth the wait.

Rock the Garden lineup announced

by Spencer Doar
Published April 16, 2014

The lineup for Rock the Garden was announced on Tuesday.  This is the first time the Walker Art Center and the Current are toying with two days of music.  The sponsors are going bigger and better...

Thanks for lineup, Spring Jam

by Spencer Doar
Published March 31, 2014

Spring Jam ‘s lineup is official, and what can be said but a big fat meh.  Mac Miller, Mod Sun and Earl Sweatshirt.  How stereotypical can a lineup get?  This practically screams...

Gwar frontman Oderus Urungus dead

by Spencer Doar
Published March 24, 2014

Known for their crazy stage costumes, thrashing metalheads GWAR face another tragedy.  Founder and frontman Dave Brockie, known for his phallus wagging character Oderus Urungus, died Sunday night...

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. will see you on the dance floor.

Imported from Detroit

by Spencer Doar
Published March 11, 2014
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. has nothing to do with NASCAR.

Cosmically bad

by Spencer Doar
Published March 10, 2014

During the period when the HBO Go app went down last night due to the number of folks trying to watch the finale of “True Detective,” I figured I might as well check in on Fox’s...

Rick Ross Mastermind exhibits the full-spectrum of what coke rap has to offer.

M-m-m-m-Maybach music

by Spencer Doar
Published March 4, 2014
Rick Ross rebounds from mediocrity with “Mastermind.”

If “Anchorman 2” felt restrained, don’t fret

by Spencer Doar
Published February 22, 2014

Will Ferrell et al. are back for a second round of their second round.  The combined geniuses at Paramount and Ferrell’s production company decided to release an R-rated version of “Anchorman...

Hip-hop memories: 2013

by Spencer Doar
Published December 11, 2013
And that's a (w)rap.

Culture Compass: Hey 007, great job!

by Spencer Doar
Published December 5, 2013
A&E plans your weekend.

Culture Compass: Nostalgia, comedy and eclectic rap

by Spencer Doar
Published November 14, 2013
A&E plans your weekend.

The Fashionisto is in: Love thy footwear

by Spencer Doar
Published November 5, 2013
Heel! Only the soleful may enter.
Top Shelf co-owner John Meegan helps a costumer with measurements on Saturday in Uptown.

The fashionisto: Suitin’ up

by Spencer Doar
Published October 29, 2013
The fashionisto found out how to be a Dapper Dan.
Indie band Lucius loves symmetry.

Luscious Lucius

by Spencer Doar
Published October 24, 2013
Brooklyn’s Lucius is making waves with their infectious, layered indie pop.

Boy will be boy

by Spencer Doar
Published October 15, 2013
German-Swiss pop duo Boy whisks you away to a happier place to be sad.

Miley’s “Bangerz”: even more distance from Disney innocence

by Spencer Doar
Published October 8, 2013
A&E reviews the fourth studio album from Hannah Montana, America’s new love/hate favorite.

Album review: Deltron 3030’s “Event 2”

by Spencer Doar
Published October 1, 2013
Deltron 3030’s sophomore release almost succeeds in justifying the 13 year wait.
Adam Carolla continues to rant his way through all aspects of life.

Adam Carolla: A man’s show

by Spencer Doar
Published September 26, 2013
Adam Carolla is the same former carpenter that landed the miracle radio gig “Loveline” almost 20 years ago: snide, clever and nasally.
Derek Mears is more than growls and machetes.

Derek Mears at ComedySportz

by Spencer Doar
Published September 26, 2013
Derek Mears makes a living playing monsters and villains, all thanks to his love of comedy.
A Gold mine of jokes

A Gold mine of jokes

by Spencer Doar
Published September 19, 2013
She’s appeared all over — an Emmy Award winner, biting comic voice and frustrated mother of two. Ladies and gentleman, here’s Judy Gold.
The aliens have landed!

Peelander Z: out of this world

by Spencer Doar
Published September 19, 2013
Punk from another planet: That’s the fact of life for Peelander-Z.

Not Kodak, “Kojak”

by Spencer Doar
Published September 18, 2013

Why is the ‘70s law enforcement drama “Kojak” such a dope instance of cops and baddies? One name: Telly Savalas.  If y’all don’t know the man, get acquainted.  He...

Culture compass: boxing, apples and MinnAnimate

by Spencer Doar
Published September 12, 2013
A&E plans your weekend. You're welcome.

Rocky’s road

by Spencer Doar
Published September 12, 2013
After a tumultuous youth and 25 years on the comedy trail, Rocky LaPorte has seen it all, surviving dingy motels, a gunshot wound and odd times in Appalachia.

What’s up, Onion?

by Spencer Doar
Published September 5, 2013

The Onion published an article yesterday about the suicide of Ariel Castro, the Ohio man sentenced to life in prison after he held three women captive for over a decade. And it's... weird and unfunny. “Ariel...

Minneapolis band Frankincense outside their space in Northeast Minneapolis on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013.

Look for myrrh of that Frankincense gold

by Spencer Doar
Published September 5, 2013
After some tedium, local rock foursome Frankincense is ready to hit stages.
Flume

Flume’s laid-back beats to hit Minneapolis

by Spencer Doar
Published September 3, 2013
Aussie electronic dance guru Harley Streten is caught in a vortex of success and touring.

Church of Cash covers Johnny

by Spencer Doar
Published August 7, 2013
The Church of Cash is Minnesota’s go-to source for worshipping the music of the Man in Black.

Tom Rush still has it

by Spencer Doar
Published August 7, 2013
The iconic folk singer hasn’t lost a lick.

Culture Compass: “Elysium” and Economopoulos

by Spencer Doar
Published August 7, 2013
A&E plans your week.

Laying out the Bluprint

by Spencer Doar
Published August 7, 2013
Local supergroup BluPrint has found a comfortable place by putting a twist on the Top 40.

Alex “Crankshaft” Larson cranks up the jams

by Spencer Doar
Published July 31, 2013
With or without his backing band, the Gear Grinders, Alex “Crankshaft” Larson knows how to get audiences stomping their feet.
Weisman event coordinator Emily Foxen and director of security and building operations John Allen clean the stainless steal exterior of the museum on Thursday, July 25, 2013. The museum undergoes cleaning by the staff at the Weisman every two years or so.

Cleaning the Weisman Art Museum

by Spencer Doar
Published July 31, 2013
The on-campus museum just got its stainless steel exterior spiffed up.

The music is Dunwell

by Spencer Doar
Published July 31, 2013
Brothers Joe and David Dunwell didn’t expect the success of the last few years, nor to be playing with each other.

“All Black Jesus” Release Show Tonight

by Spencer Doar
Published July 26, 2013

As Chris Hooks drove his friend’s blue Hyundai Sante Fe around the lakes with Mr. MFN eXquire for a soundtrack, the local rapper and I talked about his new release, “All Black Jesus.”...

Performers outside one of the entrance to the festival drum as crowds of people pass by, Sunday afternoon at Pitchfork Music Festival.

The hustle outside Pitchfork’s fence

by Spencer Doar
Published July 24, 2013
When Pitchfork rolls through Chicago’s Union Park, so does a temporary market of merchants.
Foxygen performs at Pitchfork Music Festival, Sunday afternoon in Chicago.

Foxygen’s foxy men

by Spencer Doar
Published July 24, 2013
Goofballs Sam France and Jonathan Rado reveal their groove and immaturity at Pitchfork.
Parquet Courts performs Saturday afternoon at Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago.

Parquet Courts at Pitchfork

by Spencer Doar
Published July 24, 2013
Brooklyn-based post-punkers Parquet Courts went H.A.M.

Pitchfork Day Three: Sunday Funday, or, where is Lil B’s wonton soup?

by Spencer Doar
Published July 22, 2013

The last day of Pitchfork got a bit personal, besides being the best, and busiest, of the festival.  Killer Mike and Sky Ferreira were emotional, both visibly choked up at various points in their...

Pitchfork Day Two: That’s more like it

by Spencer Doar
Published July 21, 2013

Canadian metal masters KEN Mode blew the lid off the day, putting on a 1 p.m. show to less than 200 people with the intensity of a wolf’s eyes.  Punkers White Lung, playing simultaneously on...

Pitchfork Day One: What the fork?!?

by Spencer Doar
Published July 20, 2013

It was partly because of the heat that much of the acts during the opening day of Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival felt oppressed, a half step short of good at every turn.  The first two artists,...

Watch Jon Voight be inappropriate on cable

by Spencer Doar
Published July 17, 2013

Everybody in the TV world seems pretty caught up with Netflix’s new original series, “Orange is the New Black,” but Showtime’s “Ray Donovan” is my new summer...

 If We The Kings are around, beware a slew of excited teens.

We The Kings not so regal

by Spencer Doar
Published July 17, 2013
Pop-rockers We The Kings are content on their teenybopper path.
Minneapolis hip-hop artist Toki Wright.

Back in the studio with Toki Wright

by Spencer Doar
Published July 17, 2013
Local hip-hop impresario Toki Wright is back in the studio to work on his second full-length album.
Jockeys race their horses during the first race at Canterbury Park on Friday, July 12, 2013,.

Inside Canterbury Park: Giddy-up!

by Spencer Doar
Published July 17, 2013
A&E got the skinny on the Shakopee track, straight from the horse’s mouth.
Hip hop artist Botzy

Botzy: Deaf to the static

by Spencer Doar
Published July 10, 2013
With Culture Cry Wolf in his rearview mirror, the rapper is amped for the road ahead.
Soap performs at The Cabooze on Wednesday, July 3, 2013.

Home sweet home with Soap, the New Primitives and more

by Spencer Doar
Published July 10, 2013
For local artists, residencies provide stability as well as their own set of problems.

Willow Ufgood is back for one last hurrah

by Spencer Doar
Published July 5, 2013

Tonight marks the end of another Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant mockumentary, though the finale already aired across the pond.  "Life's Too Short" follows Warwick Davis, the actor best...

Independence Jubilee: Fourth of July in the Twin Cities

by Spencer Doar
Published July 3, 2013
A&E’s guide to bald eagle lovin’, flag-wavin’ good times.

Malamanya: A little bit of everything Latin, up north

by Spencer Doar
Published July 3, 2013
Local salsa gurus Malamanya return home to St. Paul.

Bar school: How to be a cool customer

by Spencer Doar
Published July 3, 2013
A&E talked to bartenders in an attempt to solve the bar etiquette puzzle.

Don’t buy the hype

by Spencer Doar
Published June 28, 2013

Regardless of Kanye West's "Yeezus" being such a self-indulgent, somehow compelling exercise in wayward rap (with a sequel in the works?), the release presents a bigger problem.  Any...

Alison Scott performs on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis.

Alison Scott back from maternity leave

by Spencer Doar
Published June 26, 2013
The local singer-songwriter returns.

Cayucas: A sunny step back in time

by Spencer Doar
Published June 26, 2013
Cayucas harkens back to when every kid wore Chucks because that was the only sneaker choice.

Rather rugged for sure

by Spencer Doar
Published June 20, 2013

R.A. the Rugged Man left an enigmatic impression after his strange performance during May’s Soundset.  When the NY undergrounder prodded the audience, he quickly seemed to realize that no one...

Local hip-hop artist Greg Grease preforms at First Avenue on Friday, June 14, 2013.

Greg Grease: Minneapolis rapper on the rise

by Spencer Doar
Published June 19, 2013
A&E cleans up with Greg Grease.

The Goondas release “Dog Show”

by Spencer Doar
Published June 19, 2013
The rock ‘n’ roll boys talk about their second album.

Souls of Mischief: the Still Infinity Tour

by Spencer Doar
Published June 19, 2013
Emcee Tajai dishes on the Oaklanders' successes.

The Flobots at Cabooze today

by Spencer Doar
Published June 13, 2013

Alternative rap/rock group the Flobots are playing Cabooze Thursday.  Hailing from Denver, the Flobots probably ring a bell because of their ‘07/‘08 hit “Handlebars,” an ode...

Rebecca Wilson and Joseph Pyfferoen rehearse a scene from Sweet Revenge!, a melodramatic play filled with silly dance numbers and quirky musical olios, on Friday, June 7, 2013, on the University of Minnesotas Centennial Showboat in St. Paul.

Don’t miss the boat

by Spencer Doar
Published June 12, 2013
The Minnesota Centennial Showboat’s 55th anniversary production is a tale of misguided love and betrayal at the dawn of the 20th Century.

Space case

by Spencer Doar
Published June 12, 2013
Big Black Delta is the byproduct of Jonathan Bates’ technological tinkering.

Television rewind

by Spencer Doar
Published June 7, 2013

Some television audiences right now are mired in turbulence, caught in a flux of dissatisfaction.  First, the fourth season of “Arrested Development” got a pretty universal ‘meh’...

Jaime Carrera at a local Mexican market in Minneapolis on Monday. Carrera will be performing at the International Noise Conference at the Hexagon Bar on June 6.

Noise in da ‘hood

by Spencer Doar
Published June 5, 2013
The Minneapolis International Noise Conference aims for diverse eccentricity this year.

State of the art

by Spencer Doar
Published June 5, 2013

A friendship between the director of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and a California cattleman that blossomed over almonds led to today's announcement that the MIA is set to receive more...

Frances Dilorinzo caught the comedy bug in college, releasing her inner goofball through a required speech class.

Frances Dilorinzo: A real housewife of Orange County

by Spencer Doar
Published June 4, 2013
The comedian gives moms a good name.

Bonzo’s birthday

by Spencer Doar
Published May 31, 2013

Today is not just any Friday; it’s also the birthday of John Bonham, the legendary drummer for Led Zeppelin.  He occupies an exalted position in the drumming world—an untouchable whose...

University of Minnesota philosophy professor Roy Cook is currently a Lego ambassador and member of TwinLUG, a group of adult LEGO enthusiasts. Members of the group including Cook designed and use Micropolis, featured above, which allows individual builders to build modules and connect them to create a micro scale city.

A toy story: U professor has passion for Lego

by Spencer Doar
Published May 29, 2013
University professor Roy Cook’s interest in Lego pieces goes far beyond simple sets.
Snoop Dogg performs live at Soundset on Sunday, May 26, 2013, at Canterbury Park.

Soundset 2013 rehashed

by Spencer Doar
Published May 27, 2013
A mixture of bangin’, high-fallutin’ and pop hip-hop made a dreary day in Shakopee worth the muddy extremities.

HBO is the Yankees; Chris Guest is a noble

by Spencer Doar
Published May 21, 2013

Nobody hates it yet to a degree matching the general despise (ha!) for the Bronx Bombers, but HBO is the new perennial winner, doling out dollars and landing stars.  Their most recent acquisition...

Not a one-liner guy

by Spencer Doar
Published May 9, 2013
Comedian and writer Joe Mande returns home after writing and standup success.

Nickatina addiction

by Spencer Doar
Published May 9, 2013
Long-time Bay-area rapper Andre Nickatina aims to keep it simple.

The Wong way

by Spencer Doar
Published May 2, 2013
Cory Wong made a name for himself as an acoustic guitarist, but the co-founder of Secret Stash Records continues to find new exploits for his talents.
Anderson equates coming home to Minnesota as similar to going back to the place where you hit your first home run.

Louie Anderson: Making a splash

by Spencer Doar
Published May 2, 2013
Louie Anderson’s tenure as a hard-working standup has made him realize he only wants to help people.

You’re in for it

by Spencer Doar
Published April 25, 2013
Mindless Self Indulgence’s front man, Little Jimmy Urine, riffs at a mile-a-minute.

The Midwestern vaudevillian

by Spencer Doar
Published April 25, 2013
Comedian and actor John Bush never lost the entertaining bug he caught as a child.

Retrospective: Even in death, Alfred Hitchcock a master of suspense

by Spencer Doar
Published April 25, 2013
Monday marks the passing of Alfred Hitchcock. A&E takes a look at some of the best episodes of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.”

Movie Review: “Disconnect”

by Spencer Doar
Published April 18, 2013
Webcams, Facebook and cybercrime lead to unforeseen consequences in this taut drama.

Suicidal Tendencies’ original “Cyco” is back

by Spencer Doar
Published April 16, 2013
Front man Mike Muir’s intimidating appearance veils a laid-back guy who wants to put out his best effort.

The dress “G”-code

by Spencer Doar
Published April 15, 2013

  While taking a peak at T.I.’s performance information at Epic Friday, April 19, I ended up reviewing the dress code—something I always find interesting.  Amongst all of the usual...

Culture Compass: dirt, baseball and social science

by Spencer Doar
Published April 11, 2013
A&E plans your weekend.
Machine Gun Kelly is as brazen as his namesake.

Q&A: Machine Gun Kelly

by Spencer Doar
Published April 11, 2013
A&E spoke with rap’s young gunner, MGK, before his arrival in Minnesota for his “Lace up Tour.”

“Tiny” goes globe trottin’

by Spencer Doar
Published April 9, 2013
The Harlem Globetrotters’ Paul “Tiny” Sturgess is the world’s tallest professional basketball player.

Hatin’ the wait

by Spencer Doar
Published April 7, 2013

  In an age of instant gratification and internet forums filled with ‘first world problems,’ I find myself increasingly annoyed at things that shouldn’t even remotely bother me.  This...

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