Yasaman Khorsandi || Copy Editor
Music
HAIM–
The pop rock sisters are back for their highly anticipated sophomore album. Originating from LA’s San Fernando Valley, the Haim sisters have just returned from touring with Taylor Swift on her “1989” world tour to get back to work in the studio. Taylor Swift asked this girl band to open for her tour that broke records after selling out the Staples Center five nights in a row. In a recent tweet, sister Este Haim posted a picture in the studio with producer Ariel Rechshaid at work in front of a computer and piano captioned, “Here we go again everybody.” Their 2013 album titled, “Days Are Gone” did exceptionally well, landing them a spot at No. 1 on the UK’s Billboards, and No. 6 on the US’ Billboard 200. The band’s hit single “The Wire” has over 46 million plays on Spotify.
WHEN: Spring 2016. An exact date is yet to be released.
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: First of all, what could be cooler than three girls shredding it on bass, electric guitar and drums? HAIM is also praised for the incredible production of their music. According to Billboard.com, they are working with Colombian producer Ariel Rechtshaid again. Rechtshaid has worked with artists like Adele, Vampire Weekend and Madonna. HAIM fans have high hopes for the creative direction and sound of their second album.
TV:
HOUSE OF CARDS: The Netflix original series known for its binge-watching fans and conniving portrayal of Washington politics has been renewed for a fifth season to come in 2017. Kevin Spacey plays the main character, Frank Underwood, who seeks vengeance on all his political colleagues that have wronged him. Although our government may not be as exciting in reality, HOC balances between dramatizing the game of politics and accurately playing off of what is going on in our nation and in the White House.
When: While season five is set to return in 2017, season four airs on March 4, 2016.
Why you should watch:
House of Card and its actors have won Golden Globes, Emmys, Screen Actors Guilds, and Writers Guilds Awards consecutively since its 2013 premiere. Variety.com concluded that House of Cards made up 6.5 percent of Netflix users, making it the most watched show on Netflix as of April 2015. Not only is the general public raving about this show, but also President Obama admitted his love for the political drama to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings. In a meeting with other business CEOs, President Obama said, “I wish things were that ruthlessly efficient [in Washington],” according to a Washington Post article.
Season four is just days away from airing. The good news for those that want to start watching now is that three seasons is nothing to catch up on in the world of Netflix binge-watching. This show does contain some violence, profane language, and sexual content.
MOVIE:
SNOWDEN: Based on the documentary “Citizenfour” and the book “ No Place to Hide” by Glenn Greenwald, Snowden is a film about former CIA agent and NSA contractor, Edward Snowden. Snowden leaks classified information to the public and sparks the heated debate over government surveillance and invasion of privacy for citizens. At the movie’s press conference, Greenwald said, “I am excited about the opportunity to be part of a political film that will resonate with today’s moviegoers.”
When: May 13, 2016
Why you should watch: With technology increasing government surveillance, this film is taking a pressing national issue and bringing it to the public eye in a creative and interesting way. With a stacked cast of actors including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Nicholas Cage, and Scott Eastwood, this film is simultaneously educational and thrilling. According to Rotten Tomatoes, 99 percent of movie critic users have voted “want to see” this film. Snowden has not been rated yet.
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