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Album of the Week: For All We Know by Nao
Friday, February 18th, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
For All We Know by Nao
Reviewed by: Isabelle Braudakis
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Sabrina Claudio, SZA, ENNY, Jamila Woods, Kiana Lede, Amber Mark, Justine Skye
Neo Jessica Joshua, also known as Nao, is an English singer-songwriter and producer from East London. For All We Know is her debut album, released in 2016. Nao demonstrates how amazing genre-blending is by having a perfect balance of soul, funk, R&B, and electronic music and making it all work seamlessly. Not only is this album produced extremely well, but Nao’s vocals enchant you. Her voice is light, rich, mesmerizing, and sweet at the same time. Through this album, we accompany her as she examines some of her past relationships, friendships, and her relationship with herself as she notices changes within. Nao’s vocals weave themselves into a perfect ratio of harmony and lead. Since releasing this album she has worked with artists such as Disclosure and Abhi Dijon. Along with collaborative work, she has released two other albums that have had great success. I cannot wait to hear more from Nao! Make sure to check her out on all streaming platforms.
My recommendations from this album are “Bad Blood”, “Fool to Love”, and “Girlfriend”.
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Album of the Week: Blossom by Kito
Wednesday, February 9th, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
Blossom by Kito
Reviewed by: Aliyah Smith-Bradley
Rate: 8/10
RITL: Aluna, Anabel Englund, That Kind
Are you planning a chill get-together in your apartment? Do you like upbeat, head-bobbing music? This is the album for you! Released on November 5, 2021, this album is the perfect album for party vibes. The pop artist music is played in clubs from Shanghai to Los Angeles. The artist’s electronic sound makes it impossible for you not to groove to this album.
My personal favorite song from this album is “Skin & Bones”. This song has a fun chorus that just makes you want to get up and dance! In this album, she collaborates with Broods, Trinidad James, and more. Kito makes her songs with simple music tracks but incorporates complex emotions allowing for you to be, quite literally, crying in the club.
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Explore Baltimore! Wicked Sisters
Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Wicked Sisters, New American Restaurant
Where: 3845 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
When: 4-9 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 11-9 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Wicked Sisters, located in Hampden, is the perfect place to enjoy a meal on any occasion- whether you’re just wanting to eat off-campus for the night, celebrating a birthday, or enjoying the company of your friends. Check out their Facebook page, the ambient lighting and cozy booths to settle in make you feel right at home and the menu is filled with a variety of comfort foods like grilled cheese, panko-crusted mac and cheese, and a variety of burgers and warm sandwiches! (more…)
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Explore Baltimore! Celebrated Summer
Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Celebrated Summer,
Where: 3616 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
When: 12-6pm everyday
Reviewed by: Amelia Dunat
This is by far my favorite record store in Baltimore. The staff is so kind and knowledgeable and more than willing to help you find what you’re looking for– and the selection and prices are great. Brand new records range from $20-$30, but they have many used options and even a large box filled to the brim with records for only $1 on the back wall of the store. (more…)
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Explore Baltimore! The Lost History of Frederick Douglas
Monday, January 31st, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Historic Attraction, Frederick Douglas’ Life Tour
When: Saturday, February 5th, 2022 from 9:00 AM- 10:45 AM and Saturday, February 18th, 2022 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM.
Where: The tour will meet at Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park on Thames Street and conclude at Greedy Reads on Aliceanna Street in Fell’s Point.
Reviewed By: Elizabeth “Liz” Kosik
Calling all students, locals, and history enthusiasts to join Baltimore City in the debut walking tour of the lost history of Frederick Douglas! Historian John Muller will lead the tour, enlightening attendees on the life of Douglas and his impact on the Baltimore community. Ticket sales begin at $16.50 for seniors, $17.50 for adults, and students are free. Connect with history below!
Explore the Lost History of Frederick Douglas
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Explore Baltimore! Bazaar
Saturday, January 29th, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Bazaar
When: Wednesday – Sunday: 12-5pm (Maximum of 10 customers inside at a time, no appointment needed- Monday & Tuesdays only open with a private appointment)
Where: Hampden, 3534 Chestnut Avenue
Reviewed by: Amelia Dunat
Opened by a former waiter and a photo lab technician, Bazaar is by far the weirdest store I have visited in Baltimore so far- and it does an excellent job of keeping their inventory strange. If you happen to be looking to purchase animal skills, framed butterflies, antique prescriptions, books on palmistry, or taxidermized birds… Bazaar is the perfect place for you.
Located in the heart of Hampden, this little store is filled with tons of unique Knick-knacks. The store has also started to produce their own line of greeting cards and diaphanized animals in addition to hosting taxidermy workshops (which are currently not happening due to Covid). Bazaar even offers “wet preservation” on small animals (in accordance with Maryland State Laws) This store is worth a visit- especially if you are in the area!
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Explore Baltimore! Papi’s Tacos
Thursday, January 27th, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Papi’s Tacos, Taco Restaurant
Where: 3820 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211 (this is the Hampden location- Papi’s also has locations in Fells Point and Towson!)
When: 11:30 am-9 pm on weekdays, 11am-9pm weekends
Reviewed by: Amelia Dunat
If you are craving Mexican food, do not think about going anywhere but Papi’s! Their menu is packed with tons of Authentic Mexican cuisine as well as several Americanized and vegan options.
and gluten-free options. There is also a delicious brunch menu if you happen to go between 11:00 and lunchtime! From small appetizers like elote, tostadas, chicken tortilla soup, to entrees like chilaquiles and a build your own taco bar, Papi’s will satisfy all your cravings. The service was fantastic, and the waiters were knowledgeable and helpful regarding the menu. Although this place is on the small side, the outdoor seating is very cute and nicely decorated and the atmosphere enjoyable. I ordered the birria tacos and they were scrumptious. The beef was juicy, and the meal overall was filling. They were topped with cilantro, onion, jalapeno crema, and avocado, but you can also customize them to your liking. The birria consommé that accompanied them was also delicious and was perfect for dipping your tacos in. Another benefit was the massive bag of tortilla chips you receive when you are seated to munch on with salsa as an appetizer. I will without a doubt be returning to Papi’s Tacos to fulfill all my Mexican food cravings (However, before paying your check, make sure to check the receipt for an automatic 20% gratuity if you dine in).
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Explore Baltimore! The Sound Garden
Monday, January 24th, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: The Sound Garden, Music store
Where: 616 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
When: Friday-Sunday 10 am-9pm, Monday-Wednesday, 12-8 pm
Reviewed by: Amelia Dunat
Located in the heart of Fells Point, Sound Garden is a cool little music store with a variety of funky items for sale and an ample collection of used and new music. It is a wonderful place to pick up an awesome gift for someone’s birthday, or just spend some free time browsing all the store has to offer. Since 1993 they have been growing their inventory and now have over 10,000 new and used CDs and DVDs in stock. Not only do they sell newly released music, but they also carry various amounts of imported music- regardless of how rare or obscure what you are looking for may be. Soundgarden is bound to have it! (more…)
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SOTW – Kilby Girl
Sunday, December 19th, 2021 by The Professor
SONG OF THE WEEK: The Backseat Lovers – “Kilby Girl”
By Ben Ostrowski ’24
Indie-pop rock has never sounded so good. “Kilby Girl” by The Backseat Lovers comes from their first album “When We Were Friends” and has been a hit ever since, with 130 million streams and counting. The song is a hint towards Kilby Court, a popular outdoor music venue in Salt Lake City, the area the band reigns from. The Backseat Lovers wrote the song about the type of girl that would frequent the venue.
With catchy bass lines, mellow verses that build up into an upbeat chorus, and instrumental experimentation, it’s difficult to sit still while listening to “Kilby Girl.” And if you didn’t think the song couldn’t get any better and just when you think it’s over, the band throws you for a loop with a great turn around ending to once again up the energy and bring the song back to life. The experimentation can be heard with introducing some soft guitar and the harmonica to lull the song to a close.
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Explore Baltimore: Strawberry Fields
Friday, December 3rd, 2021 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Antique Shop
Where: 803 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
When: Thursday-Sunday- 12-4 pm Tuesday/Wednesday- 12-5 pm
Reviewed By: Amelia Dunat
When I first entered Strawberry Fields it just looked busy and cluttered. However, upon further inspection, this little shop was packed with utterly unique finds and tons of little knickknacks to dig through. Even if you are not looking to collect or purchase anything, it is always fun just to look through everything since there is always something new each time you return, and every item is priced low. You can find items like costume jewelry, mirrors, vintage art, sunglasses, figurines, vintage magazines, CDs and vinyl, Vintage décor, pins, beads, brooches, and even toys like Beanie Babies. The owner is also incredibly kind, greeting every customer at the door. She is very enthusiastic about her inventory. If you are looking for anything specific, you can leave your name with her, and she will give you a call if it turns up. The last time I went she was standing outside the store asking customers and even strangers on the street to guess her age- and if they got it correct, she gave them a $25 gift card to purchase anything they want in the store. She even gives a 10% discount to students and teachers! It is impossible not to like Strawberry Fields or its friendly owner, and it is always so much fun going in because you never know what to expect!
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