Sunday, Feb. 82 PM&7:30 PMTickets: $53—$33

Sunday, Jan. 25, 3 PMCurtain Talk Beings at 2:15 PMTickets: $41—$21, Buck a Kid!

Russian NationalBallet Theatre

COMING UP AT

GALLAGHER BLUEDORN

JANUARY 2015

WINTER JAM 20156 BIG SCREEN

RUNDOWN14DO YOU VODOU?8 CHEECH

& CHONG10 PULSE HIT LIST13

2 PULSE

Cedar Falls Downtown ~ Explore Discover Indulge

CALENDAR OF EVENTS• Iowa’s Hidden Treasures - January 7th, 7pm at Cedar Falls Public Library

• Sissy’s Sircus - January 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 7:30pm at the Oster Regent Theatre

• Cedar Falls Public Library Puppet Show - January 22nd, 4pm

• Blow Out Sales - January 23rd-24th at Participating Downtown Retailers

Check our website for 2015 Events at www.cedarfallsdowntown.com

321 Main St., Cedar Falls319.266.6497

GiveYourselfA NeW looKfor THe NeW YeAr OFF

$10With Coupon

Expires 01/31/15

Hours: Mon - Fri 10am-6pmSat 10am-5pm

Locally owned and operated

PastriesPPaasstriestriestries

Live Jazz byHands of Time

Every Thursday8-9:30pm

!!!

102 Main ST. Cedar Falls | 319.277.1596

PULSE �

CF Pagefull bleed

issue 124

contents

16

An award-winning product of Courier Communications

100 E. Fourth St. | Waterloo, IA 50703

shout outpulse@wcfcourier.com

LIKefacebook.com/PulseMag

tweet@CVPulse

CVPulse.Com.

Wanna know more about this awesome magazine? Get in touch.

HARD RocKIn’ tWo-FeRIt’s a double bill with double thrill when rock titans Papa Roach and Seether co-headline a concert at McElroy Auditorium in Waterloo.

4

Sheila Kerns319.291.1448

sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com

Meta Hemenway-ForbesEditor319.291.1483meta.hemenway-forbes@wcfcourier.com

eDItoRIAL stAFF

cedar falls . cedar rapids . iowa city . waterloo

HIt us up

Alan SimmerAssociate Editor

319.291.1487alan.simmer@ wcfcourier.com

John MolseedStaff Writer319.291.1418john.molseed@ wcfcourier.com

David HemenwayLead Designer319.291.1475

david.hemenway@ wcfcourier.com

sALes

sponsoReD by

01.15

MAytAG MenPulse music reviewer John Molseed gives Iowa band The Maytags’ debut album a big thumbs up for its smooth funk and stellar composition.

12

186

14

And find out what’s going on and catch up on entertainment news 24/7 at

sMAsHInG successWe’ll be honest: not many new games this month. But we’ve got extra review goodness to make up for it, so check out our takes on the latest hits like Smash Bros.

16

GIMMe tHe beAtThe Paul Collins Beat returns to Iowa on his Garageland Tour with shows featuring some serious vinyl swapping and selling. Bring cash. You’re gonna love it.

18

8

PULSE 3PULSE �

CF Pagefull bleed

issue 124

contents

16

An award-winning product of Courier Communications

100 E. Fourth St. | Waterloo, IA 50703

shout outpulse@wcfcourier.com

LIKefacebook.com/PulseMag

tweet@CVPulse

CVPulse.Com.

Wanna know more about this awesome magazine? Get in touch.

HARD RocKIn’ tWo-FeRIt’s a double bill with double thrill when rock titans Papa Roach and Seether co-headline a concert at McElroy Auditorium in Waterloo.

4

Sheila Kerns319.291.1448

sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com

Meta Hemenway-ForbesEditor319.291.1483meta.hemenway-forbes@wcfcourier.com

eDItoRIAL stAFF

cedar falls . cedar rapids . iowa city . waterloo

HIt us up

Alan SimmerAssociate Editor

319.291.1487alan.simmer@ wcfcourier.com

John MolseedStaff Writer319.291.1418john.molseed@ wcfcourier.com

David HemenwayLead Designer319.291.1475

david.hemenway@ wcfcourier.com

sALes

sponsoReD by

01.15

MAytAG MenPulse music reviewer John Molseed gives Iowa band The Maytags’ debut album a big thumbs up for its smooth funk and stellar composition.

12

186

14

And find out what’s going on and catch up on entertainment news 24/7 at

sMAsHInG successWe’ll be honest: not many new games this month. But we’ve got extra review goodness to make up for it, so check out our takes on the latest hits like Smash Bros.

16

GIMMe tHe beAtThe Paul Collins Beat returns to Iowa on his Garageland Tour with shows featuring some serious vinyl swapping and selling. Bring cash. You’re gonna love it.

18

8

4 PULSE

COURTESY AND SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS

PULSE 5

DOUBLE SHOTRock titans Papa Roach and

Seether will join forces in Water-loo in January for a kick in the

teeth like no other.On Jan. 28, the powerful

double bill hits the McEl-roy Auditorium as part of the rockers’ month long nationwide tour. It’s a match made in heaven -- if heaven has screaming guitars and screeching metal.

“We’re really looking forward to going back

out with our good friends Papa Roach, and we’re super excited to be bringing out our buddies Kyng and newcomers Islander too,” Seether frontman Shaun Morgan said in a press release. “It will be an awesome show for all our fans. Can’t wait to play some new music for you all!”

Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix is feelin’ the love, too.

“We are super excited to roll out on this tour with our brothers in Seether,” he said. “Not only is it gonna be rad for the fans, it’s gonna be rad for us as well. We love and respect the guys in Seether.

Can’t wait to see the American fans and most importantly we can’t wait to play our new material live. The fans are in for a killer night of rock ‘n’ roll at its finest.”

With bands Kyng and Islander in tow, this is an essential outing for rock fans across the country.

Papa Roach’s first album Infest was a chart-topper in 2000, along with the group’s smash single “Last Resort.” The band will celebrate the album’s 15th an-niversary on Jan. 27 with the release of its eighth studio album, F.E.A.R., predicted to be Papa’s most infectious, invigorating and incendiary body of work to date.

Papa Roach’s brand of melodic rock has played a big part in shaping the new-ly resurgent nu metal scene. Returning to dominate the resurgence, the band re-corded F.E.A.R. in Las Vegas with produc-ers Kevin and Kane Churko (Ozzy Os-bourne, Hellyeah, In This Moment, Five Finger Death Punch) in early 2014.

Papa Roach and Seetherwith Kyng and Islander Wednesday, Jan. 28 @ 6:30 PM McElroy Auditorium, Waterloo $44.25-$68 ticketmaster.com

HARD ROCK

SEETHER

PAPA ROACH

6 PULSE

Winter Jam 2015Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling rockers

Skillet will return to the famed Winter Jam stage to headline the blockbuster tour’s 20th year. The Jam re-turns to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Jan. 23.

“Skillet is pumped to get back out on tour with Winter Jam,” lead singer John Cooper said in a press release. “After several tours in Europe over the past year, we’re looking forward to heading out on a tour that will keep us in the U.S. all winter and spring; and most importantly will help bring the message of hope in Jesus to people all over the nation. It’s gonna rock, so get ready!”

The tour will also feature Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, For King & Country, Family Force 5 and more.

Winter Jam is known for its 10 artists for $10 ad-mission and will hit 47 cities from January through March.

Winter Jam 2015Friday, Jan. 23 @ 7 PM Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines $10 | sold at the door

SKILLET

FOR KING & COUNTRY

PULSE 7

The Friends of KUNI/KHKE present

Blues Blowoutfeaturing The Lamont Cranston Band with Bruce McCabe

along with special guests, The Blue Band

Saturday, February 7, 2015- Electric Park Ballroom

Doors open at 6 p.m. Show begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door,available at Bob’s Guitars and Tikly.co

A benefit for Iowa Public RadioJEREMY CAMP

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI

BUILDING 429

COURTESY AND SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS

8 PULSE

Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm | 500Westfield Avenue,Waterloo, IA | 319-292-6126 | WaterlooTractor&EngineMuseum@JohnDeere.com

Powerful

ARTObjects of Power is on display through Feb. 22

in the Forsberg Riverside Galleries at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

Objects of Power will unveil a selection of dramat-ic works from the Waterloo Center for the Arts’ Hai-tian collection, including new works acquired dur-ing a recent trip to Haiti in early 2014.

The works selected for this exhibit focus on objects that resonate with their very own gravity and pres-ence. This power is reflective of their purpose within Haitian ceremony, song, dance, prayer and day-to-day life steeped in Vodou. Vodou is a religion forged by descendants of African ethnic groups who were enslaved and brought to Haiti and Christianized by Roman Catholic missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries.

waterloocenterforthearts.org. COURTESY PHOTO

PULSE 9

making plans?we’ll point the way

ReaD. WATCH. sURFCVPulse.com

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP

Photographs of some of nature’s fragrant beauties will be on display at the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls through Feb. 8. Looking Up: A Plant’s Eye View is a celebration of prairie flowers, printed on high-gloss aluminum.

thehearst.org

COURTESY PHOTOS

Looking Up: A Plant’s Eye View

Photography by Sheri Huber-Otting

10 PULSE

COURTESY PHOTO

PULSE 11

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T he dudes with a lifelong affinity for Mary Jane and who brought you Up in Smoke in 1978 are taking another pass

at it in January in Cedar Rapids.The Up In Smoke tour featuring Cheech

& Chong and ’70s rockers War is burning up stages all over the country with night after smoky night of comedy and horn-in-fused funk and soul music. The tour will burn one again on Jan. 22 at the Paramount Theatre.

The party begins with War blasting hits like Why Can’t We Be Friends, Low Rider and Cisco Kid, then progresses into a combina-tion of Cheech & Chong’s most infamous songs (backed up by War) like Earache My Eye, Basketball Jones, Mexican Americans and some of the duo’s most iconic comedic skits such as Dave’s Not Here, Santa Clause and His Magic Dust and Sister Mary Elephant.

Cheech & Chong’s first film, Up In Smoke, was the highest-grossing comedy of 1978. In 2009, the duo made history when com-edy partners Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong announced their first reunion tour in more than 25 years, selling out shows from coast to coast. Multi-platinum-sell-ing War has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for more than four decades.

Cheech & Chong and WarThursday, Jan. 22 @ 8 PM Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids $47, $61, $81 paramounttheatrecr.com

12 PULSE

The Maytags’ debut album is the newest project spearheaded by Des Moines

musician Dustin Smith. A departure from Smith’s folk/rock work with the Sunday Silos, Maytags’ Nova is a smooth album of Motown-style rock and soul music.

The six-track EP’s opener, Blind, is a slow- jam song with old-school call-and-response vocals. The fuzzy guitar with a touch of reverb holds its own both solo and blended with the horns for a smooth sound that still allows each instrument to stand out. With just a bit of organ, the song has warmth, tight composition and musical competence.

Anthem picks up the pace, blending a more funk feeling with saxophone and brighter

keys. But Cassius starts with a hooky bass that will entice even the most skeptical about this album into nodding along to the song. It’s a danceable track that is the highlight of the album.

Keep On is a striding soul/funk song that ambles with the pace and confidence of someone dressed to the nines would strut down the street. Rounding out the album is Birthday Song, which starts as a 1960s-style soul song with accompanying backing vocals.

Nova is a fantastic debut. It’s a warm, retro recording of tight compositions that leaves the listener wanting nothing — except maybe a full-length follow-up.

HEARD THATI t seems like pop music has become

synonymous with rock music. Fifty music snobs will likely give 50 different

arguments for when and how this happened.

What is important is artists like Paul Collins are there to remind us of that much of pop music is rarely rock ’n’ roll.

Paul Collins Beat’s Feel the Noise is loud, bright rock ’n’ roll. In another era it may have been called pop, but there’s not enough electronic noise and Auto-Tune for it to be labeled that today.

In the title track, Collins sings out — in

response to being told rock is dead — that he’ll let his guitar do the talking now. In Feel the Noise, he does just that.

Collins, whose rock career began with The Nerves out of L.A. in the 1970s, has stayed true to his power rock roots sound without going stale.

Feel the Noise is an 11-track album that is heavier than most of his earlier work but is still his style of bright, loud rock ’n’ roll with guitar hooks and blended harmony vocals.

Feel the Noise features a studio recording of Collins’ classic Little Suzy. It’s long been a part of live shows but hasn’t been released

in a studio recording. It also features a cover of the Four Tops classic Reach Out (I’ll Be There). His arrangement of the song, which starts out reminiscent of The Clash’s London Calling, sounds right at home on the album. Following original song With a Girl Like You, which has blended harmonies, backing “aahs,” echoing guitar solos and a key change, Reach Out is right at home on this album.

The guitars and the bass are heavier on this album compared to Collins’ signature bright, hooky licks. It features flavors of early rock ’n’ roll, power pop and even a hint of punk. But why split hairs and genres? It’s simply good rock ’n’ roll.

PAUL COLLINSFEEL THE NOISE

Featuring 19 tracks of fast, acoustic punk, Iowa City group The Blendours’ self-

titled release is hooky and absurd.

The album blends common rock-’n’-roll cliches, sci-fi themes and preoccupation with burgers and fries to make for an enjoyable but odd listening experience.

Trevor Treiber and Ian Williams add tight vocal harmonies to hammering acoustic guitar chords in songs that are send-ups of teen crushes; short, bizarre sci-fi ballads; or would-be promotion of fictional Gonzo Burger (everyone wants one). In You Could be the One, we learn Gonzo Burger is “the

place to find all the babes.” Other songs are sci-fi oriented, with Wind Me Up written from the perspective of a robot.

Radioactive Girl is a pop love song mixed with sci-fi (“Dancing there underneath a mushroom cloud … she’s a mutant now”).

The album is mostly punk with all the songs clocking in at less than two minutes. Aside from vocal effects in Gonzo Burger and electric guitar licks in Made It to the Moon, each song is stripped down, and a few have little more than a chorus of repeated lyrics. It’s a fun, strange listen — especially for hungry sci-fi pop fans with a short attention span.

THE BLENDOURSTHE BLENDOURS

THE MAYTAGSNOVA

— John Molseed, Pulse

— John Molseed, Pulse

Maybe we knew when Nicki Minaj released her debut set, that beneath

the fluorescent wigs and zany accents, there resided a real-life grown-up. On some level, we surely understood that the now 32-year-old rapper had complex emotions and a past, and all the things that make stars more like regular people and less like characters.

But not until now, with her third release, has Minaj conveyed that message so clearly. The set’s first single, Pills N Potions, captures the heart and soul of the album, even with songs like the Drake and Lil Wayne-assisted Only and Anaconda drumming up considerable buzz.

Throughout her latest set, Minaj oscillates between boss and broken. She’s bold on Favorite and cocky on Feelin’ Myself, but it’s Minaj’s aching that is endearing.

It seems as though the gap is closing between Minaj’s on and offstage personas, and so far, that’s a good thing.

NICKI MINAJTHE PINKPRINT

— Melanie J. Sims, The Associated Press

JOHN MOLSEED | PULSE WRITER

PULSE 13

Home Garden&

Fresh ideas for creating beautiful spaces

Available Feb. 3 at Hy-Vee, Fareway and other prime Northeast Iowa locations

For more information, contact Sheila Kerns at 319-291-1448 or sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com

Spring!

Sign up to receive our quarterly

CVHg newsletter! Send your name and email address to melody.parker@wcfcourier.com. Please include “CVHG newsletter” in the subject line. Or mail information to CVHG Newsletter, c/o Jessica Leo, Courier Communications, P.O. Box 40, Waterloo IA, 50704

Quiet Little Voices by We Were Promised JetpacksThis Scottish indie rock song is anything but quiet. The emo screams and fast-paced drum licks will keep this tune bouncing in your head for days.

— Christinia C.

Shut up and Dance by Walk the MoonThis is the best song off the group’s latest album, a fun, punchy number that’ll make you follow the title instructions.

— Alan S.

Chicken by Kate TempestAwkward conversation, introspection and self-help advice combine into a surprisingly compelling hip-hop tune. From England, no less.

— Wes T.

P.I.M.P. by 50 CentThis track gets another life on Eminem’s new compilation, Shady XV, featur-ing new stuff and classic tracks from artists on the Shady Records roster.

— Meta H.

Rhiannon by Fleetwood MacAmerican Horror Story: Coven features an appearance by Stevie Nicks. You gotta see the episode where she sings this song. You just gotta!

— David H.

Not if You Were the Last Dandy on Earth by The Brian Jonestown MassacreFrom 1997’s Give It Back. Straight ahead rock ’n’ roll with a retro ’60s feel.

— Doug H.

The Trap by Satellite StoriesIf you feel like your life is lacking a little horn, get your fix with this brassy bust-up.

— Alan S.

Make You Better by The DecemberistsThe first track to drop from these indie nerds since 2011 is exactly what I hoped to hear. Consider me ready for the Jan. 20 record release.

— Christinia C.

Take Me as I Am by Wyclef Jean feat. SharissaThe differences in voice quality make this duet dynamic. It’s like sweet and sour chicken or a Salted Nut Roll: two delicious flavors rolled into one.

— David H.

Driveby by Neil Young and Crazy HorseA sloppy-loose Neil-Crazy Horse crawler from 1994’s Sleeps With Angels.

— Doug H.

Little Mascara by The ReplacementsScrappy ’80s rock. Equal parts punk angst and pop sensitivity.

— Wes T.

Dead or Alive by JourneyThis little-known track is the speed rock story of a secret agent who meets his fate at the business end of “a heartless woman’s .38.”

— Meta H.

OUR PICKS, YOUR CLICKS

FOLLOW US ON SPOTIFY AT CVPULSE

14 PULSE

ALAN SIMMER | PULSE WRITER

JANUARY FILMSA Most Violent Year I guess 1981 was a bad year in New York City? Don’t ask me, I wasn’t alive yet.

Leviathan Something about a corrupt mayor in Russia, which I think is redundant.

JANUARY 2

JANUARY 2

STARRING: Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine, Phoebe Fox, Leanne Best

Don’t turn around / Cause you’re gonna get super freaked out / Don’t turn around / I don’t want you seeing my face / Just run away / Before I devour your soul / I won’t let you go / I won’t let you go…

JANUARY 23

STARRING: Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn

Depp plays an eccentric art dealer searching for a stolen painting that’s also somehow

connected to Nazi gold. Naturally.

Blackhat Thor gets let out of prison to help chase down a cyber criminal, so prepare for 90 minutes of Chris Hemsworth typing.

The Wedding Ringer A groom needs to impress his in-laws, and hiring a fake best man seems like the easiest and most foolproof way to do that.

Escobar: Paradise Lost Peeta meets the girl of his dreams, and her uncle just so happens to be a notorious drug lord. A good thing if you like blow.

Spare Parts Four Hispanic high school students take on the robotics champs at MIT. In robotics, to be clear.

Still Alice Julianne Moore has awards buzz for her role as a linguistics professor with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

The Boy Next Door High school teacher J-Lo sexes up an obsessive student played by a 27-year-old.

Black Sea Jude Law looks for gold using a submarine. Try a metal detector.

JANUARY 9Taken 3 The tag line: “It ends here.” Is that a promise?

Selma If the name doesn’t give it away, this is about the civil rights marches of the 1960s.

JANUARY 16 JANUARY 23

JANUARY 23The Lazarus Effect Medical students figure out how to bring the dead back to life. I vote for Shelly Winters!

Max A dog that helped soldiers in Afghanistan is adopted by his handler. D’awwww.

Coming Home A wife has forgotten her husband after the Cultural Revolution separated them.

PARAMOUNT, RELATIVITY, WEINSTEIN, LIONSGATE PHOTOS

PULSE 15

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Wednesday: Whiskey Weds,50 cents off all whiskey,

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Friday: TGIF - Happy Hour all day!$2.00 Wells and $2.50 Domestic BottlesSaturday: Any Bomb Shot 4 For $10.00Sunday: Sunday Fun Day: $3.00 Vodkas.

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GreG's PlaceGreG's Place

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Must present coupon.Not valid with anyother offer or discount. Expires 1-28-15

JANUARY 30

STARRING: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black D’Elia, Michelle DeFraites, Ginny Gardner, Sam Lerner

Really, kids? Just because you can time travel doesn’t mean you should time travel. Make better

life choices. This is also produced by Michael Bay, so you should probably expect explosions.

JANUARY 16

STARRING: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Nicole Kidman

Who’s a good bear? Who’s a good bear? You’re a good bear, yes you are! Such a good boy!

Sorry, sorry. I’ll get it under control. This movie’s based on the children’s books featuring a talking bear who is definitely not Winnie-the-Pooh or Corduroy or Rupert or Little Bear or any of the Berenstains.

ALAN SIMMER | PULSE WRITER

The Kingdom Hearts series has jumped from one platform to another unlike any I’ve ever seen

before, featuring entries on the PS2, Game Boy Advance, DS, 3DS and PSP.

Square Enix has re-released some of those games in Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix for the PS3, which features a combination of high-definition remakes and collections of cinematic cut scenes.

Now 2.5 Remix joins the club with another three games, featuring Kingdom Hearts II and Birth by Sleep, as well as retooled cut scenes from Re:coded. Both playable games are the Final Mix versions, previously only released in Japan, which feature additional bosses, items and other improvements.

The PS3 remakes have been a remarkable chance to unify the scattered pieces of the Kingdom Hearts series. That makes Birth by Sleep the main attraction in this package, as fans who played the mainline games on PS2 might have missed out on this portable gem.

It looks amazing in big-picture HD, of

course, though there are times when text bubbles will really be in your face in a way that betrays the small-screen origins of the game.

But the story in Birth by Sleep is big, as is the gameplay, so it feels natural to play on a TV with controller in hand. The plot follows Keyblade trainees Terra, Aqua and Ventus as they attempt to unravel the mystery of the Unversed, a sort of proto-Heartless horde of shadows.

The events that follow set the stage for every other game in the series — events

that will be coming full circle in Kingdom Hearts III — so now is the time to experience it if you haven’t.

Plus it’s fun on its own merits, neck-and-neck with Dream Drop Distance as my favorite side entry. I even like most of the random minigames, like the Command Boards, which function like Monopoly but without ruining your life.

Kingdom Hearts II is still a fantastic game as well, made better by the Final Mix additions and the fresh coat of paint. Sora’s even less creepy than he was in the 1.5 Remix package — those eyelashes on him and Terra, though! — so that’s a plus.

Re:coded is the weak link in the trio. The first collection featured the story of 358/2 Days (I still am not 100 percent sure how to say this out loud), which worked out really well.

358/2 Days was sort of a snooze to play with interesting nuggets of story strung throughout it. Getting rid of all the monotony and just providing the story — the telling of which surely prompted

the game’s development, not the other way around — was a great fit.

Re:coded is the exact opposite: pretty fun to play but featuring a plot with about as much interest as the Nebraskan landscape. So removing all the fun bits and just watching the story is, well, an occasion for two-screening it.

But that doesn’t detract from the bigger picture, which is two great updates of two great games. And just think: We’re that much closer to Kingdom Hearts III, right?

ALAN SIMMER | PULSE WRITER

HD polish makes Kingdom Hearts better yet

PROS: Re:coded makes a great drinking game! Drink when you’re bored!

CONS: Alcohol poisoning, liver failure; those Pirates of the Caribbean voice overs.

This series is a loose parody of the actual video game industry but mostly serves as an excuse for scantily clad heroines, I think.

FOR: Vita

JAN 27

For: PS3 | Price: $39.99 | Rated: E10+

JAN 27

You’ve got to have a pretty good hook to make me look

twice at a zombie game these days. Is the day/night cycle and a weapon system that lets you craft an electrified wrench wrapped in barbed

wire enough? The jury is out.

FOR: PC, PS4, XB1

FOR: PS4, XB1

I’m a lot more interested in this series after playing (and playing and playing) the Zelda mash-up from a few months ago. Though I probably

won’t go back and play the older games, because that’s quite a backlog.

JAN 27

PULSE 17

J ust because you can’t call it Tomb Raider doesn’t mean there’s no Lara Croft. She’s the star of Lara Croft and

the Temple of Osiris, a sequel not to 2013’s Tomb Raider reboot, but to the 2010 co-op shooter Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. These aren’t full-blown mega-budget franchise games, but quick, righteously fun adventures designed to burn a few handfuls of hours with friends in the room or online.

With that in mind, it’s hard to think of a much better way to casually game with your pals. The game follows adventuress extraordinaire Croft (and three other forgettable characters) as she shoots, jumps and climbs her way through the bowels of a lost civilization. It’s a formulaic experience boosted in nearly every way possible through excellent graphics, slick gameplay and an abundance of surprisingly thrilling scenarios.

The controls utilize twin joysticks for aiming and movement, with simple

game mechanics that allow easy management of weapons

and inventory as well as effortless

navigation through the game’s oft-enchanting subterranean world. It’s designed to be so accessible even novices can get a hang of the basics after a few moments, making this ideal for gatherings that include non-gamers or where the point of play is more to socialize than to kill.

Puzzles are an integral part of gameplay, usually hitting that casual gaming sweet spot where they’re fun to approach and quickly solvable instead of irritating or exasperating. The landscapes shift depending on how many players are present.

Combat involves killing hordes of monsters with an array of weapons, but the action is punctuated by eye-opening moments like boss fights and frantic chases across treacherous terrain. Gameplay is rewarded with new items, such as better guns or charms that improve statistics, while different characters have unique abilities that make each player crucial to whatever challenge they are facing.

All good things come to an end, and this one does fairly quickly, with about

eight hours of gameplay. But Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris is fine while it lasts, making the most of its pleasures. This is a

game that aims for the middle and actually hits a bit higher.

JAMES FRAZIER | PULSE WRITER

Escaping the Tomb

PROS: Great multiplayer. Perfect for all skill levels. Fantastic graphics and design.

CONS: Can be repetitive. Shortish.

For: PC, PS4, XB1 Price: $19.99 Rated: Teen

SQUARE ENIX, NINTENDO, WARNER BROS, IDEA FACTORY, KOEI TECMO, SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES

M ost of us have a limited amount of gaming dollars, so it’s important to spread the

wealth where you can.

There are two versions of the fourth entry in the Super Smash Bros. series, one for 3DS and one for Wii U. I recommend both, but that’s $100 gone. If you only have the scratch for one, here are some things to consider.

The main attraction for the 3DS version is the portability. Play Smash in a box, with a fox, with a mouse, in a house. Play Smash here or there, play Smash anywhere! On the other hand, sitting on a couch with friends, each of your faces buried in your own screen, feels a little strange.

Your mileage may vary on the 3-D visuals; they’re a nice touch, but they don’t add to the gameplay like in Super Mario 3D Land, for instance. The high-def visuals of the Wii U version, on the other

hand, look stunning. And again, while that doesn’t affect the actual fighting, it makes the experience that much nicer.

The stages available in the handheld version are smaller and tighter, which makes sense given the smaller screen. The console stages tend to be more complex and larger, with some suitable for eight-player bouts. (These are total mayhem, by the way.)

Each version has an exclusive attraction: Smash Run on the 3DS and Smash Tour on the Wii U. Smash Run involves defeating enemies for stat boosts before a final showdown with your friends. Smash Tour features a game board and several intermediate matches before the grand finale.

On the whole, I prefer Smash Run, which is far less luck-based. Fighters are assigned at random for Smash Tour, which can leave you floundering with unfamiliar

characters. And the random nature of the game board — rolling dice, using power-ups and collecting items — often feels punitive.

On the whole, I’d say the Wii U version is the better of the two. Those sharp visuals really rock, and I prefer the shared experience of using one screen. But both games are absolutely exemplary.

ALAN SIMMER | PULSE WRITER

It’s a battle of the Bros.

Price: $39.99 / $59.99 | Rated: E10+

P aul Collins has been touring long enough to pick up some patterns at live rock shows in clubs large and small.

“A lot of people seem to come to the conclusion that local bands don’t need money,” Collins said.

Another pattern is that people show up late, so the local opener holds the door, and then the touring headline act ends up playing much later.

On the Paul Collins Beat’s Garageland Tour, Collins plans to bring more people out earlier and help open opportunities — and maybe wallets — for small, DIY bands. Each show will start with a ticketed record fair and happy hour.

“We’re trying to make each show more of an event,” Collins said.

During the tour, each venue will host an area record store that will bring a selection of music similar to the style the musicians will play, as well as posters or shirts.

The happy hour before the show will be part of the ticketed event. Collins said he will launch that format Jan. 10 at the Octopus College Hill in Cedar Falls.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said David Diebler, Octopus owner. “Record swaps are so much fun.”

“This is grass-roots rock and roll,” Collins said.

Record stores across the country, including Burger Records in Los Angeles and Antone’s Record Shop in Austin, Texas, have gotten behind the plan. It will not only help small bands get their music into markets across the country but will likely bring a strong paying crowd.

“The clubs depend on local support to have a good night,” he said.

On the other hand, it’s the small clubs that offer genuine music experiences, he added.

“You can’t get that in-your-face rock-and-roll experience except in these clubs,” Collins said. “You should be honored to put your $10 down for that and be grateful.”

Collins gained international fame in the mid-1970s with The Nerves, a Los Angeles trio that influenced the modern power pop sound. He later took on lead singing and songwriting duties with the Beat, later called the Paul Collins Beat.

Since 2008, Collins has been touring with independent bands and musicians who grew up influenced by the sound he helped pioneer.

Collins played with Twins at Octopus in 2013 and briefly toured with the band. They’ll reunite at the Jan. 10 show.

“Playing shows with Paul and getting to watch him in action is incredibly inspiring,” said Twins frontman Joel sires. “His music has meant a lot to me over the years. It’s provided me with inspiration and a template to work with when writing my own material.”

The Paul Collins Beat with Twins and The Blendours Saturday, Jan. 10 @ 9 PM Octopus College Hill, Cedar Falls $7 at the door

Show and swapJOHN MOLSEED | PULSE WRITER

ALISAFAROV / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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PRICING GUIDE (per entrée) | $10 $20 $30 $40+

Beck’s Sports Grill |American, Sports Bar2210 College St., Cedar Falls319-277-2646Hours:Open daily at 11 amwww.barmuda.com

Featuring Beck's homemademicrobrews, voted best burger,locally owned restaurant, sports barand place to play pool in the CedarValley.

Bourbon Street |American, Cajunand Creole314 Main St.,Cedar Falls319-266-5285Hours:Monday – Saturday4 - 10 pmwww.barmuda.com

Bourbon Street is a step off ofMain Street into the French Quarterfeaturing Certified Black Angus steaksand delicious seafood complimentedby an extensivemenu and great wines.

Ferrari’s Ristorante |American and Italian1521 Technology Pkwy.,Cedar Falls319-277-1385Hours:Monday – Friday11 am - 10 pm,Saturday 4 - 10 pmwww.barmuda.com

Ferrari’s features only the fineststeaks, freshest seafood andauthentic Italian fare. Offering light,quick lunch options along with anextensive dinner menu and wine.

Soho Sushi Bar & DeliThe Stuffed Olive |Deli, Sushi, Tapas,Martinis119 Main St.,Cedar Falls319-266-9995Hours:Monday – Friday at 6:30 am;Saturday – Sunday at 7:00 amwww.barmuda.com

Fresh made sushi and delisandwiches, salads and paniniscombined with globally inspiredtapas dishes and over 100 differentmartinis. Also serving homemadebreakfast selections and cookiesmade from scratch.

Beck’s SportsBrewery SportsBar |American,Microbrewery3295 University Ave.,Waterloo319-234-4333Hours:Open daily at 11 amwww.barmuda.com

Featuring Beck’s homemademicrobrews and famousburgers, wings and pizza. Votedbest burger (10 years running),best happy hour, best locally ownedrestaurant and sports bar in theCedar Valley.

Guerilla Brewing/LavaLounge/Beer Hall |Microbrewery and Bar2401 Falls Ave.,Waterloo319-234-5686Hours:Monday – Thursday5 pm - Midnight;Friday & Saturday4 pm - Midnight

Artisanal Nano Brewery is releasinglimited run beer, producing 10 gallonsof each new recipe.We produced 50different beers in 2013. Brand new brew.

Hilton Garden InnGarden Grille Restaurant |Conference Center7213 Nordic Dr.,Cedar Falls319-266-6611

New Hilton opened in 2012, elegantdining and entertaining of Hiltonstandards. Full service hotel withBallroom seating up to 350 people.Garden Grille Restaurant and Baropen to the public for breakfast, lunchand dinner as well as large exteriorpatios with firepits. Full service diningon site, Chefs with banquet menusand banquet bars available. Depositsand minimums required, full paymentrequired prior to event. Guest roomblocks available.

The Lone Wolf |Bar, Restaurant777 Isle of Capri Blvd.,Waterloo319-833-2157Hours:Monday – Friday Breakfast7:00 am - 10:30 pmSunday – Thursday11:30 am - 1:00 amFriday & Saturday11:30 am - 2:00 amKaraoke – Wednesday8:00 pm - 11:00 pmHowl Hour 3:00 pm - 6:00 pmMonday – ThursdayGlass of Wine $1.50Retro Beers $1.50$2.00 off appetizerswww.waterloo.isleofcapricasinos.com

Whether you feel like getting food togo or plan to stay a while, The LoneWolf is sure to please.

Otis & Henry’sBar and Grill. |Bar and Grill777 Isle of Capri Blvd.,Waterloo319-833-2241Hours:Tuesday – Saturday open at 5 pmClosed Sunday and Mondaywww.waterloo.isleofcapricasinos.com

Combines the comfort of aneighborhood bar and grill with thefavorites of a steakhouse. Choosefrom the delicious pastas, sandwiches,salads, steaks, fish and desserts.

Rudy’s Tacos |Mexican2401 Falls Ave.,Waterloo319-234-5686Hours:Monday – Saturday11:00 am - 9:00 pmwww.rudystacos.com

Rudy’s uses local ingredients throughthe Northern Iowa Food and FarmPartnership’s Buy Fresh/Buy Localprogram.

Hurricane Grill andWingsAmerican Restaurant and Bar2027 Crossroads, Blvd.,Waterloo319-833-9464Hours:Open daily at 11:00amwww.hurricanewingsia.com

Hurricane Grill and Wings is a funfamily restaurant with a tropicalfeel, specializing in wings that are“LIVE WITH FLAVOR” with over 30sauces to choose from. Offering anoutdoor patio with a super menu andspecialty drinks.

in good

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Sunday, Feb. 82 PM&7:30 PMTickets: $53—$33

Sunday, Jan. 25, 3 PMCurtain Talk Beings at 2:15 PMTickets: $41—$21, Buck a Kid!

Russian NationalBallet Theatre

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GALLAGHER BLUEDORN