Music and Game Reviews by Young Adults
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I read a recent New York Times interview with Coldplay's Chris Martin, who was asked to explain the title of the band's latest (and perhaps last) album, Mylo Xyloto. "Music comes from a place we don't know," he told the Times. "It sort of comes through the fingers and toes. So we came up with the idea of, what if you had musical digits, like xylo toes." And as for the "Mylo" part? "It's just a great name," said Martin. "For anything." So now you know. Our reviewer definitely thinks it's worth a listen. Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay (Capital) Batman: Arkham City (Warner Brothers/DC Entertainment) After the success of Arkham Asylum, it's hard to believe that any other installment could top it. But Arkham City does just that. This time around, the mayor of Gotham City has created Arkham City, a quarantine zone filled with all of Gotham's criminals and super-villains. Enter Batman, who's bent on decisively dealing with his archrivals, such as the Penguin, the Joker, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, the Riddler, and Two-Face, to name a few. Batman has an arsenal of new fighting gadgets, more complex fighting moves, and expanded flight control, which make things tricky, even for an experienced gamer. Since Arkham City is five times the size of Arkham Island, Batman has a lot more ground to cover, giving players a more action-packed experience. A new Batman dive move, along with his grappling hook, is to die for and really add to the game's intensity. The game is sure to please even its biggest skeptics and gives players an inking into what it must be like to be Batman—even if it's only for a few hours. Rated T for Teen, Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation3.—Andrew B., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School This article originally appeared in School Library Journal's enewsletter SLJTeen. Subscribe here.
Coldplay likes to reinvent itself and clearly demonstrates that on its latest album Mylo Xyloto. The album is a story about Mylo and Xyloto, who fall in love while living in a repressive society. The songs offer comfort and strength to those who feel that they are powerless in today's world. Coldplay's indie-rock sound is evident in singles such as "Hurts Like Heaven" and "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall," but the group added a pop and R&B sound to the mix, which is quite unique. The collaboration with Rihanna on the track "Princess of China" is brilliant, and her vocals, coupled with Martin's, are beautiful to the ear. Other great tracks are "Paradise," "Us Against the World," "Don't Let It Break Your Heart," and "Up in Flames." Mylo Xyloto is worth checking out, especially for Coldplay fans.—Frecelyn D., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
