Laser Gun

After five years, M83's anticipated next release came out to little fanfare this week. And while "Junk" did not measure up to many critics' harsh reviews, I thought the album was a fantastic smattering of all that listeners of M83 have come to know and love. "Tension" was super 80s, and "The Wizard," while also very 80s, was also super cinematic, along with many other songs on the album. "The Wizard" though had a very 80's cop movie-vibe. You could see Eddie Murphy or some such star driving in a convertible down the highway at night to the song. The album's closer, "Sunday Night 1987," was a very Pink Floyd-esque effort. My favorite song has to be "Laser Gun" featuring MAI LAN. Overall, a very enjoyable album, though it lacks a bit of the same swagger that "Midnight City" produced.

Pierz' Claire Reardon stretches out to keep her foot on the bag after an awkward slide to avoid a tag. She was safe.

Pioneers senior Alyssa Gall sprints for home to score in the 16-2 win over Milaca, April 12.

Threw in this framed picture of Brittany Waytashek, whom I photographed at the dedication of her new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Pierz first base Taylor Cummings tags Milaca senior Olivia Kragt, but Kragt was called safe.

Pioneers sophomore Brittney Boser winds up to pitch.

Brianna Meyer scores, but I really like the worried face from Boser on deck.

Pierz head coach Matt Poepping watches on as Meyer slides by Cherramae Erickson at the plate.

A little before that as Poepping waves Meyer into home.

Gall takes a lead off of first base.

Xenon

As with most of Deftones' music it takes a few listens to really grasp the material. Once that is done, however, listeners certainly come to appreciate it, and it is no different with the band's latest album, "Gore." The album has been receiving very favorable reviews, and it is easy to see why. "Xenon" is a particular climax to the album that is both beautiful and raw. Though the album is not my favorite of theirs, it is a damn good listen.


Only a few photos this week. Mother nature...grrr.

Pierz junior Brett Kapsner fires a pitch in a chilly scrimmage between the Pioneers and USA, April 4.

Pierz freshman pitcher Taylor Cummings rockets one toward the plate in a scrimmage at Little Falls, April 1.

USA junior Levi Beseman winds up to pitch.

(Girl We Got A) Good Thing

Weezer's latest release (after five singles came out) has finally been fully unveiled, and all in all it is pretty good. Take away the first few songs on the album, and it might even be considered great. They have now put out two pretty solid albums in a row. I mean, neither are a Blue Album or a Pinkerton, but they are right on par with a Maladroit or Green Album, which is a nice sign for a fan of the band (possibly the only one) who has listened to all of their albums with great vigor.

Several photos from a couple of events to share this week: the CMC Indoor Invite and a little softball scrimmage between Little Falls and Swanville.

Pierz sophomore Chelsie Kurtz rounds the curve in the 4x200 relay at the CMC Indoor Invite at St. Cloud State, March 29.

Kennedi Ehresmann, a Holdingford Freshman, runs in a relay.

Pierz' Breanna Kurtz in full stride.

Swanville freshman Emily Beseman takes a hack at the ball in a scrimmage against Little Falls, March 29.

Breanna Kurtz again.

Pierz junior Taryn Becker leaps in the long jump.

Bulldogs pitcher Kiley Loven grabs for the ball as catcher Beseman and third baseman Ellie Koetter hit the brakes.

Little Falls junior Angela Meschke bunts in the scrimmage.

Flyers senior Pitcher unleashes a big throw.

Gerads prepares to fire a strike to first on a bunt attempt.

I believe this is Megan Kirk at third base.

Kirk reaches for a grounder as Beseman scurries for third.

Loven makes contact.

New Swanville softball head coach Paige Beseman demonstrates what to do to Koetter.