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Reality Check




Franz Ferdinand’s ‘Always Ascending’ ascends to new heights

'Always Ascending' is a fresh take on Franz Ferdinand’s more pop roots. While there aren’t any standout hits, each song provides a unique emotional experience for each listener. This is due to the unique mesmerizing and powerful use of the beat. For old fans and new, the band has created a new image that is set to satisfy.


Ball State students interview David Letterman to tell Ball State’s centennial story

The students reached out to prominent BSU alumnus, David Letterman, for the opportunity to interview him. “We got in contact with him through the President’s office,” Director John Osterhoudt told Byte reporters, “and then we heard back literally like two weeks ago and he was like, ‘Yeah, come to New York.’” The students drove to Letterman’s publicist’s office in Manhattan to conduct the interview. 



‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ Episode 5: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Episode 5 is by far the most difficult to follow due to its frequent flashbacks and flashforwards. The emotion that is felt is incredible and genuinely touching. Andrew’s love for David is put into perspective and so is the anti-LGBT discrimination in the military during this time period. This episode isn’t as engaging as previous episodes, but leaves you with an emotional attachment to Jeff and his family.


MGMT’s ‘Little Dark Age’ is their weirdest and most exhilarating album to date

MGMT has recovered incredibly well from the muddled experimentation of their third album. ‘Little Dark Age’ sees the band returning to the hook-dominated landscape of ‘Oracular Spectacular’ and ‘Congratulations’, while also keeping the unique flourishes that defined their self-titled record. Though it is not entirely original in its psychedelic pop sound, its smart humor and tasteful melodies more than make up for any reckless borrowing. It takes all of the best parts of MGMT’s past releases and blends them together to bring forth an intense, whimsical new era for the band.



Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ is a unique cultural celebration fit for a king

Overall, Black Panther succeeds as an excellent entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It delivers on being an action adventure film, a political statement, and a celebration of African culture. While the film does start off a bit stagnant, the cast’s performances and emotional themes keep the film on the path in becoming an entertaining ride.



Our sneak peek of Ball State’s production of ‘Pericles’

Ball State students are performing one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays, Pericles: Prince of Tyre, in Strother Studio Theatre. Under the direction of Ball State theatre professor Karen Kessler, dozens of students have worked to put on an impressive production. The show stars Jacob Barnes, an acting major in his senior year, playing the eponymous ancient prince.