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2017's Best Music, According to My Biased Judgment
Like the sparkling snowfall and the appearance of eggnog in grocery stores, lists of the "best albums of the year" have become a consistent winter occurrence. Blogs, newspapers, and weird friends that haven't talked to you since high school take to their favourite social media sites to inform the public about what music from the past 12 months should be respected (and in some cases, revered) by everyone, regardless of peoples' individual tastes. There's an underlying tone that, if you don't like any of the albums listed by these supposed artistic authorities, then you are an uncultured swine unaware of what good music sounds like. With that said, the following list is not of such a purpose. It's just a list of albums that I've particularly enjoyed over the past several months, and I'd like to share it with you in the possibility that you may also find something enjoyable in it. I am aware that there are a couple genres that are disproportionately represented over others. If you don't like rock, you may have a hard time harvesting anything for your own listening pleasure, but on the chance that we do end up having some similarities in musical tastes, I am happy to present my top 20 albums of 2017 (and then some):
By Connor Thiessen8 years ago in Beat
A Flicker of Hope in the Music Industry for Niall Horan
Niall Horan, self-declared "slept-on" member of global sensation One Direction, has just released his new album "Flicker" to the world. It is therefore my personal belief that Horan has outdone himself with this record, setting his sight on being the chart-topper of this month. Despite the varying paths the members of One Direction have set off in the past year, Horan has managed to display a low profile, much unlike his peers Louis Tomlinson – whom immediately was on the music industry's radar with his collaboration with DJ Steve Aoki. Next was rocker Harry Styles, whom released his self-titled album after a whirlwind initial single - 'Sign of the Times' was released, showcasing Styles' talent for not only pop music, but classic rock, especially after he names different influences, such as Pink Floyd. Liam Payne released 'Strip That Down' - both a lyrical and melodic disappointment, but we won't mention that tragedy now – and finally, Niall Horan was next (and last) in the running.
By Megan Beth8 years ago in Beat
Kanye West 'Late Registration'
Opening Opinion: 9.25 I was very very excited to buy this album when it first came out. I’m pretty sure everyone was wondering could Kanye hit a home run again. And the answer is a resounding yes; even though his lyrics aren’t improved from College Dropout. The beats are also different. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this album has a glossier sound than his debut album.
By Matthew Sullivan8 years ago in Beat
The Art of Networking
Hello my fellow artists. Today we are going to be discussing the importance of networking. The term simply means in this case, making connections with other artists or industry professionals. One of the reasons artists want to do this is to expand their professional reach and find individuals who can elevate you. Why is elevation important? Because you want to be able to go higher and higher with your career and do more along the way. You want to be able to set high goals and achieve them. These goals are made easier if you branch out and meet people who can help you.
By Tim Ellerbe II8 years ago in Beat
Eminem 'The Marshall Mathers' LP
Opening Opinion, 9.75/10 Ah the legendary MMLP 1, also known as Eminem’s magnum opus. It is really really awesome, but its not really a flawless album. I actually didn’t hear this cd until 2002. My parents actually wouldn’t let me hear the whole thing. My Dad gave me a SSLP and MMLP approved songs cd which was the tracks deemed “not too explicit.” I can't blame my dad for doing that cause the early Eminem albums weren’t for kids.
By Matthew Sullivan8 years ago in Beat
Music Manager 101
Having a manager can be a wonderful thing or a huge headache. Let us first look at the latter. An artist needs to have a good working relationship with their manager. There has to be a great deal of trust because this person is taking partial responsibility of your career. It is advisable to take your time choosing a good manager. You may first want to inquire of other musicians and bands you know. See who represents them and follow up on meeting with a few of the managers you discover. Determine your interview questions and treat this just like what it is; a job interview where you are the employer. You do not want to hire someone who does shoddy work. Take your time with this. A bad manager can take advantage of you, steal from you etc. So do your homework. That cannot be stressed enough.
By Tim Ellerbe II8 years ago in Beat
Best Songs by The Ramones
Not many people know about The Ramones or they are not interested in their music. After watching the movie CGBG, which was about a famous bar that set the stage for stardom for bands like Blondie, The Police, The Ramones, and the brief history of The Dead Boys.
By Heather Wilkins8 years ago in Beat
From Worst to Best: T.I.
10) No Mercy (69) No Mercy is his worst album by far. It has decent production but he comes off as lazy and uninspired. It's like he wants you to feel sorry for him and that’s just not kingly at all. There are some gems though, like “That’s All She Wrote” and “Amazing”. This album was originally titled King Uncaged…thank God he changed it. Top Tracks: Welcome to The World, No Mercy, Amazing, That’s All She Wrote.
By Matthew Sullivan8 years ago in Beat
2017 Top 10 Albums from a Guy with Bad Taste in Music
10. Pyrrhic Victory by Zao First of all this isn't even an album, it's an EP and it shouldn't even be on this list. I'm clearly just a fanboy who needs to make an excuse to get one of his favorite band's music on his list.
By Christopher Sarda8 years ago in Beat
Best Nerdcore Rappers to Check Out Now
Nerdcore is a subgenere of rap and hip hop that finds most of its influence in the world of gaming. Some of the best nerdcore rappers are intentionally ridiculous, while others endeavor to make quality songs that, if you didn't already know their subjects, could easily be heard playing on the radio.
By Taylor Markarian8 years ago in Beat
