Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 2
James Gunn has compiled another bang-up soundtrack for his highly-anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The upcoming space adventure is the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the sequel to Gunn’s surprise summer blockbuster of 2014. Here again with Awesome Mix Vol. 2, the songs featured were precisely hand-picked by Gunn and strategically placed throughout the film, serving to underscore the script as a subtle, but dynamic cast of supporting characters. Awesome Mix Vol. 2 is an eclectic assortment of mostly well-known tunes, and happily in its own unique way, just as marvelous as its predecessor Awesome Mix Vol. 1, which went on to sell a whopping 2.5 million copies worldwide. The brilliant second soundtrack album features 14 tracks, including the amusing “Guardians Inferno,” co-penned by Gunn and film score composer Tyler Bates. During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn revealed some enlightening specifics as to how and why he chose the significant songs for the upcoming film’s final cut.
By Eric Allen9 years ago in Beat
Obscure Genres of Electronica You Need To Listen To
If you ask me, there aren't many genres of music that can deliver as wide a range of emotion as electronica. In some ways, electronic music is more akin to a modern day symphony. The only differences between old school symphonies and modern electric music are the number of people who create the music and the technology used to make it happen.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart9 years ago in Beat
A Modern Day Renaissance Man
Earlier this week I was reading up on the Renaissance for my Western World history class. The era’s prominent characters are now referred to as “Renaissance Men”: A person with many talents or areas of knowledge. As I read about Lorenzo De Medici, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci, I was stunned by their ability to master numerous crafts throughout the arts and sciences. I began to wonder if we had any Renaissance Men in 2017. It didn’t take long to realize that we do, and we’ve had one for quite a few years now.
By The Ticket9 years ago in Beat
Mounds Of Possibilities With "Dolly's America" College Course
Not bad for a girl voted "Least Likely To Succeed" in high school. While much has been made over the years about Dolly Parton's warm personality and, in particular, her diminutive frame and physical assets - she stands just shy of five feet tall without her high heeled footwear - it is her strong business acumen and narrative songwriting style that has allowed people a greater understanding of this entertainer, and of the America she's grown up in.
By Christina St-Jean9 years ago in Beat
Galantis: Bringing Sweden's EDM Scene to the US in Style
If you're a fan of mainstream EDM, then you already know Galantis as the maverick duo from Stockholm consisting of Linus Eklow and Christian Karlsson. They're the breakout artists who helped bring EDM with Eurodance elements to America, and saying that they're popular is an understatement.
By Adam Quinn9 years ago in Beat
The Serious Genius of Father John Misty’s Pure Comedy
At first glance, Father John Misty’s Pure Comedy might sound like the recorded version of a clergyman moonlighting as a stand-up comic, but in actuality it’s the latest studio album from the former Fleet Foxes drummer. Try to imagine Elton John as an American folk artist with lyrics penned by Randy Newman or Conor Oberst, and you’ll have an entry point into the sardonic, acid-tongued, yet filmic world of singer-songwriter Father John Misty (née Josh Tillman).
By Eric Allen9 years ago in Beat
Best Grunge Bands
Growing up in the 90s, Grunge Music was inescapable. The likes of Kurt Cobain elevated what was essentially an underground movement into a mainstay of the rock genre. Critics first praised the movement... then came to loathe it as a hundred garage bands emerged out of the woodwork to be the next Kurt Cobain... by literally doing nothing more than what he did.
By Anthony Gramuglia9 years ago in Beat
Does Anyone Still Wang Chung?
The name Wang Chung might give you the impression that the group is a New Age Jazz group. In fact, they do incorporate a certain "airy and fluid synthesizer type" feel within their music. But Wang Chung is neither new nor a New Age group.
By Frank White9 years ago in Beat
