album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
Album Review: Vigalantee-Sitting on the Front Porch Talking to My Grandma
One of the most overlooked adages of wisdom states: "Experience is the best teacher." When it comes to hearing the best experiences that teach you about life, there is no better source in one's family to learn from than a grandparent. Roger "Vigalantee" Suggs is a Chicago-born, Georgia-raised, and Kansas City-praised MC who has been in the hip-hop business for around a quarter-century. In late 2019, Vigalantee released his landmark 20th album titled Sitting on the Front Porch Talking to My Grandma (Phatahdat Records).
By Victor Trammell6 years ago in Beat
All the Things I Said to Myself While Listening to 'Fine Line' for the First Time
Harry Styles’ album came out at midnight today! (I never use exclamation points; can you sense my excitement?) Honestly, after listening to it for the first time, I can honestly say that there’s nothing in the world that I love more than this album right now.
By hannah irelan6 years ago in Beat
'From a Page' of Yes History
Within the last few months, I did a series of Yes studio album reviews as a way to commemorate their discography turning 50 years old. The last studio album review was Heaven & Earth, but then a week later, on October 25th, there was a surprise announcement. Now available via Burning Shed was From a Page, a collection of studio tracks worked on by Yes in 2010. At the time, the lineup consisted of Benoît David (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), Oliver Wakeman (keys), and Alan White (drums).
By Steven Shinder6 years ago in Beat
Album Review: The Who - 'Who'
Despite their many accolades over the years, The Who occupy a somewhat curious place in the rock and roll realm. There is no doubt that at least three of their albums (Tommy, Who's Next, and Quadrophenia) are among the best rock and roll albums of all time, or that songs like "Pinball Wizard," "Won't Get Fooled Again," and "My Generation" are indisputable classics, or that guitarist Pete Townshend is one of rock's most revolutionary players and songwriters, and vocalist Roger Daltrey one of its most powerful singers.
By Anthony Nasti6 years ago in Beat
Destiny's Child Albums Ranked
There's always a time when rumours of old girlbands decide to put their differences aside and reunite. The original Sugababes came back with Flowers, Pussy Cat Dolls performed on the X Factor not so long ago. And there's rumours that Destiny's Child will be getting back together. Last month Beyonce's dad, Matthew Knowles, promised fans that 2020 will be the year they will reunite. Just as I was writing the first draft of this article, a new album was released.
By Chloe Gilholy6 years ago in Beat
An Honest Dance in the Mirror
Donyae Asante’s new album Flaws and All is a deeply creative, thoughtful Millennial anthem. While I’m hesitant to characterize the specificity of his work of an entire generation, it moves from wistful clips of winning a speech tournament in high school only to have to delve deep into social media influenced trauma to adapting to the highs and lows of love, sex and everything in between. Asante shows that he’s ready to bare it all without polish or filter.
By Destiny Strothers6 years ago in Beat
In The (Former) Present: 'Live from Lyon' Reviewed
On October 25, Yes announced and released a box set containing previously unreleased studio material under the title From a Page, along with a re-release of In the Present - Live from Lyon. This has brought the attention of Yes fans back to the days of the following lineup: Benoît David (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), Oliver Wakeman (keys), and Alan White (drums).
By Steven Shinder6 years ago in Beat
Eurythmics: '1984 (For the Love of Big Brother)'
In the summer of 1984, Eurythmics’ David Stewart and Annie Lennox were commissioned by Richard Branson and Virgin Records to compose a musical soundtrack for Michael Radford’s film version of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Eurythmics’ songtrack album was subsequently released one month following the film’s premiere and contained nine songs derived from the instrumental interludes Stewart and Lennox composed for the movie.
By Eric Allen6 years ago in Beat
New Spotify Albums Out!
Hey everyone! So as you know my hobby is music making—and I have been trying to strike out in a more professional direction in that avenue so I have been uploading a lot of my music to Spotify—I have made hundreds over the years so I am slowly remastering them and uploading them!
By Shawn Dall6 years ago in Beat
Releasing Music Is Fun?!
I just finished a seven song project called Network. The genre for this project is not singular. It encompasses a broad range of hip-hop, soul, and trap. I meant for these to be truly expressive soundtracks of different times in my life. Honesty was a big part of achieving that. I had to say things I hear no one else saying. This is something was very difficult and strenuous as you can imagine. The mission was to give similar messages in a completely unique way. At the same time, it had to remain relatable. I believe people listen to more relatable tracks. It’s feels nice to hear a song that describes something you have gone or are going through.
By Kasper Park6 years ago in Beat
