song reviews
Social Media targeted at influencers and trending topics in the music universe.
Perfect Songs || “Perfect” Songs (And Are They “Perfect”?)
W h o o s h. Like a shot of euphoria (or heroin, really, from the film Trainspotting [which this song is featured in]), a wave of instant calm washes over you and you’re immediately put to ease. There’s country/western twang in there, but it’s not overtly country territory; it’s just there to add character to an otherwise otherworldly soundscape. The muddled, gentle plodding bass adds hypnotic quality to the mix. This, to me, is a perfect song. ‘Deep Blue Day’, created by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois (originally on Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks), is a lush, atmospheric, dreamy in utero ambient piece. It’s perfect to me, because put simply, it evokes emotion (calmness, laid back happiness, reflection, and total nostalgia.) Nostalgia and this song probably go hand in hand for most people. It’s instantly or most notably recognizable from the memorable sequence in Trainspotting, where the lead character Renton swims through a rather hellacious sewage sea…within a toilet. Pretty juxtaposition, given the tone of the song, and his unfortunate desperation to get a bag of heroin.
By Sky Vettel9 years ago in Beat
Dear X-YLE, "This Year" Is Yours
In the underground world of arts & entertainment, many independent artists, such XYLE, vigorously believe that friends and fans no longer support talent but popularity. Even with the amount of high-quality press he has received, X-YLE still does not consider himself to be part of the "cool kids." X-YLE, a hip hop rapper from Queens, NY, influenced by artists such as DMX, Nas, and many more, garnished his Hip Hop sound which has allowed him to progress within his artistry. His 2017 return consisted of him releasing a track entitled, "This Year", that illuminates his desires and ambitions. When asked what is the inspiration behind his music, X-YLE replied, "Life. Any and everything that goes on in my life fuels all my music. It's from the soul, and I know that I can inspire at least one mind with my music."
By Tay Steward9 years ago in Beat
Tori Amos Delivers First Glimpse Inside Native Invader with “Cloud Riders”
Prolific singer-songwriter Tori Amos recently surprised fans by releasing “Cloud Riders,” the first taste of her upcoming album, Native Invader. The introspective new single ponders a turbulent relationship and decrees her unbendable desire to survive its storminess.
By Eric Allen9 years ago in Beat
Donna Summer: “I Feel Love”
It's been 40 years since the world first heard the future of music when “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer shocked us into a new sonic awakening. The electronic masterpiece — composed by Summer along with Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte — was the foundation for what was to become known as electronic dance music. Whether you loved or loathed disco, “I Feel Love” commanded everyone's attention and became a dance floor anthem during the summer of 1977. At the time, no one had previously heard anything like it. It's hypnotic melody, combined with an irresistible synthesized bass line and pulsating dance beat was musical nirvana. Summer’s sensual vocal delivery was the icing on top of the cake as she perfectly conveyed the euphoric essence of the song’s timeless and universal message of love. The first lady of love had struck gold (and platinum) again and delivered another game-changing record every bit as earth-shattering as her breakthrough hit, “Love to Love You Baby.”
By Eric Allen9 years ago in Beat
The Importance of Song Lyrics
Lyrics are not poetry and lyricists are not poets. I say this not to denigrate lyrics as an art form. Quite the opposite. By insisting that the two are the same thing, we miss the vital point that high quality lyrics are valuable on their own merit. Worse, we give credence to the sub Sixth Form witterings of Jim Morrison, a man who was neither a competent poet nor lyricist.
By Sam Flintlock9 years ago in Beat
Twenty One Pilots on Christianity
Throughout today’s culture in America, there are numerous forms of media that portray different worldviews throughout their lyrics, videos, or other content that happens to be in one of the best positions in regards to influencing its audience. For example, the band Twenty One Pilots has many songs that are obvious in who they are trying to reach throughout their lyrics, and although they are not considered a “Christian band,” the majority of lyrics of their songs send positive messages primarily to those who are struggling with their personal mental health and personal problems they are fighting through. While it is clear that Twenty One Pilots’ main audience is of those who more than likely have worldviews related to nihilism as well as to those who are struggling in their walks with Christ, it is also very clear that their music is of a Christian worldview as they talk about their struggles in keeping their faith in the Lord as they themselves struggle with their mental health.
By Gianna Hermann9 years ago in Beat
Mary Sarah—Comfortable Alone
Since Mary Sarah's performances on the TV talent show The Voice last year, the 22-year-old Texan is known to a greater audience. But unlike many of her co-contestants, she wasn't just a new face in the music business and with her tender age could already look back on a career spanning over a decade. With "Without You," she now premieres her first single after the TV contest.
By A. Michael Uhlmann9 years ago in Beat
Small Music Blogs Charging for Music Reviews
In the world of music lovers and 6,000 new aspiring artists every 30 minutes, it seems as though there are becoming less and less music blogs who are actually willing to post an unsigned artists music without CHARGING THEM (or if you don't have a relationship with them). And of course, the ones who don't charge either:
By Tay Steward9 years ago in Beat
Mixtape Heat: Quentin Miller's 'Falco'
Life is not about how many times you fall down but about how many times you get back up. Quentin Miller is not about to let a terrible accident keep him down. The Atlanta rapper was involved in a car accident last September. This accident led to Miller having to have one of his legs amputated from the calf down. Ever since the incident, Miller has been using a prosthetic leg. Tyrion Lannister once said "Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you." Quentin Miller seems to be embracing that idea with the name of his latest mixtape Falco. Falco is a character from the video game series Star Fox. Falco is the wingman to Fox McCloud and Falco just happens to have metal legs. Just like Falco, Quentin Miller is ready to takeoff and shoot for the stars.
By J.R. Gonzalez9 years ago in Beat
