Eric Allen
Bio
I'm a music journalist, blogger and crate digger. I began writing about music during college and again as a freelancer. Links to my published pieces can be found on my music blog at: popmartzoo.com and/or follow me on Twitter:@popmartzoo
Stories (37/0)
God Bless the Go-Go’s
It’s funny how a change of season and the annuity of weather can bring a beloved, tucked away memory rushing back like it just happened yesterday. In the renewed feeling of springtime in 1984, the Go-Go’s released the third and final album of the band’s ‘80s heyday, which ultimately became Belinda Carlisle and company’s last for over a decade and a half. Now, some 37-years later, the trailblazing ladies have not only been selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but also see the reissue of the totally awesome, but criminally overlooked God Bless the Go-Go’s.
By Eric Allen2 years ago in Beat
Sounds of Christmas 2020
I’m always amazed every year how unexpected seasonal albums suddenly pop up from seemingly nowhere as each turn of the calendar gets closer to December, but even as dismal and unsettling as 2020 has been, a short list of new Christmas albums somehow managed to appear and command my seasonal attention.
By Eric Allen2 years ago in Beat
Dissecting the Debut Album by Smart Objects
Purveyors of fine music, have you been yearning for an album that will not only quench your insatiable thirst for new music, but will also satisfy your ears, mind and soul? Then look no further than the genius debut by Nashville rock band, Smart Objects.
By Eric Allen3 years ago in Beat
ABBA: The Studio Albums
The newly released ABBA: The Studio Albums is an 8-LP box set containing all eight of ABBA’s proper albums. This superlative collection includes each of the Swedish pop supergroup's full-length releases on colored vinyl for the first time. This 8-LP assortment of colorful vinyl is the perfect way to revisit one of pop music’s most iconic bodies of work, as well as hearing the progression and growth within each album throughout ABBA's historic career.
By Eric Allen3 years ago in Beat
Live Aid: The Day Heard Around the World
“It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid.” On July 13, 1985, the world witnessed the first global musical event of its kind. The planet’s biggest and brightest musical artists banded together in unison for a day of camaraderie and caring with the purpose of ending famine in Ethiopia, and what a day it was. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Live Aid.
By Eric Allen3 years ago in Beat
Lady Gaga Takes Us on a Journey to 'Chromatica'
“Take me to wonderland…” Lady Gaga has majestically returned with her new electropop album Chromatica, the first since her 2016 musical detour with the intensely personal Joanne, which was followed-up with her co-starring role opposite Bradley Cooper in the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born and its subsequent soundtrack. Now, Mother Monster has not only resurfaced, but she’s reclaimed her electronic dance-pop roots, which all Little Monsters have been awaiting with baited breath.
By Eric Allen3 years ago in Beat
Donna Summer: 'Encore'
At long last, a complete career-spanning compilation of Donna Summer’s musical legacy has arrived. Just in time to pay tribute to the diva of disco and more on the 8th anniversary of her untimely passing on May 17, 2012, Donna Summer: Encore is an exquisite and long overdue celebration comprised of 33 CDs, encompassing all of Summer’s albums. From her 1974 debut Lady of The Night, through her final proper offering, 2008’s Crayons, all 17 albums are here, plus an impressive inclusion of 109 additional bonus tracks.
By Eric Allen3 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 Allen4 years ago in Beat
Re-Experiencing the Beatles’ US Albums
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ landmark Abbey Road album, and as a way to placate my fixated anxiousness for the release of its super deluxe edition and picture disc, I’ve decided to dust off my box set of the Beatles’ The US Albums. I’m rediscovering and revisiting each individual album in chronological sequence as I await to revel within the newly remixed Abbey Road in all its glory on the golden anniversary of the historic release date. In the meantime…
By Eric Allen4 years ago in Beat
10 Songs I Never Want to Hear Again
First, allow me to preface the following list by stating I don’t intentionally mean to disparage any of these artists or their work. These are merely my honest knee-jerk reactions triggered whenever I hear these songs. I’ve compiled this list primarily for my own entertainment as well as other music aficionados. Music is very subjective, therefore; I realize these are only my opinions, which should be taken with a grain of salt and are not any more or less valid than anyone else’s. After all, I’m sure a lot of people similar feelings about many of my favorite songs and/or artists. With that said, please continue at your own risk.
By Eric Allen4 years ago in Beat
Donna Summer ‘Bad Girls’ 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition
Back in the summer of 1979, Donna Summer reached the peak of her zenith with her double album, Bad Girls. Considered her career milestone, the masterfully crafted double platter dominated radio airwaves, filled night club dance floors and livened up countless living room parties.
By Eric Allen4 years ago in Beat
