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Most recently published stories in Beat.
Back Together Again: Bands That Have Survived a Hiatus
When our favorite bands began rocking fans, we all thought they were here to stay. It never crossed our minds that it would get to a point where they would be on a list of "bands that have survived a hiatus." We've all witnessed bands like One Direction taking a break, unsure why and for how long. Maybe being part of a band isn’t as much of a fun, sunshine and roses experience as we outsiders think. Or could it be internal differences that rarely go public that make these bands call it quits, only to reunite later?
Adam QuinnPublished 8 years ago in BeatHistory of the Lighter at Concerts
It's an image we all know: thousands of people holding lighters in the air, in flickering tribute to their favorite musicians. No concert is complete without it; it's a way of bringing people together during the most emotional parts of a concert, and also used by fans to request an encore or show their overall appreciation.
Will VasquezPublished 8 years ago in BeatAdd These Best 70s New Wave Songs to Your Playlist
I have about 2000 albums—that's vinyl for all you digital people. 1000 or so are classical, collected during my early teens, better known as the 70s. The collection is particularly strong on Beethoven, boasting perhaps 9 versions of his only opera, Fidelio. Lieder - classical German songs composed to poetry - is well covered, and so is chamber music of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Adam QuinnPublished 8 years ago in BeatStrange Music Genres You Need to Know
While musical genres like rap, rock, pop, hip hop, jazz, R&B and EDM have huge audiences and are known all over the world, there are many more interesting types of music that are worth discovering. Some are a fusion of categories, while others are their own bizarre niche. Either way, it's worth opening your ears and expanding your playlists with these strange musical genres.
George GottPublished 8 years ago in BeatWorld's Weirdest Musical Instruments
Since the dawn of mankind, music has been a crucial part of our society, giving rise to a variety of music styles and customs - and also to some very strange instruments. The love of sublime melody has translated into ingenious musical concoctions ranging from nature-based instruments to innovative variations of more common instruments. Here is a list of our top picks of the weirdest instruments ever invented.
Riley BatesPublished 8 years ago in BeatThere Was No One Like Etta James
“Sometimes I feel like reaching down from the stage and grabbing people and slamming them against the wall with my voice. Ι want to make ‘em wake up and listen. I love those people." – Etta James
Beatlemania: You Had to Be There
The millions of Beatle fanatics across the world finally had their first official live LP by the Fab Four. This marked the first time that the average fan could play Beatlemania at his or her own convenience - going back all those years to the magical days when the Beatles conquered America with some of the best rock ’n’ roll music ever heard.
Beat StaffPublished 8 years ago in BeatPatti Smith Interview
She sauntered into One Fifth Avenue Bar very late the other night. In her black silk French rain coat, street punk pants, and tough, tight smile, she looked every inch the superstar. One year earlier, when this interview was first conducted, in 1975, her debut album, Horses – Arista Record's gamble on the poetic intelligence of the record-buying masses – premiered to universal critical acclaim. Of the album John Rockwell of The New York Times said simply, "She has it in her to become as significant an artist as American pop has produced."
Beat StaffPublished 8 years ago in BeatArtists to Add to Your Jazz Playlist
A friend recently asked me to suggest some jazz recordings that might propel his newly developed interest, so I made him an Introduction to Jazz list with these essential artists. There are obvious omissions. No Lester Young? No Sonny Rollins? I know, I blew it - there are just too many greats and not enough time. But I did one thing right: this list contains no Kenny G.
Feminist Punk: In Appreciation of Badass Female Rockers
The rise of feminist punk was a pivotal moment in the history of rock music and a pivotal movement for women in general. Before the 1970s, the list of greatest rock bands and artists read like this: Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones. Along with other seminal music from that era, it was mostly dominated by male artists.
Danielle BannerPublished 8 years ago in BeatBest Band Names of All Time
Band names can be used to describe a sound or attitude (Buzzcocks), conjure up a certain image, (Black Sabbath) or can even be utter nonsense intended to leave the listener open for surprise (Neutral Milk Hotel). A band name is an important aspect of the success, the legend, and the image associated with that group. Some band names reach far beyond the music itself and become instantly recognizable totems of a movement. These are some of the most memorable band names ever created.