Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
'Rock N Roll Is Here to Pay' Book Review
Steve Chapple and Reebee Garofalo's Rock 'n' Roll Is Here To Pay, together with Geoffrey Stokes' equally outstanding Star Making Machinery, should be considered required reading for anyone with a serious interest in either popular music or American methods of merchandising culture. It contains an incredible amount of information pertaining to the rise of pop music as the dominant force in the entertainment industry, far too much to even attempt to describe here. But this look back on the origins of marketing in the music industry is a relevant lesson for those interested in navigating a world where Spotify has usurped the power of big labels.
By Arnold Seleskey8 years ago in Beat
Elvis Costello's Classic 'My Aim Is True'
For a while, at the beginning of his journey especially, some thought he was another Elvis Presley rip-off. That was, of course, before they heard him. He had his name long before the King died. Elvis Costello initially broke out in England, and remained a mystery in America for the first few years of his success.
By Frank White8 years ago 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?
By Adam Quinn8 years ago in Beat
History 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.
By Will Vasquez8 years ago in Beat
Add 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.
By Adam Quinn8 years ago in Beat
Strange Music Genres You Need to Know. Top Story - December 2016.
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.
By George Gott8 years ago in Beat
World'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.
By Riley Bates8 years ago in Beat
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.
By Beat Staff8 years ago in Beat
Patti 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."
By Beat Staff8 years ago in Beat