album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
'Summer on Main St.': A Must Listen
When it comes down to creating some fabulous music, Royal might not be a name known—yet (although he has performed alongside artists such as Waka Flocka, Meek Mill, Yo Gotti, YG, and Tory Lanez). This guy is a wizard who makes the words and tunes dance around in synchronization, making them a treat for the ears.
By mysoundMusic5 years ago in Beat
'Keystudio' - Take You There and Back Again
This particular album review is a bit of an odd one. Keystudio was released in 2001, but it's a compilation of material released years earlier. In 1995, Trevor Rabin and Tony Kaye left Yes. Vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White reunited with guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Rick Wakeman as what has been known as the "classic lineup," which had put out Tales from Topographic Oceans, Going for the One, and Tormato in the 1970s. In addition, Roger Dean returned to continue creating artwork for their albums.
By Steven Shinder5 years ago in Beat
'Talk' - Dancing in the New Design
After the Union tour, it was clear that Yes would not be able to continue as an eight-member lineup. Bill Bruford and Steve Howe departed, though they contributed to a 1993 orchestral album by the London Philharmonic Orchestra titled Symphonic Music of Yes. There were plans for Rick Wakeman to take part on the next Yes album, but scheduling conflicts prevented that from happening. And so it came down to the "Yes West" lineup of vocalist Jon Anderson, keyboardist Tony Kaye, guitarist Trevor Rabin, bassist Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White.
By Steven Shinder5 years ago in Beat
10 Plus 1 = Tony Marino's 11th CD
At the delicate age of seven years old, Tony Marino was listening to Leon Russell playing over the radio when he realized music was something he wanted to pursue as a career, as a passion. He then connected with Philadelphia pianist Bill DelGovenatore, who not only taught him how to play piano, but also introduced him to legends like Thelonious Monk, placing the first milestone in the career of the energy-filled Tony Marino.
By mysoundMusic5 years ago in Beat
'Union' - Another Game of Exploration
In 1988, following the Big Generator Tour, Yes vocalist Jon Anderson reunited with Yes alumni Bill Bruford (drums), Rick Wakeman (keyboard), and Steve Howe (guitar) to form Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe. They recorded and released an album in 1989 and embarked on a tour. Yes fans came to know ABWH as "Yes East" and the lineup that made 90125 and Big Generator as "Yes West."
By Steven Shinder5 years ago in Beat
'Big Generator' - A New Story Now
In 1985, following a successful tour, Yes returned to the studio to record their follow-up to 90125. The lineup still consisted of vocalist Jon Anderson, keyboardist Tony Kaye, guitarist Trevor Rabin, bassist Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White. Funny enough, this repeated the pattern of the first five Yes albums: two albums by the same lineup (the second of which has eight songs and begins with a "T"), then another with six songs and a different lineup, and then two more (one of them having nine songs) by a different lineup.
By Steven Shinder5 years ago in Beat
Taylor Swift—'Lover': Album Review
It's always good to see a transformation of artists, it's like you're growing together, and it certainly makes you relate to them more. Taylor Swift's career is nothing but legendary. It's undeniable that she has become one of the most influential singer-songwriters of our generation. Her early success in the country music scene has solidified her as this talented storyteller that a lot of country music fans fell in love with. However, later in her career, she has struggled to stay loyal to her country roots and began getting criticised for it. Her career hasn't been the healthiest either. She even had an issue over her record deal with Scooter Brown whose intention was to own her past catalogue in his pocket recently.
By Luigi K.D.Cruz5 years ago in Beat
The Geek Girl's Favorite: Billy Joel's Albums
My interest in collecting vinyl records began at least three Christmases ago, with my Dad gifting me a handful of Billy Joel's records. At the time, the extent of my original interest in vinyl was only to keep up with my dad's collection he had started sometime before, with hopes in what I might get someday. So, vinyl wasn't anything I had asked for, nor expected at the time. So, the records were a wonderful surprise! Not to mention, Dad and I would travel to see Billy Joel perform in concert at Cleveland, Ohio that next summer—which was even more reason to enjoy them!
By Katie Johns5 years ago in Beat
'90125'—Yes Moving Through Some Changes
After Yes' break-up and the failed attempt at forming XYZ (eX-Yes-Zeppelin) with Jimmy Page in 1981, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White were looking for a new project. Around this time, South African guitarist Trevor Rabin (formerly of Rabbit) recorded demos for a solo album. He was also considered for Asia, which ended up being a prog rock supergroup that included Yes alumni Geoff Downes and Steve Howe. (A recording of an early version of "Only Time Will Tell" with Rabin on lead vocals exists.)
By Steven Shinder5 years ago in Beat
Justine Skye’s 'Bare with Me' Review
Extremely talented R&B/soul singer and songwriter Justine Skye, who has worked with many artist from Musiq Soulchild to Diddy, has graced us with new music following the release of her 2018 album Ultraviolet. Since the album dropped, Skye has gone public with abuse allegations against her ex-boyfriend Sheck Wes and dropped a music video and single, “Build,” which serves as a reflection of her past situation. On August 30, 2019, Justine released her EP BARE WITH ME, proving her career and soothing vocals are nowhere near evanescent.
By Dakota Thomas5 years ago in Beat