album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
Prince: 'Piano and a Microphone 1983' (A Review)
Prince said it himself: " I will not be here when the vault is opened. " Sure enough, Piano & A Microphone was released by the NPG Records/Warner Bros. presses, and my dearly purple beloved is not here. It will be three years he's been gone, this April. Can you believe it? The painful reminder of his death resonates within the numerous Facebook groups and Instagram tribute pages. His former colleagues and bandmates constantly recollect and get together to jam and honor him. Even his ex-wife, Mayte, showed us she's still got the moves to match the grooves.
Veronica WilliamsPublished 5 years ago in BeatMirrors for Psychic Warfare - 'I See What I Became' Review
Mirrors for Psychic Warfare is a two-piece Industrial/Folk project featuring Scott Kelly of Neurosis and producer Sanford Parker. The pair formed in 2016 and are most likely based out of the pacific north-west of the USA but there is no town of origin listed I could find. This album is the second release from this band and a follow up to their self-titled full length. This project is an interesting blend of the two listed genres and even a few others leading to a very cerebral calming sound. That also has moments harshness and a few truly tense and unnerving moments throughout. Going into this and seeing the tag of Folk I was under the assumption that this would lie somewhere in the space of Neurosis or Scott Kell’s solo work, I had never been so wrong! While it contains his signature voice there is little to no guitar work involved. In their place, the senses are flooded with a grey soundscape of industrial and ambient beats and samples that at times border on ideas of drone metal or even some trance!
Rip MitchellPublished 5 years ago in BeatThrowback Album Review: Heavens - ‘Patent Pending’
The mid 2000s were arguably the peak when it came to modern alternative music entering the mainstream. Sure it has since flirted with alternative bands such as Paramore and Twenty One Pilots, but nothing quite comes close to the hostile takeover bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and the original Panic! At the Disco lineup conducted.
Nathan SartainPublished 5 years ago in BeatSongs from the Chicago Underground (Dial Up CD Side A)
Recently I've been trying to find new music, and the hip hop/R&B collective Dial Up is what I've been searching for. Their first project released March 20 2018, and a few tracks have made permanent spots on my playlist.
Release RewindPublished 5 years ago in Beat'A Single Man'
A Single Man, released in October of 1978, was Elton John's return to the limelight after a nearly two-year hiatus from recording and touring. It is the first Elton John album not to feature Bernie Taupin as lyricist. The lyrics on this album are instead by Gary Osborne, a former lyricist for Elton associate Kiki Dee. It is the only album where the melodies were mostly written before the lyrics. It was also the first Elton album since Empty Sky to not be produced by Gus Dudgeon. Instead, Elton produced it with engineer Clive Franks at The Mill in Berks England. It was also only the second Elton LP to be released on Rocket Records—Elton's personal record label that he was contractually unable to record for, prior to Blue Moves. It is also the first Elton album since Madman Across the Water to feature session musicians rather than Elton's touring band, which had disbanded after the 1977 tour; although Ray Cooper stayed on board and a few of the musicians who played on the album would become a part of the band for Elton's 1980 tour.
Sean CallaghanPublished 5 years ago in BeatThe Best Albums of 2018
We have had some surprising releases this year in the way of music. From a band reinventing themselves, to an acting duo bringing out a movie soundtrack that will break your heart all over again. 2018 has been a stunning year for music, I'm hear to walk through my 10 favourite albums and EP's of the year. enjoy the List!
jake browningPublished 5 years ago in BeatRevisiting Blink-182’s ‘Neighborhoods’
In many ways, Neighborhoods is one of the most controversial Blink-182 albums. Gone were the traces of the carefree, buoyant, anti-boyband sound, and in came a lyrically deep record full of weight and gravitas. It’s an album that regularly finds itself at the bottom of the pile when fans of the band discuss their personal favourite releases from the California natives, but is it something worth ignoring, or is it simply just an album destined to be shoe-horned into the underrated category for life?
Nathan SartainPublished 5 years ago in BeatBest Albums of 2018
One of three artists on this list to come back after a five-year hiatus, Miles Kane, roared back into the indie world's consciousness with this lush, bombastic LP full of melodramatic power pop ballads and lyrically vague guitar anthems. It's definitely the most showy of his three albums, shifting from a softer, more boyish sound to one resembling disco and glam rock, with Diana Ross and Marc Bolan as clear inspirations. Standout tracks include the pour-your-heart-out chant "Wrong Side of Life," the wordy, Faustian "Loaded," and the funky, danceable title track.
maddie nagyPublished 5 years ago in BeatMy Top Artist's of 2018
Its so crazy to think that 2018 is coming to an end and 2019 is right around the corner. The year 2018 has brought us some amazing artist, albums, and songs. For me, this year, many of the artists I listened to have made their return to the music industry after taking hiatus for a couple of years. Their returns were definitely worth the wait because the albums each of them released have been nothing but amazing and on repeat everyday of the week. I wanted to share some of my favorite artist of 2018 and hopefully you guys enjoy the list as much as I enjoyed making it.
Shadora RobinsonPublished 5 years ago in BeatTop 30 Albums of 2018
Wow, what a year overall am I right? From everything in the world to what I can only imagine personally this year has been a roller coaster for a ton of people! I will say musically it has been a crazy ride. Let’s reminisce one last time on this year of major ups and downs through these albums, starting at number 30!
Rip MitchellPublished 5 years ago in BeatAlbum of 2018: 'LM5'
As someone who appreciates music from all genres, my opinion on music is varied. Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd is the album I consider to be the best of all time; however my personal favourite album of all time is Eye to the Telescope by KT Tunstall. Selecting LM5 as the best album of this year for me was tough and I absolutely have to give a shout out to Janelle Monae with Dirty Computer and Ariana Grande with Sweetner; however, Little Mix just delivered for me in 2018.
Grace LynchPublished 5 years ago in BeatJelly Roll—'Goodnight Nashville'
Jelly Roll Releases 'Goodnight Nashville' Jelly Roll released his solo project "Goodnight Nashville" on December 7 and was met with high praise from fans. What fans expect are slick rap flows, big hooks and melodies that wrap listeners minds into the music, not only did Jelly deliver what was expected but he brought more to the table. The track titled "Still Falling" boasts Jelly’s articulate rhythm and smooth chorus but also brings an unexpected early 2000’s R&B vibe. "Still Falling" features Robin Raynelle who executes her part to perfection. Jelly Roll often sides with the downtrodden and strives to empower them with his blue collar style, his lyrics target those in bad times and offer relatable art for them to own and cherish. Songs such as "Believe" and "Go and Get It" are tailored toward the underdogs and misfits, whether in the style of hard rock or old school hip-hip the message is clear. If he hadn’t already, Jelly roll solidifies his place in Southern rap as one of the greats with "Goodnight Nashville."
Kurtis PrydePublished 5 years ago in Beat