literature
Beat's music literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase musicians.
Review of Rob Sheffield's Dreaming the Beatles: 3 of X
In the next chapter of Rob Sheffield's Dreaming the Beatles -- I just realized that the chapters are not numbered, which means that each chapter is a piece of a hologram, a snapshot of the whole, like a verse in many a song -- we get a deconstruction of "Dear Prudence," which Sheffield holds to be one of The Beatles' best, and I agree (though they have so many bests the term hasn't the usual meaning for me).
Paul LevinsonPublished 7 years ago in BeatReview of Rob Sheffield's Dreaming the Beatles: 2 of X
Among Rob Sheffield's many talents as a Beatles journalist -- not historian, because, as Sheffield convincingly demonstrates, the Beatles are far more important today than when they were writing and recording as a band, which back then was extraordinarily important indeed -- but among the delightful ways Sheffield makes his case is by fashioning his arguments from the Beatles' lyrics, so deftly that you don't even want a quote. Talking about John Lennon's unquenchable need to make a girl care, to make her "feel something," Sheffield concludes "Because if he doesn't reach her, the song is worthless and so is he. It's a love that lasts forever, it's a love that has no past".
Paul LevinsonPublished 7 years ago in BeatReview of Rob Sheffield's Dreaming the Beatles: 1 of X
I've always loved The Beatles. First as a fan, always as a fan. How much as a fan? Well, I was delighted to find a subscription to Sirius/XM Radio in my new car, early this month, and I promptly tuned it to MSNBC. Until The Beatles channel checked in on May 18, and that's what I listen to when I'm driving now. Even when I'm not driving -- I just came in from my driveway, because I wanted to hear the end of "Baby You Can Drive My Car". I'd probably still be there, if the urge to write this review had not been so strong.
Paul LevinsonPublished 7 years ago in BeatAn Ode to Hip Hop
I first wrote around this time last year. It served as my first piece to open up my Hip Hop blog. My blog has led me to dive in deeper into Hip Hop, and I've decided to expand on this piece. From my heart to these words you see, I hope you can relate.
Sadé SanchezPublished 7 years ago in BeatThe Sonic Vandals
The Sonic Vandals It’s one thirty in the morning. A sound starts in the distance, barely audible. The sound is almost subliminal, but it grows. It grows at first gradually, but quickly acquires momentum as it approaches.
Arthur RoschPublished 7 years ago in BeatWho is Harry Partch?
The Adapted Viola. Chromelodeon I. The Ptolemy. Kithara I. Surrogate Kithara. Harmonic Canon III. Bloboy. Koto. Crychord. Diamond Marimba. Quadrangularis Reversum. Marimba Eroica. Boo I. Boo II. Mbira Bass Dyad. Eucal Blossom. Gourd Tree. Cone Gongs. Cloud-chamber Bowls. Spoils of War. Zymo-Xyl. Mazda Marimba. Ugumbo. Waving Drum. Mbira. Ektara. Eucalyptus Claves. Fiji Rhythm Boat.
Rhonda TaylorPublished 7 years ago in BeatInterview with Stephen Christian of Anberlin
Today, I talk with Stephen Christian, former front-man of Anberlin, and author of the novel, 'The Orphaned Anything's: Memoir of a Lesser Known'. We learn the origins of this progressively influential band, what inspires Stephen to write both music and prose, and where he is heading next on his artistic journey.
Ryan SpraguePublished 7 years ago in Beat