pop culture
Modern, popular, and iconic pop culture moments in music. From current events, to trending topics and more.
You Could've Worn A Tie, Chris...
It’s been roughly 15 years since I decided that I was too good for the Brit Awards; but I’m firmly in the trenches of music retail now, so practicality and morbid curiosity sucked me back into the kaleidoscopic world of the British Phonographic Industry.
Foxygen: Hang Album Review
After the total failure of their previous album and experimental venture …And Star Power, this new LP Hang could have seen the band going two different directions. Thankfully, they executed this new release with renewed focus and energy, creating something with some serious swagger and theatrical wistfulness.
Roland TillyerPublished 7 years ago in BeatDavid Bowie: No Plan EP Review
On this posthumous release David Bowie seems to speak to us from beyond the grave yet again. Featuring songs from the Broadway musical Lazarus which he wrote and recorded the music for during the sessions for his last album, Blackstar, No Plan is a fine conclusion to Bowie’s final musical period. It also shows how much a good structure can add to a piece of music.
Roland TillyerPublished 7 years ago in Beat#MusicLove: Alessia Cara's #KnowItAll Is a Lesson In Hit-Making Music
Google defines a "know it all" as someone who behaves as though they know everything. Alessia Cara must identify as such in some form because this is the title of her debut album. She didn't always consider herself a "know it all" though. It was her mother her pushed her to pursue music as her career. She didn't even really like to sing publicly until her mother would make her sing for visitors until she was bitten by the song-writing bug.
Chelsea DeVriesPublished 7 years ago in BeatBrian Eno: Reflection Album Review
When he left Roxy Music in 1973, Brian Eno embarked upon a solo career that would lead him to be regarded as one of the most influential and innovative producers of all time. Since coining the term ambient music when he released Ambient 1: Music for Airports in 1975, he has pioneered the genre. This latest release sees the master release another record in his definitive style, but without the direction and compositional genius that typifies his finest work.
Roland TillyerPublished 7 years ago in BeatHistory of The Who
The crowd outside Boston Gardens on April Fools Day 1975 was psyched beyond the normal craziness attendant to rock events. Cars couldn’t move through the densely congested pedestrian traffic radiating from the arena’s entrance, across the street and halfway up the surrounding blocks. Clear bottles of Miller and brown Narragansett were smashed indiscriminately on the sidewalks and street in random patterns, kids stood in clusters outside the old men’s bars while the regulars muttered approvals. Under the El in a psychedelic bath of flashing neon heavy-lidded, red eyed freaks hawked t-shirts, bootleg records, mushrooms, weed, and scalped tickets.
Will VasquezPublished 7 years ago in BeatFuck Your Valentines Day Cliche Mixtape
I literally just posted my top tracks for January a couple of days ago, because I am a slacker, but I feel a bit like I didn't do you guys justice. I was lazy, I made a playlist, I chucked all my favourite songs on it. So! My February mix is coming in early (I'm never early) and just in time for Valentines day. This mix is for everyone, actually it might not be for those super romantic couples that like power ballads.
Samantha BentleyPublished 7 years ago in BeatFamous Super Bowl Halftime Shows
The Super Bowl is traditionally one of the most watched television events of the year, and over the years with the action of the game, the unique commercials and the headlining halftime performer, everyone can have a great time during the big game. The Super Bowl halftime show has always been an extravaganza, and it has featured some of the biggest acts in the entertainment industry. These performances have had a huge cultural impact, inspiring everything from new laws to new technology. Given the huge amount of money Super Bowl ads cost, it’s no surprise that the halftime show gets bigger every year. Join us now for the most famous Super Bowl halftimes shows to date.
Adam QuinnPublished 7 years ago in Beat- Top Story - February 2017
5 Unique Metal Bands You Should Be Listening To
If you’re in the market for metal, you probably know there are roughly 500 styles and sub-genres to explore (if you’re new to the metal scene . . . well, there are roughly 500 styles and sub-genres to explore. And yes, in most of them, you can understand the lyrics). Metal, like most genres, is also dominated by the major players, so listeners can be forgiven for thinking that it’s more or less totally comprised of 50% old-school faves, 48% new-school bands captained by sweaty screaming dudes, and 2% Nightwish. While there are a bunch of really fantastic bands that fall squarely into those categories ---- hey, they’re famous for a reason ---- metal is also home to a whole bunch of slightly lesser-known bands that are absolutely worth a listen. For me personally, I’m a fan of weird bands, and there are a whole stack of them in the metal genre. After all, for a genre that tends to get thought of as being pretty narrow, it’s actually huge. Metal can be influenced by a ton of other genres (electronic music, rap, or opera, anyone?) and played on a massive variety of instruments . . . or, as you’ll see in one band on this list, none at all. Ready to hear about a few awesome metal bands who defy easy categorization? Well, we’ll start with:
Anne St. MariePublished 7 years ago in Beat January 2017 Essential Playlist
So, as I promised, I am going to be doing a playlist of songs I have discovered or been obsessed with each month. 2017 has GOT to be better than 2016, right? I mean come on. 2016 might have been the most depressing year in history... even if I can make your month a little teeny tiny weeny bit better with some of my favourite tunes to dance, cry, play or fuck to, then I feel like I am doing my part.
Samantha BentleyPublished 7 years ago in BeatScience of Beatboxing
Beatboxing, or the art of producing the track to a song with nothing but one's voice, has been seeing a resurgence lately, but few understand the science of beatboxing. Scientists have recently been studying beatboxing in order to gain insights into how human beings produce sound, and the results have fascinated linguists and researchers alike. This new research promises to give us a peak into this mysterious and catchy practice. Join us now for a look at the science of beatboxing.
Will VasquezPublished 7 years ago in BeatThe Rolling Stones' Best Concert Album Trilogy
The Rolling Stones will always be viewed as one of the original founders of the rock and roll sound. They forged the sound of rock on the streets of London and have been at the top of the rock world or near it for a couple of generations now. Their strong point has always been concerts.
Adam QuinnPublished 7 years ago in Beat