product review
Product reviews and how-to's of rising music merchandise, CDs, albums, concerts, and more.
Bailey Bryan Doesn't "Own It"
"Own It," debut by 18-year old Washingtonian, Bailey Bryan is another blatant attempt to promote and appeal bad pop music as country to oblivious suburban teenagers throwing a tantrum. And no it's not a cover of Drake's 2013 song with the same title. Even though the song - according to press releases - is supposed to have a positive message, it does not. It advocates to not listen to everybody else (even parents?) and transmits the typical feeling of youth today, that everybody owes them, that they are entitled and that life is gonna be a breeze. Well, hello real world!
A. Michael UhlmannPublished 7 years ago in BeatThe Beach Boys' Smiley Smile
“Smiley Smile” is The Beach Boys album that nobody wanted, particularly not The Beach Boys' fans and critics. In 1967, when it came out, everybody was expecting and eagerly waiting for The Beach Boys and their mastermind Brian Wilson to come up with “Smile,” one of the greatest rock albums never to be. After all, “Good Vibrations” and its flipside “Heroes and Villains” that came out ahead of supposed issue of “Smile” were to be included in some version or other on that album. And that was definitely one of the best rock singles ever. If not the best.
Ljubinko ZivkovicPublished 7 years ago in BeatA Great Introduction to Sixties Garage Rock n' Roll
One of the best introductions to Sixties Garage Rock n Roll is ‘The Nuggets, Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era 1965-1968’ compilation. The memory of first laying eyes on this comp still saturates my mind with mist, as if walking once again through the epic and overwhelming jungle of Los Angeles Tower Records.
The Sound Station __Published 7 years ago in BeatGia Farrell Takes a Ride on the Dark Side
When it comes to following your passions, there are times that the struggle is just too real. Especially when it seems the world is beating you down, and everytime you get up, the wave of life hits you again. But for one artist, no matter how many waves have knocked her down she gets right back up. From her external struggle with the music industry to the internal struggle of personal issues, Gia Farrell has made her way back to the top! For when it comes to following your passion she has the perfect advice, "Just do it. What do you have to lose? Never stop trying."
Zanna HintzPublished 7 years ago in BeatThe Revivalists: Funky Rock and Soul
At a time when independent music is enjoying a great deal of exposure, new types of bands are arising from music cities across the country. In New Orleans, one such act is creating their own soulful, funky brand of rock to great acclaim. The Revivalists are a rock group consisting of David Shaw on vocals, Zack Feinberg on guitar, Ed Williams on pedal steel, Rob Ingraham on saxophone, George Gekas on bass, Andrew Campanelli on drums and Michael Girardot on keyboards and trumpet. With their large setup, the band has a very large and dynamic sound with many great subtleties.
Frederick ParkPublished 7 years ago in BeatIron Reagan: Crossover Ministry ALBUM REVIEW
Iron Reagan continue to keep the flame of crossover thrash burning on this new LP. To listen to this album is to listen to thirty minutes of fast, glorious and straightforward fury. Sometimes it feels good just to shout.
Roland TillyerPublished 7 years ago in BeatFoxygen: 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 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 BeatBest Record Players For Record Collectors
For the long-time record collector and the novice alike, one of the most important decisions is buying a record player. From adjustability to size to weight to sound and compatibility with modern technology, there are many factors to consider when looking for the best record player. One thing to note is that many manufacturer specs aren't always accurate, so taking a look at some reviews is always a good idea, especially concerning speed accuracy. With that in mind, here are our well-tested recommendations for the best record players for record collectors.
Coolest Music Themed Funko Pop!
With so many great musicians included in the series, it can be tough to definitively decide on the coolest music themed Funko Pop! figures. Since introducing the Pop! Rocks series in 2012 the line has expanded rapidly, and there are also limited edition versions of some figures with special features like glow-in-the-dark or metallic portions. While many of the Best Funko Pop! Collectibles are based around fictional characters, there are a number of real-life figures as well. Not surprisingly, many of these collectibles are miniature versions of world-famous and legendary classic-rock musicians; however, the series has also incorporated some more modern individuals and a few characters that are quite obscure to most North American buyers. Each of the musicians is worth having for the serious collector, but there are some in the series that stand out from the rest as the coolest music themed Funko Pop! figures.
Adam QuinnPublished 7 years ago in BeatArif Erdem Ocak: Turkey’s Breakout Musician of the Year
Moonlight on tight shorts and bikini tops… A secluded beach lapped by hot Aegean waves… The dark green of woods within which stalk predators hunting furry prey... And then— a rainbow of lights cross each other like sniper beads seeking targets as a boom of unnaturally amplified guitars disrupts the ambient airwaves.
Matt CatesPublished 7 years ago in Beat