song reviews

Social Media targeted at influencers and trending topics in the music universe.

An American Reverie: Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard or as I still prefer to address him, “The Hag” is an artist that now unfortunately gone has imbued my life with a deeper connection to and reconciliation with life. Merle's many songs of longing, running, loving, and drinking ballads calls out as if every song struck into the core of America. Perhaps it’s because of his ability to not only penetrate the heart of being in his music and grasp the wide variety of thoughts, emotions, and actions everyone is likely to encounter throughout life. He paints a window and then with a guiding hand reaches out and pulls you into the expression of his music. In my opinion if you compiled all of The Hag’s music you would get a full picture of the depth and breadth of human existence. Perhaps the song of choice being, (I'm Gonna Paint Me) A Bed of Roses illuminates just how far out he can stretch beyond a country musician and into the depths of human being.
By Schmalz4 years ago in Beat
Blowin' Free
Introduction I am wondering if I can write six hundred words about a single song. I was so tempted to take it as a prompt for a poem for my wonderful Muse but I am going to write about the song and its effect on me.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
Quiet Storm Classics
In the 1970s several sub genres of R & B and soul came to life including funk with musicians such as Parliament, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Sly and the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder. In the middle of the 1970s disco became a huge hit with Donna Summer, Thelma Houston, KC and The Sunshine Band and The Bee Gees.
By Rick Henry Christopher 4 years ago in Beat
The Extreme Violence Of Folk Music and Murder Ballads
Introduction I am currently listening to “Sweet Child” by Pentangle, a live album I had for sale on Discogs but have now withdrawn as it is so good. I am sure that they have some violence somewhere in their music but here are a few of my favourites.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
ABBA - Voyage
The Introduction I am always wary of bands reforming and players and managers going back to football clubs. Sometimes they need the money, sometimes the fit is right and sometimes it just does not work at all. Roxy Music’s various reincarnations have all worked and Fleetwood Mac rejuvenation with Stevie Nicks and Linsay Buckingham were notable successes.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
Shelly Perel Shares "Don't try" Music Video
Shelly Perel makes her 2022 return with a fun, uplifting record, "Don't try." "Don't try" is the first single from her upcoming debut album, "Patience And Stuff." The track is chock-full of sounds that make it impossible to put the song in one lane: Alternative, Indie Pop, R&B, Neo-Soul, etc. - the song is truly genre-bending. Shelly Perel utilizes her soothing, soulful vocals to create a nostalgic, but fresh sounding jam.
By Meikhel Philogene4 years ago in Beat
Nine Artists I Discovered From Twitter, Facebook, Bandcamp And Other Unexpected Sources
Introduction. These are some amazing artists that I have discovered through social media and as support to other artists. They are all amazing musicians and some I have written about before, often on my blogs.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
A Playlist Of Places. Top Story - September 2022.
Introduction I was wondering if I could create a playlist of songs I love about places, because I love the place or have a great friend who lives there or it is just a beautiful song that makes me want to go there. We all love something that gives us a feeling of warmth, comfort and longing.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
A Few of My Favourite Tyneside Bands
Introduction A lot of these bands are no longer with us but all of them were worth seeing when they were performing. A lot are still going as well so all is not lost. A couple such as Bon Jordi, Radge Against The Machine and Benwell Floyd are not included because they are from a decade back and I have not heard of them recently.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
Ten Succulent Slices of Little Feat
Introduction I am not sure when I first heard Little Feat, it must have been in the seventies and I did like their music. They had their own brand of Americana similar to The Band or The Grateful Dead and are still going today with some original members.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
Favorite songs adult playlist (part 5) Country
Let’s start with Mr. Garth Brooks who had several songs banned from radio because of the content. This was in the 1990’s and I believe this is when the political correctness police started rear its ugly heads. If you are listening to this concert his fans know the words to his songs and do sing along. This one is the thunder rolls.
By Lawrence Edward Hinchee4 years ago in Beat
Clare Torry and the Great Gig. Top Story - August 2022.
I have always been fascinated with the stories behind those moments in the arts when one person, event, change, movement or accident created something very new and exciting; something that no one else could have done. This is the story of one woman who does not have the level of fame that is equal with her role in popular music history. There might be some fanatics out there who do know her and even love her, but I have had too many responses over the years when I mention this story gape and feel as though they are learning something new and exciting. I hope that this adds to the story of one of my favourite groups and that you also feel as though you have discovered something new.
By Kendall Defoe 4 years ago in Beat