song reviews
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Playlist: Mackem magic and a mystical remix
The big upcoming event for me is the Summer Streets festival in Sunderland - two days of top local bands in the best free festival in the region. We've got a couple of highlights from that show on July 6/7, plus a hazily beautiful remix of some gentle electro-folk from East Durham.
By Andy Potts2 years ago in Beat
Sideshow Challenges Listeners with Brutally Honest F.U.N. T.O.Y.
On a sweltering Tuesday in June, L.A. rapper Sideshow unleashed his latest project 'F.U.N. T.O.Y.' to a hungry fanbase. The 17-track album, released through 10k Records, is a swift 30-minute ride through the grimy underbelly of West Coast hip-hop. It's a follow-up to his 2023 release '2MM DON'T JUST STAND THERE!', and marks a significant evolution in Sideshow's sound and lyrical content.
By Danny Jeffers2 years ago in Beat
Why Scorpions “Wind of Change” Is The Song of Freedom
History was a sore subject of mine. The only way I found a loophole in learning was connecting the timeline to movies. But then in 11th grade I had a teacher that had a teaching guidance with movies included like I had used to learn history.
By Samantha Parrish2 years ago in Beat
My Summer 2024 Spotify Playlist
"Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air." — Ralph Waldo Emerson It's summer! School is out for the next two months, I've been busy trying to keep my kiddos busy with fun activities and planning a camping trip.
By Chloe Unfiltered2 years ago in Beat
Hip-Hop Heartbeat
In the heart of a bustling city where skyscrapers kissed the clouds and neon lights flickered through the night, lived a young rapper named Malik. He had grown up amidst the concrete jungle, where every beat of the street echoed in his rhymes and every graffiti-covered wall told a story. Malik poured his soul into his lyrics, crafting verses that spoke of struggle, resilience, and the dreams of a generation often overlooked. His passion burned brighter than the city lights, but fame remained elusive. Night after night, he freestyled on street corners, hoping his words would resonate with someone who could lift him from the underground. One chilly evening, as the city hummed with its own rhythm, Malik found himself at an open mic event in a dimly lit club. The air was thick with anticipation, and he took the stage, gripping the microphone like a lifeline. The beat dropped, and Malik unleashed a torrent of raw emotion, his words slicing through the air like a knife through butter. The crowd was mesmerized. Heads nodded in time with his flow, and cheers erupted between verses. For a moment, Malik felt the weight of the world lift off his shoulders. This was his moment, his chance to break free from the shadows and step into the spotlight he had always craved. After the performance, a man approached Malik with a business card in hand. "I'm Jay, from BlackStar Records," he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "You've got real talent, kid. I think we could do something special together." Malik's heart raced with hope as he stared at the card in disbelief. BlackStar Records was a powerhouse in the music industry, known for launching careers that spanned generations. Could this be his ticket to stardom? Over the next few months, Malik worked tirelessly with Jay and the team at BlackStar Records. They polished his sound, refined his lyrics, and produced tracks that captured the essence of his urban upbringing. Malik poured his soul into every song, drawing inspiration from the streets that raised him and the dreams that fueled his ambition. As the debut album neared completion, Malik's excitement was palpable. He envisioned his face on billboards, his songs blaring from car stereos, and his name on everyone's lips. But just as he was about to sign the contract that would launch his career, doubts began to creep in. "What if I lose myself in this industry?" Malik wondered aloud one evening, sitting in his tiny apartment overlooking the city skyline. "Will they let me stay true to who I am?" Jay, ever the mentor, placed a reassuring hand on Malik's shoulder. "You've come this far because of who you are, Malik," he said firmly. "We believe in your voice, your message. Don't let anyone change that." With renewed determination, Malik signed the contract and prepared for the album release. The day it dropped, the city seemed to buzz with anticipation. Fans lined up outside record stores, eager to get their hands on Malik's debut. Social media exploded with praise for his authenticity and lyrical prowess. The album soared to the top of the charts, catapulting Malik from the underground scene to mainstream success. He performed sold-out shows across the country, sharing stages with icons he had once admired from afar. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, Malik never forgot his roots or the struggles that had shaped him. Years later, as he stood on stage accepting a prestigious award for Best Hip-Hop Album, Malik glanced out into the crowd. He saw faces of fans who had been with him since those open mic nights, faces that reflected the same hunger and hope he had once known. With a humble smile, Malik dedicated the award to the city that had raised him and the streets that had taught him to never stop believing in the power of his own voice—the heartbeat of hip-hop.
By Dharanidharan T 2 years ago in Beat
The Old Radio's Song
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the old summer house in a warm, golden glow. Emily stood at the edge of the driveway, the gravel crunching under her feet. It had been years since she’d been here, yet every detail was etched in her memory—the way the trees framed the house, the creak of the porch swing, the scent of pine and earth. This place held the echoes of her childhood, and now, in the wake of her grandmother's passing, it beckoned her back. Inside, the house was a time capsule. Dust motes danced in the fading light, and sheets covered the furniture like ghostly silhouettes. Emily dropped her bags and wandered through the rooms, each step a journey into the past. The last time she was here, her family had gathered for one of their summer reunions. Her grandmother’s laughter had filled these rooms, and the scent of her baking had wafted through the air. Emily’s fingers brushed over the fireplace mantel, pausing on a framed photograph. It showed her younger self, grinning beside her grandmother, both of them holding fishing rods. The ache of loss tightened in her chest. She had been so focused on her career, on climbing the corporate ladder, that she had drifted away from the people who mattered most. A sudden noise broke her reverie. It was faint, a crackling sound coming from the attic. Curiosity piqued, Emily climbed the narrow staircase. The attic was a maze of old trunks and forgotten treasures. She followed the sound to a dusty corner, where an old radio sat, its speaker humming with static. Emily's heart skipped a beat. She remembered this radio. Her grandmother used to play it every morning, filling the house with music as she cooked breakfast. Emily reached out and adjusted the dial. The static cleared, and a familiar tune filled the attic. It was her grandmother’s favorite song, the one she always hummed while making pancakes. Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as the music washed over her. She sat down, the past and present intertwining in the melody. The song carried her back to those sun-drenched mornings, to the warmth of her grandmother's embrace. She closed her eyes, letting the memories flood her senses. The next day, Emily decided to stay longer than planned. She wanted to honor her grandmother by bringing life back to the house. She cleaned and aired out the rooms, removing the sheets and letting the sunlight in. She found old recipe cards in the kitchen and decided to bake her grandmother’s famous cookies, filling the house with their sweet aroma. As she worked, Emily called her parents. They had retired to Florida, chasing a warmer climate, but they were delighted to hear from her. She told them about her plans to rejuvenate the summer house and invited them to visit. Her mother’s voice cracked with emotion, and they agreed to come the following weekend. Emily also reached out to her brother, Daniel, who lived overseas. They hadn’t spoken much in recent years, each busy with their own lives. But the thought of reuniting in the place where they had shared so many happy memories brought a smile to his face. He promised to visit as soon as he could. The weekend arrived, and Emily's parents pulled into the driveway, their faces lighting up at the sight of the revitalized house. They embraced her, tears of joy mingling with laughter. They spent the days reminiscing, sharing stories, and creating new memories. The old radio played its familiar tunes, a constant companion in their celebration of togetherness. Daniel arrived a few weeks later, and the reunion was complete. They sat around the fireplace, the flickering flames casting warm shadows on their faces. The house, once silent and still, was alive with the sounds of family—laughter, conversation, and the occasional hum of a familiar song from the old radio. In those moments, Emily felt a profound sense of peace. She realized that reconnecting with her family, with her roots, had filled the emptiness she had felt for so long. The old radio's song had led her back to where she belonged, reminding her that the bonds of family, though sometimes stretched thin, were never truly broken.
By Dharanidharan T 2 years ago in Beat
Frankie's Song of the Week: I'll Still Be Here by Leigh- Anne
I don't know why I call these " Songs of the week", when these reviews are far from weekly! I know you are going to forgive me when you realise what an absolute jam I have for you. It is of course " I'll still be here" by Leigh - Anne.
By Frankie Martinelli2 years ago in Beat
Playlist: Punk Princesses
The summer festival season is getting into full swing, even if the weather isn’t always willing to play along. This weekend sees a female-fronted fantasia in South Shields, which features previously playlist star Cortney Dixon in addition to a couple of acts with new tracks mentioned this week. And, just down the coast, Sunderland is celebrating the launch of its Music City with a mini-festival of artists from or connected to the city. Read on for some of the highlights.
By Andy Potts2 years ago in Beat
Woody Guthrie - 3000 Unrecorded Songs
Introduction This is from a Seven Days in piece from 2019 which taught me a lot more about Woody Guthrie than I knew about at the time. The title "Woody Guthrie: Three Chords and The Truth " I think is perfect for such an important, influential artist.
By Mike Singleton đź’ś Mikeydred 2 years ago in Beat
Charli xcx’s Latest Album “BRAT” Is Amazing
Pop sensation Charli xcx has done it again, folks. She’s hit us with another impeccable album. Charli xcx Even if you aren’t familiar with Charli xcx, you’ve probably heard at least one of her songs before. Her feature on I Love It by Icona Pop in 2012 was everywhere for a while and became somewhat of an anthem. Her 2014 feature on Iggy Azalea’s hit song Fancy was impossible to escape for that entire year, and unfortunately became an even bigger anthem. She also had her own hit song Boom Clap for The Fault In Our Stars movie, which was pretty big. All three of these songs were pop tracks, a sound Charli soon chose to leave behind entirely.
By angela hepworth2 years ago in Beat
