album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
Rapid Ariana Movement
Ariana Grande is a household name, but how many songs do you really enjoy by her that are not as popular? Can you even name one that is not as popular as "7 Rings," "Thank U, Next" or "Boyfriend"? Well, I am going to give you ten songs to listen to that are MY absolute favorites that are not as popular as the ones you hear on the radio… because let’s face it, Ariana is queen.
By That One Barista6 years ago in Beat
'Heaven & Earth'—Collecting Visions from the Other Side
In early 2014, the Yes lineup of vocalist Jon Davison, keyboardist Geoff Downes, guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White recorded a new album. They reunited with Roy Thomas Baker, who had produced the failed 1979 Paris sessions. This seemed to be part of a pattern in which Yes revisited certain things from their distant past. After all, they had revisited material from the Drama era for their 2011 album Fly from Here, and they had done a 2013 Three Album Tour in which they performed Close to the Edge, Going for the One, and The Yes Album.
By Steven Shinder6 years ago in Beat
Sparkly, Dreamy, Cosy: Ranking Songs from Taylor Swift's 'Lover'
If someone looked at my Spotify playlist, they’d see a rainbow of selections, from Green Day to Evanescence to musical soundtracks. Country-turned-pop princess Taylor Swift also turns up somewhere in between, so it was only natural I would check out her newest album.
By Eve Volungeviciute6 years ago in Beat
Forms of 'Fly from Here' Lingering
After Yes' 35th Anniversary Tour, the band ended up going on a hiatus. Many years later, Jon Anderson would admit that he left Yes in 2004. By 2008, there were plans to commemorate the 40th anniversary with the Close to the Edge And Back Tour. Other Yes veterans would have included Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), and Alan White (drums). Rick Wakeman's son Oliver Wakeman joined the band in his father's place.
By Steven Shinder6 years ago in Beat
Jon Pardi - 'Heartache Medication' Album - A Review
Jon Pardi has without a doubt been up and coming in the Country music scene for many years now, making a standout impact in 2016 with his second album California Sunrise that included number one smash hit "Dirt on My Boots." Now, Pardi is back with his third studio album, entitled Heartache Medication, which is already making waves in Country radio, and has created an exclusive buzz following its September 27th release.
By Leah Sherlock6 years ago in Beat
Abbey Road’s Lasting Legacy
"And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make." These lyrics are the official ending to one of the greatest chapters in all of history. "The End" sits at the conclusion of Abbey Road, the Beatles magnum opus. Despite the song clocking in at just over two minutes long, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison each have a guitar solo, allowing the band to come together one final time before the very end. Even Ringo Starr has his own drum solo, which makes a rare appearance on the track. This song is what truly signifies the completion of an era.
By Shandi Pace6 years ago in Beat
'Magnification' - Pure Imagination in a Metaphoric Dream
After The Ladder Tour, Billy Sherwood left Yes (though he would return much later). In 2000, the band embarked on their Masterworks Tour, with the set list decided by fan votes and including epics "Close to the Edge," "Ritual," and "The Gates of Delirium." During the tour, keyboardist Igor Khoroshev was involved in an incident involving two female security guards. After he left the band, the Yes lineup was down to Jon Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), and Alan White (drums).
By Steven Shinder6 years ago in Beat
'The Ladder' - Living Within the Vision
After the Open Your Eyes Tour wrapped up in 1998, the Yes lineup of Jon Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Igor Khoroshev (keys), Billy Sherwood (rhythm guitar), Chris Squire (bass), and Alan White (drums) felt ready to record another album. Needing an outside perspective, they decided to work with producer Bruce Fairbairn at Armoury Studios in Vancouver. While Open Your Eyes was very poppy, the poppiness on the next album that became The Ladder was dialed back a bit, and there was plenty of prog rock. The album felt like a good blend of old and new. It includes ethnic instruments, some of which were played by Randy Raine-Reusch. In addition, Rhys Fulber contributed dance loops, and The Marguerita Horns played horns.
By Steven Shinder6 years ago in Beat
'Open Your Eyes' - Yes Caught at the Crossroads
In 1997, keyboardist Rick Wakeman left Yes (again) after being displeased with promotional strategies regarding the Keys to Ascension albums and the lack of communication with Yes management. As a result, some tour dates were canceled. Billy Sherwood, who had been mixing the studio tracks on Keys to Ascension 2, decided to come in and help since he wanted Yes to keep on going. He had known bassist Chris Squire since the late 1980s, and was considered as a potential replacement for vocalist Jon Anderson prior to 1991s Union. Though Anderson's voice replaced Sherwood's on "The More We Live-Let Go," Sherwood's bass playing remained intact. In 1992, he had toured with Squire as part of The Chris Squire Experiment (with Alan White on drums). And in 1994, Sherwood performed with Yes at their shows on the Talk Tour. Plus, in 1995, he sang "Wonderous Stories" on the tribute album Tales from Yesterday. So he wasn't a musician who came from nowhere; he was very familiar with Yes music and had worked with Yes members.
By Steven Shinder6 years ago in Beat
