history
Iconic moments in music history.
The Bad Fire
The Bad Fire has a fantastic story behind it. Even though it is obviously about an abused woman and an angry hate filled man the actual events still make me chuckle. It was a busy night in a hotel where I was working a few years back. I was the Duty Manager and I was in a slightly cynical mood. It's easy to become cynical when you work nights in a hotel, as you are often surrounded by drunk people at their very worst. When they get kicked out of pubs and clubs they come back to where they're staying, often bedraggled, moody or with bad company. I've had the same inane conversations with drunk people over the years. It's often like nursery school for people detached from responsibilities. They forget what politeness is and become impulsive and rash in their actions. Some fight, some threaten, some attempt to abuse others and to rape when the opportunity arises. If you have 400 people in house and a third of them are stag and hen parties things become gruesome and so if someone wants to book in late at night with no reservation then you must be a little suspicious of what may occur once these people are out of sight and amongst other rooms.
By Johnny Vedmore9 years ago in Beat
Remembering Donna Summer
I find it hard to believe the five-year anniversary of Donna Summer's passing is already upon us. Ever since she shockingly succumbed to cancer in 2012, I've honored her memory often by revisiting her incredible body of work. I’ve tried to celebrate her spirit by listening to her music and keeping her memory alive, especially on the anniversary of her death.
By Eric Allen9 years ago in Beat
Coolest Metal Album Covers
For many of us growing up in the 80s and 90s with parents concerned about all the rap and metal music in the world, the most we learned of the metal scene as a kid was through the coolest metal album covers sitting in the record store. We would see these incredible images of demons and violence and darkness – or, alternatively, of bare-chested heroes holding swords and guitars aloft – or even just the band looking twisted and weird – and just create narratives in our heads as to what the music could be like, what forbidden wonders lied within those CD cases or vinyl sleeves.
By Anthony Gramuglia9 years ago in Beat
The Value Of Classical Music
Every modern piece of music whether it be rhythm and blues, jazz, to pop, behind the lyrics and melodies can all can be traced back to the classics. Every piece of music for centuries now has been interpreted and integrated with classical overtones. Even today's rap and rock and roll all have classical overtures that are blended in. Without the great composers like Bach, Hayden, or Mozart most of today's music probably wouldn't exist.
By Dr. Williams9 years ago in Beat
Moody River
Remember Pat Boone and those white buckskin shoes? The good old days of early rock and roll. Back then the giants of the pop music world were Elvis, Pat Boone, and Ricky Nelson. But if my recollection still is sound it was Elvis who captivated audiences with his unique style when he appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. I remember my parents so aghast that anyone could appear on national television and perform the way Elvis Presley did. My father was a concert violinist back in the roaring '20's. I guess my whole family when I was growing up was very musically inclined. But it was my parents who couldn't quite fathom the notion that rock and roll was actually a new kind of music much like rap and hip hop has become today.
By Dr. Williams9 years ago in Beat
The 4 Elements Of Hip Hop
Most hip hop fans know all about the latest album dropped, the latest gossip between rappers, or the newest video vixen to get mainstream status. They can also tell you volumes about urban streetwear, new sneaker releases, and the hottest clubs to go to in the city.
By Skunk Uzeki9 years ago in Beat
Does Anyone Still Wang Chung?
The name Wang Chung might give you the impression that the group is a New Age Jazz group. In fact, they do incorporate a certain "airy and fluid synthesizer type" feel within their music. But Wang Chung is neither new nor a New Age group.
By Frank White9 years ago in Beat
Music & Fashion: Intertwined Throughout the Ages
Fashion is one of the clearest signs of the times, and it says more about our society than we give it credit for. We can tell the difference between the jeans hippies wore in 1969 versus the skin-tight threads worn by emo kids in 2005.
By Riley Raul Reese9 years ago in Beat
Charles Manson's Music Hits Stores
No one could have predicted that at this point in his life, 82-year-old killer Charles Manson would have an album due out in stores. Manson, known for his role in the murder of Sharon Tate and her unborn child - the father was acclaimed film director Roman Polanski - as well as seven other people, has been serving out a prison sentence which saw him living behind bars since 1971, when he was initially sentenced to death for his role in the murders. When the death penalty was abolished in California in 1972, Manson and his followers saw their death sentences commuted to life in prison.
By Christina St-Jean9 years ago in Beat
Greatest Classic Movie Musicals
Ever since people first put sound in movies, the classic genre of the musical has thrived. It makes sense, of course. Song has always been involved in visual story telling. The Greek Chorus would sing prayers during stage productions. Opera adapted the works of Shakespeare.
By Anthony Gramuglia9 years ago in Beat
