product review
Product reviews and how-to's of rising music merchandise, CDs, albums, concerts, and more.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 2
James Gunn has compiled another bang-up soundtrack for his highly-anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The upcoming space adventure is the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the sequel to Gunn’s surprise summer blockbuster of 2014. Here again with Awesome Mix Vol. 2, the songs featured were precisely hand-picked by Gunn and strategically placed throughout the film, serving to underscore the script as a subtle, but dynamic cast of supporting characters. Awesome Mix Vol. 2 is an eclectic assortment of mostly well-known tunes, and happily in its own unique way, just as marvelous as its predecessor Awesome Mix Vol. 1, which went on to sell a whopping 2.5 million copies worldwide. The brilliant second soundtrack album features 14 tracks, including the amusing “Guardians Inferno,” co-penned by Gunn and film score composer Tyler Bates. During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn revealed some enlightening specifics as to how and why he chose the significant songs for the upcoming film’s final cut.
By Eric Allen9 years ago in Beat
The Serious Genius of Father John Misty’s Pure Comedy
At first glance, Father John Misty’s Pure Comedy might sound like the recorded version of a clergyman moonlighting as a stand-up comic, but in actuality it’s the latest studio album from the former Fleet Foxes drummer. Try to imagine Elton John as an American folk artist with lyrics penned by Randy Newman or Conor Oberst, and you’ll have an entry point into the sardonic, acid-tongued, yet filmic world of singer-songwriter Father John Misty (née Josh Tillman).
By Eric Allen9 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
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
Stars Hollow EP Review
Stars Hollow. Yes, you read the correctly. This isn’t the fictional town based in Connecticut that is featured on the hit television series Gilmore Girls, either. Stars Hollow is an American emo band from Ames, Iowa. SH consists of 3 band members: Tyler Stodghill, Wyatt Timberlake, and Jesse Ledbetter. As you dive into their music, you will feel their powerful & emotional lyrics deep in your chest, just seconds into the album. Do you think that you struggled holding the tears back while listening to Midwest Pen Pals back in the early 2000’s? You’ll have a blast with this band, then. In 2016, they released their 5 track EP, “I’m really not that upset about it,” super emo, right? Let’s jump into it.
By Tristin Cunniff9 years ago in Beat
GOT7 Flight Log: Arrival - A Song by Song Review
Six months after the release of their second full-length album Flight Log: Turbulence, K-pop sensation GOT7 is back with their sixth EP Flight Log: Arrival. The album feature some of the group's best material to date and is a refreshing mix of both experimental sounds and contemporary pop trends. Here's a song by song breakdown.
By Kat Walcott9 years ago in Beat
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!
By A. Michael Uhlmann9 years ago in Beat
The 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.
By Ljubinko Zivkovic9 years ago in Beat
A 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.
By The Sound Station __9 years ago in Beat
Gia 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."
By Zanna Hintz9 years ago in Beat
The 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.
By Frederick Park9 years ago in Beat
