song reviews
Social Media targeted at influencers and trending topics in the music universe.
A Comic Playlist
This is the result of a prompt from my friend Bill O'Neil when I said I couldn't write anything related to comedy. I can’t actually write comedy and find reading some comic books difficult sometimes. Spike Milligan's “Puckoon” and Harvard Lampoon’s “Bored of the Rings” are books that burn out way too soon. Having said that I always find the writing of Douglas Adams very entertaining so I can take some comedic writing.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
Song Review: 'First Class' by Jack Harlow is Another in a Long Line of Mediocre Number 1 Hits
I am truly baffled, what is the appeal of the current number one song in America, First Class by Jack Harlow? Now, the song is not repellent, for the most part, but it is remarkably uninteresting. First Class takes Fergie’s 2006 chart topper, GLAMOROUS, and re-imagines it through the lens of hip hop star Jack Harlow reflecting on his rather remarkable and immediate success in the world of pop music. And that’s really it. There is nothing insightful or new about it, Harlow humblebrags and Fergie’s producers have already done most of the work. At least the work that wasn’t already, already done by Sheila E’s producers back in the 1980s.
By Sean Patrick4 years ago in Beat
Did I Help Make Ooga-Chuka a Top 40 Hit?. Top Story - April 2022.
Now, I’m not Forrest Gump, but I have had a few minor brushes with history in my life and, oddly enough, one of them involves Blue Swede’s cover of BJ Thomas’ classic song, Hooked on a Feeling, known for its Ooga-Chuka, Ooga-Ooga-Ooga-Chuka chant. You see, in 1974, I was a sophomore at The University of Chicago, living in one of the dorms: Thompson House in the now-demolished Pierce Tower. Believe it or not, Thompson House claims credit for making Blue Swede’s version of Hooked on a Feeling a hit in the United States. Yep, we claim credit for making a song a #1 hit.
By Donald J. Bingle4 years ago in Beat
The lyrical legacy of "Don't Cha" by The Pussycat Dolls
In 2019, Ariana Grande released her single Break up with your girlfriend, I'm bored, a song about a woman wanting a man to end his current relationship to date her, instead. Among the mixed reaction, a small group of fans jokingly commented: "hey hey you you, I don't like your girlfriend", obviously quoting Avril Lavigne's 2006 single Girlfriend, which follows a similar storyline. While they were right, however, an older song came to my mind, namely, Don't Cha by The Pussycat Dolls (feat. Busta Rhymes), released in 2005.
By Simona Rosso4 years ago in Beat
Live Reaction: Inhaler by Foals
I don’t know what to expect! Very kind of jazzy rhythmic introduction – longer instrumental opening than a lot of songs. Sorry, I paused and lost my train of thought when the lead singer started singing - instant connection to his voice startled me. I really like the slight echo on his voice and the tone of his voice. There’s a slight growl but it’s also a higher pitch . It’s cool. It’s heavier than I expected from the opening. Oh, I like the way it broke and changed tempos and rhythm (or are those the same thing? I don’t think so, although I think one is essential for the other maybe. Music experts can pitch in here. I love to learn).
By Shelly Slade4 years ago in Beat
The Joy of The Penguin Café
Introducing The Penguin Cafe Orchestra and Simon Jeffes Many years ago I saw a video featuring penguins and loved the music that was used as the soundtrack. The piece was “Beanfields” by The Penguin Café Orchestra, who up to that point I had been totally unaware of.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 years ago in Beat
HAÇIENDA RECORDS LAUNCHES WITH CHARLES SCHILLINGS & ROBERT OWENS “ME TIME”
Haçienda Records, the label offshoot of the internationally famous Manchester club FAC51 The Haçienda, kickstarts a series of special new releases as the club celebrates its benchmark 40th anniversary year.
By Mike Media4 years ago in Beat
Brenzy Shares "brunch"
Brenzy makes her return with a fun-loving, Neo-Soul/Pop song, "brunch." "brunch" is Brenzy's second release of the year, which was preceded by her captivating single, "180." Brenzy utilizes her powerful, sultry vocals to deliver the perfect weekend anthem.
By Meikhel Philogene4 years ago in Beat
10 More Songs That Sound Surprisingly Good Slowed
Sometimes bops just sound better when the speed is taken down a notch. Last year, I introduced you to 10 Songs That Sound Surprisingly Good Slowed thanks to skilled YouTube editors. My little list surprisingly picked up more traction than I thought it would (thanks guys!) so I'm back on Vocal with more slowed songs to recommend. All of these come from my personal playlist, and they're equally fantastic for late-night grooving, relaxing, or crying.
By Kathryn Milewski4 years ago in Beat
12 Essential Bob Dylan Tracks
For all of those who still think "Why does someone with an asinine voice like Bob Dylan get so much critical acclaim?" and "Maybe he was good for his time, but this man seems incredibly overrated", there is evidently a reason people hold this artist in such high esteem. While you might not necessarily enjoy his music (whether the style, the voice or the genre is simply not to your liking), I do believe it valuable to add Bob Dylan to your music culture if you are someone who seeks to discover great art. It is to note that while these might not be the artist's definite all-time greatest songs, the twelve listed below are a considerable starting point to the wonder that is Bob Dylan. Lastly, my cousin and I once had a talk that if Dylan were to have suddenly died in 1976, his legacy amongst the unsurpassed songwriters of the last century would most likely remain intact to this day. Therefore, although he has continued to release substantial material since then, the twelve songs chosen here reflect his career until that point (with the release of Blood on the Tracks).
By Gabriele Del Busso4 years ago in Beat
