Top Stories
Stories in Beat that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
The Record Shop ritual
From The Smiths to WH Smiths, that was the ritual. Almost every Saturday, more often in the holidays. Shuffling from shop to shop, flicking through the racks. What’s new and exciting? What’s old but influential? What did I read about this one?
By Andy Pottsabout a year ago in Beat
Is There a Secret Message in The Death of Slim Shady?
Eminem's Death of Slim Shady album dropped and had the biggest streaming day of any rap album this year. On the surface, it seems like the thrilling last ride of Eminem's alter ego, Slim Shady, but is it? Is there a secret message in the Death of Slim Shady?
By Niko Banksabout a year ago in Beat
The Price I Pay by Billy Bragg
The lovely lady I write about introduced me to Billy Bragg's music, and although his songs are usually very political (to which I am not). I am here to talk about his softer side, his album for lovers and romantics...well one song in particular and that is The Price I Pay from his 1988 (yes the year I was born) album Workers Playtime.
By Frankie Martinelli2 years ago in Beat
Music Prompt? Music Thingy!
At work a few weeks ago, I was using that Spotify DJ thing, the AI tool that slightly bugs me on principle, but not enough for me to boycott it. (You know the one?) Anyway, I was jamming out to songs I was familiar with, a few new ones, and then all of a sudden, I was stopped in my tracks.
By Mackenzie Davis2 years ago in Beat
Frankie's Song of the Week: Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
A little something different from me while I deal with the strain of writers block. I thought I'd do a song of the week, because I have been surely annoying my neighbours and my friends with this absolute musical GEM. I am of course talking about Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter.
By Frankie Martinelli2 years ago in Beat
Victim or Survivor. Content Warning.
TW: Mention of self harm and suicide attempts I'll preface this article with I have never listened to any other songs by Citizen Soldier. I had never heard of them until I found out from an Icon for Hire stream where they told fans about an "upcoming collab," being with Citizen Soldier. As soon as I saw that it was on Spotify, I listened to it over and over... And over because of the lyrics.
By Rene Peters2 years ago in Beat
Hyperfixation Songs (and why they are a less expensive option than Pickleball)
First, let's get this out of the way! It's been a few months since I have published anything on Vocal. I've been lurking here reading and commenting but not writing anything and also not entering any of the challenges, not even the non Vocal+ one that I wouldn't have to pay to enter. Why not? Why wouldn't I bother coming up with something for such a cool challenge?
By Donna Renee2 years ago in Beat
Playlist: Politics
Jen Dixon – The Sound Political is personal. The rumbling scandal around the Teesside freeport might seem arcane, but the whiff of dodgy deals seeps into people’s lives. And, when those people are gifted songwriters, it sparks the creative process. Jen Dixon’s work has tended to be a response to her own relationships and feelings, but the more she read about the freeport in the likes of Private Eye, the more she was inspired to write.
By Andy Potts2 years ago in Beat
