Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
Perfect Songs || “Perfect” Songs (And Are They “Perfect”?)
W h o o s h. Like a shot of euphoria (or heroin, really, from the film Trainspotting [which this song is featured in]), a wave of instant calm washes over you and you’re immediately put to ease. There’s country/western twang in there, but it’s not overtly country territory; it’s just there to add character to an otherwise otherworldly soundscape. The muddled, gentle plodding bass adds hypnotic quality to the mix. This, to me, is a perfect song. ‘Deep Blue Day’, created by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois (originally on Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks), is a lush, atmospheric, dreamy in utero ambient piece. It’s perfect to me, because put simply, it evokes emotion (calmness, laid back happiness, reflection, and total nostalgia.) Nostalgia and this song probably go hand in hand for most people. It’s instantly or most notably recognizable from the memorable sequence in Trainspotting, where the lead character Renton swims through a rather hellacious sewage sea…within a toilet. Pretty juxtaposition, given the tone of the song, and his unfortunate desperation to get a bag of heroin.
By Sky Vettel9 years ago in Beat
Dear X-YLE, "This Year" Is Yours
In the underground world of arts & entertainment, many independent artists, such XYLE, vigorously believe that friends and fans no longer support talent but popularity. Even with the amount of high-quality press he has received, X-YLE still does not consider himself to be part of the "cool kids." X-YLE, a hip hop rapper from Queens, NY, influenced by artists such as DMX, Nas, and many more, garnished his Hip Hop sound which has allowed him to progress within his artistry. His 2017 return consisted of him releasing a track entitled, "This Year", that illuminates his desires and ambitions. When asked what is the inspiration behind his music, X-YLE replied, "Life. Any and everything that goes on in my life fuels all my music. It's from the soul, and I know that I can inspire at least one mind with my music."
By Tay Steward9 years ago in Beat
Top Dawg Ent Leads the new age of Western Philosophy—Ab-Soul
Western philosophy acts to dissect the underpinnings of thought within the social, religious and political sphere. These days, a new age of thought comes from those dedicated to the craft of wordsmanship; that represents ideas and concepts through songs—Hip Hop forms these ideas with an auditory format. With the release of DAMN., it completed the abstract, metaphysical, cubist thoughts of Kendrick Lamar et al. studying Kendrick Lamar. However, similar concepts can be identified in Ab-Soul’s albums, Do What Thou Wilt (DWTW). They both parallel each other in ways that Section 80 and Control System did years prior. The two pairs complement each other like Light and Dark, Yin and Yang – Balance.
By Intelligent Movement9 years ago in Beat
Tori Amos Delivers First Glimpse Inside Native Invader with “Cloud Riders”
Prolific singer-songwriter Tori Amos recently surprised fans by releasing “Cloud Riders,” the first taste of her upcoming album, Native Invader. The introspective new single ponders a turbulent relationship and decrees her unbendable desire to survive its storminess.
By Eric Allen9 years ago in Beat
Most Memorable Rock Singers Who Passed Away
Rock and roll legends have helped pave the way for modern day musicians. Whether it was their riffing guitars or booming drums, you cannot take away from the breathtaking vocals that come from the lead singer. Indeed, the lead singer is the voice of the band (both literally and figuratively), and the one who tells the story and helps to bring raw emotion into each and every song. Unfortunately, many of the most legendary vocalists from eras past have since moved on to their resting places. It is these rock and roll greats that we can thank for the classic songs that we still play today, and for the modern day music that stems from those who came before us. For those who have a passion for music, especially the rock and roll genre, these iconic figures and their iconic deaths will not be forgotten. Let's take a look at some of the most memorable rock singers who have passed away.
By Corey Gittleman9 years ago in Beat
6 Tips to Become Great at Piano
Want to be great at piano? Use these tips to improve your skill! 1. Plan how much dedication you want. Dedicate yourself to your goals and find unchanging reasons to continue piano. Being good at piano is achieved through consistent persistence at accumulating many skills. The second most important facet to success in piano is a sense of purpose or underlying goal. The first is genetics. To keep something in the long-term it must have an unchanging reason to exist.
By Jesse Guerrero9 years ago in Beat
Music as Communication, Not a Sensation
I sang before I ever talked. Apparently, my uncle Jack was visiting my parents and I started singing "Scarborough Fair" by Simon and Garfunkel. I'd heard that song numerous times since my parents were huge fans of the duo. Of course, I didn't know how to articulate the words... but I could sing them.
By Kate Quinn9 years ago in Beat
Why Am I Here? Musics, Cultures, Emotions
I am new here. A good question to ask whenever one finds oneself in a new space, be it physical or virtual is, "Why am I here?" This is not always an easy question to answer, and can sometimes lead the witting questioner down a mountain path that leads to dead ends or disorientation.
By Thomas Graves9 years ago in Beat
Donna Summer: “I Feel Love”
It's been 40 years since the world first heard the future of music when “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer shocked us into a new sonic awakening. The electronic masterpiece — composed by Summer along with Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte — was the foundation for what was to become known as electronic dance music. Whether you loved or loathed disco, “I Feel Love” commanded everyone's attention and became a dance floor anthem during the summer of 1977. At the time, no one had previously heard anything like it. It's hypnotic melody, combined with an irresistible synthesized bass line and pulsating dance beat was musical nirvana. Summer’s sensual vocal delivery was the icing on top of the cake as she perfectly conveyed the euphoric essence of the song’s timeless and universal message of love. The first lady of love had struck gold (and platinum) again and delivered another game-changing record every bit as earth-shattering as her breakthrough hit, “Love to Love You Baby.”
By Eric Allen9 years ago in Beat
Unpacking Jay Z's '4:44'
I'll admit I was both excited and nervous to write this review. I've given quick verbal reviews for people who've asked but it’s been hard for me to sit down and write. For me, it’s overwhelming. Not only is this Jay-Z’s 13th album, but there’s just so much to unpack. The album covers literally (yeah, I’m from Jersey) everything. I can’t mess this up, but I put my nerves to the side and decided to do it. I had to formally review the album, how can I not? So I lived with the album, more so than any other project.
By Sadé Sanchez9 years ago in Beat
