pop culture
Modern, popular, and iconic pop culture moments in music. From current events, to trending topics and more.
Where Have All the CDs Gone?
Enter any record store (yes, they are still called that) these days and you’ll have the impression that the CD stalls are dwindling, hit by reserving vinyl on one, and DVDs on the other. Or, try taking a stack of CDs that are collecting dust on your home shelves to a secondhand store. Chances are that when the owner sees that you are bringing CDs, he won’t even let you through the door, let alone give you anything that will even resemble a decent price for them. Who would have thought that as we were entering the 21st century CDs were practically everywhere, still hailed as the best ever advancement in sound reproduction? These days, mirroring the dooming fate of vinyl LPs in mid-80s, it seems people are just leaving entire CD collections by the dumpster, hoping that somebody will be merciful and at least save the music recorded in those laser tracks. The official data is no less damning. According to LA Weekly, in the period from 2001 to 2014, only in the US the sales of CDs dropped by 80% and LP sales are up a staggering 800% since 2004. What did the hell happen?
By Ljubinko Zivkovic9 years ago in Beat
Things You Didn't Know About Being a Rock Star
If you listen to any major interview with a band, they'll be very upfront to say that there are things you didn't know about being a rock star. They may allude to groupies, or to the fact that there's a lot of stress in the job - and yes, those are things most people are aware of when they think about the lifestyle that comes with being a band member.
By Skunk Uzeki9 years ago in Beat
Barbara Creed to Bikini Kill: The Poetry of Blood, Sweat, and the Abject in Punk Rock
Originally posted in School of Doodle. “All human societies have a conception of the monstrous-feminine, or what it is about woman that is shocking, terrifying, horrific, abject.” — Barbara Creed in The Monstrous Feminine
By Kendra Brea Cooper9 years ago in Beat
Why We Need Watch The Throne 2?
Fans of Kanye West and Jay Z have been waiting patiently for the release of Watch the Throne 2. The album was released in 2011, and critically acclaimed by many magazine publications and music lovers. Many producers who have worked on the project have hinted that it had been in production some years back.
By Allante Akins9 years ago in Beat
A Requiem for Coldplay
Over the past few months, I’ve been exploring old music that I used to listen to, poring over old artists and albums that I found in years past. I firmly believe that the music one listens to in high school is deeply impactful, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget some of the bands that adorned my first iPod so many years ago.
By Thomas Jenkins9 years ago in Beat
Why Does Everyone Hate Nickelback?
You ask someone for their favorite band, and you'll get several different answers. You ask someone about their least favorite band, and you'll learn fast that everyone hates Nickelback. Creed may be a close second, or maybe Insane Clown Posse, but time and time again, Nickelback is the butt of every joke and backward compliment. "Your band sucks, but it sure as hell ain't Nickelback."
By Anthony Gramuglia9 years ago in Beat
Things You Don't Know About the Radio Industry
If there's one thing that you learn after hanging out with a lot of music professionals, it's how utterly bizarre, political, and phony working in the industry can be. I've seen it all - diva outbursts between dancers, horrible betrayals, drug addictions, sex scandals, and some of the downright most insane marketing ploys ever.
By Skunk Uzeki9 years ago in Beat
Is Lil' Dicky One of the Most Underrated Rappers?
Even if you love a few of his songs, it can be easy to dismiss Lil' Dicky. This white rapper emerged out of no where, and has made no secret that his background is very different from many others who have found fame in rap. His comedic choice of lyrics can be distracting as well, making you forget just how intelligent the rhymes really are. Some people even tend to dismiss his talent because there is often a humorous tone in a genre that is often very serious. With the release of his new video for Pillow Talking, more and more people are noticing Lil' Dicky for the creative genius that he is.
By Annie Kiely9 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
"Resist, Stand Up, Fight Back"
Like millions of other people across the country, the results of the 2016 Election hit me pretty hard. The thought of a thin-skinned, racist, xenophobic, demagogue being the leader of the free world was and still is absolutely terrifying.
By Xavier Gonzalez Jr.9 years ago in Beat
