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Stay entertained with Spotify Podcasts on Echo devices

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Alexa customers in Canada are now able to listen to podcasts available through Spotify on their Echo devices. Customers can enable Spotify by linking their account in the Alexa app. Once enabled, they can start listening on their device. It’s easy to find and play your favorite podcasts with Alexa—all you have to do is ask for the podcast you want to hear. Pause the episode you’re listening to on one Echo device and continue listening from where you left off on one of your other Echo devices, or on Spotify (web, mobile, desktop), by asking Alexa to resume the podcast by name.

Here are a few things to try to get started:

  • Alexa, play the Front Burner podcast on Spotify
  • Alexa, play the latest episode of Dark Poutine podcast on Spotify
  • Alexa, resume Front Burner podcast on Spotify
  • Alexa, fast forward 30 seconds
  • Alexa, next episode

This Is A MUST For Musicians: EAROS ONE High Fidelity Acoustic Filters

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Developed with the former Director of MIT’s Acoustics & Vibratory Lab, EAROS are designed to reproduce the sound curve of your natural ear — delivering the unique combination of sound clarity and hearing protection. EAROS are designed to fit and feel differently forming a deep seal within the ear, thus avoiding the loss of fidelity found with typical earplugs. Two sizes of tips included. Their proprietary, patented soundbore replicates how the inner ear resonates while providing 17-25 db of noise reduction and preserving full musical fidelity. Its sleek, ergonomic design offers a low profile and comfortable fit.

Look, 1.1 billion young people are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, according to the WHO. Not the band with Pete and Roger, but The World Health Organization, so you know it’s worthy. They’re on a mission to protect the world’s ears from hearing damage without ever sacrificing sound quality.

AND they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, no questions asked, and selected durable, reusable materials to avoid waste and promote sustainability.

Get them hear…err…here.

Disgraceland’s Jake Brennan on Classic Rock Conspiracies, New England Ghosts, and Stephen King

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Grab a flashlight, put on a pair of gloves, and make sure you’ve got a sturdy stomach — we’re talkin’ true crime. The Losers welcome Disgraceland host Jake Brennan to discuss a conspiracy in King’s Dominion — one that involves the murder of John Lennon.

Louie, Louie : The Story Behind the Song & The FBI Investigation

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A 1960s band called The Kingsmen recorded the most famous version of the well known song called “Louie, Louie.” The lyrics were famously hard to understand, which led to an FBI investigation. Find out what they uncovered (or didn’t).

How does good music develop your writing skills?

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Music plays a major role in everyone’s life, especially when it comes to teens and young adults that are consistently wearing headphones. Students are listening to music literally all the time, even while studying. They use it as a tool to increase learning motivation, switch the feelings, isolate themselves or for many other reasons. Some students believe that it helps them to boost brain power and increase concentration.

At the same time, there are people who think just the opposite. Hence, the question is “How music affects learning?” Today, many scientists are trying to find out whether it influences different cognitive skills such as thinking, reading, remembering, and so on. Psychologists and educators hope that their findings will make the education process more efficient.

If you want to know more about the relation between music and cognitive skills, then keep reading the article! Below you will find a lot of interesting facts about the impact of music on writing skills.

Music and language

Before we dig deeper and figure out whether music can help us develop writing skills, let’s analyze the association between music and language. According to psychology experts, writing is a part of language, so they both must be considered.

The study conducted by Jentschke revealed that music and language activate similar patterns in the brain. This finding was supported by another research by Hoch, Poulin-Charronmat, and Tillmann who discovered that language and music share the same  neural processing in the  brain. What’s more, the neuroimaging evidence received by Patel points that Broka’s and Wernicke’s brain areas that are responsible mainly for language processing also take part in music processing.

Interestingly, there is not only anatomical overlap between music and language processing but also another mechanism linking these two. It’s called ‘transfer effect’ and it means that enhanced processing in one cognitive domain can boost another domain’s ability. In our case, music training can improve language skills. There is a lot of evidence supporting this statement. For example, Trainor and Hannon have argued in their review that music training correlates with the verbal memory and speech, while Schellenberg and Weiss have proved that it develops language abilities. As you see, music and language are not two separate components, they are related to each other.

Music and writing

According to the research conducted by Ransdell and Gilroy in 2001, people with musical background demonstrated better writing quality than those who didn’t undergo musical training before. Later, Gibson, Folley and Park found that musicians are generally more creative than individuals that weren’t musically trained. A recent study has revealed that music significantly influences creative writing. Kelley Pugh found that it evokes deep emotions which boost imagination.

One more study has also demonstrated that there is a link between music and writing. It turned out that faster paced melodies make students lose focus so their writing becomes unclear and contains a lot of errors. What’s more, pop and rap slow the writing process down, while classical and old-school music speed it up. Also, when listening to ‘older genres’ students made fewer mistakes compared to other types of music. Hence, it’s important to choose the right genre to be more efficient and develop writing skills.

Research paper help

Students often feel discouraged by the amount of homework they are given at school or college. Therefore, they seek support from different sources. Some of them turn to instructors or ask peers for help, while others type ‘write a research paper for me, Studyclerk‘ in Google hoping that this essay service will do everything for them. Taking into account all the facts described above, listening to music could be very helpful for writing academic assignments. Whether you were asked to complete an essay or a research paper, you can do it better if you turn on a melody that boosts creativity and enhances the thinking process.

Final thoughts

The latest findings on the association between music and writing skills can be applied in different domains. For example, people engaged in projects involving creative writing, like scriptwriters or novel writers, could use music to enhance the quality of their work.

Beginning writers could also benefit from music as it may serve as a source of inspiration and creativity. While having the right melody on, it gets possible to make the most out of brainstorming, the most valuable stage of writing. In general, music can be used anywhere in the writing field as it helps listeners develop imagination and reduce the number of errors.

Author’s BIO

Joshua Robinson is a researcher and academic writer. He works at an online platform designed to assist students in completing their assignments. Joshua’s main goal is to support young people studying at college, so they can achieve higher academic results.

 

 

Pet Shop Boys Announce First DVD and Double-CD Issue Of Discovery: Live In Rio 1994

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Pet Shop Boys announce the release on DVD and 2-CD of their Discovery: Live in Rio 1994 concert, recorded towards the end of their 1994 tour of Singapore, Australia and Latin America. Release date is April 30th.

Previously only available on VHS, this is the first time that fans will be able to experience this classic concert on DVD and listen to the audio on CDs. The show was filmed by Brazilian director Roberto Berliner with a local TV crew in December 1994 in front of a wildly enthusiastic Rio audience on PSB’s first visit to Brazil.

The set list includes classic hits including ‘West End girls’, ‘Suburbia’, ‘Being Boring’, ‘Go West’, ‘Rent’ and ‘Always on my mind’, as well as surprising juxtapositions of PSB songs and contemporary hits including ‘One in a million’/‘Mr Vain’ and ‘Left to my own devices’/‘Rhythm of the night’. A cover of Blur’s ‘Girls and boys’ is another spirited highlight of this spectacular performance.

The DVD and CDs document a show very different in feel to the two ground-breaking tours that preceded it in 1989 and 1991. Following on from the release of their albums “Very” and “Disco 2”, Pet Shop Boys decided to focus the two-hour set largely on uplifting songs with a party vibe, taking inspiration from visits to the New York underground house club, the Sound Factory Bar. ‘Discovery’ saw Pet Shop Boys with four dancers, backing singer Katie Kissoon and two Latin percussionists embrace spontaneity in a way they never had before.

Chris Lowe said at the time: “We’re more free-spirited on this tour. We party on down. It’s not a totally choreographed, staged and rehearsed show. I suppose it is more rock ‘n’ roll in its attitude. You get to express yourself. (Laughs). And to take your clothes off.”

Neil Tennant added: “In the past we were always removed from the audience by theatrical convention. This time we are us onstage.”

A new booklet is packaged with the DVD and CDs, featuring candid on-tour photographs, an interview by Chris Heath conducted during tour rehearsals and an exclusive on-tour diary by Neil Tennant.

DVD Track Listing

1 Tonight is forever (1.59)
2 I wouldn’t normally do this kind of thing (3.46)
3 Always on my mind (4.14)
4 Domino dancing (3.54)
5 To speak is a sin (4.59)
6 One in a million/Mr Vain (4.46)
7 Paninaro (4.27)
8 Rent (3.10)
9 Suburbia (3.11)
10 King’s cross (5.00)
11 So hard (4.03)
12 Left to my own devices/Rhythm of the night (5.59)
13 Absolutely Fabulous (3.51)
14 Liberation (4.09)
15 West End girls (4.38)
16 Can you forgive her? (3.56)
17 Girls and boys (4.55)
18 It’s a sin/I will survive (6.48)
19 Go West (5.11)
20 Go West (Reprise) (4.46)
21 Being boring (5.24)

CD1 Track Listing

1 Tonight is forever (1.59)
2 I wouldn’t normally do this kind of thing (3.46)
3 Always on my mind (4.14)
4 Domino dancing (3.54)
5 To speak is a sin (4.59)
6 One in a million/Mr Vain (4.46)
7 Paninaro (4.27)
8 Rent (3.10)
9 Suburbia (3.11)
10 King’s Cross (5.00)
11 So hard (4.03)

CD2 Track Listing

1 Left to my own devices/Rhythm of the night (5.59)
2 Absolutely Fabulous (3.51)
3 Liberation (4.09)
4 West End girls (4.38)
5 Can you forgive her? (3.56)
6 Girls and boys (4.55)
7 It’s a sin/I will survive (6.48)
8 Go West (5.11)
9 Go West (Reprise) (4.46)
10 Being boring (5.24)

Florida’s Genre-Bending Shoegaze x Punk x Synthy Dream-Popsters MORNING TRIPS Release “My Parade”

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An eclectic mix of genre-bending sounds pave the way for alt-pop band, the Morning Trips, and their new release, “My Parade.”

First on the scene in 2017, the Fort Walton Beach, Florida-based four-piece’s expansive sound has been described as by the Northwest Florida Daily News as “influenced by a gumbo of dream pop, shoegaze, R&B, and ‘80s music,” with founding punk-era nostalgia and saccharine synth mixed in for good measure.

The blend of comforting yet pulsating feelings ripple and resonate further with each riff; Morning Trips aim to be for all collections of people as they morph through soundscapes with their diverse approach to creating.

“We want to create a world with the same mentality of how we want to exist in the real world,” songwriter and band founder Brady Lynch shares. “We want to create open, progressive, and diverse music for people from all walks of life to find something of solace in.”

So far, their discography walks the talk; each track indeed serves as its own singular, stand-out ingredient, while landing as decidedly cohesive and complementary alongside counterparts in the stewpot. From dreamy R&B to electronic-influenced punk to bubbly synth-pop, 2020 singles “Follow the Blind,” “Saudade,” and “Di / Hi” followed earlier 2019 offerings of “Baby,” “Disobedience,” and 2018’s breakout debut, “Blue.”

“I was initially inspired by an almost naive approach to writing music on a laptop, if I’m honest,” Lynch recalls. “I started producing demos intended for a ‘traditional’ band sound in hopes to find members to round out a lineup.”

It worked; soon he was joined by Logan Clinkingbeard, James Amos, and Noah Townsend.“Turns out, those early laptop demos eventually paved the way to become the first Morning Trips tunes,” Lynch adds.

Morning Trips have seen a series of state-wide tours to the tune of 50+ shows, and nods from media far and wide, including but not limited to the UK’s Pastel Wasteland, South Africa’s Janglepophub, and America’s American Pancake, AAA Backstage.

Harmonium symphonique – Histoires sans paroles Goes Platinum In Canada – WITH ZERO MUSIC STREAMS

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Released on December 3, Harmonium symphonique – Histoires sans paroles symphonique has now been certified Platinum record by Music Canada, a recognition highlighting 80,000 copies sold.  An impressive and truly historic feat, considering the double instrumental album is only available on a single platform, the Oziko online store.

This is the first time since 2013 an album has been certified Platinum in Canada solely based on a physical format.

Harmonium symphonique – Histoires sans paroles brings together the complete works of Harmonium, adapted and directed by Simon Leclerc and performed by the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM). Totaling more than 140 minutes of music, the album is co-produced by Serge Fiori and Simon Leclerc, under the artistic direction of Nicolas Lemieux, president of GSI Musique.

“Our team at GSI is thrilled by this achievement.  While the music industry is experiencing unprecedented upheaval, we have embarked upon an audacious gamble to establish a strategy based on technological innovations and to distribute this magnificent album without any intermediaries, in a completely autonomous procedure that offered impressive results. I would like to thank the public who have a unique relationship with the works of Harmonium and Serge Fiori.  Thank you also to the OSM and to the conductor and arranger Simon Leclerc, who took part in this exceptional musical adventure,” says Nicolas Lemieux, President of GSI Musique.

“The OSM is proud of this recognition which highlights the undeniable success of the unprecedented encounter between the timeless and poetic work of the Harmonium and the rich universe of the Orchestra. Since its foundation, the OSM is committed to make classical music more widely accessible. Thank you to our loyal public for being there and to all those who contributed to the achievement of this unique project!” says Madeleine Careau, Chief Executive Officer of the OSM

The album is available exclusively at www.harmoniumsymphonic.com, in a digital version, a double CD box set and a limited deluxe edition containing four 180 gram vinyl LPs.

Histoires sans paroles – Harmonium symphonique, a fantastic journey through timeless melodies.

12th Annual Light of Day Canada Festival Goes Online — February 19 & 20 featuring Tom Morello, Steve Earle, Jake Clemons + more

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Tom Morello, Steve Earle, Jake Clemons, Ron James, Wayne Kramer, and Rusty Young are just a few of the over 50 artists set to take centre screen this month for the 12th Annual Light of Day Canada Online Festival this February 19th and 20th.

In its continued effort to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease and cancer research and care, Light of Day Canada will host a stand-out series of musicians starting at 7:00pm EST both evenings. Tickets are $25.00 per night, or $40.00 for the two via here.

After postponing 2020’s arena show with Canada’s Tim Hicks this past November, the Light of Day Canada team wanted to do something to keep moving forward. “We decided to do a virtual show with a mix of live and pre-recorded performances,” Light of Day Canada President Dave Rotella shares. “The response by the artists was so positive and overwhelming, that’s what led to adding a second night.

“Our first show in 2007 was at the old NFCVI auditorium in Niagara Falls,” he recalls. “While the shows have grown since then, our main goal has always been the same: to raise money for Parkinson’s disease and cancer, for both research and care.

“Together, we can all play a role in raising awareness and funds to assist those living with Parkinson’s and cancer, and to one day eradicate these horrific diseases. We thank our communities, our artists, and our volunteers for all of their support over the years!”

In partnership with the Light of Day Foundation, the Light of Day Canada Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and Care is a Canada Not-for-Profit Corporation which began in 2007 with two modest shows — one in Niagara Falls and one in Toronto ON. The success of the shows and the enthusiasm and support of the two communities helped expand the show to larger venues and eventually to Hamilton, Halifax, Kingston, and London — and now online.

In 2015, LOD Niagara was the highest attended show in Light of Day’s history. Over the years shows have included great artists, including Steve Earle, Blue Rodeo, John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, Pat Travers, Ron Sexsmith, Gary U.S. Bonds, Sam Roberts Band, Willie Nile, Joe D’urso, Joe Gruschecky & The Houserockers, Jesse Malin, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Marah, The Trews, Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip, Tom Wilson and has been hosted by the likes of Vincent Pastore of the Sopranos, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Dave Hodge, and more.

As a result, the annual series of concerts have raised over $500,000 for Parkinson’s Research and Care distributing all of our profits over the years to Parkinson’s Canada, Light of Day Foundation (New Jersey), and most recently to the London Health Sciences Movement Disorder Centre, Queen’s University Neuroscience Studies in Kingston, the Steve Ludzik Parkinson’s Rehab Clinic at Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital in St. Catharines ON, and now the Walker Cancer Clinic in support of the Niagara Health Foundation.

Experience A New Level Collection Of Watches By Glashutte

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If you are currently searching for a brand of watches that represents excellence, modernity, and creativity? You are probably looking for a Glashutte type of watch. This luxury brand of watches may not be very known by typical individuals, but their watches are one of the most favorite by real watch enthusiasts.

The brand is a German one, we all know that Swiss are number one when it comes to watchmaking, but we should never underestimate their crafts, especially those from Glashutte in Saxony. Here are some of the best watches that are recently released for this year for your reference.

Glashutte Original – Model 1-66-06-04-22-05

Their unique and stylish craftsmanship distinguishes the Glashutte Original watches with a luxurious touch. The 1-66-06-04-22-05 model from the Pano series is crafted with creativity by professional watchmakers just for men. This luxury timepiece is perfect for any type of occasion, like formal and casual.

It has a gray-colored dial which half of it has a skeletal design.  Its chronograph placement has a unique approach because of its tiny size and minuscule details compared with the other watches. It has two subdials, one in black and the other in gray, indicating its minutes and seconds. The hour markers and hands have a white gold detail. 

Its case is made of stainless steel in a gray tone 42 mm size in diameter. The dial and its transparent back are protected with high-quality glass making it durable and scratch-proof.

The movement caliber used is Glashutte 66-06 with a 41-hour reserve. The strap of this timepiece is made with leather from a Louisiana alligator. Besides being luxurious and stylishly unique, the whole timepiece is water-resistant by about 50 meters. The watch is available at the watch company website for $ 8,435.57.

Glashutte Original – Model 1-36-04-01-02-30

This timepiece belongs to the new series of Senator that has an excellent panorama moon phase on its upper left. The watch is perfectly created just for men who love a minimalist looking timepiece. This Senator watch has a minimalist detail with a class and sophisticated look that would blend perfectly in any wardrobe.

The dial of this wristwatch is varnished in silver grain surrounded with a Roman numeral hour marker indexes and blue-tone hour and minute hands. This timepiece has a date indicator placed near the 4 o’clock of the watch to keep you track of the date.

The stainless steel bezel and case make it look more classy and luxurious, with a diameter size of 42 mm. The back of this watch is transparent, where you can see the details of its skeleton. Its movement caliber is known as the Glashutte 36-04 with a 100-hour reserve, with straps made of Louisiana alligator leather. 

The whole watch is equipped with a water-resistant feature of 50 meters, making it a good choice for outdoor sports accessories. This new senator timepiece is available on the watch company website for a price of $ 6,581.99.

Glashutte Original – Model 1-37-02-01-02-30

The Glashutte Original model 1-37-02-01-02-30 belongs to one of the latest released models of the Vintage series. This particular model is designed and crafted perfectly by professionals just for men’s use. This timepiece makes a perfect pair for any casual attire because of its sophisticated and straightforward approach.

This timepiece has a gray-tone dial with two subdials, which indicates seconds and minutes. Aside from this feature, the watch also has a date indicator in the lower middle where you can track the date every day. The hour markers and their hand and minute hands have a luminescence finish in grey-tone. 

This vintage watch has a silver-tone stainless steel case with a transparent back measuring around 42 mm in diameter. The dial and its transparent end are sealed with a quality crystal making it scratch-proof. For its movement caliber, they used a Glashutte original 37-02. The straps are from premium leather with a gray color, same with its dial.

This timepiece is nothing but perfection because of its minimalist and vintage design and its chronograph feature that would be a perfect fit for your new collection this year. You can purchase this timepiece at the watch company website for a price of $ 8,816.68.

Takeaway

Glashutte is one of the best brands globally known for its excellence, beauty, exclusivity, tradition, originality, and modernity. You can never go wrong with a Glashutte wristwatch on your wrist because all of its designs are eye-catchy and can be noticed easily.