Just a reminder of how great The Smile – Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner – were performing on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert to promote their sonically adventurous album, A Light for Attracting Attention.
Matt Damon and Julia Roberts Take Center Stage Roasting George Clooney
In 2022, the atmosphere at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony was electrified with laughter as Matt Damon and Julia Roberts took the stage, delivering uproarious and light-hearted speeches aimed directly at George Clooney.
Sacha Baron Cohen Brings The House Down As Borat Sings U2
In 2022, The Kennedy Center Honors took an unexpected turn as the ceremony received an unanticipated dose of irreverent humor when Borat made a special appearance. Sacha Baron Cohen, in character as Kazakhstan’s best journalist, injected a comedic twist into the prestigious event by delivering a series of uproarious roasts paying tribute to U2.
South Korea’s Sole Vinyl Record Producer: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Unique Operation
In the heart of South Korea, the nation’s sole vinyl record producer operates as a beacon for analog enthusiasts in the digital age. This unique LP records manufacturing factory stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of vinyl in a world dominated by digital music. The mass production process within this facility involves a meticulous journey, starting with the creation of a master disc and progressing through the pressing, trimming, and packaging stages. Skilled technicians oversee the delicate art of vinyl mastering, ensuring the fidelity and authenticity of the sound. The pressing machines, reminiscent of a bygone era, work their magic, transforming raw vinyl pellets into the grooved discs that capture the warmth and nostalgia audiophiles crave. Each step in the process reflects a dedication to preserving the timeless charm of vinyl records, making this factory a vital hub for those who appreciate the tactile experience and sonic richness that only vinyl can deliver.
Lemmy Kilmister Rocks the Silver Screen With A Legendary Cameo in ‘Airheads’
Lemmy Kilmister, the iconic frontman of Motörhead, left a huge mark not only on the music scene but also on the silver screen with his legendary cameo in the film “Airheads.” As a symbol of rebellious rock ‘n’ roll spirit, Lemmy seamlessly integrated his raw energy and charisma into the film’s narrative in just 20 seconds.
Dave Grohl and Jack Black Team Up to Rock the Hanukkah Sessions with a Powerful Tribute to Rush’s ‘The Spirit of Radio’
In a spectacular celebration of musical talent and camaraderie, Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin delivered a stunning homage to the legendary band Rush during the third installment of their “Hanukkah Sessions” in 2022. The renowned musicians, known for their collaborative holiday covers, took on Rush’s iconic “The Spirit of Radio” with all the finesse and flair as you’d expect. What made this performance even more extraordinary was the inclusion of the irrepressible Jack Black, whose charismatic presence added a new dimension to the tribute.
Fleetwood Mac’s Isolated Vocals For “The Chain”
“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac was released on their critically acclaimed and commercially successful album “Rumours” in 1977. The album is one of the best-selling albums of all time and features some of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic songs. “The Chain” is unique among the tracks on “Rumours” as it is the only song on the album credited to all five members of the band at the time: Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Stevie Nicks. The song was created by combining various unused studio takes, with each member contributing different parts to the final composition.
Rihanna’s Isolated Vocals For “Lift Me Up”
Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” was released on October 28, 2022, by Westbury Road, Roc Nation, Def Jam, and Hollywood Records, as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the 2022 superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song marks Rihanna’s first solo music output since her 2016 studio album, Anti, and was written by Rihanna, Nigerian singer Tems, Ryan Coogler, and produced by Ludwig Göransson.
My Next Read: “Anatomy of 55 More Songs: The Oral History of 55 Hits That Changed Rock, R&B, and Soul” By Marc Myers
Following his 2016 smash hit Anatomy of a Song, acclaimed music journalist Marc Myers collects fifty-five new oral histories of iconic songs from his popular Wall Street Journal column.
Songs that sell the most copies become hits, but some of those hits become something more—iconic recordings that not only inspire a generation but also change the direction of music. In Anatomy of 55 More Songs, based on his column for the Wall Street Journal, music journalist and historian Marc Myers tells the story behind fifty-five rock, pop, R&B, country, and soul-gospel hits through intimate interviews with the artists who wrote and recorded them.
Part oral history, part musical analysis, Anatomy of 55 More Songs ranges from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” to Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By,” The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” and Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” Bernie Taupin recalls how he wrote the lyrics to Elton John’s “Rocket Man;” Joan Jett remembers channeling her rage against how she had been unfairly labeled and treated as a female rocker into “Bad Reputation;” and Ozzy Osbourne, Elvis Costello, Bob Weir, Sheryl Crow, Alice Cooper, Roberta Flack, John Mellencamp, Keith Richards, Carly Simon, and many others reveal the emotions and technique behind their major works.
This new, expanded edition of the book features three new songs: “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” by War, and “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners. Through an absorbing chronological, song-by-song analysis of the most memorable post-war hits, Anatomy of 55 More Songs provides a sweeping look at the evolution of pop music between 1964 and today. This book will change how you listen to music and evaluate the artists who create it.
My Next Read: “The Listening Party Volume 2: Artists, Bands and Fans Reflect on Over 90 Favorite Albums” By Tim Burgess
Sit back, relax, and relive the memories of over 90 more classic albums selected by Tim Burgess from his legendary Listening Parties.
In less than 2 years, tens of thousands of music lovers have pressed play at the same time as legendary musicians to share the communal experience of a Listening Party. Over 1,000 online events, fans and artists – from McCartney to Blondie, Joy Division to Iron Maiden – have shared insightful recollections, intimate conversations and behind-the-scenes revelations. This follow-up to the bestselling The Listening Party Volume 1 gathers together over 90 more of the most essential parties and celebrates the unique power of a Listening Party to connect music creators with listeners. It’s an appropriate tribute to the unifying power of music and how it continues to enthrall millions around the world every single day.