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5 Surprising Facts About The Cure’s “Disintegration”

When The Cure’s Disintegration dropped in 1989, it was a defining moment in alternative rock. Deep, brooding, and lushly atmospheric, it remains a masterpiece that bridges gothic rock and mainstream success. But beyond the massive hits like Lovesong and Pictures of You, there are hidden stories that shaped the album’s creation. Here are five little-known facts that will make you appreciate Disintegration even more.

1. Robert Smith Believed 30 Was a Creative Expiry Date

By the time he was writing Disintegration, Robert Smith was in the grip of an existential crisis: he was about to turn 30. Convinced that rock legends produced their best work in their twenties, Smith pressured himself to create something monumental before reaching what he thought was a creative dead zone. This sense of urgency and dread fueled the album’s intensely melancholic sound, turning it into a reflective masterpiece about time, loss, and personal despair. Ironically, Disintegration would go on to prove that great art has no age limit.

2. Lullaby Was Inspired by Terrifying Childhood Bedtime Stories

Smith has given multiple explanations for Lullaby, but one of the most fascinating is that it was based on his father’s bedtime stories—ones that didn’t have happy endings. As a child, Smith was often told eerie, unsettling tales that would leave him afraid to fall asleep. The song’s whispered vocals and creeping spider imagery turn those childhood fears into a nightmarish lullaby, making it one of the most unsettling tracks on Disintegration. Whether it’s a metaphor for addiction, depression, or literal nightmares, Lullaby remains one of the band’s most haunting singles.

3. The Album’s Title Track Almost Tore the Band Apart

The recording sessions for Disintegration were notoriously tense, but things came to a breaking point while working on the title track. As Smith dove deeper into his self-imposed isolation, he imposed strict rules in the studio—barely speaking to his bandmates and refusing to compromise on his vision. Meanwhile, founding member Lol Tolhurst’s alcohol addiction had reached the point where he could barely function. When he showed up drunk to the mixing sessions, a shouting match ensued, leading to his firing from the band. The track Disintegration captures this exact moment, with its frenzied energy reflecting the chaos behind the scenes.

4. Pictures of You Was Inspired by a Fire in Robert Smith’s House

One of Disintegration’s most iconic tracks was born out of destruction. Smith wrote Pictures of You after a fire broke out in his home, forcing him to sift through the wreckage. In the aftermath, he found a half-burned wallet containing old photos of his wife, Mary Poole. The emotional weight of that discovery shaped the song’s yearning lyrics and cinematic soundscape. The single’s cover art even features one of those salvaged photographs, making the song’s backstory as deeply personal as its lyrics.

5. Fascination Street Was Inspired by a Drunken Night in New Orleans

For all of Disintegration’s introspection, Fascination Street is an outlier—it was written after a wild night on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Smith has described the song as capturing the energy of arriving in a new city, ready to embrace whatever chaos the nightlife has in store. But rather than celebrating the party, Fascination Street is more cynical, depicting a search for meaning in fleeting distractions. The song became the band’s first No. 1 hit on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks chart, proving that even The Cure’s most hedonistic moments had a brooding edge.

From existential crises to haunted lullabies, Disintegration cemented The Cure’s place in music history. Every song has a story, and every listen peels back another layer of its beautiful, sorrowful brilliance. So go ahead—put it on, close your eyes, and let the melancholy wash over you.

5 Surprising Facts About The Smiths’ “The Queen Is Dead”

Few albums have left as lasting an impact on indie rock as The Queen Is Dead. The Smiths’ 1986 masterpiece has been hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, filled with biting wit, melancholic beauty, and some of Johnny Marr’s most inventive guitar work. But even the most devoted fans may not know these five surprising facts about the album’s creation.

1. The Album Almost Had a More Brutal Title

Before settling on The Queen Is Dead, the band toyed with a working title that was even more provocative: Margaret on the Guillotine. The phrase, a reference to then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, would later resurface as the title of a Morrissey solo song. While The Smiths were no strangers to political statements, the title was deemed too extreme, and they instead drew inspiration from Hubert Selby Jr.’s novel Last Exit to Brooklyn, which featured the line “the queen is dead.”

2. Johnny Marr Used a Harmonizer to Manipulate Morrissey’s Voice

One of the most peculiar production choices on the album is the pitch-shifted backing vocals on Bigmouth Strikes Again. The ethereal, almost chipmunk-like harmonies were originally recorded by Kirsty MacColl, but Marr found her vocals “really weird” and decided to replace them with a sped-up version of Morrissey’s own voice. To credit the “singer,” the album sleeve lists the name Ann Coates—a play on Ancoats, an industrial district in Manchester.

3. The Opening Track Uses a Sample from a Forgotten 1960s Film

The album’s dramatic opening track, The Queen Is Dead, begins with a haunting snippet of the World War I song Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty, sung by Cicely Courtneidge in the 1962 British film The L-Shaped Room. The choice was deliberate: the film, about a pregnant woman navigating life as an outcast, aligned with Morrissey’s fascination with social misfits. The sampled snippet sets the tone for the entire album, blending nostalgia with rebellion.

4. Andy Rourke’s Bassline on the Title Track Was So Good, Johnny Marr Couldn’t Believe It

The thundering, almost punk-like energy of The Queen Is Dead is powered by Andy Rourke’s driving bassline—something that Johnny Marr later called “unmatched.” The part was developed in the studio during a jam session, and according to Marr, when Rourke locked into the groove, the entire band had an unspoken realization that they had captured something magical. When Rourke passed away in 2023, Marr specifically recalled this recording session, saying, “I’ll never forget watching him play that bassline.”

5. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” Almost Didn’t Make the Album

One of The Smiths’ most beloved songs, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, was initially considered for a lead single but was ultimately passed over in favor of Bigmouth Strikes Again. Even Johnny Marr wasn’t sure if the song would work, as he thought the guitar part wasn’t particularly interesting. Morrissey, however, insisted on keeping it—and history has proven him right. The song has since become an anthem of longing and escape, ranking among the greatest songs ever written.

The Queen Is Dead is a defining statement of alternative rock, filled with biting humor, raw emotion, and some of The Smiths’ most inventive musicianship. From hidden film samples to behind-the-scenes production quirks, these details add even more depth to one of the greatest albums of all time.

Wireless Headphones Market to Surge by $32.3 Billion by 2029, Driven by Smart Tech & Consumer Demand

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The global wireless headphones market size is estimated to grow by USD 32.3 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 20.7% during the forecast period. Increasing penetration of smart devices is driving market growth, with a trend towards ingress protection (ipx)-certified wireless headphones. However, high price of wireless headphones poses a challenge. Key market players include AIAIAI ApS, Apple Inc., beyerdynamic GmbH and Co. KG, Bose Corp., Creative Technology Ltd., FKA Distributing Co. LLC, GN Store Nord AS, Google LLC, Imagine Marketing Pvt. Ltd., JVCKENWOOD Corp., Koninklijke Philips NV, Logitech International SA, Nexxbase Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Panasonic Holdings Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sennheiser Electronic GmbH and Co. KG, Shure Inc., Skullcandy Inc., Sony Group Corp., and Xiaomi Inc..

The Wireless Headphones Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing trend of Active Noise-Cancelling units and Adaptive Noise-Cancelling technology. Consumers are spending more on these headphones for enhanced listening experience, especially during free time activities like Music streaming or Gaming. Affordable options with Customization and Configurable features are in high demand. Innovative designs and Smart Technologies like AI-assisted noise separation and Health monitoring are adding value. Bluetooth connectivity and Charging capabilities are essential factors, with longer Battery life and interoperability being key concerns. Comfortable designs and Ingress Protection are also important for consumers. The market caters to various user groups, including Gamers and Smartphone users. Production facilities are focusing on improving Efficiency and Functionality, while addressing Bluetooth problems and ensuring Interoperability and Compatibility with various devices. The Market for Wireless Headphones is expected to continue growing, driven by Consumer Spending, Modern looks, and the convenience of Wireless connectivity.

The wireless headphones market has seen significant growth due to the increasing usage of headphones for fitness activities in various environmental conditions. To cater to this demand, manufacturers have introduced new models with enhanced durability features. Some of these products are sweat-proof and water-resistant, ensuring continued use even in harsh conditions. The ear pads in a few models are removable and washable for added convenience. Several companies have incorporated IPX ratings into their products, providing protection against dust and water. For instance, an IPX1-rated device can withstand water droplets for ten minutes, while an IPX9-rated device offers protection against high-pressure water spray. These improvements cater to the needs of consumers seeking reliable and durable wireless headphones for their active lifestyles.

The Wireless Headphones Market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer spending on electronic devices and entertainment services during free time. Noise-cancellation features, such as active and adaptive models, are popular among music enthusiasts and gamers. Affordable, comfortable, and customizable options are essential for consumers. Bluetooth technology enables wireless connectivity, but challenges include battery life, charging capabilities, and potential Bluetooth problems. Designs are becoming more innovative, with modern looks and health monitoring features. Smart technologies, like AI-assisted noise separation and configurable functions, enhance user experience. Production facilities ensure efficiency, while interoperability and compatibility with various devices are crucial. In-ear and over-ear headphones cater to different preferences, and headphone types continue to evolve with advanced functions like sound profiles and pre-programmed filters. Smartphone manufacturers and users seek convenient, stylish, and smartphone-compatible headphones. Wi-Fi connection and infrared (IR) are emerging technologies in the market. Overall, the Wireless Headphones Market is driven by consumer demand for convenience, functionality, and innovation.

The global wireless headphones market is experiencing growth, with vendors offering premium products at high prices. Advanced technology and consumer demand for additional features contribute to the increased cost. For instance, sports and fitness wireless headphones command a higher price point. However, the high prices may deter adoption in developing countries. The following exhibit showcases the pricing structure of various wireless headphones. Vendors in the wireless headphones market, as of 2024, offer their products at premium prices. Technological advancements and consumer preferences for additional features are driving up costs. For example, sports and fitness wireless headphones typically come with a higher price tag. Despite the high prices, these products remain popular due to their unique features and benefits. However, the affordability of wireless headphones may be a concern for consumers in developing countries.

Wireless headphones offer several advantages in the music and entertainment industry. They provide privacy by preventing others from hearing the audio, enhancing the listening experience for individuals in public settings such as libraries. Wireless headphones also deliver high-quality audio with superior bass and treble compared to speakers of similar cost. The music and entertainment segment’s growth is driven by the increasing popularity of music culture and entertainment. Music streaming services are expanding their subscriber base and market presence by launching new services. Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions have improved audio streaming quality and the listening experience for music enthusiasts. Product advancements, including active noise cancellation (ANC) and near-field communication (NFC), provide consumers with an enhanced music listening experience. ANC technology in earphones and headphones eliminates background noise, while NFC establishes a wireless connection between devices with a simple tap. These factors are expected to fuel the growth of the wireless headphones market in the music and entertainment segment during the forecast period.

The Wireless Headphones Market encompasses various headphone types, including in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear designs. Advanced technology such as Bluetooth, Infrared, and Radio Frequency enable wireless connectivity to electronic devices like smartphones and computers. Headphones offer functionality beyond audio playback, including noise cancellation, active noise-canceling units, and AI-assisted noise separation. Ingress Protection ensures durability against water and dust. Consumers can customize their listening experience with various functions and customization options. Headphones are not limited to music playback, as they can also be used for gaming, virtual reality, and hands-free calls. User-friendly features, such as touch controls and voice assistants, enhance the user experience. Consumer spending on wireless headphones continues to grow, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for convenience and personalization. Production facilities prioritize quality and efficiency to meet the market’s demands.

The Wireless Headphones Market is a dynamic and innovative industry that caters to the growing demand for convenient and high-quality audio solutions. Wireless headphones come in various types, including in-ear and over-ear, and offer advanced features such as active and adaptive noise-canceling, AI-assisted noise separation, and configurable functions. These devices are designed to provide a comfortable and stylish listening experience, with modern looks and long battery life. Consumers are spending more on these gadgets, driven by the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to use them for entertainment services like music streaming and gaming. The market is also driven by the growing population of smartphone users and the integration of smart technologies like smart assistants and health monitoring features. The market is expected to continue growing, with a focus on innovation and customization, interoperability and compatibility, and efficiency.

Bud Light Brings the Party to the Cul-De-Sac with Post Malone, Shane Gillis & Peyton Manning for Super Bowl LIX

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It’s a party at the ‘sac! For Super Bowl LIX, Bud Light, the Official Beer Sponsor of the NFL, is back for football’s biggest weekend with a brand new campaign that is bound to be the talk of every cul-de-sac. The campaign’s new ad introduces music superstar Post Malone, actor and comedic powerhouse Shane Gillis, and NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning as BMOCs, otherwise known as “Big Men on Cul-De-Sac,” who are the neighbors everyone relies on to level-up a party with their entertaining expertise, state-of-the-art gadgets, and fully stocked coolers of Bud Light.

“For over forty years Bud Light has been at the center of every great backyard hang with the help of BMOCs. For Super Bowl LIX, we’re celebrating the neighbors that can turn up a party and are always on-hand to lend a few cold ones when your cooler runs dry,” said Todd Allen, SVP of Marketing for Bud Light. “For the campaign, we tapped three of our favorite partners in Post Malone, Shane Gillis and Peyton Manning who all undoubtedly deliver BMOC energy in their everyday lives and shared it on screen in hilarious fashion for Super Bowl LIX.”

The :60 second spot, “BMOC,” sees best buddies Post Malone and Shane Gillis enjoying the view from their lawn chairs when a neighbor asks for some help in turning up the vibes at his backyard party. Post and Shane jump into action, launching Bud Lights as party invitations to neighbors on the cul-de-sac as the party starts to heat up. Peyton Manning enters the party in a classic BMOC fit, consisting of jorts and a fanny-pack, as the whole cul-de-sac assembles for a good time where ice-cold Bud Lights are cracking, the meats are smoking, and the vibes are easy.

“The best way to describe how I feel about being in my fourth Bud Light Super Bowl commercial? HELL YEAH,” said Post Malone. “From being on set with Shane flinging Bud Lights with our leaf blowers, to Peyton in jorts – it’s always easy with Bud Light.”

“Being in a Super Bowl commercial with Post and Peyton is cool,” said Shane Gillis. “The sketches with Bud Light last year were fun so being able to do this with these guys was great.”

“It was easy getting into the BMOC role when I found out I’d be grilling steaks, drinking Bud Lights, and hanging out with Post Malone and Shane Gillis,” said Peyton Manning. “Getting to team up once again with Bud Light for Super Bowl LIX is an incredible honor – they always bring the good times and laughs, and this spot will definitely have fans wishing they could join this cul de sac.”

Post Malone isn’t just starting the party on the cul-de-sac, he will also be taking over New Orleans with Bud Light to kick off Super Bowl LIX weekend for the one-night only ‘Bud Light Backyard Presents Post Malone‘ show. On Friday, February 7, the 9x RIAA diamond-certified GRAMMY Award-nominated superstar Post Malone will hit the stage to perform his country croons and classic hits for fans 21+.

‘Interficial ARTelligence’ by Chuck D Chronicles His Iconic Encounters in Music, Politics, and Culture

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Legendary hip-hop artist Chuck D (Public Enemy, Prophets of Rage) details and illustrates his encounters with some of society’s most influential musicians, entertainers, politicians, athletes, and public figures in Interficial ARTelligence: Moments That Met Me.

Chuck D presents his encounters with some of his greatest heroes and other public figures. These seminal moments in Chuck D’s life include: an editorial meeting with John F. Kennedy Jr.; presenting an award to Davie Bowie; being recruited by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay to act in a film; eating chips and guac with Quincy Jones; being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Harry Belafonte; lobbying on Capitol Hill with Anita Baker; musical collaborations with Prince, Sheryl Crow, Janet Jackson, Erykah Badu, and John Mellencamp; and visiting Mumia Abu-Jamal in prison.

Chuck D says, “For a PErson like myself―an aged distance beyond a half century of life on Earth―I have experienced a vast array of PEople, PlacEs & Things. The memories are always a looping swirl in my mind. I’m often asked about them and I consider myself a decent storyteller. As an illustrator, I’m able to recreate that point of view as I saw it. So Interficial ARTelligence: Moments That Met Me is a tale with images from my PErspective in a time when so many people listen with their eyes.”

Chuck’s beautiful illustrations and remarkable commentary also include his cross-pollinations with: music industry titans like Berry Gordy and Ahmet Ertegun; musical icons Madonna, the Notorious B.I.G., the Rolling Stones, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Mavis Staples, Michael Stipe, Ice Cube, Patti LaBelle, Lenny Kravitz, and LL Cool J; athletes Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Julius Erving, Barry Bonds, and Barry Sanders; entertainers/actors Oprah Winfrey, Joan Rivers, Jeremy Piven, Dick Gregory, Robin Williams, Warren Beaty, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, and Spike Lee; political figures like Angela Davis and Jesse Jackson; and many more.

‘The Secret Public’ by Jon Savage Explores How Queer Artists Shaped Pop Music from 1955 to 1979

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A monumental history of the gay influence on popular culture, from the rise of Little Richard to the collapse of disco in 1979: award-winning author Jon Savage takes us on a fast and captivating journey through the history of pop music as seen through the eyes of queer artists in ‘The Secret Public: How Music Moved Queer Culture From the Margins to the Mainstream.’

Jon Savage, the author of the canonical England’s Dreaming, explodes new ground in this electrifying history of pop music from 1955 through 1979. In demonstrating that gay and lesbian artists were responsible for many of the greatest cultural breakthroughs in the last half of the twentieth century, he shows that it was their secretly encoded music―appealing to a closeted but greatly oppressed public―which led to the historic dismantling of discriminatory gay laws and the fusion of queer and straight culture.

Fittingly, Savage’s kaleidoscopic work begins with the pomp-and-pompadour appearance of Little Richard, whose relentlessly driving sound, replete with gospel shrieks and sexual contortions, enthralled a generation of 1950s stultified white teenagers. Things soon went mainstream, as Elvis enthralled a nation with his seductive low moans and bump-and-grind twists, heavily derivative of Black music, while James Dean and Rock Hudson became the face of 1950s Hollywood; yet this explosion of queer expression remained covert and could not be accepted for what it was.

While music, with supporting roles from cinema and fashion, became the key medium through which homosexuality could be clandestinely enacted, overt expressions of gay behavior were met with arrests and crackdowns. While hippies reveled in 1967’s “Summer of Love,” gays remained “harassed by police, demonized by the media and politicians, imprisoned simply for being who they were.” J. Edgar Hoover, himself a closeted homosexual, continued to spy on homosexual deviants; CBS’s Mike Wallace aired an invidious show about homosexuality; and the New York police continued to raid gay bars.

Yet the music itself produced a cultural eruption that simply could not be stanched. While Bette Midler sang “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boys” to a Continental Baths audience of 600 gay men, all naked except for towels, David Bowie “blew the whole topic wide open” and “became the most totemic pop star of his generation.” Even though roadblocks remained, the gear-grinding crunch of the music signaled that the gay civil rights movement could no longer be suppressed.

Ending the narrative with the sudden collapse of disco, The Secret Public asserts then that the genie was out of the bottle, that queer culture had finally entered the mainstream, producing a transcendent vision of pop culture that could never be marginalized again.

Liberace Gets Groovy with the Young Folk on The Red Skelton Hour In 1968

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In a dazzling display of showmanship, Liberace joins forces with the Young Folk for a groovy, genre-blending rendition of Feelin’ Groovy on The Red Skelton Hour in 1968 — where classical flair meets ’60s folk-pop charm.

Own a Piece of AC/DC’s Legacy with This Exclusive Stamp Collection Souvenir

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For five electrifying decades, AC/DC has been delivering high-voltage rock and roll to fans worldwide. Now, you can celebrate their legendary legacy in a whole new way with a fact-packed foldout souvenir featuring all 12 official AC/DC stamps from The Royal Mail — a must-have for any die-hard fan or collector.

This beautifully designed Presentation Pack captures the band’s meteoric rise, from their hard-hitting early days to their status as global rock icons. Featuring eight stamps from the main set and the Albums Miniature Sheet, this collection pays homage to some of the most iconic moments and albums in rock history.

Inside, you’ll find expert insights from music journalist Jason Draper, alongside stunning visuals of AC/DC’s powerhouse performances and career-defining hits. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the band or a stamp collector with a passion for music, this souvenir is a one-of-a-kind tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

The AC/DC Stamp Collection Souvenir is available starting February 18 for £22.10—don’t miss your chance to add this collector’s item to your rock and roll memorabilia!

‘South Side Impresarios’ by Samantha Ege Unveils the Black Women Who Transformed Chicago’s Classical Music Scene

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Between the world wars, Chicago Race women nurtured a local yet widely resonant Black classical music community entwined with Black civic life. In ‘South Side Impresarios How Race Women Transformed Chicago’s Classical Music Scene,’ Samantha Ege tells the stories of the Black women whose acumen and energy transformed Chicago’s South Side into a wellspring of music making.

Ege focuses on composers like Florence Price, Nora Holt, and Margaret Bonds not as anomalies but as artists within an expansive cultural flowering. Overcoming racism and sexism, Black women practitioners instilled others with the skill and passion to make classical music while Race women like Maude Roberts George, Estella Bonds, Neota McCurdy Dyett, and Beulah Mitchell Hill built and fostered institutions central to the community. Ege takes readers inside the backgrounds, social lives, and female-led networks of the participants while shining a light on the scene’s audiences, supporters, and training grounds. What emerges is a history of Black women and classical music in Chicago and the still-vital influence of the world they created.

A riveting counter to a history of silence, South Side Impresarios gives voice to an overlooked facet of the Black Chicago Renaissance.

“Music Films” by Neil Fox Explores the Cultural and Cinematic Impact of Music Documentaries

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In Music Films, Neil Fox considers a broad range of music documentaries, delving into their cinematic style, political undertones, racial dynamics, and gender representations, in order to assess their role in the cultivation of myth.

Combining historical and critical analyses, and drawing on film and music criticism, Fox examines renowned music films such as A Hard Day’s Night (1964), Dig! (2004), and Amazing Grace (2006), critically lauded works like Milford Graves Full Mantis (2018) and Mistaken for Strangers (2013), and lesser-studied films including Jazz on a Summer’s Day (1959) and Ornette: Made in America (1985). In doing so, he offers a comprehensive overview of the genre, situating these films within their wider cultural contexts and highlighting their formal and thematic innovations.

Discussions in the book span topics from concert filmmaking to music production, the music industry, touring, and filmic representations of authenticity and truth. Overall, Music Films traces the evolution of the genre, highlighting its cultural significance and connection to broader societal phenomena.