Category: Pop (Page 195 of 216)

In my heart of hearts, I know it would only be a disappointment…

June 14, 2006 / Will Harris

…but, man, did I get just a little bit excited when I read that the surviving original members of the Beach Boys reunited for the first time in public since 1996 and Brian Wilson said there was a chance they might play together again.

The reason for the reunion was to celebrate the band’s 2003 collection, “Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of the Beach Boys,” going double-platinum, but, really, who cares why they came together? It’s just awesome seeing Brian W ilson, Al Jardine, Mike Love, and Bruce Johnston (not an original member, but certainly a name instantly associated with the band, given that he’s been with them since the ’60s) standing side by side again. David Marks, who filled in for Jardine for awhile during the ’60s, was also on hand, which was pretty cool for longtime fans.

Wilson’s been known to offer optimistic statements like this that have ended up going nowhere (anyone remember his talk about how he and Paul McCartney were doing an album together?), but, man, I sure would like to be able to say that I saw a Brian Wilson-led version of the Beach Boys before I die…or before they do, which is the more likely occurence, statistically speaking.

Artists, News, Pop

Super Furry Animals: “The Horn”

June 13, 2006 / John Paulsen

Granted, after eight albums, I’m a little late to jump on the Super Furry Animals’ tiny bandwagon, but their new(est) disc, Love Kraft, is pretty damn good, and “The Horn” is the most accessible single of the bunch. “Psyclone!” and “Zoom” are the other big highlights, but the whole album, consisting of less SFA psychedelia and more pop, is pretty solid.

Check out some song clips here.

Alternative, Artists, Deep Cuts, Pop, Rock, Songs

Finally, someone understands what music downloaders want…

May 31, 2006 / Will Harris

…and, unsurprisingly, it’s Rhino Records, who’ve already been catering to the music geek community for years with their Rhino Handmade label.

It hasn’t been publicized nearly enough, but if you visit the label’s website, you’ll see a link to a new section simply called “Digital.” It’s not a particularly glamorous section; in fact, the intro only consists of three sentences.

Sometimes great albums go out of print. It’s just a fact of life. Here are some from the Warner Music Group vaults that we’ve brought back as high-quality digital downloads.

The downloads are 99 cents per track, and they cover various genres, but those who’ve wanted to hunt up certain out-of-print discs but couldn’t afford the eBay pricetag will be giddy to hear things like Guadalcanal Diary’s Jamboree, Marshall Crenshaw’s Downtown and Mary Jean & 9 Others, the Dream Academy’s self-titled debut, or the Dead Boys’ We Have Come For Your Children will now have their chance. Selection is pretty limited at the moment, but here’s hoping the endeavor proves successful enough to cause the Warner vaults to be opened wide…

Now, there’s one thing you should note: as it stands right now, these tracks are available as WMA downloads for Windows users only.

Which sucks.

But, still, it’s a start…

Alternative, Artists, Country, Hip Hop, Jazz, Music Labels, News, Pop, Rap, Rock, Songs

Hip-hop Hilton…? God help us.

May 30, 2006 / Will Harris

Paris Hilton says her debut album, as yet untitled, will be a mixture of reggae, pop, and hip-hop.

That’s right, kids, because ain’t nobody tougher than Paris, yo. And ain’t nothin’ more hardcore than her doin’ a cover of Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” know what I’m sayin’…?

Actually, the most ridiculous thing about this article is the quote from Paris where she says she had to overcome shyness to become a singer. “When I finally let go and did it,” she said, “I realized it is what I am most talented at and what I love to do the most.”

Given the previous “talent” she’s shown as an actress…am I the only one who cheered when she bought it in “House of Wax”?…one can only hope she shows a bit more aptitude with this project.

Artists, News, Pop, Rock Babes

Snow Patrol: “Hands Open” & “Chasing Cars”

May 25, 2006 / John Paulsen

Fans of Snow Patrol’s third album should be satisfied with their fourth, Eyes Open. Give the boys credit, they stuck to the template that made Final Straw such a success. “Hands Open” is this year’s “Chocolate,” while “Chasing Cars” seems to have the same framework as “Run.”

You can hear both songs on the band’s My Space page.