Artists Archive
How Bruce Springsteen Influenced The Killers
November 6, 2013
The Killers’ music has received a polarizing response for several reasons. The band’s oft-mentioned comparisons to past greats are one reason. Early material reminded of ‘80s synth-rock, with names like Duran Duran and The Cure popping up to coincide with the success of their 2004 debut, Hot Fuss. They were still remote comparisons though, with
Best Live Covers Performed by Dave Matthews Band
November 5, 2013
Dave Matthews Band wows its audience frequently with massive sets lists consisting of their original material, which spans over eight full-lengths. DMB have released over twice the amount of live albums, though, and plenty of them feature superb cover versions of tracks many of us know and love. While difficult to identify the best, here
The Battle of Madonna and Lady Gaga
November 4, 2013
Not exactly a stranger to the concept of the celebrity feud, Madonna’s lengthy reign as the Queen of Pop never really came under any genuine threat from those who dared to challenge for her crown. That was of course until Lady Gaga arrived all guns blazing at the tail end of the 00s. Displaying a
Five Essential Van Morrison Albums
November 4, 2013
Renowned as the grumpiest man in rock, Belfast troubadour Van Morrison is still going strong after 45 years in the business, with his recent release, Born To Sing: No Plan B receiving some of the most glowing reviews of his career. But with 34 studio albums under his belt, any recent converts wishing to investigate
Best Covers Recorded By Blake Shelton
October 27, 2013
A judge on the TV talent shows Nashville Star, Clash Of The Choirs and The Voice, country singer Blake Shelton knows a thing or two about interpreting other artists’ songs having recorded a number of cover versions since emerging on the scene in 2001. Here’s a look at ten of his best. Footloose One of
The Who’s 50th Anniversary Dates to be Their Final Tour
October 26, 2013
It’s a sad, sad day for fans of the Who. Speaking to the Evening Standard at a screening for band documentary Sensation, Who guitarist and one-half of the band’s surviving members, Pete Townshend said: “For the 50th anniversary we’ll tour the world. It’ll be the last big one for us. There are still plenty of
How Hayley Williams Became Emo’s First Heroine
October 26, 2013
Previously an almost exclusively male domain, the emo-pop scene became blessed with its first true female icon in 2005 when Tennessee quintet Paramore arrived with their debut album, All We Know Is Falling. Armed with a neon orange and yellow hairstyle, a feisty girl power attitude and a perceived dominance over her four teenage boy
Best Bruce Springsteen Songs That Were Never Singles
October 25, 2013
“Born In The U.S.A.,” “Dancing In The Dark,” “Streets of Philadelphia” – Bruce Springsteen’s back catalog is littered with anthemic hits which have defined a particular moment in American culture. But with seventeen studio albums to his name, some of his best material remains tucked away from the mainstream. Here’s a look at seven of
Toby Keith vs The Dixie Chicks
October 24, 2013
Amidst the death threats and record-burning protests that emerged in the wake of Natalie Maines’ comments about President Bush (“we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas”), the Dixie Chicks also had to deal with vocal opposition from a much more high-profile figure, namely Oklahoma singer-songwriter Toby Keith. Indeed, the feud
How Muse Helped To Bring Prog-Rock Back Into Fashion
October 21, 2013
Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Van Der Graaf Generator, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Supertramp – during the 70s, you couldn’t move for prog-rock bands clogging up the album charts. But after the emergence of back-to-basics punk-rock made the concept of weird elaborate costumes, Tolkien-esque lyrics and 15-minute keyboard solos appear too much trouble, the genre became
