Artists Archive
How Kid Rock’s “Picture” Opened the Door for Country Crossover Artists
May 20, 2014
In many ways, Kid Rock’s 2002 hit single “Picture” was a trend-setting moment for popular music, when many successful veteran musicians saw an opportunity to integrate their sound with country flair. The marketing prowess of country music is clear, with fervent followings in the South and Midwest helping make country music one of the biggest
What Can We Expect From the Jay Z, Beyonce Stadium Tour
May 17, 2014
The perfect power couple of popular music, Jay-Z and Beyonce, recently announced the ultimate blend of money-spinner and artistic endeavor: a joint tour, “On the Run,” named after their later collaboration on her last album. Between Beyonce dropping a surprise new album last year and Jay-Z’s huge success with his joint tour with Kanye West
What Story Will Jay Z’s Legacy Tell?
May 9, 2014
Jay-Z is truly a force to be reckoned with at this stage in his career. At 44, he’s got an estimated net worth of $520 million, is married to one of the foremost pop stars of our time, and has a formidable twelve albums under his belt. Jay-Z, real name Shawn Corey Carter, has been
Posh Pop And A Decade of Keane’s ‘Hopes and Fears’
May 8, 2014
On May 10th this year, it will be exactly ten years since Keane’s Hopes and Fears charted in 19 countries worldwide. An emotionally charged, soft melodic rock record that would start the careers of four Sussex lads who to date have released four studio albums and charted worldwide with gentle anthems like “Crystal Ball”, “Somewhere
So What Do Arcade Fire and Plato Have in Common?
May 7, 2014
So, being a cultured type, you know immediately what I’m talking about when I bring up Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, dontcha? Well, I’ll explain anyway (mainly for my own sake). Imagine a cave. In this cave are a bunch of people, restrained in such a way that they simply have no choice but to
Lorde and Iggy Azalea Seem to Misunderstand Music Journalism
April 30, 2014
Lorde has recently taken to her Tumblr blog to write a short post complaining about the music press. To explain her point, she posted an image of Complex’s October/November 2013 issue with Iggy Azalea on the cover next to Complex’s recent review of Iggy’s debut album titled “Iggy Azalea’s ‘The New Classic’ Isn’t Really.” Underneath
Avril Lavigne’s “Hello Kitty” is Stupid, Not Racist
April 25, 2014
A little noise has generated around the video for Avril Lavigne’s latest track “Hello Kitty”, with comments ranging from the rather agreeable verdict from Billboard that it’s “the weakest song” on her fifth album to calls for the 29-year-old to stop her racist ways. It’s not racist, but if you’d of done the same with
Paul Weller Is Right To Be Angry About eBay
April 24, 2014
Immediately after I found out that Paul Weller was bowing out of all future Record Store Days because his limited edition single ended up on eBay, I was dumbstruck at how ignorant he seemed of the world he now lived in. People have always sold things, I thought, after handing over the single on this
Will the Beastie Boys Ever Tour Again?
April 23, 2014
Pretty much everyone in the world has heard the Beastie Boys at some point. Whether you had that one friend who was into hip-hop and would insist upon putting them on every time you turned your back on the music at a party or you’re a hardcore fan of your own accord, they’re a legitimate
Leonard Cohen’s Impact on Folk Music
April 22, 2014
Leonard Cohen’s impact on folk music is immeasurable. The longtime singer/songwriter is widely considered to be a poet first, and a musician second – but that’s only if you have to choose. Cohen ingeniously combines beautiful folk stylings with lyrics that are emotionally ornate and verbally idiosyncratic enough to be considered poetry. His words inspire
