Latest Posts

Column 35: Ranking the Beats of Bond

November 13, 2015

James Bond is inarguably one of the most famous characters in the history of cinema. And while each entry into the well-known franchise has given us a new tale in the classic spy series, it’s also provided us with a new definitive pop theme. It’s interesting to look at the change over the years as the themes not only reflect the changes in the series but the evolution of pop music. From Louis Armstrong to Madonna, Paul McCartney to Sheryl Crow, and A-ha to Sam Smith, singer of Bond’s most recent theme from Spectre, the series themes almost read as interesting timeline of pop culture itself. But which theme is the absolute best? 5. “A View to Kill” – Duran Duran (1985) Over the years, there have been many attempts to create a more modern or original Bond theme, one less classical and more in fitting with the times, and of all those[...]

Just Announced: Paul McCartney

August 25, 2015

It seems like rumors have been floating around town for nearly a year that Paul McCartney would be coming to Buffalo for a concert, and those rumors finally turned into a reality this morning as word got out that the “cute Beatle” would be performing at the First Niagara Center on Thursday, October 22nd. In a better late than never moment, this will be Sir Paul’s first show in Buffalo during his long career, and for WNY fans of the legendary musician, the show could not have come any sooner. After the Rolling Stones came to town earlier this summer, 2015 is shaping up to be a good year for fans of defining British Invasion acts. No word on whether Herman’s Hermits will also be making an area appearance before the year is up. Tickets will go on sale this Monday, August 31st, for $29.50 to a robust $253.50.

Is “FourFiveSeconds” Even A Song?

January 26, 2015

On paper, the Kanye West-Paul McCartney-Rihanna collaboration “FourFiveSeconds” looks huge, a swing-for-the-fences song that could actually change things. It features two of the world’s greatest pop stars, plus a Beatle, and other wild card talent, but virtually none of their presence is felt. The legendary Paul McCartney is reduced to tapping on a few keyboards—maybe guitar. Kanye deploys a brief, auto-tuneless vocal performance that is totally mailed in, and I have no idea what David Longstreth of the Dirty Projectors is doing here. For all we know, he was just hanging out in the same room while the song was recorded and got some props. A total of 10 people are credited here – a spare acoustic guitar song – that sounds like it was mixed down from just four tracks. The song’s uplifting, face-the-day tone feels like it could be sung at AA meetings or in one of those[...]

Tonight: The Bloody Beetroots

June 5, 2014

When I think of The Bloody Beetroots, I hear “1, 2, WOOP, WOOP,” a humming scratching, a ticking clock and the guttural screams of “Warp.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/18855122″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] From Italy, Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo is known for his punk influence on the electronic world. He adorns a mask during performance and is known to many as The Bloody Beetroots. Whether it be a DJ set or a live performance, it is more than just dance music. The art of the Beetroots spans time and history, and incorporates cultural influences that set the sound apart from the rest. Last year, The Bloody Beetroots did a collaboration with Paul McCartney. The music video for that song, “Out of Sight,” truly captures the poetic essence of who Rifo is. “Electronic dance music is the bridge that spans my musical influences. My intention was to use the energy of punk[...]