lunes, noviembre 04, 2024

In Memoriam: The Legendary Producer "Quincy Jones" Dies At 91

Quincy Jones, the legendary record producer, & arranger whose influence spanned more than seven decades, has died at 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed his death in a statement, noting that Jones died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles’ Bel Air neighborhood. The statement did not specify the cause. 

Known for producing Michael Jackson’s landmark albums "Thriller" and "Bad," Jones’ career far exceeded even those iconic works. Jones transformed genres, introduced new styles, and championed Black artistry in a largely segregated industry. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 2013.

His contributions as a record producer, arranger, composer, and performer reflect a boundless curiosity that kept him at the cutting edge of music across generations. His presence shaped countless albums, film scores, and even social movements, making him a bridge between jazz, R&B, pop, and hip-hop and between Black and white audiences.

Jones began as a jazz trumpeter, arranging for bands like Count Basie’s and becoming a respected composer in his own right. His compositions for films, including "The Pawnbroker" and “The Color Purple,” displayed his extraordinary range, mixing classical, jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban influences. His television scores, such as those for “Sanford and Son” and “Ironside,” brought Black music to mainstream audiences, shaping a generation’s auditory landscape.

The three Jackson albums Jones produced — "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" — stand among his most famous works. The albums broke sales records and redefined the global pop music industry, bridging racial divides and setting new standards for production. And however, Jones’ career had already reached milestones before those Jackson records. He had become the first Black vice president at Mercury Records in 1964 and had garnered critical acclaim for his arrangement of Count Basie’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Over time, he received 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, a record surpassed only by a few.

Born in Chicago on March 14, 1933, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. faced a childhood filled with challenges and resilience. According to his official biography, Jones was primarily raised by his father, a carpenter, after his mother was diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder. Moving to Seattle in his early teens, he honed his craft in a music scene as diverse as his musical inclinations. By 15, Jones had already earned a spot in Lionel Hampton’s band, launching a career that would take him across the globe and into the company of musical greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Ray Charles, who would become a lifelong friend and collaborator. Jones’ time as a jazz bandleader and arranger in the 1950s established his name in elite music circles, but his ambitions led him into film and television scoring, where he created iconic soundtracks. 

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Jones’s music could be heard in theaters and living rooms, with scores for films like “In Cold Blood” and “The Deadly Affair” and contributions to Alex Haley’s “Roots,” the celebrated mini-series. His soundtrack for “The Color Purple” in 1985, adapted from Alice Walker’s novel, remains a cultural milestone.

In 1985, Jones united more than 40 of the world’s biggest music stars for the charity single "We Are the World," raising awareness and funds for famine relief in Africa. The project’s success further cemented his reputation as a visionary capable of bridging divides for a greater cause. His label, Qwest, produced a roster as diverse as his interests, featuring artists from George Benson to the experimental jazz saxophonist Sonny Simmons. Through the 1990s and 2000s, Jones expanded his reach beyond music, producing television hits like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the magazine Vibe. 

In his later years, he remained active, working on projects that celebrated his love for jazz and hip-hop alike. In 2022, he collaborated with The Weeknd on "Dawn FM," delivering a spoken monologue reflecting his decades of life and artistry. His work became a rich tapestry, woven with threads from every major genre and cultural moment in modern American history.

Jones leaves behind seven children, Jolie, Kidada, Kenya, Martina, Rachel, Rashida and Quincy III, in addition to his brother Richard, and sisters Margie Jay and Theresa Frank.

jueves, octubre 31, 2024

Rocktrospectiva: The Powerful "Big Music" Turns 10

Released on 31 October 2024, "Big Music" was the 16th., studio album by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, the album spawned three singles "Honest Town, "Let The Day Begin", & "Midnight Walking".

The story of the album began in the days of their previous studio album "Graffiti Soul", according to Jim Kerr, the band had a lot of ideas at the moment, so the chance to write two albums simultaneously was something for real, indeed several tracks were omitted from "Graffiti Soul" the vibe full of passion, power, raw urgency and vitality was a plus. 

The retunr of Mel Gaynor to drums brougth a familiar propeller to band itself, this aided a lot the classic foundation of Charlie Burchill on guitars and Andy Gillespie on synths supporting Kerr's roaring voice, so this album practically finds the band as a complete circle, gaining inspiration from 1979 rediscovering the urgency of certain record such as "Empires And Dance" & "Sons And Fascination", but instead to recreated they just integrated with the guitar-focus on works suchs as "NEw Gold Dream", "Sparkle In The Rain" and "Once Upon A Time" and you can notice this on three tracks such as "Blindfolded", "Midnight Walking" and "Imagination" draw inspiration on the band's 1982-1985 period full of big beats and drums programming with and edgy guitar. 

Jim Kerr's phrasing and trademark voice is remarkable on "Honest Town" which was written by Iain Cook of Chvrches, "Someone Somewhere In Summertime" is brilliant with Kerr pulsating narrative through the track, "Blood Diamonds", the other Cook written by Cook, gathers a a synth-driven vintage sound to a modern dance pop, "Kill Or Cure" is fantastice with its fat bassline, synth pulses and shimmering guitars in the verses, "Imagination" has a certain The Cult guitar intro influence, other irresistible tracks are "Concrete And Cherry Blossom" and "broken Glass Park" both cotains irresistible hooks and warm atmosphere supporting Kerr's dramatic voice, and finally The Call's cover "Let The Day Begin" surrounded by zig-zagging synths and roaring guitars by Burchill.

Practically the album has everything you can expect drom the band, who finally seems to come to gather all the pieces of their identity to turn this album into their most consistent work since "Once Upon A Time".

The critics were positive considered the album as their best in decades, matching the bold music within with the title, embracing their past and looking forward the future, an album to fully appreciate again the band, that helped the album to reach No. 12 on the UK Albums chart.
 
Big Music Track List:
 
1. Blindfolded
2. Midnight Walking
3. Honest Town
4. Big Music
5. Human
6. Blood Diamonds
7. Let The Day Begin
8. Concrete And Cherry Blossom
9. Imagination
10. Kill Or Cure
11. Broken Glass Park
12. Spirited Away

Rocktrospectiva: The Finest "Can't Fight Fate" Turns 35

Released on 31 October 1989, although some other recalled it was on 7 October "Can't Fight Fate" was the second studio album by American singer Taylor Dayne, the album continued her chart success spawning four massive singles "With Every Beat Of My Heart" No. 5, "I'll Be Your Shelter" No. 4, "Heart Of Stone" No. 12 and of course he brilliant and her most synonymous song "Love Will Lead Your Back" that peaked at No. 1

One of the most fantastic and truly gifted vocalist of the late 80's., early 90's, her powerful and incredibly soulful vocals would go on to help secure her as not only one of the ‘80s strongest voices, but also one of the strongest of all time for certain people. The artist went on to do something that most artists struggle with, she released an equally, or maybe better, follow-up album. Like its predecessor, Can’t Fight Fate also delivered ten strong tracks, this time with the likes of the legendary hitmaker Dianne Warre.

On "Can’t Fight Fate" the artist gently tried to move away from the dance tracks from their Tell It To My Heart days. You can find a much more adult contemporary feel about this album, certain tracks from this album had supposedly been offered to Dayne’s peers at the time, perhaps Tina Turner or Whitney Houston, but were ultimately turned down. So they looked forward to Dayne and she not only gained some incredible songs, but she now had the music and production to sink that enormous voice into. 

Although the album is set in the adult contemporary genre, notable tracks like "I’ll Be Your Shelter" sit firmly in the pop arena, but with Warren"s artistry, they paved the way for Dayne’s vocals to remain unrestricted. The album's lead single "With Every Beat of My Heart" appeared as if it was designed to capitalize on the formula that had so clearly worked prior, and it did, confirming that Dayne was anything but a one hit wonder with a big voice.

The track "Heart of Stone." showcases the strength and soul in Dayne's vocals, and what about the feeling on "Love Will Lead You Back" one of the most heartbreaking power ballads ever released, "You Can't Fight Fate," also penned by Warren, and "Ain’t No Good" continue with this adult contemporary feel, heading into rock territory, something that worked wonders with Dayne’s voice. The dance floor was not forgotten either so she included "Up All Night," now this is a pure club classic.

Critics noticed and declared the album was lush and dramatic, especially for the power ballads, but the rock tracks here were the real killers, delivering a true rock star sound, the album is considered one of the most diverse and exciting dance pop and rock album from that magical and golden era in the late 80's/early 90's, unfortunately, she would not go on to achieve the same commercial success that both of these albums, in particular Can’t Fight Fate, went on to achieve. Even the phenomenal balladry that Dayne delivered on “Love Will Lead You Back” was not enough to see the singer secure the same commercial success she had become accustomed to, maybe because the times and sounds changed in the years to come, nevertheless, this is Dayne’s finest work to date. 
 
Can't Fight Fate Track List:  
 
1. With Every Beat Of My Heart
2. I'll Be Your Shelter
3. Love Will Lead You Back
4. Heart Of Stone
5. You Can't Fight Fate
6. Up All Night
7. I Know The Feeling
8. Wait For Me
9. You Meant The World Of Me
10. Ain't No Good 

Rocktrospectiva: The Rawer "Book Of Days" Turns 35


Released on 31 October 1989, "Book Of Days" was the sixth studio album by the English alternative rock band The Psychedelic Furs, the album peaked at No. 74 in the UK and No. 138 on the Billboard 200, spawned two singles "Should God Forget" and "House" which peaked at No. 8 and No. 1 respectively on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. 
 
Co-produced by David M. Allen, the album marked the return of original member Vince Ely,  the album was deemed as dense, murky, agitated, dark, raw and hauntingly pretty that captures the attention of long time fans, the voice of Butler was so intense and the guitars were perfectly rawer to create an alternative rock sound that was emerging back then.

The band was looking to return to their roots, so this album was a rawer return thanks in part to Ely's return, the sound caught everyone as a surprise, cause the public expected more of their polished pop hits but nevertheless, the album is still highly regarded and remains an integral part of their canon today.
 
The album has interesting tunes such as the brilliant "All That Money Wants", propelled by Vince Ely fine work on drums, definitely "Book Of Days"  benefited from a great producer Dave Allen, whose work with the Cure is partially echoed at many points on this textured and intense collection of songs. Perhaps Richard Butler's voice isn't remarkably different than before but he sounds better all the same, this was taking in count by Allen letting his voice through the mix while John Ashton's rich and ringing guitars fill out the mix instead of keyboards. 
 
The strong part relies on the Tim Butler & Ely rhythm section, if not always as frenetic as in early days, shows a partnership well reestablished, and the end result can often rival the early Furs at their best, unfortunately, the set hadn't hook mainstream songs althought this never was a problem for the band, often the best moments aren't the individual songs but their differing approaches like the heavily distorted bass rumble of "Entertain Me," the stripped-down blend of acoustic guitar and cello of "Torch.", you can also notices the echoes of The Cure and The Chameleons here on the finest "I Don't Mine", the killer "House" offering an intense explosion of modern rock alternative sound with the Furs at its prime.
 
Book Of Days Track List: 
 
1. Shine
2. Entertain Me
3. Book Of Days
4. Should God Forget 
5. Torch 
6. Parade
7. Mother-Son
8. House
9. Wedding
10. I Don't Mine

miércoles, octubre 30, 2024

The Event: Pet Shop Boys At The EMAs 2024

Pet Shop Boys will receive their first MTV EMA, Pop Pioneers Award at the 2024 MTV EMA, The event is set to take place on Sunday, Nov. 10, at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. 

The legendary English duo, consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, will also perform on the show with the Manchester Camerata, an orchestra that has been working in Manchester and beyond since 1972.

The award recognizes "their contribution to the world of pop music, including the groundbreaking sonic and visual spectacles they create for their fans. The award also honors their unique style, enduring influence, and their army of steadfast fans around the world," according to a statement.

This 2024 marks 40 years since the first Pet Shop Boys record was released. The duo has notched 22 top 10 hits on the Official U.K. Singles chart (including four No. 1s) and five top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 (including one No. 1)."West End Girl"  reached No. 1 on both charts. "It’s a Sin," "Always On My Mind" and "Heart" were their other U.K. to hit the No. 1

The Item: Celebrating The Pet Shop Boys 40 Years Of Career With Fine Bone China Tea Set


Pet Shop Boys are celebrating 40 years of career with a campaign called "Since 1984", with a commemorative set which marks four decades since the duo – starring Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe – emerged on the scene

The duo said: We are promised a series of exclusive products, under this brand, and in true PSB style the first is rather un-rock ’n’ roll – a fine bone china tea set!

The 22-karat gold-plated range has been designed by longtime design partners Farrow and encompasses cups, saucer, tea pot, milk jug and sugar bowl. Each piece is "hand-finished" and decorated with PSB symbols (pointy hats, silhouettes, Chris' glasses from the Suburbia single sleeve, etc) and has been made in the UK by Duchess China.

Each set comes with a certificate of authenticity and prices start at £200 (for a milk jug and sugar bowl). They will be ‘released’ in November and can be pre-ordered vía the PSB site: petshopboys since 1984

In Memoriam: The Beloved "Teri Garr " Dies At 79


Teri Garr, que fabulous and hilarious comedy actress who rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star "Tootsie," she was 79. Garr died Tuesday of multiple sclerosis surrounded by family and friends, said publicist Heidi Schaeffer. Garr battled other health problems in recent years and underwent an operation in January 2007 to repair an aneurysm.

The actor, who was sometimes credited as Terri, Terry or Terry Ann during her long career, seemed destined for show business from her childhood. Her father was Eddie Garr, a well-known vaudeville comedian; her mother was Phyllis Lind, one of the original high-kicking Rockettes at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Their daughter began dance lessons at 6 and by 14 was dancing with the San Francisco and Los Angeles ballet companies. She was 16 when she joined the road company of “West Side Story” in Los Angeles, and as early as 1963 she began appearing in bit parts in films.

From there, Garr found steady work dancing in movies, and she appeared in the chorus of nine Presley films, including "Viva Las Vegas," "Roustabout" and "Clambake." She also appeared on numerous television shows, including "Star Trek," "Dr. Kildare" and "Batman," and was a featured dancer on the rock ‘n’ roll music show "Shindig,2 the rock concert performance T.A.M.I. and a cast member of "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour."

Her big film break came as Gene Hackman’s girlfriend in 1974’s Francis Ford Coppola thriller "The Conversation." That led to an interview with Mel Brooks, who said he would hire her for the role of Gene Wilder’s German lab assistant in 1974’s "Young Frankenstein" — if she could speak with a German accent. The film established her as a talented comedy performer, with New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael proclaiming her “the funniest neurotic dizzy dame on the screen.”

Her big smile and off-center appeal helped land her roles in "Oh, God!" opposite George Burns and John Denver, "Mr. Mom" as Michael Keaton's wife" and "Tootsie" in which she played the girlfriend who loses Dustin Hoffman to Jessica Lange and learns that he has dressed up as a woman to revive his career. She also lost the supporting actress Oscar at that year’s Academy Awards to Lange.

Garr showed in other films such as "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "The Black Stallion" and "The Escape Artist" that she could handle drama equally wellI would like to play "Norma Rae" and "Sophie’s Choice," but I never got the chance, she once said, adding she had become typecast as a comic actor.

Often playing David Letterman’s foil during guest appearances on NBC’s “Late Night With David Letterman” early in its run. Her appearances became so frequent, and the pair’s good-natured bickering so convincing, that for a time rumors cropped up that they were romantically involved. Years later, Letterman credited those early appearances with helping make the show a hit. It was also during those years that Garr began to feel "a little beeping or ticking" in her right leg. It began in 1983 and eventually spread to her right arm as well, but she felt she could live with it. By 1999 the symptoms had become so severe that she consulted a doctor. The diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.

For three years Garr didn’t reveal her illness."I was afraid that I wouldn’t get work," she explained in a 2003 interview. After going public, she became a spokesperson for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, making humorous speeches to gatherings in the U.S. and Canada. She also continued to act, appearing on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Greetings From Tucson," "Life With Bonnie" and other TV shows. She also had a brief recurring role on "Friends" in the 1990s as Lisa Kudrow’s mother. Garr married contractor John O’Neil in 1993. They adopted a daughter, Molly, before divorcing in 1996.

Garr is survived by her daughter, Molly O’Neil, and a grandson, Tyryn.

Rocktrospectiva: The Darkert And Conceptual "Road To Hell" Turns 35

Released on 30 October 1989, "The Road To Hell" was the tenth studio album by British artist Chris Rea, considered the most successful studio album by the artist, topped the UL for three weeks and it was considered as a modern masterpiece, the album contains strong elements of social commentary, addressing alienation, violence and redemption. The album spawned four singles "The Road To Hell", "That's What They Always Say", "Texas" & "Tell Me There's A Heaven".  

Written and recorded within four weeks. Rea had a lot of trouble with the album arising out of the attitude of his record company, so he recorded the next album – Auberge – before, as an agreement with Warner Brothers. So if Road To Hell didn’t work – and they said it won't – we would jump straight away to Auberge and forget about it, of course things work for this album, so there was no need to do what was agreed.

The Road To Hell is a concept album about the problems of modern society, and while this subject recurs throught the album, it is balanced by another recurring subject, the solace of love and family. The album begins with the sound of a disturbing phenomenon: a traffic jam. This leads into "The Road To Hell Parts 1 and 2", with lyrics evoking impending doom and fears of technology, economic collapse fear of violence on city street, other highlights includes "You Must Be Evil" deals with the irresponsible depiction on television news, "Texas", which depicts the feeling of being trapped economically or socially, and seeing escape to a new environment as the only way out; "Looking For a Rainbow", a cathartic anthem which describes the search for a better life by those who are economically disadvantaged, but reflects the struggles we all face to improve ourselves; "That's What They Always Say", a song about the special kind of hell experienced by those whose ambitions are thwarted; and "Tell Me There's a Heaven", whose lovely orchestral atmosphere belies its bleak message and "Daytona" which is about the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

Is definitely darkest and best album , a concept album about the horrors of the modern age . Still potent with a message for modern days, and the effect was inmediately cause this is Rea's most exciting, potent and comercially succesful album to date. 
 
The Road To Hell Track List:

1. The Road To Hell (Part 1)
2. The Road To Hell (Part 2)
3. You Must Be Evil
4. Texas
5. Looking For A Rainbow
6. Your Warm And Tender Love
7. Daytona
8. That's What They Always Say
9. I Just Wann Be With You
10. Tell Me There's A Heaven

martes, octubre 29, 2024

New Music: Lewis In Pomona

          

Underworld has evolved from electronic punk to dance music, and now with their brand new single "Lewis in Pomona", they continue their audiophile-focused direction. looking to chase mainstream exposure this time, their new material demands to be experienced on quality speakers or headphones, staying true to their commitment to sonic detail something that audiences thanks a lot because it'srefreshing to see artists who still prioritize the complete listening experience. Beautiful and Brilliant.

Rocktrospectiva: The Massive And Succesfully "Welcome To The Pleasuredome" Turns 40

 
Released on 29 October 1984 "Welcome To The Pleasuredome" was the debut studio album by English synth-pop band Frankie Goes To Hollywood, the album was a massive chart succesful topping the UK charts, and then coquered the rest of the world including the United States, spawning four singles "Relax", "Two Tribes", "The Power Of Love" & "Welcome To The Pleasuredome". Produced by the giant Trevor Horn, in which he had and active role.
 
It was 1984, and this band was so courageously by declared themselves openly gay, so this stir up a lot of hype, controversy, including a shocking cover art refused to be printed, this helped a lot to increase the sales and the interest on this band, their first singles "Relax" and "Two Tribes" chartered well in the United States, but the album had other curious and nice tracks such as "Welcome To The Pleasuredome", the less-know tracks "Krisco Kisses", "The Only Star In Heaven", the UK hit "The Power Of Love" still sounds glorious this hyper-ballad. 
 
Despite the album is far considered as a Trevor Horn new extension on his catalogue at the time, this affirmation is that the result was catchy and massive and almost a top chart breaker synth rock of the early 80's that still sound fine and refreshing 40 years later, another remarkable tracks are "War" the cover of Edwin Starr, "Born To Run" of Bruce Springsteen, "San Jose (The Way)" and "Ferry (Go)", even though Holly Johnson's voice needs more passion sometimes, this wasn't the case for the album or at least for the fans and listeners back then. 
 
Come critics reviewed the album as an overkill, overjoy and overcompensation sound, almost a guilty pleasure to listen, and superb production, with inteligence, real sexual glamour and certain sense of gun that put them apart of other contemporaries in pop music back then a fun released boosted by Horn's production skills than anything else paving the road for future acts such as Erasure. 
 
Welcome To The Pleasuredome Track List: 
 
1. The World Is My Oyster
2. Welcome To The Pleasuredome
3. Relax (Come Fighting)
4. War (...And Hide)
5. Two Tribes (For The Victims Of Ravishment)
6. Tag
7. Ferry (Go)
8. Born To Run
9. San Jose (The Way)
10. Wish (The Lads Were Here)
11. The Ballad Of 32
12. Krisco Kisses
13. Balck Night White Light
14. The Only Star In Heaven
15. The Power Of Love
16. ...Bang