Pop culture musings by Kevin Mathews
“But I certainly believe it’s not a gimmick. It’s a story that we spent a long time on, that’s compelling and captures the zeitgeist of the world. It will make readers wonder how the heck we’ll get out of this.” These are the words of Marvel executive editor Tom Brevoort when asked if making Steve Rogers/Captain America a Hydra double-agent was a “gimmick”.
Background
Joshua Paul “Josh” Davis a.k.a. DJ Shadow, is an American record producer and DJ. He is a prominent figure in the development of instrumental hip hop and first gained notice with the release of his highly acclaimed debut studio album, Endtroducing….. (1996).
Continue reading “ALBUM REVIEW: DJ SHADOW – THE MOUNTAIN WILL FALL”
A review from a decade ago…
“Oh if this album is a hit, they’ll probably release another one!” was the cynical response from the CD store clerk, when I mentioned that Fambly Cat was Grandaddy’s last album, their swan song, so to speak.
Continue reading “BLAST FROM THE PAST: GRANDADDY – JUST LIKE THE FAMBLY CAT (2006)”
If you have been paying attention, you will be aware that we loved Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice whereas most critics reviled Zack Snyder’s magnum opus to such an extent that it scored only 27% at Rotten Tomatoes. Mind you, the totally awful Independence Day: Resurgence managed to score 33%, so that gives you an indication of how much critics hated BVS.
Background
The Explorers Club are a pop-rock band originally from the coast of South Carolina. The music of their first album is heavily influenced by the vocal harmony styles and production of The Beach Boys.They are also influenced by classic rock and roll arrangements as made popular by 60s pop bands. On Together, the band roped in Brian Wilson Band members Darian Sahanaja, Probyn Gregory, Nelson Bragg and Scott Bennett for notable collaborations.
Continue reading “ALBUM REVIEW: THE EXPLORERS CLUB – TOGETHER”
As much as I spent most of my time at Baybeats 2016 hosting the Open Stage, I was fortunate to catch three performances that reminded me why I love Singapore Rock as much as I do.
Continue reading “SINGAPORE MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: CASHEW CHEMISTS + LOST WEEKEND + THE E’S”
Review of the R-rated extended version of the controversial DC movie to come.
Buy now!
Day Two of Baybeats Open Stage was just as thrilling and satisfying as Day One as eight more artists demonstrated that there is immense promise and potential within the Singapore music scene.
So stoked that the first day of Baybeats Open Stage went swimmingly! Thanks to The Esplanade, the wonderful crew, Josh and Jaz, the awesome artists and everyone who turned up. One more time today from 5.30pm!
Latest News: Gilded Edge has had to pull out due to unforeseen circumstances so we are thankful to Chris Brass who has agreed to come off from the bench to fill in!
Here we go! See you there!!
Last but definitely not least, Baybeats Open Stage will also bring you CLEVE and SUPERSECT!
Deon Toh is back with more thoughts about his time in the Land of the Rising Sun…
Support. When touring, my group tries our best to research on Singaporean music acts performing within our vicinity. We’ve played to venues packed with strangers cheering for encores; and also played quieter shows in venues with a little less than 10 people. Singaporean support remains valuable in foreign territory – whether it is to assist other acts with their merchandise sales, transport, loaning and sharing of equipment, or just to add warm bodies to the crowd; having a touch of home can make or break performances, and have a drastic effect on tours.
Listen with your heart and soul, listen without prejudice and Bittersweet Machines’ fine grasp of soaring 80s pop-rock anthem aesthetics will send chills down your spine. Open your ears.
Background
English singer-songwriter who has found success in the last 5 years with channeling classic pop-rock styles.
One day away! Two more artists you should check out!!
Continue reading “BAYBEATS OPEN STAGE: BJ & THE ASTRONAUTS + OLIGARCHY”
We will be hosting the Baybeats Open Stage on 25th/26th so you know where to find us from about 5pm to 9.30pm. Other than that, these are the acts we are hoping to catch at Baybeats 2016.
Missives from Deon Toh, now on tour in Tokyo. Here’s the first one …
There’s a myriad of reasons why music acts choose to tour; there are also reasons why music acts choose to tour for longer or shorter periods. I’m not going to pretend to know all of them, but what I can share with you are the unique experiences that my band and I soak in.
Background
Popincourt is Olivier, a Frenchman in love with 80s British sophisticated pop. Building up his repertoire over a decade, Popincourt put together this album with a small team formed by people met at concerts, including Hervé Bouétard (Bertrand Burgalat) on drums & Ken Stringfellow (Posies) on bass.
Continue reading “ALBUM REVIEW: POPINCOURT – A NEW DIMENSION TO MODERN LOVE”
Two more acts for your Baybeats Open Stage enjoyment!
Continue reading “BAYBEATS OPEN STAGE: STANLEY HO + BUTTERMILKFISH”
Background
Formed in Denver, Colorado in the summer of 2011, The Jekylls have been making quite an impression on their local music scene, having supported a number of national acts.
Continue reading “ALBUM REVIEW: THE JEKYLLS – THE ONE I WANT, THE ONE I NEED”
Two more rocking outfits you need to watch at Baybeats Open Stage.
Continue reading “BAYBEATS OPEN STAGE: BEDROCK + LULA THE MAGIC QUEEN”
