Music is strongly associated with memory—you tend to remember the places and faces around you when you first heard a favorite song. Now that finals are over and summer is wide open, there’s no better time to advantage of Long Beach’s wide-array of quirky music venues to make these types[Read More…]
Music
This category shouldn’t be confused with performing arts. Articles in the music category are more contemporary music, focusing more on contemporary bands and solo artists. This category will also be a home for album reviews.
Best Coast’s third album ‘California Nights’ is mediocre at best
Picturesque summer days, palm tree-lined streets and broken hearts—the imagery of California continues to make its way into speakers remaining predictable in Best Coast’s “California Nights.” From the very first song, “Feeling OK,” to the last track, “When Will I Change,” listeners will feel just that: OK, while wondering when[Read More…]
Long Beach’s One High Five puts fun back on the stage
On a warm weekend morning at Los Altos Park Plaza, the sun peaked as the light breeze pushed leaves into a sway; I met the minds behind local Long Beach indie-pop-rock band, One High Five. The near silent park’s atmosphere is nothing like their garage practice sessions. The booming guitar[Read More…]
Alabama Shakes’ sophomore album ‘Sound & Color’ is a roller coaster
A record is a narrative—it begins and ends, embodied by lulls and climaxes that tell a story about the musicians and their state of mind. However, there are some striking records that inspire fans to wonder what the band was thinking when they put it all together. So what took[Read More…]
Fingerprints Music store prepares for their largest Record Store Day on record
Music spreads like an airborne disease at the stroke of a screen, the flick of a finger. Finding it for free is even easier, with the guilty participants spanning all ages and occupations. It raises the question of why people even purchase music anymore. Yet nearly eight million records were[Read More…]
Review: Miguel, Wale and DJ B-Rokk triple-team CSULB’s Walter Pyramid
Thousands of California State University, Long Beach students and fans made their way to the Walter Pyramid on Friday in anticipation for neo-soul artist Miguel and special guest Wale. The Associated Students Inc. promised upon the announcement of the artists that it would be a “big night”. Fortunately it was[Read More…]
The start of something cool: Miguel and Wale perform at CSULB’s Walter Pyramid
Luminescent glow sticks batted at the smoke of the dimly lit arena. All eyes and ears fell on a tall figure standing center stage caressing an electric guitar. “For those who don’t know, my name is Miguel,” the voice casually announced, triggering an eruption of screams from all corners of[Read More…]
‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ promotes important discussion
When the biggest rapper of our day dedicates his success to the conversation of black self-empowerment, it should not be ignored. Kendrick Lamar’s third studio album, “To Pimp a Butterfly,” surfaced on the night of Mar. 15, a week prior to its scheduled release date. His powerfully poetic, elaborate discourse[Read More…]
Covers mean nothing to me
“Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield sing Elliot Smith” Ramseur Records Released: March 17 Rating: 1 Star Cover songs are never as good as the original. Ever. Although there are some exceptions to this rule, Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield’s attempt to take on songs by the late Elliot[Read More…]
Reggae band Headshine serenades CSULB’s South Plaza
Smooth reggae blues weaved with Wednesday’s warm rays at California State University, Long Beach’s South Plaza. The black slab of stage based the centerpiece to this semester’s first installment of ASI and USU’s Noontime Concert Series. About 30 students came out to watch the four-piece from Huntington Beach belt out[Read More…]