Releasing a digital-only EP the day after New Year's, and thus neglecting the cash windfall of stocking-stuffer season, proves a curious move for any established artist, but downright shocking for a man as notoriously money grubbing as Billy Corgan.
"Hey, nice pants, faggot!"
Wu-Tang Clan - "8 Diagrams"
We all have one to shop for - the friend who happens to be an über-finicky music fan. Here are five holiday gift ideas for the snob who wants a more in-depth present than the hottest Soulja Boy single on iTunes:
If you're wondering what to get your music-savvy friends for the holidays, consider buying them these releases to add to their record collections. Ha, just kidding - who actually pays for music anymore? Anyway, I couldn't mention only 10, so here's my baker's dozen of top picks for the albums of 2007.
Alicia Keys has carried a piano prodigy stigma throughout her career, yet her two studio albums and Unplugged album were punctuated with a hip-hop edge indicative of her Harlem upbringing. But with her latest, "As I Am," Keys' sound matures, often reaching adult contemporary. It's her most mellow, most boring album, but it's still pretty good.
Holiday shopping season is rapidly nearing, and you know what that means: prime time for fossilized rock stars to release self-prostituting "best-of" compilations that collect and reorganize all the songs you already have.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Talking to Bob Wootton is almost like communicating with a ghost.
Recording and releasing albums is no longer just for bigwigs in the music industry. Gainesville bands are also heading to the studios in order to give fans souvenirs, to get their songs heard and of course, to make some extra money.
Jay-Z may have left the Brooklyn underworld more than a decade ago to establish himself as one of the most successful figures in the music industry, but that didn't stop him from revisiting his dark past on "American Gangster," his 10th studio album in 12 years. Inspired by the Ridley Scott film of the same name, Jay-Z weaves tales of a young drug dealer over 70s soul beats to mixed, but mostly positive, results.
After more than 10 years as a band, the world of Nada Surf has remained constant.
If it seems as though there are a lot more bearded, PBR-chugging 20-somethings in tight jeans roaming Gainesville today than usual, it's not your imagination.
Little Brother - GetBack
Nowadays, it seems too many bands have fights and power struggles, too many albums are seen as status symbols and too many shows are treated as recitals.
What is the monetary value of music? How much are you willing to pay?
In promotion of a new album, Alaskan indie-rock band Portugal. The Man played at Common Grounds Friday night.
With a major local fan base and big shows such as Warped Tour and Gator Growl under its belt, the only thing Gainesville-based band Ten 13 Concept hadn't done yet was make a music video.
Kenna - "Make Sure They See My Face"
Dan Snaith is a Northerner through and through.
Solutions by The State News
