Keep up to date with your favourite musicians and hit the right notes with fellow music lovers by reading "Things to note in music," a weekly summary of notable events that happened in the music industry for the week from charting songs to news and fun historic facts.
News to note
Coachella released the 2017 line up
The Official Coachella lineup was released on Tuesday, January 3rd. With a superstar line up of headliners featuring, Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce and killer supporting acts, Coachella 2017 is any music lover's Nirvana (pun intended).
Keith Urban pays homage to legends lost in 2016
In a beautifully stunning performance on December 31st at the Nashville's Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park NYE concert, Keith Urban paid Tribute to the musical geniuses who left us in 2016. During the 6 minute medley, Urban paid homage to David Bowie, George Michael, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Glenn Frey (Eagles) and Merle Haggard, featuring a few of their top hits.
Later that same evening, Urban recording an intimate solo rendition with just him and his guitar from his home.
Though some will say Mariah Carey stole the spotlight on NYE (not in a good way), It’s safe to say Keith Urban stole our hearts.
Ed Sheeran is back and fans around the globe couldn’t be happier! Upon his return from a one-year hiatus, Ed Sheeran has been keeping our ears perked with a number of short cryptic social media posts alluding to new music.
Finally, in the early hours of Friday morning, Sheeran announced that he will be releasing not one, but two fresh singles for his loyal fans. Once again, Sheeran has made his mark on the industry and has solidified his spot as one of the top dogs for 2017. “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” may sound like completely different artists but in fact, it’s just Sheeran blowing us away once again with his serious talent.
These singles should hold fans off for a few days, but some of us are already hungry for more and awaiting word of a release date for his new album. (scroll down for lyric videos and review)
Heavy Rotation
According to my Apple Music, these are the top 3 bands/artists I’ve had on rotation this past week.
This week has seemed to be the week of reliving my adolescence through music and features a few of my favorite albums and artists.
Guns n’ Roses
Since the announcement of their world tour at the beginning of December, Guns n’ Roses have been occupying the majority of the space in my mind, and not just musically.
I am currently reading Slash’s Autobiography as well as the compilation release of Rolling Stone that features all of the exclusive interviews they have had with the band from the start. Learning what I have from these written pieces, I have gained a whole new appreciation for the art this band has created.
It was never about making money for them, the band is literally what kept them alive, while still pushing them so close to the edge.
I’ve been a gunner from a young age, even when I had no idea what their music was about and now i’ve dived even deeper into them. Revisiting Appetite for Destruction, their first LP, has been a game changer and opened my eyes to the tides of change they have been responsible for. GN’R Lies showcases the group in both the worst and best light, showing how strong you really need to be in order to be in the spotlight. No matter what album you listen to, you will learn about a specific point not only in GNR’s career but the members lives. Some will say it’s just noise and screams but I strongly suggest those of you interested in the group read a few articles on them and then take another listen.
Ed Sheeran
Since hearing of his return, I have been listening to Sheeran’s entire musical library, from the first video to surface of the young busker to his most recent smash hit “Thinking Out Loud”, I haven’t been able to pry my ears of their death grip on my headphones while listening to the sweet nothings of this ginger god.
Not only have I had his debut LP + (Plus) and the follow up X (multiply) on repeat since the 10th and 12th grade, but I haven't been able to stop listening to his newest and most eclectic works of art, the singles “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You”.
As the first release of 2017, Sheeran does not disappoint those of us who have been eagerly awaiting his return. Two songs, two complete ends of the spectrum, Sheeran has once again shown off his masterful skill of the musical craft. My initial reaction was disappointed as I am a fan of Sheeran’s first heartfelt, slower tracks as seen on his debut album, but by the second time I listened, I was hooked.
“Castle on the Hill” is almost painful to listen to for myself, as it is a 4-minute reminder of my adolescence and the time I spent growing up in small town Alberta. As if he took the words right out of my mouth and somehow beautified them, Sheeran has created a ballad that will be sung by stadiums of people for years to come.
“Shape of You” was the track I was most hesitant of. As someone who is usually not a fan of pop, or new-age hip-hop, initially this track didn’t do it for me. Upon listening to the lyrics I somehow found myself entranced only to snap out of it and catch myself head bobbing and singing along to a song I didn’t even know. Filled with clever rhymes, and interesting loops, Sheeran once again proves he can master any genre.
Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy was an all time favorite of mine in my younger years. I remember their album From Under The Cork Tree came out when I was in the third grade. I saved up my allowance and had my mom take me to HMV so I could buy it all by myself, and it's been an all time favorite since.
A punk staple, FOB was untouchable in the mid 2000’s and this album only left them cemented in that spot. Released a whopping 12 years ago, From Under The Cork Tree is back in my rotation in honour of it’s birthday (January 1st) . Patrick Stump’s dynamic vocal range and honey smooth technique are one of a kind to the genre, drummer Andy Hurley steals the spotlight with his thundering hits and quick kit runarounds. Songs like “Sugar We’re Goin’ Down Swingin’ ”, “A Little Less Sixteen Candles A Little More Touch Me” and “Dance, Dance” became signature songs of the year, all equipped with stellar music videos. Fall Out Boy circa 2005 still has me singing along just as loudly as I had in Grade 3.
Music History Lesson
Legendary bassist, and jack of all trades, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin was born this week. The genius behind the bass line of the ever incredible “Black Dog” turned 71 on Tuesday (January 3rd). Happy Birthday Jonesy!
Rhythm guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of AC/DC, Malcolm Young celebrated his 64th birthday on Friday (January 6th). Sadly, Malcolm has been battling dementia for the past number of years, but the love his fans have for him will never slow down. Happy Birthday Malcolm!
It’s been a busy week for music buffs, if there was something exciting you know about but wasn't mentioned, let me know! Send an email with all your music ideas to savannah@kelownanow.com
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