Music

On This Day: Shades of Sentimentality in Frank Ocean’s “Blonde”

August 20, 2021 by and

With his genre-blending on “Blonde,” Ocean once again pioneered a new style of R&B.
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In Review: Tinashe Sees the Past, Present and Future of Music on “333”

August 12, 2021 by

“333” ultimately sees Tinashe expanding her reach, experimenting even more with her sound.
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On This Day: Frank Ocean’s First Masterpiece, “channel ORANGE”

July 10, 2021 by and

His 2012 debut album “channel ORANGE” showcases Ocean making a splash with a lush and intimate collection of songs about the awkwardness of navigating maturation and relationships.
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In Review: Tyler, The Creator Has No Problem Finding Himself on “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST”

July 7, 2021 by

On his sixth studio album, Tyler manages to strike a balance and does so with self-assurance.
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On this Day: Bon Iver’s Breakthrough

June 17, 2021 by

Perhaps no artist has had a bigger impact on modern indie folk music than Bon Iver.
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In Review: MARINA’s “Ancient Dreams” Come True

June 17, 2021 by

After a bland tumble like “Love + Fear” this album presents complexity, strong hooks and some of MARINA’s best songs.
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In Review: Olivia Rodrigo’s “SOUR” Rejects the Sweetness of Teenagehood

May 30, 2021 by

The album’s youthful sporadicness, raw honesty and emotional vulnerability certify Rodrigo’s status as one of Gen Z’s musical forerunners. 
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On This Day: The Beatles’ Escapism Through “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”

May 26, 2021 by and

Prior to their 1970 disbandment, The Beatles refreshed their creative drive via the escapism central to their historical concept album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
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Record Recap: The Best and Worst of Music in the Pandemic (So Far)

May 24, 2021 by

While this year may be one everyone wants to forget, these are some of the moments that will be remembered. 
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A Conversation with Santa Barbara Musician Conner Cherland

May 23, 2021 by

With his new LP, “Love Songs by Conner Cherland,” set to release in June, Cherland shared some backstory about the project and about his career as a singer-songwriter.
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In Review: St. Vincent Gets Down and Out

May 22, 2021 by

“Daddy’s Home” adopts a completely new persona by traveling back in time to create new stories.
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In Review: Demi Lovato Dances With The Devil And Comes Back Stronger Than Ever

April 14, 2021 by

If there’s anyone who deserves a triumphant comeback album story arc, it’s Demi Lovato.
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On This Day: Van Cliburn, The Pianist That Broke The Cold War

April 13, 2021 by

As cheesy as it sounds, Cliburn became the epitome of the commonality of art between all of humankind, pushing past extremist notions of anti-Communism.
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On This Day: “Carrie & Lowell” By Sufjan Stevens

March 31, 2021 by

Despite having only a 43-minute runtime, the album covers a lifetime of the complicated relationship between Stevens and his mother, along with the sadness that follows the death of a loved one.
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In Review: Tash Sultana’s “Terra Firma” Flares Up Worldwide

March 9, 2021 by

On this multiple-listens-through type of record, something beyond the songs themselves will linger in your thoughts.
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