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December 31, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Pop Culture Pipe Bomb Is NOW LIVE!!!
December 31, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The team at Skatronixxx are proud to announce that for 2017 we have had a re-brand and we are now POP CULTURE PIPE BOMB.
Head over to www.popculturepipebomb.com now for our new updated site.
‘Are You Ready For Your Daily Pop Culture Explosion’ ???
Emma Watson sings, “There is Something There” from Beauty and the Beast
December 30, 2016 by Leave a Comment
This movie I am so excited for. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney movies, and knowing that we get to see this wonderful tale in live action is super exciting. Emma Watson, who I find to be perfect for such a strong female part, plays the role of Belle. Her as Hermione in the Harry Potter world definitely shows that she is perfect for Belle.
This last Thursday it was leaked out of her singing the song of “There is something there” on the Jack Morrissey (producer) instagram page, and I can say she sounds amazing. Her voice matches the song very well and sounds like the original singer Paige O’Hara from the 1991 animated version. But apparently we aren’t hearing it come from her on set, but from a doll that someone else recorded it off of. A fan in fact did this at a store, put it on an instagram page to which then Jack Morrissey took this and shared it… Kinda weird but neat.
Anywho, here is the clip I took from youtube, and I hope you guys can hear it ok. The song sounds a bit muffled but you can tell it’s our Emma. Enjoy ^_^
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFCPLlhlJKk
Join Us as We Look Back On Music History to Discover What Happened On This Day
December 29, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Welcome back guys and gals, I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas? This week’s edition of On This Day is the last one for 2016, and with the recent spate of deaths in the last few days, the New Year can’t come soon enough.
This edition of OTD is dedicated to all the legends we lost to the 2016 club.
OTD Legend
Light Black = Track Title // Black = Film Title // Green = Albums // Blue = Tour’s // Orange = Venues, Places, Concerts // Purple = Recording Studios & Labels // Maroon = Awards and Ceremonies
On This Day…
1956
🎙Elvis Presley mad chart history by having 10 songs on Billboards Top 100 for the week ending December 19th.
1962
🎙During his first visit to the UK Bob Dylan performed at The Troubadour in London.
1964
🎙The Liverpool Youth Employment Service announced that some school leavers were finding it difficult to get jobs because their “Beatle” style haircuts and clothing were unacceptable to employers.
1966
🎙The Jimi Hendrix Experience made their debut on the UK TV show Top Of The Pops performing ‘Hey Joe.’
🎙Working at Abby Road studios, London, Paul McCartney began work on his new song ‘Penny Lane,’ recording six takes of keyboard tracks and various percussion effects. The song’s title is derived from the name of a street near John Lennon’s house, in the band’s hometown, Liverpool. McCartney and Lennon would meet at Penny Lane junction in the Mossley Hill area to catch a bus to the centre of the city.
1967
🎙British guitarist and singer Dave Mason quit Traffic after differences of musical opinion. Mason wrote ‘Hole in My Shoe,’ a psychedelic pop song that became a hit for Traffic in 1967.
1968
🎙Led Zeppelin appeared at the Civic Auditorium, Portland on their first North American tour opening for Vanilla Fudge.
1973
🎙Jim Croce scored his second No.1 US Single of the year when ‘Time In A Bottle‘ went to the top of the charts. Croce was killed in a plane crash on the way to a concert on September 20th 1973.
1980
🎙American singer, songwriter Tim Hardin died of a heroin overdose. Hardin wrote the songs ‘If I Were A Carpenter‘ which was covered by Bobby Darin, Johnny Cash and June Carter, The Four Tops, Leon Russell, Small Faces, Robert Plant and Bob Seger and ‘Reason To Believe,’ which was covered by Rod Stewart. Hardin also appeared at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
1982
🎙Sets of commemorative stamps in memory of Bob Marley were issued in Jamaica.
1984
🎙Band Aid was at No.1 on the UK Singles chart with ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?‘ and Madonna was at No.1 on the US Singles chart with ‘Like A Virgin.’
1999
🎙Three ferrets named Beckham, Posh Spice and Baby Spice were used to lay power cables for a rock concert being held in Greenwich, London, England, as workers were not allowed to dig up the turf at the Royal Park. Organizers found that rods could not push the cables through the tiny tunnels, which frequently bend and dog-leg. The ferrets were eased into tiny nylon harnesses with wires which were then attached to a rope, the animals ran into a series of ducts which were under the stage like rabbit runs, leading the cables with them. The ferrets instinctively make for any hole in the ground and are enticed to the end of the duct by a slab of smelly meat . The New Years Eve concert featured Simply Red, Eurythmics and Bryan Ferry.
2001
🎙Aretha Franklin was suing a US newspaper which alleged that the star had alcohol problems. The singer’s lawyers filed a federal lawsuit against the Florida-based Star claiming she was defamed by an article in the paper in December 2000 and were seeking $50m (£35m) in damages.
2006
🎙The wife of rock singer Marilyn Manson, Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese filed for divorce after just a year of marriage. The couple married in December 2005 in a ceremony held at a castle in Ireland.
2010
🎙Pollstar reported the Bon Jovi were the highest earning touring act of the year, taking in over $200 million (£130.7m). Australian rockers AC/DC landed at number two for the second year in a row, with ticket sales from their recent trek totaling $177m (£115m). U2 which was the top worldwide act in 2009, came in at third place, with ticket sales totaling $160.9m (£104.6m). Lady Gaga followed is fourth place, with Metallica coming in at number five.
2011
🎙Robert Lee Dickey, who performed as Bobby Purify in the 60’s Soul Duo James And Bobby, passed away at the age of 72. The pair is most often remembered for their 1966, Billboard Top 10 hit, ‘I’m Your Puppet.’
2012
🎙According to sales data, Adele’s 21 had overtaken Oasis‘ (What’s The Story)Morning Glory? to become the UK’s fourth biggest selling album of all-time. Latest data confirmed the Oasis’ 1995 second album had sold 4,555,000 copies to date, while Adele’s 21 has surged ahead with sales over 4,562,000 copies. The news came just over a year since 21 overtook Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black to become the UK’s biggest-selling album of the 21st Century.
2013
🎙A one-of-a-kind signed hardback copy of Autobiography by Morrissey, the only copy of the full-colour hardback signed by the author, sold on eBay for £8,300, with all proceeds going to PETA as a New Year’s present to help prevent the slaughtering of animals for meat. Morrissey signed only one copy of the book – the cover of which pictures the singer-songwriter bare-chested in a swimming pool.
Well, that brings us to the end of the last OTD for 2016, I just want to take the time and thank you for your support throughout this year and I look forward to bringing you more OTD in the New Year. So untill then I hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year! Don’t forget to check out this weeks OTD Spotify playlist below.
https://open.spotify.com/user/1289837564/playlist/5VkOwvayI0UVVDTsJmxAOh
Presh (@Presh81)
Head Music Writer at Pop Culture Pipe Bomb
PCPB is nominated for Indie Media of the Year 2017. Supporter of all things Indie. #Punk4MentalHealth #StopTheStigma #SupportIndie
#TurnItUp and #TurnItOn with Pop Culture Pipe Bomb (PCPB)
Pop Culture Pipe Bomb’s 2016 Indie Cover Band of the Year
December 23, 2016 by Leave a Comment
With the fat man in the red suit’s arrival imminent, I thought its best I pull my finger out and announce PCPB’s 2016 Indie Cover Band of the Year. You might want to sit down for this! Are you sitting down? Righto, this year’s Pop Culture Pipe Bomb’s 2016 Indie Cover Band of the Year goes to…. building the suspense a little…. Sugar Rush Rocks!!!
Congratulations guys, you guys have more talent, integrity and professionalism than more adults I know oh and let’s not forget how humble they are, in this day and age it’s a quality to have. Mark my words, these kids are going sky-high, it is only a matter of time. I really look forward to what they have in store in 2017, hopefully, some studio time? These guys are crazy talented and I can only imagine how mind-blowing they would sound in a studio. For those that didn’t catch Sugar Rush Rocks Fresh Music Friday Article here is a little background on these DIY kids with amazing talent, I will include the FMF article in the links.
Who is SRR?
SRR are made up by Paige Nickole (Vocals), RJ Hill (Drums), Jake Brightman (Bass), Michael Sebastian (Lead Guitar), Joey Fattore (Rhythm Guitar) and I don’t mind telling you they put some professional musicians and singers to shame, you should also know that these talented kids are all under the age of 18, Yes I said 18. They jam and practice after school and they are booked solid most weekends and also play a lot of festivals. SRR more than delivers our Indie Band of the Year, I look forward to following your success now and in the future. Also, a special mention must go to the parents, behind every good kid is an exceptional parent. Head to their FB, Twitter and YouTube page and give them some love and tell them Presh sent you. Sending you all at team SRR a safe and wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year from me and the rest of the team at Pop Culture Pipe Bomb.
Links
Fresh Friday’s Featured Artist – Sugar Rush Rock (SRR)
Presh (@Presh81)
Head Music Write at Pop Culture Pipe Bomb
Thank you all for the support throughout 2016, without you guys this year wouldn’t have been nearly as fun! Wishing you all a safe and wonderful Christmas and a kick ass 2017. Love to you and yours from Queensland, Australia! Presh xx #TurnItOn #TurnItUp
Join Us As We Look Back On Music History to Discover What Happend On This Day
December 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Welcome back to this weeks edition of On This Day, where we look back on music history and are taken on a magical history tour. Let’s get stuck into it, this week we kick off in 1962 and finish up in 2014
OTD Legend
Light Black = Track Title // Black = Film Title // Green = Albums // Blue = Tour’s // Orange = Venues, Places, Concerts // Purple = Recording Studios & Labels // Maroon = Awards and Ceremonies
On This Day…
1962
🎙The Tornadoes started a three-week run at No.1 on the US Singles chart with ‘Telstar.’ Produced and written by Joe Meek, it was the first major hit from the UK act on the American chart. The record was named after the AT&T communications satellite Telstar, which went into orbit in the July of 1962.
🎙During his first visit to the UK Bob Dylan performed at the Singers Club in London. It was the singer-songwriters second UK gig.
🎙Acker Bilk’s ‘Stranger On The Shore‘ finally dropped off the UK charts after 55 weeks. The record would stand until 1968 when Engelbert Humperdinck’s ‘Release Me‘ stayed for 56 weeks. The current record is held by Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way‘, which charted for 75 non-consecutive weeks.
1963
🎙The Beatles appeared at the Empire Theatre in London. This appearance was the second concert-only preview of their ‘The Beatles‘ Christmas Show‘, which would open in London in two days.
1967
🎙The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd, The Who, Keith West and Tomorrow, Eric Burdon & The Animals, 1984 (featuring future Queen guitarist Brian May) and Soft Machine all appeared at The Olympia in London, at an all night festival ‘Christmas On Earth Continued.’ The DJ was John Peel plus the venue featured a paddling pool, light shows and a movie theater, tickets were £1.
1972
🎙Little Jimmy Osmond was at No.1 on the UK Singles chart with ‘Long Haired Lover From Liverpool.’ At nine years and eight months of age it made him the youngest person to have a No.1 record and it was also the biggest seller of 1972.
1973
🎙Elton John started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK Album chart with ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road‘ (my personal favorite), the album also had a eight-week run at No.1 on the US Album chart. ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road‘ contains the Marilyn Monroe tribute, ‘Candle in the Wind‘ along with tree successful singles: ‘Bennie and the Jets, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road‘, and ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.’
1979
🎙Rupert Holmes started a two-week run at No.1 on the US Singles chart with ‘Escape (The Pina Colada Song).’ Which was his only US No.1 solo hit. The single reached No.23 on the UK Single chart.
1980
🎙Stiff Records released an album in the UK called ‘The Wit and Wisdom of Ronald Reagan.’ The entire disc contained 40 minutes of silence.
1981
🎙At a rock & roll memorabilia auction in London, a stage suit worn by John Lennon, sold for £2,300. A letter from Paul McCartney to a fan sold for £2,220 and a perspex sculpture of John & Yoko was brought by singer Kate Bush for £4,200.
1984
🎙Madonna started a six-week run at No.1 on the US Singles chart with ‘Like A Virgin‘, making it her first US No.1 and was produced by Nile Rodgers. Several family groups sought to ban the song as they believed that the song promoted sex without marriage.
1987
🎙Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue was pronounced ‘dead on arrival’ in an ambulance when his heart stopped beating for two minutes. Sixx was given two shots of adrenaline in his chest to revive him. His band members were prematurely informed of his death.
1991
🎙James Brown launched an unsuccessful lawsuit against the producers of the movie ‘The Commitments‘ claiming one of the characters too closely resembled him.
2000
🎙Madonna married film director Guy Ritchie at Skibo Castle, Scotland. Celebrities that attended the wedding included Jon Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Sting and fashion designers Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier and Stella McCartney. The couple divorced in the November of 2008
2002
🎙Former Clash singer and guitarist Joe Strummer (John Graham Mellor) died of a suspected heart attack he was only 50 years old. The Clash scored the 1979 UK No.11 single ‘London Calling‘, the 1982 US No.8 single ‘Rock The Casbah‘, the 1991 UK No.1 single ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go‘, which was first released in 1982, plus 15 other UK Top 40 singles . The Clash’s ‘London Calling‘ album was voted Best Album of the 1980s by Rolling Stone magazine. Strummer was also a member of The Mescaleros.
2003
🎙The annual list of all-time music greats by the Guinness Book of hit singles was again topped by Elvis Presley. The list based on the number of weeks spent on the UK Singles chart looked like this: 1. Elvis Presley (1193), 2. Cliff Richard (1152), 3. The Shadows (771), 4. Elton John (623), 5. Madonna (606), 6. Diana Ross (560), 7. Michael Jackson (509), 8. Rod Stewart (477), 9. The Beatles (456), 10. David Bowie (452).
2005
🎙Janet Jackson was the most-searched name during 2005 according to Google, the singer topped a list of searches with people looking for pictures from her infamous “wardrobe malfunction” at the 2004 Super Bowl when her right breast was exposed.
2006
🎙American songwriter Dennis Linde died aged 63 from a rare lung disease. Linde wrote one of Elvis Presley’s last major hits, ‘Burning Love‘ he also wrote ‘Goodbye Earl‘ for the Dixie Chicks and ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge‘ for Garth Brooks.
2008
🎙A cassette tape of a “drunk” John Lennon recording a cover version of a rock ‘n’ roll song, sold at auction in Los Angeles for $30,000 (£20,2000). The six-minute recording, made in autumn 1973, is of Lennon performing Lloyd Price’s ‘Just Because.’ “Debauched lyrics” improvised by “a drunk Lennon” include “just a little cocaine will set me right“, and “I wanna take all them new singers, Carol and the other one with the nipples, I wanna take ’em and hold ’em tight.”
2009
🎙The FBI released 333 pages of documents compiled about Michael Jackson between 1992 to 2005. The files revealed that they made several investigations into death threats against him made by obsessed fans, and alleged inappropriate involvement between Jackson and an underage male, as well as fears that he may have become the target for terrorists.
2010
🎙The Abbey Road zebra crossing in north London, made famous after appearing on a Beatles album cover was given a Grade II listed status. The crossing, the first of its kind to be listed, was being recognised for it’s “cultural and historical importance” following advice from English Heritage. The Beatles were photographed on Abbey Road in Ian Macmillan’s iconic cover shot for the 1969 album ‘Abbey Road.’
2012
🎙Marva Whitney, nicknamed by collaborator James Brown “Soul Sister Number 1”, died from complications from pneumonia. Whitney began her music career as a child, joining her family gospel group, the Manning Gospel Singers. She toured with James Brown in the late sixties .
2014
🎙Joe Cocker died of lung cancer in Crawford, Colorado aged 70. The Sheffield-born singer had a career lasting more than 40 years, with hits including his cover of The Beatles ‘With A Little Help From My Friends‘, ‘Your Are So Beautiful‘ and ‘Up Where We Belong‘. He was made a OBE in 2011.
Well that brings us to the end of this weeks magical history tour, don’t forget to check out this weeks OTD Spotify playlist below
https://open.spotify.com/user/1289837564/playlist/4zssy5sMeAwBybtK5fH5oz
Presh (@Presh81)
Head Music Writer at Pop Culture Pipe Bomb
Tattooed Aussie, Indie Supporter, Music Lover. #Punk4MentalHealth #SupportIndie #SaveLiveMusic
#TurnItOn and #TurnItUp with #OfficialPCPB
Pop Culture Pipe Bomb’s Indie Album of The Year 2016
December 19, 2016 by Leave a Comment
I have had the pleasure of writing about some awesome Indie bands and artists this year, however, there are one particular band and their album stand out in my mind, and that is why Pop Culture Pipe Bomb’s Album of The Year goes to the crazy talented gals of Eeek for their album Love, Loss and Bowling! Eeek are and all female acoustic soul band hailing from the midlands and New York, the album was recorded over several years and is truly a labour of love. with harmonies I don’t even think angels could replicate, the guitars and drums on the album are absolutely superb and really sound amazing.
Eeek is made up by Lucy Burton (lead Vocals), Danielle Wilson (Backing Vocals), Mandy Burton (Guitar), Karen Milne (Drums) and Ruth Bradney (Bass). I listen to Love Loss and Bowling at every chance I get and I’m sure my neighbours think it is the only music I own. I love the fact that every track tells a story, it’s not just random lyrics thrown together and I also love the fact that every single track has a different sound. Love Loss and bowling make me feel happy and chilled, I put it on, I sit back and unwind with a glass or two of Canadian Club and dry and all the stress is but a distant memory. Eeek have also been nominated for PunkAid/Teen Clash Awards for Indie Artist of The Yeah! so please make sure you keep an eye out for when the voting commences and vote for this awesome bunch of gals!
I highly recommend Love Loss and bowling and it would make a great Christmas gift for a loved one or friends, so support this wonderfully talented bunch of gals by buying their album. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for 2017. We will also keep you updated on all things Punk4MentalHealth and the Teen Clash Awards news.
LINKS
Presh (@Presh81)
Head Music Writer at Pop Culture Pipe Bomb
Currently listing to some tragic 80’s, girls gotta rep her birth year!
Playing in my new Beats by Dr Dre: Juice Newton – Angel Of The Morning 81, Heart – Theses Dreams 85. Thanks to the fat man in red!!
Skatronixxx Fresh Music Friday’s Featured Artist This Week is Matt Steady!
December 16, 2016 by 1 Comment
Welcome to yet another stellar edition of Skatronxxx Fresh Music Friday the second last one for 2016, time flies when you’re having fun! This week our FMF featured artist is the incredibly talented and let’s not forget very handsome Matt Steady!
Matt Steady is a name everyone needs to know! Steady a singer-songwriter who hails from Leicester, England, this incredibly talented bloke is classically trained in piano, violin and in music theory however he grew restless and frustrated with the “notes on the page” philosophy which led him to pick up the guitar, emulating the blues legends by ear instead. Steady’s sound has a beautiful blend of rustic, raw, folk and bluesy gritty goodness to it, If you get the chance to hear him play a live show, I am told you will not be disappointed, in his live show’s Steady style draws from his blues and folk tones, however any genre goes when he is in the studio. For years Steady performed what he describes as “extra-ordinary covers“, he has experienced enough joy and heartache in life allowing him to write genuine and honest, non-bullshit lyrics. Steady doesn’t discriminate the genres, drawing from the electric blues to the agonising acoustic singer-songwriter tracks, from beautifully moving Celtic tones and traditional folk. What I love about Steady’s sound, is that every track is uniquely different.
I absolutely love the way he blends the genres and that raspy gritty tone he has, I can guarantee that once you hear his albums, he will have you hook, line and sinker. Currently Steady has two albums the first of which is called ‘Blood Is Thicker Than Gold‘ which was released in September 2015. His second album ‘Feels like coming home‘ was just released this month (Dec 2016) both albums are crackers and would make someone very happy this Christmas. Matt has taken some time out of his busy schedule and answered our Skatronixxx Fresh Music Friday Q&A, check it out below.
Skatronixxx Fresh Music Friday (FMF) Q & A
Presh: When did your love and passion for music start?
Matt Steady: Well I certainly enjoyed music from a very early age – singing and playing violin and piano, choirs and orchestras etc. But love and passion? I don’t think I ever felt that strongly about it until I heard the Beatles when I was about 12 and realised there was a whole world of music out there that I hadn’t experienced. I played the Beatles records over and over again. Then Dire Straits and Clapton. Anything with guitars in! At home, I always had the stereo on, and I had my Walkman with me everywhere else (cassettes of course!). I spent so many hours trying to pick out Clapton licks on my guitar – loved his work in particular.
Presh: If you could only use one word to describe your sound, what would be?
Matt: Roots – Lots of different types of roots mind! Folk, blues, Celtic, gospel, Americana. I love all these different sounds and they all come out when I’m writing and mingle together.
Presh: What has been your most memorable musical moment so far?
Matt: For my fortieth birthday, my wife Abi organised a gig for me. She’d told me she needed me to play a few songs at her school I think, some pretence to make sure I’d practice! Then she drove me to a beautiful venue and it was full to the brim with friends and family, and my daughter and I sang our hearts out for a couple of hours. It was so special seeing the love and enjoyment coming back from everyone. I’ve done many bigger, scarier things, live radio etc., but that has been my favourite so far!
Presh: Being classically trained in both piano and violin and having studied music theory, has that help the songwriting process or has it always come naturally?
Matt: In a way it has. I don’t think about chord progressions, scales, notes, dynamics or any kind of musical theory when I write my songs, but I believe that my background allows me to do all that subconsciously so I can concentrate on the emotional landscape and the lyrics. I also play and record a lot while writing, which I find inspires the songwriting process. Because of my many years playing, I can pretty seamlessly switch between a wide variety of instruments and pick what needs to be played to bring out the themes and the right environment for the song.
Presh: So you released your latest album in Feels Like Coming Home in July of this year, and let me just say, it’s a brilliant album. What is next for you and what can we might we expect in 2017?
Matt: So glad you like it! It’s been the result of an entire year’s worth of evening and weekends working really hard at it. I actually left my full-time job at the end of August, so I did have a couple of months full-time polishing it and getting it absolutely bang on. I was very lucky to be able to do that – I’d saved up enough money to tide me over and people were so very generous in pre-ordering the album and buying other rewards on my PledgeMusic campaign too.
2017 is going to be a massive year. It will determine whether I am a part-time hobbyist or a professional musician. I am pouring all my time and effort into the music and everything else that goes along with it. I believe there are enough people out there who would love my music enough for me to be able to make it pay and let me continue to make this music – the trick is finding them and starting that relationship.
If all goes to plan, I’ll be able to release my music a lot quicker – there’s no reason I should be spending a full year making each album if I’m putting full-time efforts into it! I’ve also very much enjoyed sharing the creative process with all my friends across the world and involving them in it. This is something I’ll be looking to continue. It used to be that the album was the be-all and end-all, but these days sharing every-day events and incidents along the way and being open with your musical life is actually just as important if not more so.
‘Feels like coming home’ is a big step up from the first album ‘Blood is thicker than gold’. My songwriting, production and overall sound are maturing and becoming more cohesive and recognisable. Look out for the next album – it’s going to be another big step forward
A huge shout out to Matt for being a world-class legend and you definitely have a huge fan in me, and I am really looking forward to watching your music evolve and very excited for the next album. Matt Steady is a must have in your playlist, so head over to his website (links below) give him some love and buy his albums and don’t forget to tell him Presh sent you.
LINKS
Presh (@Presh81)
Head Music Writer at Skatronixxx
Indie Music Lover, Aussie, known by my friends as the Human Grumpy Cat (HGC). #Punk4MentalHealth #SaveLiveMusic #Support Indie
#TurnItOn and #TurnItUp with Skatronixxx
Presh’s 2016 Christmas Album of The Year
December 16, 2016 by Leave a Comment
In a bid to get into the Christmas spirit I thought we would have a look at some of the great Christmas albums that are out there this year, I am the Grinch and it comes down to a few things, firstly Christmas in Australia is stinking hot, secondly I have either worked nearly every Christmas day being in the hospitality and security industry and thirdly I don’t have children so there is no Christmas hype (no regrets either mind you! They are noisy, smell and cost a fortune) so for me it’s just another day to try to survive the heat. Every year I say I’m moving to London or Iceland, I don’t care where, as long as I can sit by a fire, sip whisky, and eat hot roast without sweating (meat sweats are acceptable of course). Shall we get on with it? Righto, let’s do this!
**Disclaimer this recommendation has been played loud and tested to the fullest
Over the last week, I have listened to a few Christmas albums and they were all good but there was one in particular that stood out to me, Pentatonix’s ‘A Pentatonix Christmas‘. It is like nothing I have ever heard before, it’s unique and wonderfully different to any other Christmas out there this year. I first come across these guys when they did a cover of the late Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah‘, it was just absolutely beautiful, they have a rare and beautiful talent. I was bitten by the Pentatonix bug immediately, and found their YouTube channel and stumbled upon their music goodness and their amazing, goosebumps evoking cover of ‘Jolene‘ with Dolly Parton. If you have not seen it you, my friends you are missing out! I will post it below.
After witnessing their talent, I had hoped that they would do a Christmas album for this year, and let me just say wow just wow, it is unlike any Christmas album I have ever heard. I didn’t it was possible to top ‘Hallelujah‘ and ‘Jolene‘ but they have, they have really outdone themselves. So incredibly talented, their vocals are flawless and angel like, the beatboxing is just incredible and blows my mind every time I listen to them. I can honestly say there is not a song on the album that I didn’t love and I may have even had a little jig around the house. If there was ever an album to pull me out of my Grinch-ness this is it! ‘ A Pentatonix Christmas‘ is definitely a must this year I had goosebumps the whole time I had the album playing and that is why A Pentatonix Christmas, takes out my 2016 Christmas Album Of The Year!. Make sure you grab the deluxe album so you get every song. Pentatonix needs a permanent gig on your playlist! For those of you who haven’t heard of them below is a little more about them and who makes up Pentatonix. The below video A Pentatonix Christmas has all 15 songs.
Who Are Pentatonix (PTX)?
PTX are and American a cappella group for Arlington, Texas. Five vocalists make up the group Avi Kaplan, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Mitch Grassi. They formed in 2011 and came to prominence that same year by winning the third season of The Sing-Off on NBC. They are known for their arrangement style, vocal harmonies, extensive vocal riffing, vocal baselines, a range of vocal percussion and outstanding beatboxing. Pentatonix does a range of cover and also original material all of which you will find on YouTube, you will find all the links below.
LINKS
Presh (@Presh81)
Head Music Writer at Skatronxxx
Music lover with an eclectic music collection, currently listing to @PhilCollinsFeed’s album The Singles (Expanded)
#TurnItOn and #TurnItUp with Skatronixxx
Join Us As We Look Back On Music History To Discover What Happened On This Day 15th December 2016
December 15, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Welcome back to another awesome edition of OTD! This week we kick our magical history tour off in 1943 and wind up in 2014. Without further ado lets get stuck into this weeks OTD.
OTD Legend
Light Black = Track Title // Black = Film Title // Green = Albums // Blue = Tour’s // Orange = Venues, Places, Concerts // Purple = Recording Studios & Lables // Maroon = Awards and Ceremonies
On This Day…
1943
🎙American jazz musician, singer and composer, Fats Waller died of pneumonia on a train trip near Kansas City, Missouri. Weller wrote may songs including ‘Aint’t Misbehavin‘, ‘Your Feet’s Too Big‘ and ‘The Reefer Song‘. In 1926 Weller was kidnapped at gunpoint in Chicago and driven to a club owned by gangster Al Capone. Inside the club Weller was ordered to perform at what turned out to be Capone’s surprise birthday party.
1944
🎙Hank Williams married Audrey Sheppard, with the ceremony taking place at a filling station. Their son, Randall Hank Williams, would achieve fame in his own right as Hank William Jr, who was born on May 26th, 1949. The couple’s marriage ended in divorce on May 29, 1952.
1956
🎙Elvis Presley gave his final performance on Louisiana Hayride, a live radio program that was broadcast on KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. Presley made 50 appearances on the show. At the end of the show, Horace Logan first made the now legendary phrase “Elvis has left the building“.
1962
🎙The Beatles played two separate shows at the same venue, the Majestic Ballroom in Birkenhead, Merseyside. First they played a standard Majestic booking then at midnight, the first-ever “MerseyBeat” poll awards show took place. As poll winners, The Beatles closed the show at 4:00 am.
1969
🎙John Lennon played what would be his final ever gig in the UK when he appeared at The Lyceum Ballroom, London, with the Plastic Ono Band in a UNICEF “Peace For Christmas” benefit. George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Delaney and Bonnie, Billy Preston and The Who’s drummer, Keith Moon also took part in the event.
1973
🎙Charlie Rich started a two-week run at No.1 on the US Singles chart with the Country & Western ballad ‘The Most Beautiful Girl‘, the singers only No.1 single, the hit also reached No.2 in the UK
1977
🎙The Sex Pistols were refused entry into the USA two days before a scheduled NBC TV appearence. Johnny Rotten was refused because of drugs convictions, Paul Cook & Sid Vicious because of “moral turpitude” and Steve Jones because of his criminal record. My how times have changed, I could think ofa few that shouldn’t be allowed in all countries apart from their own….
1979
🎙U2 appeared at the Windsor Castle Pub, Harrow Road, London with free admission to the gig.
🎙Pink Floyd started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK Singles chart with ‘Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)‘, surprisingly their only UK chart topper. The song, which was also the final No.1 single of the 1970s, received a Grammy nomination for Best Performance by a Rock Duo or Group, but Floyd lost to Bob Seger’s ‘Against The Wind‘.
1984
🎙’Do The Know It’s Christmas’ by BandAid entered the UK Singles chart at No.1 and stayed at the top for five weeks. It became the biggest selling UK single of all time with sales over 3 and a half million. BandAid was masterminded by former Boomtown Rats singer Bob Geldof, who had been moved by a TV news story of famine in Ethiopia. Geldof had the idea of raising funds with a one0off charity single featuring the cream of the current pop world. Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Paul Young, Culture Club, George Michael, Sting, Bono, Phill Collins, Paul Weller, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt of Status Quo and Bananarama all appeared on the recording.
1988
🎙Soul singer James Brown was sentenced to six years in prison for various offences including possession of a weapons and resisting arrest.
1990
🎙 Rod Stewart married New Zealand model Racheal Hunter in Beverly hills. Stewart was quoted as saying “I found the girl I want, I won’t be putting my banana in anybody’s fruit bowl from now on“, the couple split in 1999.
1997
🎙‘Spice World The Movie‘, featuring the Spice Girls premiered at The Empire, Leicester Sq, London. The following year it was nominated for the “worst film” at the Golden Rasberry Awards.
1998
🎙Backstreet Boys roadie Michael Barrett filed a $3 million lawsuit against the group claiming damages after a 50-pound cannon fell on his head during a show.
1999
🎙Boy George was knocked unconscious when a mirror ball fell on his head during a show in Dorset, England. See Disco is dangerous!
🎙Former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren announced he was running for the Mayor of London. He said he would be campaigning for brothels, pot shops and boozing in libraries. “I changed London with the Sex Pistols, I can London as Mayor.”
2001
🎙American funk and soul singer Rufus Thomas died of heart failure aged 84. Thomas recorded on Sun Records in the 1950s and on Stax Records in the 1960s and 1970s. He scored the 1963 US No.10 single with ‘Walking The Dog‘ and the 1970 UK No.18 & US No.28 single with ‘Do The Funky Chicken.’ Thomas has a street named in his honour, just off Beal street in Memphis.
🎙Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh was given an honorary Doctorate of Music from Kent State University in Ohio.
2002
🎙Blue featuring Elton John went to No.1 on the UK Singles chart with ‘Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.’ The song was previously a No.11 hit for John in 1967. It gave John only his 5th No.1 after over 30 years of hits!
2003
🎙Courtney Love was sentenced to 18 months in drug rehabilitation after she admitted to being under the influence of cocaine and opiates. Love was banned from taking non-prescription drugs, drinking alcohol or being in places that serve alcohol.
2006
🎙The co-founder of Atlantic Records Ahmet Ertegun died, aged 83. Ertegun who founded Atlantic Records with Herb Abramson in 1947 helped make Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin stars and also signed The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin in the early 70s. Ertegun suffered a head injury when he fell at a Rolling Stones concert at New York’s Beacon Theatre in October and died after slipping into a coma.
2008
🎙Maddona paid former husband Guy Ritchie around £50m as part of their divorce settlemet. The singers US spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg told The Associated Press the figure included the value of the couple’s Ashcombe home in England, and the finical part of the settlement had been worked out custody of the couple’s children had yet to be finalised.
2010
🎙Various Pink Floyd items were sold at an Entertainment Memorabilia auction by Bonhams in Knightsbridge, London. A demo pressing of the single ‘Point Me To The Sky/Careful With The Axe Eugene‘ sold for £720. Pink Floyd signatures, in various blue marker pens on four separate pieces of paper, mounted and framed together with a copy of ‘Dark Side Of The Moon‘ sold for £624.00 and a demo pressing of the single by Syd Barrett ‘Octopus/Golden Hair‘ from 1969. misspelt ‘Barratt’ corrected in ink on A-side, sold for £300.
2014
🎙Taylor Swift was at No.1 on the US Album chart with her fifth studio album 1989. The album eventually became the best-selling album of 2014 in the US market and had sold over 5.7 million copies by the end of 2015, while selling 9.5 million worldwide. Seven single have been released from the set.
Well, kids, that brings us to the end of yet another On This Day magical history tour, join me next week to see where it will take us next! Don’t forget to check out this week OTD Spotify Playlist below. Until next week, be sure to Turn It On and Turn It Up!
https://play.spotify.com/user/1289837564/playlist/3J52epYPs0GWokfYwDoIAV
Presh (@Presh81)
Head Music Writer at Skatronixxx
Lover of Music and it’s Rich History, Old Soul in a youngish body, and right at this very second I’m listening to Madonna’s True Blue album.
#TurnIt On and #TurnItUp with Skatronixxx Music
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