Six cool things about music, from two perspectives:
Jordan’s Peter Gorky:
1 Miley Cyrus “Flowers” With a new single from her upcoming album, Endless Summer Vacation, Miley shows that Taylor Swift’s market isn’t overwhelmed by heartbreak songs. Her radio-friendly beats ensure another hit on her hands.
2 Madonna “Back That Up To The Beat” An outtake from Madonna’s “Rebel Heart” sessions, the demo version that eventually appears on “Madame X” has a cleaner arrangement. With a snappy staccato beat, he enjoys a viral moment on TikTok. Will Madonna play this on her upcoming Greatest Hits tour?
3 U2 “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” [Songs Of Surrender].” In March, the album “Songs of Surrender”, which arranged U2’s songs acoustically, was released. Featuring rich emotion in Bono’s vocals and dramatic piano arrangements, this stripped-down version is a glimmer of hope for an album of fresh takes on old classics.
John Bream, Star Tribune critic:
1 Profile of Rick Rubin, 60 Minutes. Interviewer Anderson Cooper called the eccentric music mogul “the guru”. I catch Rubin, who has no technical skills, listens to “feelings.” He found it with the likes of Run DMC, Tom Petty, Adele, and his late-career Johnny Cash. Public Enemy’s Kesha and Chuck D are being interviewed.
2 Sudan Archives, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Accompanied by trumpet, bassist, drum pads, her own violin and wine glasses (for percussive effects), the buzzing Los Angeles singer performed “Homesick (Gorgeous and Arrogant).” By Rona, she calls it.
3 Sound of blackness, Ordway. Their ‘Music for Martin’ concert was very deep in purpose, message, talent and musical scope. Jamesia Bennett was shining as usual. Carrie Harrington was priceless. Billy Steele was an organ marvel. Guest rapper Lil Buddy McLain delivers “So Thankful.”
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