Previewing his new album Something to Give Each Other, Troye Sivan recently performed in the BBC Radio 1 Lounge. Along with his own song “Rush,” he did a stripped-down cover of Billie Eilish’s Barbie soundtrack song “What Was I Made For.” Continue reading »
Camila Cabello and Olivia Rodrigo both performed at this weekend’s MTV Video Music Awards, and that’s not the only time their paths crossed in the past week. A few days ago, Cabello covered Rodrigo’s chart-topper “Good 4 U” for the BBC Live Lounge. And where Live Lounge performances are usually just in the BBC’s regular studio, Cabello brought Video Music Awards-level production to hers, performing at what looks like a wedding alter in a wild feathered cape. Continue reading »
Just when you thought you heard this summer’s number-one hit “Watermelon Sugar” enough, British pop singer Anne-Marie spices up the song with a BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge cover. Harry Styles‘ original is a euphoric symphony of sounds, and Anne-Marie pairs it down. A cellist is a beautiful addition and the light shaker sound adds a nice flair. The cover holds on to the feeling of summer while even while the calendar slips into September. Continue reading »
If you’re a music and/or data nerd, journalist Rob Mitchum’s annual spreadsheet compiling the albums on every publication’s year-end lists is fascinating. Long before the Village Voice‘s Pazz & Jop poll comes out, you can see, mathematically, where the critical consensus is landing.
In 2018, most names in the upper echelons came as no surprise if you follow music journalism. But, to me, one name near the top stood out: IDLES. Though near the top, this British punk band appeared on far fewer publications’ year-end lists than the likes of Kacey Musgraves or Cardi B. But here’s the thing: When IDLES did appear, they ranked high. In fact, their album’s average year-end-list ranking was higher than anyone else in the top 50. They were either in someone’s top ten, or not there at all. Continue reading »
Recently, The Killers took to the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge to plug their upcoming album release. Fittingly, they coupled their new song “The Man” with an iconic, similarly egotistic hit by David Bowie. If you’ve heard The Killers’ new song, you might be able to guess the Bowie song that they seamlessly transition to. And what a transition.
“Fame” is an excellent fit for Brandon Flowers’ piercing tenor. His voice is as instantly recognizable as Bowie’s, and he sings the classic with the same gusto as the original. The band and back up singers are fully invested, covering every instrumental solo and breathy “Fame” that you anticipate. Continue reading »
It has been uplifting hearing the response of many famous artists to the devastation Hurricane Harvey has wreaked upon Houston. Coldplay recently gave a one time performance dedicated to those affected by the hurricane, and Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell donated $1 million to Harvey relief efforts. Tying the two together is Simon’s ’80s classic “Graceland,” recorded at the BBC’s Live Lounge by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Continue reading »