Latest news with #Cool
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
New music: Michael Clifford, Alex G, GoGo Penguin, Visiting Rachmaninoff
Michael Clifford Sidequest (Hopeless) More than a decade ago, the Australian pop-punk boy band 5 Seconds of Summer emerged as charming genre-revivalists. The 2014 career-making single She Looks So Perfect was all palm-muted power chords and gang vocals, a familiar sound for fans of the Warped Tour scene. In the years since, the quartet evolved into a full-on arena pop-rock act, taking turns at releasing solo material. Next up is lead guitarist Michael Clifford, the edgiest of the bunch, with a spirited solo debut album that feels truer to the band's earliest material than their most recent. Ten energetic, introspective tracks form a tight album that explores self-doubt, fame and romance. The songs are pop-punk in spirit but deviate from the formula with a stadium-sized production: experimental electronics, big synths and versatile vocals. And it is an emotional journey. The lovesick opener Kill Me for Always, featuring Porter Robinson, sets the stage, with its scintillating mix of electronica and bass. The sound of Cool acts as the strongest evidence of Clifford's former boy band roots. It's self-deprecating and self-aware. In an album stuffed with energetic songs juxtaposed with existential lyrics, the best track arrives at a midpoint high in Enough. 'At 3 a.m. awake again / I can see all of the damage you've done,' Clifford sings through an evocative rasp. 'With friends like you who needs a loaded gun.' Sidequest sets out to prove it's both a culmination of the last decade of Clifford's life and a deviation from it, as he steps into his own sound. Thankfully, for fans, it succeeds. The debut album reflects Clifford's maturation and self-agency, despite the insecurities and doubts that creep in throughout. ★★★½ out of five Stream: Enough; Cool — Rachel S. Hunt, The Associated Press Alex G Headlights (RCA) Fame is a double-edge sword. Though it comes with obvious perks — money, opportunity and praise — it can also prompt a kind of existential reckoning. Now what? Is this all there is? Am I changed because of it and, if so, for better or for worse? This is the kind of wrestling Alex Giannascoli, better known as the influential indie rocker Alex G, performs on Headlights, his 10th album and first on a major label. Although Giannascoli achieved success early in his career — collaborating with Frank Ocean on his critically acclaimed 2016 album Blonde and joining the R&B superstar on tour — he has, until recently, been more frequently labelled a cult indie figure than a household name. But the 32-year-old has risen to prominence in recent years, particularly after his 2022 album, God Save the Animals, which marked a distinct shift from his austere, lo-fi sound to more robust production and instrumentation. He has since collaborated with the pop star Halsey on her latest record and scored filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun's horror hit, I Saw the TV Glow. That trajectory informs Giannascoli's contemplative poignancy on Headlights. 'Some things I do for love / Some things I do for money / It ain't like I don't want it / It ain't like I'm above it,' he admits on the Beam Me Up, his whirring guitars strumming mesmerizingly against airy background vocals. Many of his lyrics are poetically inscrutable, but there are also moments of explicit frankness about ambition, self-doubt, transition and success. With Headlights, Giannascoli continues further down his God Save the Animals sonic pivot to higher fidelity, recording in studios in lieu of his home for a more ornate sound. ★★★★ out of five Stream: Beam Me Up; Bounce Boy — Krysta Fauria, The Associated Press GoGo Penguin Necessary Fictions (XXIM) GoGo Penguin is a trio from Manchester, England, helping with the ongoing development of the possibilities of a jazz trio. (The name came about as a need to find a name for the group quickly at the start of its career. The members decided on GoGo Penguin based on an apparently ugly stuffed penguin bought by one of the band members.) The band stopped performing for several years recently, owing to personal losses and health issues. The jazz world celebrates their 'rebirth.' The trio is Chris Illingworth on piano, Nick Blacka on bass and Jon Scott on drums. Its sound is distinctive, incorporating influences from various rock and classical elements as well as the solid jazz foundation. Common features include what is described as a minimalist piano style, but even more dramatic is a pattern of a repeated foundational riff that becomes a relentless continuo. It drives the rhythm forward in fascinating patterns as the melody and harmonies swirl around it. The opening track, Umbra, is an example of the trio's style that sets the album up beautifully. What We Are and What We Are Meant To Be also takes the gentle melody and delivers it in a driving rhythmic underpinning. Unlike earlier releases, for the first time there is a guest vocalist, Daudi Matsiko, on Forgive the Damages, and an eight-piece string group called the Manchester Collective on several tracks. Luminous Giants and State of Flux put all the pieces together while maintaining the trio's signature sound. This album is a wonderful example of a trio developing an intent and experimentation while maintaining the sound and style for which they have been known. An ugly stuffed penguin might have led to its name, but GoGo Penguin is beautiful. ★★★★½ Stream: Naga Ghost, The Turn Within — Keith Black Visiting Rachmaninoff Alexander Melnikov, Julia Lezhneva (Harmonia Mundi) In this thoughtful new release, pianist Alexander Melnikov performs Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme by Chopin, Op. 22, a set of 22 short variations penned in 1902-03 and based on its namesake composer's Prelude in C minor (Op. 28, No. 20). What is particularly noteworthy is that Melnikov paid a visit to Rachmaninoff's last summer home. located at Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, recording the work on the 20th century composer's personal Steinway piano, thus inviting listeners into his unique soundworld. Melnikov's artistry allows him to craft each variation as its own distinct entity; each proving no match for his virtuosic technique. Following his dramatically rendered opening theme, the pianist then launches into the work with gusto. Particular highlights include such quicker-paced variations as the third and eighth, as well as the slower, more expressive offerings as Variation XVI, Lento, which flows into Variation 17, Grave, the latter highly introspective. Also featured is a selection of Rachmaninoff's 15 Romances, Opp. 21, 26 and 34 with Melnikov joined by renowned soprano Julia Lezhneva. This provides satisfying musical contrast as well as the opportunity to hear the luminous artist plumb the depths of each piece. Her deeply felt interpretations of No. 9, Again, I am alone, and No. 10, Before my window, both excerpted from Op. 26, are additional album highlights, further showcasing the singer's innate expressiveness and steeped-in-Russian soul. ★★★★ out of five Stream: Variations on a Theme by Chopin, Op. 22; 15 Romances, Op. 26, Before my window — Holly Harris
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
New music: Michael Clifford, Alex G, GoGo Penguin, Alexander Melnikov
Michael Clifford Sidequest (Hopeless) More than a decade ago, the Australian pop-punk boy band 5 Seconds of Summer emerged as charming genre-revivalists. The 2014 career-making single She Looks So Perfect was all palm-muted power chords and gang vocals, a familiar sound for fans of the Warped Tour scene. In the years since, the quartet evolved into a full-on arena pop-rock act, taking turns at releasing solo material. Next up is lead guitarist Michael Clifford, the edgiest of the bunch, with a spirited solo debut album that feels truer to the band's earliest material than their most recent. Ten energetic, introspective tracks form a tight album that explores self-doubt, fame and romance. The songs are pop-punk in spirit but deviate from the formula with a stadium-sized production: experimental electronics, big synths and versatile vocals. And it is an emotional journey. The lovesick opener Kill Me for Always, featuring Porter Robinson, sets the stage, with its scintillating mix of electronica and bass. The sound of Cool acts as the strongest evidence of Clifford's former boy band roots. It's self-deprecating and self-aware. In an album stuffed with energetic songs juxtaposed with existential lyrics, the best track arrives at a midpoint high in Enough. 'At 3 a.m. awake again / I can see all of the damage you've done,' Clifford sings through an evocative rasp. 'With friends like you who needs a loaded gun.' Sidequest sets out to prove it's both a culmination of the last decade of Clifford's life and a deviation from it, as he steps into his own sound. Thankfully, for fans, it succeeds. The debut album reflects Clifford's maturation and self-agency, despite the insecurities and doubts that creep in throughout. ★★★½ out of five Stream: Enough; Cool — Rachel S. Hunt, The Associated Press Alex G Headlights (RCA) Fame is a double-edge sword. Though it comes with obvious perks — money, opportunity and praise — it can also prompt a kind of existential reckoning. Now what? Is this all there is? Am I changed because of it and, if so, for better or for worse? This is the kind of wrestling Alex Giannascoli, better known as the influential indie rocker Alex G, performs on Headlights, his 10th album and first on a major label. Although Giannascoli achieved success early in his career — collaborating with Frank Ocean on his critically acclaimed 2016 album Blonde and joining the R&B superstar on tour — he has, until recently, been more frequently labelled a cult indie figure than a household name. But the 32-year-old has risen to prominence in recent years, particularly after his 2022 album, God Save the Animals, which marked a distinct shift from his austere, lo-fi sound to more robust production and instrumentation. He has since collaborated with the pop star Halsey on her latest record and scored filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun's horror hit, I Saw the TV Glow. That trajectory informs Giannascoli's contemplative poignancy on Headlights. 'Some things I do for love / Some things I do for money / It ain't like I don't want it / It ain't like I'm above it,' he admits on the Beam Me Up, his whirring guitars strumming mesmerizingly against airy background vocals. Many of his lyrics are poetically inscrutable, but there are also moments of explicit frankness about ambition, self-doubt, transition and success. With Headlights, Giannascoli continues further down his God Save the Animals sonic pivot to higher fidelity, recording in studios in lieu of his home for a more ornate sound. ★★★★ out of five Stream: Beam Me Up; Bounce Boy — Krysta Fauria, The Associated Press GoGo Penguin Necessary Fictions (XXIM) GoGo Penguin is a trio from Manchester, England, helping with the ongoing development of the possibilities of a jazz trio. (The name came about as a need to find a name for the group quickly at the start of its career. The members decided on GoGo Penguin based on an apparently ugly stuffed penguin bought by one of the band members.) The band stopped performing for several years recently, owing to personal losses and health issues. The jazz world celebrates their 'rebirth.' The trio is Chris Illingworth on piano, Nick Blacka on bass and Jon Scott on drums. Its sound is distinctive, incorporating influences from various rock and classical elements as well as the solid jazz foundation. Common features include what is described as a minimalist piano style, but even more dramatic is a pattern of a repeated foundational riff that becomes a relentless continuo. It drives the rhythm forward in fascinating patterns as the melody and harmonies swirl around it. The opening track, Umbra, is an example of the trio's style that sets the album up beautifully. What We Are and What We Are Meant To Be also takes the gentle melody and delivers it in a driving rhythmic underpinning. Unlike earlier releases, for the first time there is a guest vocalist, Daudi Matsiko, on Forgive the Damages, and an eight-piece string group called the Manchester Collective on several tracks. Luminous Giants and State of Flux put all the pieces together while maintaining the trio's signature sound. This album is a wonderful example of a trio developing an intent and experimentation while maintaining the sound and style for which they have been known. An ugly stuffed penguin might have led to its name, but GoGo Penguin is beautiful. ★★★★½ Stream: Naga Ghost, The Turn Within — Keith Black Visiting Rachmaninoff Alexander Melnikov, Julia Lezhneva (Harmonia Mundi) In this thoughtful new release, pianist Alexander Melnikov performs Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme by Chopin, Op. 22, a set of 22 short variations penned in 1902-03 and based on its namesake composer's Prelude in C minor (Op. 28, No. 20). What is particularly noteworthy is that Melnikov paid a visit to Rachmaninoff's last summer home. located at Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, recording the work on the 20th century composer's personal Steinway piano, thus inviting listeners into his unique soundworld. Melnikov's artistry allows him to craft each variation as its own distinct entity; each proving no match for his virtuosic technique. Following his dramatically rendered opening theme, the pianist then launches into the work with gusto. Particular highlights include such quicker-paced variations as the third and eighth, as well as the slower, more expressive offerings as Variation XVI, Lento, which flows into Variation 17, Grave, the latter highly introspective. Also featured is a selection of Rachmaninoff's 15 Romances, Opp. 21, 26 and 34 with Melnikov joined by renowned soprano Julia Lezhneva. This provides satisfying musical contrast as well as the opportunity to hear the luminous artist plumb the depths of each piece. Her deeply felt interpretations of No. 9, Again, I am alone, and No. 10, Before my window, both excerpted from Op. 26, are additional album highlights, further showcasing the singer's innate expressiveness and steeped-in-Russian soul. ★★★★ out of five Stream: Variations on a Theme by Chopin, Op. 22; 15 Romances, Op. 26, Before my window — Holly Harris
Buzz Feed
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
20 Problematic Songs From Past 25 Years
"Cool, Daddy Cool" by Kid Rock and Joe C. (2001): The fact that this song appeared on the Osmosis Jones soundtrack, a movie for KIDS, is appalling. Kid Rock clearly sings he likes being with underage girls, and doesn't care if it's considered "statutory rape." To say he's a creep is the understatement of the century. "Bad Guy" by Eminem (2013): Eminem is known for releasing extremely violent, misogynistic, and anti-gay songs for decades. People have argued he's just using his imagination as a songwriter, but in "Bad Guy," he takes it too far and describes in horrific detail how he'd violate someone with a "chloroform rag," among other horrible things. And "Kim" by Eminem (2000): Again, Eminem has a long history of problematic lyrics about women, including his ex-wife, Kim Scott. In "Kim," he fantasizes about kidnapping, abusing, and murdering her. I don't know how this song ever got okayed in the first place. "Try That In A Small Town" by Jason Aldean (2023): It's not just the tough-guy lyrics that are problematic — it's how it leans into a kind of small-town pride that feels more like a threat than a celebration. Even worse? The video was filmed at the Maury County Courthouse, the very spot where, in 1927, black teen Henry Choate was accused (without evidence) of assaulting a white girl and lynched and hanged by a white mob. "Blame It (On the Alcohol)" by Jamie Foxx and T-Pain (2009): The song glamorizes alcohol-fueled hookups in a way that blurs the line around consent, and encourages people to blame reckless behavior on being drunk. The melody is catchy, but if you listen to the words, you'll probably never want to listen to the song again. So I'm here to never listen to this song again. Rick Ross's verse on "U.O.E.N.O." by Rocko (2013): In his verse, Rick Ross describes giving a roofie to a woman, bragging about how he "enjoyed that" (insinuating sex) while she's unconscious. Ross issued an apology after facing backlash for the lyric, but it was initially still okayed by a music label, and for that, it's pretty unforgivable. "Facts" by Tom MacDonald and Ben Shapiro (2024): This 'MAGA rap' track by MacDonald and ring-wing commentator Shapiro attacks progressive culture, They have a "problem" with the LGBTQIA+ community using different pronouns, people being pro-abortion rights instead of anti-abortion, and anything else that a pro-Trump supporter might otherwise "disagree with." "Shut Up and Swallow" by Combichrist (2007): This song seems to revel in a woman's pain while she performs oral sex on a man. He's mad at her for some unknown reason, so he hopes she's "gagging" and "choking" on him ( pretty damn gruesome). "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars (2010): This singer has been a hit machine ever since he came on the scene. But "Runaway Baby" and its implications feel too problematic to ignore. In this song, he wants to be with a girl, by any means necessary, no matter if she's interested or not. And that is NOT okay. "Vultures" by Ye, Ty Dolla Sign, Bump J, and Lil Durk (2023): It's sufficient to say that anything Ye has released in the past seven years is problematic. His verse on "Vultures" speak for themselves — they're deeply anti-semitic, and he doesn't take accountability for being so. "D.R.U.G.S." by Iggy Azalea and YG (2011): Azalea — a white woman — rapping "I'm a runaway slave master, shittin' on the past" is supremely insensitive and racist. It's no wonder this song doesn't hold up today, and frankly, never will. "Ur So Gay" by Katy Perry (2007): There's a crass undertone (or overtone?) in this Katy Perry song because she implies you're "gay" if you're "annoying." It's a limited perspective and disrespects anyone who's in the LGBTQIA+ community. "Grrrls" by Lizzo (2022): Lizzo has since changed the lyrics after facing backlash for using "spaz" in her song. But, it still doesn't ignore the fact that she used it in the first place. "Tron Cat" by Tyler, the Creator (2011): I would argue that a lotttttt of Tyler, the Creator's music is problematic, especially this song. Like Eminem, he describes a beyond baffling situation where he physically abuses a woman, and he'll "get it done" no matter what. "Villuminati" by J. Cole (2013): In this song, J. Cole throws anti-gay slurs around like it's his full-time job. There are at least three instances of a derogatory word used, which obviously didn't need to be a whole dictionary out there, my dude. Use it. "Roman Reloaded" by Nicki Minaj (2012): Minaj casually name-checks the Columbine High School shooting — a national tragedy where children were murdered — to imply she'd kill some "hoes." That should be enough to never want to listen to it ever again. "Let's Get Ret*rded" by the Black Eyed Peas (2004): The problematic nature is in the title itself, disrespecting a community that was notoriously made fun of in the 2000s. The Black Eyed Peas released a clean version, titled "Let's Get It Started," but still — the original version exists, and it definitely doesn't hold up in 2025. "Daughters" by John Mayer (2003): This narrow view of a woman's worth in the world makes "Daughters" just an insufferable song. John Mayer believes that women can only be "mothers" and "lovers," AKA just play a role in relation to a man/someone else. "If I Want To" by Usher (2001): Like "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars, this Usher song is a clear sign that a man doesn't care how a woman feels. If he's attracted to her, he will do anything to "make her his," brushing off any "misunderstandings." "If I Want To" is problematic at best. And finally, "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke, Pharrell, and T.I. (2013): If you're tired of the discourse around this problematic song, then I'm sorry, but.......I'm not sorry. Why? Because Robin Thicke, Pharrell, and T.I. imply that a woman "wants a man" just because she's "paying attention to him." If she's talking to him or dancing with him, he assumes he can "have his way with her." They distract from the disturbing message of this song with a catchy beat, fooling listeners everywhere. A horrible use of lyric and melody, if you ask me. Let's flip the script a little here, folks: What's a problematic song from the '80s and '90s you can't believe was ever recorded? Share with us in the comments below.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Five Dreamers Broke the Rules - How a K-pop Mixed Group Won Every Heart
Group ALLDAY PROJECT sets new milestone in K-pop market The Comeback of Mixed Groups - Why It Feels So Fresh If you thought K-pop was just boys with perfect hair or girls with killer moves, ALLDAY PROJECT is here to change your mind. Debuting on June 23 with 'FAMOUS', this five-member squad-three women (Annie, Youngseo, Bailey) and two men (Woochan, Tarzan)-is shaking up the scene. Why's everyone buzzing? Because it's been forever since a mixed group made it big in Korea, and these five are doing it with style, guts, and a whole lot of heart. Back in the 90s, mixed groups like Roo'ra, Cool, and Koyote ruled the charts. But as the 2000s rolled in, the K-pop world became all about boy or girl groups. Companies thought single-gender teams were easier to manage, and fans seemed to prefer it. The result? Mixed groups basically disappeared, and the few that tried didn't get much love. But ALLDAY PROJECT is proving that with the right blend of talent and chemistry, you can break any so-called "rule". Fandoms, Friendships, and Smashing Stereotypes ALLDAY PROJECT is breaking stereotypes left and right. People used to say mixed groups couldn't build strong fandoms-turns out, they just needed the right group. Annie's unique background has drawn in a massive female fanbase, while the group's interactions (especially the playful chemistry between Tarzan and Annie) are winning hearts across social media. Their official fandom, "DAY1", is growing fast, and it's not about gender or looks-it's about connection, authenticity, and the feeling that these five are genuinely having fun together. Their music and stage presence are different, too. Instead of sticking to the usual "cute" or "tough" concepts, ALLDAY PROJECT goes for a gender-neutral, hip vibe that feels modern and inclusive. It's the kind of energy that resonates with young people everywhere-whether you're in Seoul, Mumbai, or anywhere in between. The group's willingness to show their real personalities, quirks and all, makes them even more relatable. Why Young People Everywhere Are Rooting for ALLDAY PROJECT Let's be real-youth today know a thing or two about breaking stereotypes and challenging expectations. Whether it's chasing unconventional careers, mixing cultures, or just refusing to fit into one box, there's a shared spirit here. ALLDAY PROJECT's journey feels like a mirror: a group of dreamers, each with their own story, coming together to create something new and bold. Their fast rise is a reminder that sometimes, it's the people who dare to be different who end up changing the game. Here's to more music, more diversity, and more stories that make us all feel seen.
Mint
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
MS Dhoni birthday today: ‘Captain Cool' turns 44; fans say ‘he didn't chase greatness but defined it'
Former Indian cricket team captain, right-handed batter and a wicket-keeper MS Dhoni turned 44 today on his birthday. Fans have begun pouring wishes on social media platforms, praising his journey and excellent performance throughout his career. One of the internet users remarked, 'They can mock the name, but never touch the legend He didn't chase greatness, he defined it. Calm in storm, fierce in silence forever our Captain Cool. 💙 Happy Birthday, MS Dhoni! 🐐 Another said, 'Happy birthday MS Dhoni 🔥 The legendary cricketer. The batsman, the wicket keeper, the finisher and above all the best captain..." Star Sports also put out a special video on his birthday, stating, 'You didn't just lead a team. You led a generation of fans ❤ From the 2007 T20 WC miracle to 2011's unforgettable six, thank you for the goosebumps, Mahi. Happy Birthday, @msdhoni ! Watch 7 Shades of Dhoni, Launching 7th July on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar.' Under his leadership, CSK clinched the prestigious IPL title in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Overall, Dhoni has captained 226 IPL matches, securing victory in 133 of them.
