Popular

No matter what your taste in music is, the occasional catchy popular song will find its way into your head and leave you humming one of the Top 40 Hits of the week. Popular music can often get criticized (you either love it or you hate it), but the intention for the music is to become popular. Artists and producers know how to make a song that numerous people will love. It can be fake, or auto tuned, or only feature four chords over and over again, but it can also be charming. Songs that people love can create bonds over a common interest. Weed out the bad music, and find some good pieces in the large pool of favorites.

The Chainsmokers: In the past, electronic and pop music were separate. Pop music was restricted to it’s basic chords and beats and kept its fan base with catchy vocals, meanwhile electronic used its eccentric beats, but had nothing to hold the audience’s attention without vocals. Then came the Chainsmokers. This band is innovating the newest form of pop music and making it their own. With songs like “Roses,” and “Closer,” reaching the top of the charts for both pop and EDM, you can tell that the duo has a lot passion for the music they create. Their sound is better than their competition, more electrifying. The Chainsmoker’s songs are the ultimate sing-along-with-your friends-as-you-bust-out-embarrassing-moves-in-the-car. The upbeat and catchy melodies ensure this band is never absent at a dance party.

Blurryface: You can say a lot about Twenty One Pilots. Some people think they’re overdone, others think they are life changing. No matter what you say about them, the fact is they’re popular for a reason. Their latest album, Blurryface, showcases all of the reasons that they are so popular. Blurryface is a character the lead singer, Tyler Joseph, made up to reflect all of his insecurities. Through every emotion, they relate to their audience. “Tear in my Heart,” demonstrates how love can make you vulnerable. “Heavydirtysoul,” shows a positive spin on feeling helpless. “We Don’t Believe What’s on TV” gives you hope for the future and the sincerity in the lyrics of “The Judge” makes your head and heart skip a beat. Their rock beat combined with authentic lyrics and messages makes this album one that no one should miss, even Twenty One Pilots cynics.

Pop Discovery: Starboy-The Weeknd, 24K Magic-Bruno Mars, Paris-The Chainsmokers, Genghis Kahn-Miike Snow, All Time Low-Jon Bellion, Cold Water-Major Lazer feat Justin Bieber, HandClap- Fitz and the Tantrums, Not Afraid Anymore-Halsey, Juke Jam-Chance the Rapper, Death of a Bachelor-Panic! At the Disco, Hold Up-Beyonce, Never Be Like You-Flume

Pop Chill: Castle on the Hill-Ed Sheeran, I Don’t Know My Name-Grace Vanderwaal, i hate u, i love u-gnash, This Town-Niall Horan, Love Me Know-John Legend, Way Down We Go-Kaleo,  Too Good-Drake, Pray You Catch Me- Beyonce, When We Were Young-Adele, 7 Years-Lukas Graham, Love Yourself-Justin Bieber, The Judge-Twenty One Pilots

Upcoming Concerts:

Twenty One Pilots-United Center-Chicago, IL-1/28/2017-7:00pm

Jacob Sartorius!!!!!!!-House of Blues-Chicago, IL-1/29/2017-6:30pm

Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Britten and Tchaikovsky)-Chicago Symphony Center-Chicago, IL- Feb. 3&4 -8:00pm

Riff Raff-Portage Theater-Chicago, IL-2/4/2017-7:00pm

I Love the 90s Show ft. Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Coolio (along with other food items)-BMO Harris Bank Center-Rockford, IL-2/10/2017-7:00pm

Cherub and The Floozies-Riviera Theatre-Chicago-2/10/2017 9:00pm

Our Favorites

It’s a new year! Time to celebrate and embrace the change that comes with 2017. We decided that this would be a perfect time to showcase some of our personal favorites. Our music taste is very similar, so we picked an artist and album that we both thoroughly enjoy. The new year brings about many opportunities to discover new music, so pay attention. Ask your friends, cool classmates, even strangers what they are listening to. Try to catch songs that are playing in restaurants or hotel lobbies or stores or bowling alleys. Shazam everything! Continue to listen to your old, endearing collection of favorites, but also wander into the unfamiliar territory of new music. There is so much more to discover.

Artist of the Week- The Walters- The Walters are the ultimate feel good band. Pick a happy memory and there is a Walters’ song that could effortlessly fit that mood. This group of Chicago natives has reached small audiences using their emotion and poignant messages about relationships today. Made up of five men, they are a younger band having only been together for a little over two years. Their songs explore different sounds, from the rock of “Hunk Beach,” to the pure, mellow emotion in “I Love You So”. Their vocals are charming and while listening, you become enchanted with not only the music they produce, but themselves as individuals. That’s how enthralling it is. “Autumn Leaves” and “New Girl” prove this. The mixture of smooth indie and crafty lyrics create songs to adore. With one listen, you will fall in love with these boys.  

Album of the Week- The Next Thing- Each song on Frankie Cosmos’s album “The Next Thing” is an experience. It carries the audience through the lightheartedness of “Outside with the Cuties” to the emotion wrapped inside “Young.” Frankie Cosmos (real name Greta Kline) transcends the emotions of the listeners through her second album. Although only 22, Cosmos relates to people of all ages through heartbreak, relaxation and melodies to match. Her lyrics read like beautiful poetry, and listening to her sweet voice, you feel thoughtful and reflective. She feels personal, as if she wrote the song as a gift to you. Writer Lindsay Zoladz for the New York Magazine described Frankie’s message as a “melodic reminder that the wisest, wittiest person in the room is rarely the loudest one but instead that unassuming girl in the corner, grinning contentedly at her untied shoes”. This sums up Frankie perfectly. The authenticity in her music is something that is lacking in the music industry. It’s striking and refreshing to create a sound truly cherished by everyone.

Georgia’s Favorites Playlist- Black Balloons- Local Natives, It’s Real- Real Estate, Adversity- Beach Fossils, Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games- of Montreal, Feel It All Around-Washed Out, Polish Girl- Neon Indian, These Days- Dr. Dog, Needle- Born Ruffians, Under the Pressure- the War on Drugs, Follow the Leader- Foxygen,

Rachel’s Favorites Playlist- Ms-Alt-J, Tattoos-Angus Maude, Sedona-Houndmouth, Piazza New York Catcher-Belle & Sebastian, Wetsuit-The Vaccines, Sex Tourists-French Kicks, Sea Swallow Me- Cocteau Twins, Home-Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, All of Them Dreams-Tom Rosenthal

Upcoming Concerts:

Ezra Furman- Lincoln Hall- Chicago, IL- 1/12/2016- 9:00pm

Lukas Graham-House of Blues-Chicago, IL-1/17/2017-6:00pm

The Lumineers-Allstate Arena-Rosemont, IL-1/20/2017-7:00pm

Kings of Leon-United Center-Chicago, IL-1/23/2017-7:30pm

Twenty One Pilots-United Center-Chicago, IL-1/28/2017-7:00pm

Jacob Sartorius!!!!!!!-House of Blues-Chicago, IL-1/29/2017-6:30pm

Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Britten and Tchaikovsky)-Chicago Symphony Center-Chicago, IL- Feb. 3&4 -8:00pm

Riff Raff-Portage Theater-Chicago, IL-2/4/2017-7:00pm

I Love the 90s Show ft. Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Coolio (along with other food items)-BMO Harris Bank Center-Rockford, IL-2/10/2017-7:00pm

Mozart and Finals

The most dreaded week of the school year is upon us, much quicker than expected: finals week. And well some students might feel confident going into it, most of us are pulling our hair out, trying to figure out how we can compensate for the lack of work we did all semester. Thank you, Roger Hub, for that Final Grade Calculator. Music has always been a satisfying de-stresser and in times like this, we could all use a little less stress in our lives. Although students are allowed to listen to what they want while they study (the sound of rain, jazz, screamo, silence perhaps), there have been studies that listening to classical music while doing school work is immensely beneficial for their grades and their mental well being. Beethoven is great, don’t get me wrong, but research has shown that it is Mozart that contributes the most to the brain.  It can give one short term improvement on performance in tests, cognitive skills, and have a beneficial impact on one’s mental health.

Named The Mozart Effect, this hypothesis was first introduced into the world in 1991 by a French researcher Alfred A. Tomatis in his book Pourquoi Mozart? (Why Mozart?): He claimed listening to Mozart’s music can raise one’s intelligence quotient (IQ) as well as “increase verbal, emotional, and spatial intelligence, improve concentration and memory, enhance right-brain creative processes and strengthen intuitive thinking skills”.  This seems very odd, however it does make sense. Symmetries and pattern characteristics of music are fundamentally connected to the symmetries and patterns researchers are tracking in brain waves. Music consciousness and spatial cognitive skills and long term sequencing operations are all worked out on the right side of the brain. So, while you are cramming facts in your brain in preparation for finals, take a breather. Remember to relax, study but stay calm and treat yourself to the beauty (and benefits) of Mozart’s music.

Side Note: We created two playlists for you. One of them is our favorite classical music (heavy on the Mozart of course). If that doesn’t quite do it for you, then check out our de-stressing playlist for some mellow tunes.

Favorite Classical Playlist: Requiem: Lacrimosa- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Apres Une Reve- Gabriel Faure, The Nutcracker - Ballet, Op.71, No.12- Arabian- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Piano Sonata No. 12 in F, K.322: 2. Adagio- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,Symphony No. 83 in G Minor, ‘La Poule’: III. Minuetto (Allegretto) & Trio- Franz Joseph Haydn, Sonata in F Minor, K.466 (L. 118)- Domenico Scarlatti, The Moldau (From Ma Vlast)- Bedrich Smetana, Due pupille amabili, K. 439- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata K331 First Movement, Impromptu No.4 in C sharp minor, Op. 66- Chopin

De-stressing playlist: Cherry Wine- Hozier, Emerald and Stone- Brian Eno, Time Wind Down- Brian Berger, Northern Lights- Lights & Motion, All Will Be Well- The Gabe Dixon Band, Telescope- Mandy Smith, Drive- Oh Wonder, Caving- Seavera, In Dreams- Ben Howard, Untitled- Matt Corby

Upcoming Concerts:

Ellie Goulding- Allstate Arena- Chicago, IL- 12/14/2016-9:00pm

Twin Peaks- Thalia Hall- Chicago, IL- 12/18/2016- 8:00pm

Snoop Dogg- Riverside Theatre- Milwaukee, WI- 12/22/2016- 8:00pm

Audacity- The Metal Grill- Cudahy, WI- 12/30/2016- 5:00pm

Flume- Donald E. Stephens Convention Center- Rosemont, IL- 12/30/2016- 7:00pm

Diane Coffee- Schubas- Chicago, IL- 12/31/2016- 7:00pm

Ezra Furman- Lincoln Hall- Chicago, IL- 1/12/2016- 9:00pm

Christmas

Tis’ the season to celebrate the holidays! Every year as December 25th rapidly approaches and Macy’s decorate their venue with festive lights and magnificent trees, radio stations begin to play sweet notes and carols day and night. While some love to join in on the tunes, others are critical of why Christmas music dominates the holiday season. Whatever your preference may be, the “fa la la”’s of the season are being sung wherever you go.

Pro-Christmas Music: Christmas music is so much more than just music. It represents happiness that only comes once every year. It represents people coming together and singing loudly about joy. The familiar, loveable songs ring in the background as families decorate the tree and get cozy around the fire. It can also be versatile to fit any occasion. You want to jam? “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey.  You want to chill with a cup of hot chocolate admiring the snow? “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.  It is more than just sound, it is a feeling that can only be felt around Christmas time. It is music for happiness. Whenever Christmas season rolls around, excitement fills the air. The music is just a reminder of the excitement and joy that happens when the season comes around.

Anti-Christmas Music: Does the music industry realize that Christmas is not the only holiday in December? Of course, Christmas music means so much for people who celebrate Christmas, but what about those who don’t? The only song I can think of that doesn’t have to do with the coming of Christ is the “dreidel song, ” and I’m sure that the Jewish community would want so much more from their holiday than just a song about a wooden toy. Not to mention that for how much Christmas supports modesty, all of the female pop stars who decide to sing a Christmas ballad to make a little money always seem to find their way into Santa-themed lingerie. But the worst part of Christmas music, no matter how much you hate it, there is no escape. It plays in the doctor's office, it plays on every radio station, it plays in the park. It’s everywhere.

Slow Xmas Playlist:  Carol of the Bells,  White Christmas-Bing Crosby, Silver Bells, Christmas Lights-Coldplay, River-Sarah McLachlan, White Winter Hymnal-Fleet Foxes or Pentatonix, The Christmas Song-Nat King Cole, Walking In the Air, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas-Frank Sinatra, Baby, It’s Cold Outside- James Taylor

A get-away-from-Christmas discovery playlist: Hunk Beach- the Walters, Mysterious Power- Ezra Furman, Needle- Born Ruffians, When I Get Older- Wild Party, Call Me in The Afternoon- Half Moon Run, Lonesome- Dr. Dog, Greek Tragedy- The Wombats, Long Distance- The Districts, When I Get Home- Post Animal

Bastille- The Rave/Eagles Club- Milwaukee, WI- 12/8/2016- 7:30 pm

G-Eazy- All-State Arena- Chicago, IL- 12/10/2016- 7:00pm

The Oh Hellos- Thalia Hall- Chicago, IL- 12/10/2016- 7:00 pm

Snoop Dogg- Riverside Theatre- Milwaukee, WI- 12/22/2016- 8:00 pm

Flume- Donald E. Stephens Convention- Rosemont, IL- 12/30/2016- 7:00pm

Oldies

Everyone has discovered their oldies favorites in a different way. You may have been introduced to them kid; with no music taste, your favorites became Zeppelin and Bowie, the music your dad would blast from a CD player. Maybe you gathered them from a hip friend who states they were “born in the wrong time period” as they introduce you to the classic sounds of Buddy Holly and Frank Sinatra. Or maybe, you actually lived during those times and listening to these old tunes help grow a sense of nostalgia in you. Whichever route lead you to the great music of past times, you’ll always have those songs and albums, no matter how old they get.

Artist of the Week- Billy Joel: It’s hard to go throughout life without ever hearing a song by Billy Joel. If you find yourself in a crowded area with a piano or maybe singing karaoke, the odds of having the song “Piano Man” come up are very likely, but by no means is that a bad thing. Actually, if you ever stumble across songs like “Uptown Girl”, “The Longest Time”, or “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, there is a good chance you will enjoy them. He didn’t get the title third best-selling solo artist in the United States selling 150 million records for no reason. So, if you haven’t fallen in love with his gifted voice and astonishing piano skills, I highly recommend.  

Album of the Week- Bridge over Troubled Water: The most ambitious album from an infamous duo, Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water explored with ease. The beautiful songwriting of Paul Simon leads the listeners to hit emotions that has not been encompassed in any other album since. Through the tragically uplifting “Bridge Over Trouble Water” and the sensitivity of “the Only Living Boy in New York” coupled with the bounciness of “Cecelia” and “Keep the Customer Satisfied,” drags the audience through a range of motion that mirrors the complexity of relationships and life itself. Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Trouble Water paved the way for so many artists after them and continues to inspire folk artists as well as so many other songwriters.

Music Discovery Playlist: God Only Knows- Beach Boys, Everyday-Buddy Holly, Fly Me to the Moon- Frank Sinatra, September-Earth, Wind and Fire, December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)-The Four Seasons,  Across the Universe-The Beatles, In the Summertime-Mungo Jerry, Piano Man-Billy Joel, You Make My Dreams-Daryl Hall & Oates

Nostalgia Playlist: Space Oddity- David Bowie, Friends Will Be Friends- Queen, Losing My Religion- R.E.M., Solsbury Hill- Peter Gabriel, You Make Loving Fun- Fleetwood Mac, Edge of Seventeen- Stevie Nicks, This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)- Talking Heads, The Only Living Boy in New York- Simon & Garfunkel, Tiny Dancer- Elton John, Vienna- Billy Joel, Never Going Back Again- Fleetwood Mac

Upcoming Concerts:

Cage the Elephant- Aragon Ballroom- Chicago, IL- 12/2/2016- 7:00pm

James Bay- Chicago Theatre- Chicago, IL- 12/3/2016- 6:00 pm

Stevie Nicks and the Pretenders- United Center- Chicago, IL- 12/3/2016- 7:00 pm

Bastille- The Rave/Eagles Club- Milwaukee, WI- 12/8/2016- 7:30 pm

G-Eazy- All-State Arena- Chicago, IL- 12/10/2016- 7:00pm

The Oh Hellos- Thalia Hall- Chicago, IL- 12/10/2016- 7:00 pm

Snoop Dogg- Riverside Theatre- Milwaukee, WI- 12/22/2016- 8:00 pm

Flume- Donald E. Stephens Convention- Rosemont, IL- 12/30/2016- 7:00pm

Rock

Since the beginning of its creation, rock music has been breaking down barriers. Although it is often thought that rock music was only intended to rebel against the light, happy sock hop style of music, it has turned into so much more. 

Artist of the Week: David Bowie: He was a trendsetter and legend. He broke boundaries. David Bowie known for his risks in his fashion, his makeup and greatest of all his music. Even after his death, the light rock sound of “Heroes,” and “Space Oddity,” continue to be celebrated by so many generations after him. Even in his final years, Bowie continued to make songs like “Lazarus,” a hauntingly beautiful melody. It is no wonder that so many mourn his loss, but it is also no surprise that his influence continues to carry through the rock and roll community. 

Album of the Week: Californication: The seventh Red Hot Chili Peppers album and arguably the most popular leaves a memorable impression on all who not only explore it but really listen. Californication examines a variety of topics that don’t always present themselves in their other albums. These themes include lust, death, contemplations of suicide, drugs, travel, and of course, California. The sound of it reveals a softer, melodic side to the group. The main point behind the album was to “tell tales of wandering souls who’ve lost their way searching for the American dream in California.” I think this is the best description for this album. If you aren’t in the mood to listen to the full thing right away, I would suggest starting with “Californication,” “Road Trippin’,” or “Around the World.” I guarantee it will draw out the “wandering soul” that all of us secretly possess. 

Rock Discovery: Rhiannon- Fleetwood Mac, Good Feeling- The Violent Femmes, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out- The Smiths, All These Things That I’ve Done- The Killers, Snow (Hey Oh)- Red Hot Chili Peppers, Next Girl- Black Keys. Baby Says- The Kills, Take It or Leave It- Cage the Elephant 

Mellow rock: This Charming Man-The Smiths, And I love her-The Beatles, Her Majesty-The Beatles, Someday-Strokes, November Rain- Guns N’ Roses, Iris-The Goo Goo Dolls 

Upcoming Concerts 
Two Door Cinema Club - Aragon Ballroom - 11/25/16 - 8:30 pm 

Morrissey - Aragon Ballroom - Chicago, IL - 11/27/16 - 7:30 pm

Stevie Nicks - United Center - Chicago, IL - 12/03/16 - 7:00 pm

Cage The Elephant- Aragon Ballroom- Chicago, IL- 12/2/16- 7:00 pm 

Stevie Nicks - United Center - Chicago, IL - 12/03/16 - 7:00 pm 

Fitz and The Tantrums- Aragon Ballroom- Chicago, IL- 12/3/16- 7:00 pm 

Charlie Puth and James Bay- Chicago Theatre- 12/3/16- 7:30 pm

Hip Hop

Hip Hop can not be boiled down to one sound. You cannot put a label on hip hop. It's infused with culture and passion in ways one wouldn’t expect. It’s real. Often synonymous with rap music, it has changed styles through the decades going from basic beats to modern, complex, multi-instrumental beats. Lyrics and the overall sounds of hip hop have changed due to the different lifestyles rappers live today. Not to disregard the violence today, but it was much more severe in the 80’s and 90’s. With the few modern day exceptions, hip hop remains authentic, proclaiming truth to all those willing to welcome the unknown.

Artist of the Week: Notorious B.I.G.: The Notorious B.I.G. (real name Christopher George Latore Wallace) was an American rapper known as one of the most influential rappers of not only the hip hop movement but of all time. He came onto the hip hop scene in 1994 with his remarkable debut album Ready to Die, the only album released during his lifetime. The album describes his life, connecting the violence and intensity of living on the streets with the emotional trauma that came with it. The easy flowing lyrics were the perfect way to tell the story. A sinister sense of depression is also present in the album with the dark tones. His second album, Life After Death,  had a major theme of his rivals with other rappers. A few weeks before the release, he was shot sitting in his car. Despite his young death at the age of 24, his legacy remained, well, notorious.  

Album of the Week: Coloring Book: In an industry where a lot of music can sound the same, an innovator can come in and change everything. Chicago native, Chance the Rapper, uses his latest mixtape, Coloring Book, as an opportunity to express every part of himself. He proclaims his love of music on the track “All We Got,” he shares a story of fighting big record labels on “No Problem,” and he preaches his belief in religion in “Finish Line/Down.” The prophetic nature in which Chance talks about God working in the world around him can bring the most skeptical person to their knees. All of this paired with the collaboration of dozens of artists like Justin Bieber, Lil’ Wayne, Future and so much more, makes this album diverse. It is no wonder that Pitchfork called Coloring Book “one of the strongest rap albums released this year.”

Discover Playlist: Ivy-Frank Ocean, Too Good-Drake, Bound 2-Kanye West, No Role Modelz- J.Cole, Up, Up, & Away- Kid Cudi, Just Playing (Dreams)-The Notorious B.I.G., Sober-Childish Gambino, Dang!- Mac Miller, and Juke Jam-Chance the Rapper

Pump Up Playlist: Donald Trump - Mac Miller, All In - Kid Cudi, Most Of All - JMSN, 3005 - Childish Gambino, AU79 - Tyler, the Creator, Gametime - Chuck Inglish, Godspeed - Frank Ocean, Pursuit of Happiness - Kid Cudi

Upcoming concerts:

FIDLAR- Metro Smart Bar- Chicago, IL- 11/17/16- 8:00 pm

Band of Horses - Aragon Ballroom - Chicago, IL - 11/16/16 - 7:30 pm

Two Door Cinema Club - Aragon Ballroom - 11/25/16 - 8:30 pm

Morrissey - Aragon Ballroom - Chicago, IL - 11/27/16 - 7:30 pm

Cage The Elephant- Aragon Ballroom- Chicago, IL- 12/2/16- 7:00 pm

Stevie Nicks - United Center - Chicago, IL - 12/03/16 - 7:00 pm

Fitz and The Tantrums- Aragon Ballroom- Chicago, IL- 12/3/16- 7:00 pm

Charlie Puth and James Bay- Chicago Theatre- 12/3/16- 7:30 pm