After scoring Metropolis, one of the most renowned musical venues in Montreal, Arkells definitely put on a show. Their Saturday Feb. 18 set was perplexing: A stark contrast between raw Canadian-born talent adored for their lyrics and zest, and choreographed dance moves that were the epitome of cringe-worthy. Witnessing this[Read More…]
Music
Trib Mix: Dad Rock
You’ve seen the hordes of white middle-aged men longing for the days when music was loud, men were men, guitar solos were long, and the word “rock” was a verb. You’ve seen the YouTube comment sections packed to the brim with 12-year-olds claiming to be born in the “wrong generation.”[Read More…]
Trib Mix: Songs for lovers at McGill
Being distracted in class while thinking about your significant other Song: A Dreamy Day of Daydreaming of You (2001) Artist: Of Montreal As it’s title suggests, this soft, piano-driven song encapsulates the mood of a blissful daydream. The dragging chords and the band frontman Kevin Barnes’ hypnotic, honey-like vocals invite[Read More…]
First Impressions: Missy Elliott’s new music video
If Missy Elliott is known for anything, it’s her bravado. The woman knows how to brag. Unfortunately, after a long hiatus from the industry, Missy has little to back it up. The last time we heard anything from Missy Elliott was in July 2016, when she was rapping “Get Your[Read More…]
The Kalmunity Vibe Collective brings improvised jazz to Cafe Campus
“Chill is explosive,” is the opening line of the weekly Tuesday night showcase of the Kalmunity Vibe Collective. This idea rang true throughout the three hour set. Held at Petit Campus, the lesser known first floor of Café Campus, Kalmunity’s unique approach to improvised jazz is as captivating as it[Read More…]
Sun Astronauts, Emmett McCleary perform at Le Cagibi
Far beyond the McGill bubble and deep in the Mile End on Boul. St-Laurent, musicians and fans escaped the bitter January cold this past Saturday at Le Cagibi. Tucked away in the back room, three musical acts—two of which are McGill students—joined together for a night of indie folk, classic[Read More…]
Pop Rhetoric: Drake wins the game of egos
In Dr. Dre’s 1993 tripartite diss track called “Fuck Wit Dre Day,” Dre delivered the ethos of rap beef: “You fucked with me, now it’s a must that I fuck with you.” Diss tracks historically do not get radio play—partially because of their violent content, and partially because rappers focus[Read More…]
Rethinking classical music at McGill
Classical music doesn’t seem to get much popular attention these days, but that doesn’t mean that young people aren’t interested. McGill students of all faculties and majors have been seeking out alternative groups to channel their classical music creativity. At McGill, classical music is popular among music majors due[Read More…]
Best Music of 2016
Compiled by our Arts & Entertainment staff editors and writers, here is the best music of 2016. Best Albums of 2016 rollingstone.com[/caption] 1. Blonde Throughout Blonde, Frank Ocean expresses the small victories and big heartbreaks of everyday life. The album is a mosaic of pop and R&B songs that each tell[Read More…]
Beat Connection: How Montreal’s next generation of producers are breaking the mould
In bedroom laboratories, on social networks, and at apartment raves, the next generation of artists and collectives are working to take the next step forward in Montreal beatmaking. One producer, Kaytranada, has become something of a standard bearer for Montreal’s cosmopolitan beat scene. Where other producers aim for stylistic consistency and[Read More…]
