Music

Big Sell 30 Day 17: Kate Tempest Featuring JoJCast

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

From the beginning of the #BigSell30, Jo and J, the hosts of the JoJCast, have been big supporters of our goal to experience one new piece of pop culture everyday throughout the month of October . Amita and I are super appreciative of all of the amazing big sell recommendations they’ve tweeted over the past couple of weeks. We’ve been big fans of their Screen Dump podcast since late last year so we are especially thrilled to have them join us for this Inside Pop Special International Edition!

JojCast’s Big Sell is British music artist, Kate Tempest’s new album, Let Them Eat Chaos. If you listen carefully to this podcast you’ll hear Amita and I become increasingly intrigued by their description of this musician/poet we’d never heard before. Jo shares the fact that she has “…an emotional epiphany,” every time she see’s Tempest perform. I love (and quite often depend on) music that elicits deep emotional responses so I was ready to immediately check out this #BigSell! In addition to the new album, Jo and J also recommended Kate Tempest’s appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series (link below). After watching the first song, “Ballad of a Hero,” I was floored!

After listening to our conversation we think you’ll also be inspired to check out Kate Tempest and listen to JoJCast (they’re also podcasting about music now and I guarantee there are many other great recommendations from them ahead).

Listen to: Kate Tempest’s new album: Let Them Eat Chaos

Watch her on:  Tiny Desk Concert

Be sure to follow Inside Pop on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders and don’t forget to send us your Big Sells for #BigSell30

Big Sell 30 Day 16: Your Favorite Super Short Song

| insidepoppodcast

As we move into the second half of our Big Sell 30 Day Challenge (wherein we all commit to experience one new piece of pop culture every day for 30 days) I want to try something different. In acknowledgement of the days when we don’t have a lot of time to devote to pop culture consumption, I want to Big Sell you YOUR favorite super short song.

Most rock, pop, and hip hop songs are typically 3 and a half to 5 minutes long. I’d like for you to think about a really short song you love (something under 2.5 minutes), listen to it and revel in the fact that the song is giving you everything you need in a pop song in less than half the time of a song of average length.

I have two favorite super shorties you’re welcome to claim as your own. Prince and the Revolution’s, “I Wonder U” from the album Parade. I think this may be the only Prince song that isn’t sung by Prince (please correct me if I’m wrong). Instead Wendy and Lisa’s ethereal vocals take center stage; their chant/mantra/prayer ( I Wonder U/What’s On Your Mind)  floats over heavy percussion and flutes and guitar for 1:39. I actually wish this song was a little longer.

And then there’s The Smiths’, “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want.” At 1:52 it is without a doubt the shortest song with the longest title with the saddest effect in my music collection. It’s a perfect song. Morrissey’s Lyrics and Johnny Marr’s guitar pull you down into the depths of despair in under two minutes. If the song lasted any longer you might not be able to recover!

You can listen to the The Smiths’ track on Spotify HERE

So what’s your favorite super short song? Leave a comment below or tweet us @popinsiders and let us know. Be sure to follow Inside Pop on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders and don’t forget to send us your Big Sells for #BigSell30

Big Sell 30 Day 13: Roman GianArthur’s OK Lady

| insidepoppodcast

Sean David Johnson here with lucky day 13 of our Big Sell 30 Day Challenge. We’re almost halfway into our project of trying one new pop culture experience everyday for 30 days in October. It’s never too late to join – follow #BigSell30 on Twitter for recommendations and please send us suggestions and updates on how the challenge is working out for you!

Today I’d like to #BigSell you Roman GianArthur’s EP, OK Lady.

I first discovered the singer-songwriter-guitar maestro Roman GianArthur on Wondaland Presents: The Eephus, a collection of songs by artists signed to Janelle Monae’s Wondaland music label. GianArthur’s contribution, “iKnow,” is one of the highlights of that EP. Soon after hearing that song I discovered his incredible single, “I-69.” The song’s sweet melody coupled with its playful, sexual lyrics result in a great tune and a very compelling Big Sell for a well known sexual practice.

There’s Only One Rule/Do Unto Me As I Do Unto You/You Know It’s True/The Best Love is Mutual

Preach! (Also, Sold!)

As I searched for more music from GianArthur, I came upon an EP on SoundCloud called OK Lady. The EP blends the songs of Radiohead and D’Angelo in a really interesting way. Not quite covers, more than mash-ups, he seamlessly blends the musical styles of two modern day musical giants and creates a sound that is uniquely his own.  Listen to it HERE.
I’m looking forward to more music from this talented artist (I saw him perform at AfroPunk this summer and he blew the entire crowd away with his set, which started with one of the best covers of Prince’s Let’s Go Crazy I have ever heard!).
Be sure to follow Inside Pop on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders and don’t forget to send us your Big Sells for #BigSell30.

 

 

Fall TV Review, Bruno Mars, Childish Gambino – IP 48

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

This week, Inside Pop helps you deal with increasing demands of Peak TV. We review the new Fall TV shows we’re sampling, the returning shows that are still solid and the programs that are either being saved on our DVR or on the cusp of being buried in the Pop Culture Graveyard. Some of the shows that make the list include: HBO’s Insecure, Hulu’s The Mindy Project and NBC’s The Good Place & This is Us.

 

We also discuss the new single from Bruno Mars, “24K Magic” and analyze his Vegas party themed video. Plus, Amita’s Big Sell features music from Atlanta star, Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino.

The multi-talented creator, writer and director of the hit series also sings and raps and Amita handpicks three singles from his last album Kauai, “Palisades”, “Sober” and “Pop Thieves” for #BigSell30. We also discuss his creative collective- Royalty, featured here in GQ Magazine as well as The Roots musical collective discussed here.

Listen. Share. Subscribe and follow us @Popinsiders on Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to join us in the Big Sell 30 Day Challenge!

Big Sell Day 11: Lake Street Dive

| insidepoppodcast

Amita here with your daily dose of pop culture for the Big Sell 30 Day Challenge! Join us and try one new piece of pop culture every day for 30 days.

Most of my Big Sells on Inside Pop and in the #BigSell30 are usually musical. I grew up playing the piano, violin and french horn and was in the orchestra, marching band and sang in choir all throughout school. Music is in my veins and I don’t think I can go a day without listening to something. So, when I started to put together a list for The Big Sell 30, it was no surprise that most of my choices were songs or music videos. #Predictable or #Reliable?

So, it’s no surprise that today’s Big Sell is another music choice! I’m selling a really fantastic Jazz/Pop/Country quartet called Lake Street Dive. About 2 years ago I found them while I was doing some online research for something music related and I was hooked. I watched their great jazzy cover of The Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” that was recorded on a sidewalk in Boston (They met while attending The New England Conservatory of Music). You can watch that awesome video here. The lead singer, Rachael Price has an incredible voice and the group has really strong and smart harmonies that I just eat up.

Their EP, Fun Machine features that cover along with a few others like George Michael’s “Faith” and Hall & Oates “Rich Girl”- but that’s not my Big Sell! (Fooled ya- but you should check that out)

They’ve released 2 albums of original music since the Fun Machine EP and their most recent album, Side Pony was released earlier this year. (Still not my Big Sell…keep waiting!)

As soon as I discovered Lake Street Dive, I listened to their self-titled debut album on repeat and this song just spoke to me. It has so much soul and I will always turn it up and sing along. No more fake sells- THIS is my Big Sell! The single “Don’t Make Me Hold Your Hand” by Lake Street Dive- You can listen to it here on Spotify.

Check it out and let me know you think!

Follow Inside Pop on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders and don’t forget to send us your Big Sells for #BigSell30!

 

 

Big Sell 30 Day 10: Ben Folds featuring The Tone Podcast

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

We’re welcoming you back to the work week with a special #BigSell30 edition of Inside Pop. We’re continuing our goal to experience one new piece of pop culture every day during the month of October with guests Wendell Britt and Nate Zablan, the hosts of The Tone Podcast.

benfoldsWendell and Nate’s Big Sell is the singer/songwriter Ben Folds. And whether you’ve followed Ben Folds’ career for decades or are only slightly acquainted with his music; after listening to this Big Sell you are guaranteed to have a greater appreciation for the musician. It’s Everything You Wanted to Know About Ben Folds But Were Afraid to Ask!

We had such a great time talking to Nate and Wendell and hope you check out The Tone Podcast as well!

Be sure to follow Inside Pop on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders and don’t forget to send us your Big Sells for #BigSell30!

Big Sell 30 Day 8: Bruno Mars’ new single- “24K Magic”

| insidepoppodcast

Hey y’all! Amita here with today’s #BigSell30! Join us and experience one new piece of pop culture every day for 30 days!

I had a whole other idea for what I was going to sell today but I scrapped it as soon as the new Bruno Mars single “24K Magic” filled my ears on Friday! This funk/dance/pop/soul instant hit is giving me the throwback feels!! This single feels like the love child of his 2013 hit “Treasure” and 2015 smash single “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson. And if you were living under a rock and haven’t heard one of these- let me break it down for you- 1 fun party dance song + 1 even more fun party dance song= new get on the dance floor single!

bruno-mars-24k-magic I woke up to this fun party song as it was playing on the radio when my alarm went off and then had the pleasure of hearing it again in my Spotify Release Radar playlist and I was hooked.

I’m a huge fan of Bruno Mars’ first two albums and think he is an incredible musician and songwriter, but his live performances are what really impressed me- remember when he and Beyoncé had a dance off at the Super Bowl earlier this year?! Or when he brought down the house during the 2014 Super Bowl halftime show?

He is definitely on my list of people to see in concert and when his album drops on November 18th, you can guarantee it will be on repeat in my house and I’ll be on the watch to see when he starts a new tour!

When Bruno announced the single release on Instagram he said “You can call it my first single, but I call it the invitation to the party.” Thanks for the invitation Mr. Mars. Consider this my RSVP.

You can listen to single and watch the Vegas party themed video here.

How do you even make a video to this song without just having a party for hours?!

As always, let us know if you have a Big Sell for us for #BigSell30 on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders and leave a comment below to let us know what you think of our Big Sells so far!

Big Sell 30 Day 6: Remembering Rod Temperton

| insidepoppodcast

Hello all – Sean David Johnson here for Day 6 of the Big Sell 30 Day Challenge. We’re experiencing one new thing in pop culture every day, for 30 days throughout the month of  October!

If you were to ask me to name my favorite Michael Jackson song, three days out of the week I’d choose “Off the Wall.” From the very beginning of the song, Michael’s layered harmonies and that mischievous cackle let you know you’re about to hear something weird and wonderful. What follows is 3 and a half minutes of sublime pop. It’s one of the most life affirming, joyous, play this song right before you head out of the house on a Friday night creations in the history of music. Of course – Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones deserve partial credit for this tune – but I can’t forget the songwriter Rod Temperton.

rod-temperton-mainTemperton passed away at the age of 66 last week. I’d like to take this opportunity to Big Sell you on his amazing discography. He’s best known for penning songs on Jackson’s masterpiece albums Off the Wall and Thriller. Those songs – “Thriller”, “Rock with You”, “Baby Be Mine” –  make him one of the greats. But his musical career spans well before and after those albums.

I’ve created a Spotify playlist featuring Temperton’s greatest songs. This playlist is a work in progress because as I research and read the numerous Temperton tributes, I’m continually discovering amazing songs I’d never known were created by him.

Quite often songwriters are the anonymous heroes of pop music. I hope this post and playlist, along with all of the other tributes put this incredible talent in the spotlight.

Rod Temperton Spotify Playlist

Be sure to follow Inside Pop on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders and don’t forget to send us your Big Sells for #BigSell30!

The Week in Black Excellence – IP 47

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

13thThis week, we are reveling in the gifts of Black Excellence bestowed upon us by the pop culture Gods in film, television and music! We had the exclusive opportunity to watch visionary director Ava DuVernay’s latest documentary, 13th, and discuss why we were so extremely moved by this powerful film.

luke-cageThen, it’s hoodies up as we geek out over our immediate (and spoiler free) reaction to the premiere of Marvel’s Luke Cage.
solange

 

 

Plus, Solange drops her latest album, A Seat at the Table, and we immediately put it on repeat!

All that and Sean gives his first Big Sell in the #BigSell30 Day Challenge!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders and don’t forget to send us your Big Sells for #BigSell30!

Big Sell 30 Day 4: Anitta

| insidepoppodcast

It’s Day 4 of the Big Sell 30 Day Challenge! We’re inviting everyone to join us and attempt to experience something new in pop culture once a day for 30 days. Check back here every day for a new Big Sell!

We’ll be alternating who is giving the Big Sell over the next few weeks as well as featuring Big Sells from some of our favorite fellow podcasters and listeners too!

Today, we are excited to feature our first listener Big Sell!

Soon after we announced #BigSell30, Mauricio Lima, one of our Twitter followers all the way from Sao Paolo, Brazil, tweeted his Big Sell to us! Mauricio’s Big Sell is the Brazilian pop star- Anitta.

mauricio-big-sell-tweet

After doing a little research on this singer, songwriter and dancer, it turns out millions of people around the world have already seen her but may have no idea who she is. The stunning 23-year-old pop star performed at the Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony in August and one of her most popular songs, “Bang” has over 230 million views on YouTube!

Here’s a link to her official YouTube page so you can discover her too: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjjyPUghDSSKFBABM_CXMw

Want to be featured in a Big Sell 30 Day Challenge? Send us a pop culture suggestion! And also make sure to tell us how your #BigSell30 Challenge is going!

Leave a comment here or tweet us @popinsiders.

Thanks Mauricio! We are excited to check out your Big Sell and look forward to more from our listeners in the future.