​Every once and a while, a musician or band records something that bends genres, pushing the stylistic and sonic limits.
In 1988, three secondary school friends from Liverpool England walked into a studio and four days later produced Reek of Putrefaction. It was the first Goregrind album ever recorded, fusing explicit medical imagery with detuned guttural guitars and vocals.  

Nothing had ever sounded this grotesque or dangerous. Legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel declared it his favorite album of 1988, and it would go on to influence a generation of extreme metal musicians.
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“Carbonized Eyesockets” is the fifth song on the record and a prime example of the aural punishment throughout the nearly 40 minute recording.

This is not a song or an album for everyone, but for those of us seeking something new, something that challenges your senses, this was a landmark recording. I would also like to point out that buried underneath the harshness, at around the 30 second mark, hides what could be considered a chorus and maybe even an old English harmony...

It’s been five months since I first heard this song and I still can’t get it out of my head. Hale’s voice is soothing, with a melancholic chorus that curls up by the phone longing for love.

In an age when superstardom is based on clicks and likes, Elah Hale has just started out. And no, this pandemic hasn’t helped her cause. But Interscope Records rarely makes mistakes and I’m pretty sure the Paradigm talent agency has invested in an extremely promising young woman who will most likely rule the pop music world.
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That is, of course, if she wants to.

In a 1968 press conference the Beatles were asked who their favorite American musician was. Without hesitation, John Lennon replied “Harry Nilsson.” That same year, Nilsson would score a top five hit when Three Dog Night covered his song “One”.

Often referred to as the “American Beatle,” Harry Nilsson helped redefine the art of recording, with multi-octave vocal overdubs and by releasing one of the first remix albums ever (Aerial Pandemonium Ballet) in 1971.

“Me and My Arrow” was recorded and released in 1970 on Nilsson’s sixth studio album The Point!. Beneath the music lies a fable where the “round-headed” central character Oblio struggles with conforming to a pointed headed world. By his side, of course, is his trusty dog Arrow.
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I love this song. No, it’s not Nilsson’s finest, but try and get it out of your head. You can’t. 

We lost another landmark musician yesterday with the passing of Richard Wayne Penniman, aka Little Richard. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, and actor and considered one of the founders of Rock and Roll. His hits “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Rip it Up” and “Lucille” helped revolutionize popular music and the way artists perform live.
 
“The Girl Can’t Help It” is the title song to the Jayne Mansfield musical comedy (near sexploitation) film The Girl Can’t Help It. It was written by Bobby Troup and originally intended for Fats Domino. Thankfully there were scheduling conflicts and Little Richard took his place.
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I love this song and the performances within. From the droning horns to the irresistible rhythm section, it just forces you out of your seat and is the perfect reminder of what a legendary personality and musical landmark Little Richard was.

What happens when you cross Prince’s “17” and Al Green’s “I’m Glad You’re Mine” with Earth Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star”? You get the first single off the first solo female released Hip-Hop album ever.

Lyte as a Rock is the debut album from MC Lyte. It was recorded over the course of two years and released in 1988 on First Priority Music, which was a label created to promote the Audio Two and their various friends. MC Lyte grew up with them, and as her popularity grew, it was only natural that they supported her.

“Paper Thin” was produced by “The King Of Chill” aka Freddie Byrd, and was an instant hit. It was devilishly simple and funky, and a raw attack on philanderers. And although she was only 12 years old and hadn’t had a boyfriend when she originally penned the lyrics, it is still considered a classic.    
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No, MC Lyte is not the first female rapper, MC Sha-Rock is often credited with that status, and yes, Lyte's appearance on Sinéad O'Connor’s “I Want Your (Hands on Me)” helped promote her career, but whether she knew it or not she was a trailblazer, and influenced a generation of female recording rappers.