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When Comedy Meets Music

Writer’s Note: With our April issue centred around comedy and the spirit of fun, I thought it would be interesting to highlight music written and performed by comedians. It’s important to remember that stand-up comedians are people of many different sides and talents and these comedians are only a few examples. While these songs are mostly silly, it takes an awfully creative mind to make music that people can digest.

Bo Burnham – Bezos I

With a criticism of disaster capitalism, Bo Burnham’s ‘Bezos I’ was featured in his 2021 movie, Bo Burnham: Inside. The song is a satirical take on Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos’ life and journey, which became a huge hit on social media with Gen Z. The infectious energy and short length of the song is a genius tactic for catching the attention of social media. Burnham is known for his bold and satirical takes on world issues.

The Lonely Island – Threw It On The Ground

The Lonely Island – Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone (L to R)

The Lonely Island is an American comedy trio consisting of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer. After their several features on Saturday Night Live, the trio ventured into more comedy music and ‘Threw It On The Ground’ is their most bizarre but since this is their most clean song, it is the perfect intro to them. The entire song never has a moment you won’t laugh at as it paints ridiculous scenarios with a strangely catchy beat.

“Weird Al” Yankovic – Smells Like Nirvana

The definitive Godfather of musical comedy and parodies, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s discography is difficult to pin down with his extensive parodies. While his music is not for everybody, his comedy is a classic and his energy is unmatched within the industry. ‘Smells Like Nirvana’ was singled out as it seems impossible to make a parody of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ but Yankovic always challenged music norms.

Jack Black – Peaches

The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 was a hit or a miss for most people but the highlight was Jack Black’s Bowser’s performance of the song, ‘Peaches.’ The repetitive but emotional song with dramatic screaming is both relatable and hilarious. The credit definitely goes to Jack Black’s natural charisma and comedic timing. Black’s discography is filled with wild songs and interesting vocals.

Kenny Sebastian – Die Trying

With talent and wit, Kenny Sebastian is a serious addition to this list with his song, ‘Die Trying.’ Featured on the album of the same name, Sebastian’s surprisingly smooth vocals and introspective lyrics show his worth as a musician and add layers to his career. His album features other meaningful songs and collaborative pieces. More than just his original songs, Sebastian also performs accurate impressions of famous musicians.

Garfunkel & Oates – Me, You and Steve

Garfunkel & Oates – Kate Micucci and Riki Rindhome (L to R)

If you’re online most of the time, this song might be familiar. Garfunkel & Oates are a folk duo with Riki Lindhome (Garfunkel) and Kate Micucci (Oates). Their upbeat melody with sarcastic lyrics in ‘Me, You and Steve’ is one of the most meme-worthy songs of the decade. The song points out the awkwardness of the third wheel and is often used humorously in videos where there are trios and one person stands out. Their other songs are similar, pointing out the behaviour of others most people would shy away from speaking out about.

Rising Decibels: The Golden Era of Indian Rock Music (1980s-1990s)

In India, rock culture is nothing new. Indian Rock, or Raga Rock, entered the scene in the 1960s when everyone was listening to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Raga Rock is a kind of Indian and Western music blended together.

Where it began…

In the past, rock bands from India were referred to as beat ensembles. Bands like the Thunderbirds, Mystiks, Beat-X, and Flintstone made their mark in this genre in the 1960s and early 1970s. Singers with a reputation for covering songs include Ashwani Bali and Usha Uthup. It was at this period that well-known Western bands started releasing music heavily influenced by Indian classical music.

Where did it go after…

By the 1970s, rock music had made its way into Bollywood songs. This style was bravely attempted by composers, and the public enthusiastically accepted it. Still, only All India Radio played music; thus, the audience was minimal as well.

Indian musicians began producing independent rock songs and blending rock with traditional Indian music, although ‘filmi’ songs continued to dominate this genre. At this point, the independent Bengali band Moheener Ghoraguli from Kolkata began to play full-fledged rock music. Even though Moheener Ghoraguli only recorded in Bengali, they are perhaps the first rock band in India.

In 1984, a band known as Rock Machine became the first non-vernacular Indian rock band. Their debut album, Rock and Roll Renegade, hit the market in 1988, matching their inspiration from Def Leppard, Deep Purple, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, etc.

The amazing enchantment persisted…

When MTV debuted in the early 1990s, Indian music fans were at last exposed to a wide range of newly emerging musical styles. Rock, thrash metal, grunge, punk, and other genres were now played on television, and none of them was rejected by the younger viewers. This shift in preference inspired upcoming musicians in India, who experimented with many genres. 1993 saw the launch of Rock Street Journal, India’s first publication devoted to Indian rock music, under the direction of Amit Saigal.

Additionally, bands like Skinny Alley, Pseudonym, Hobos, Agnee, Cassini’s Division, Parikrama, Motherjane, Indian Ocean, and others came into being during this period. In 1996, Parikrama won hearts with their famous song, But It Rained, a song devoted to the kidnappings that were occurring in the Kashmir Valley at the time.

Motherjane, a rock band from Cochin, made history by being the first Indian rock band to have songs performed internationally.

Sounds of the ‘90s…

In India, the 1990s were a booming decade. The tech boom was starting, liberalisation was just getting started, and Indians were realising they had more options than ever before. Additionally, indie rock bands were starting to gain popularity at this time thanks to publications like Rock Street Journal, MTV, and the Great Indian Rock Festival. The demise of Sonam Sherpa, who co-founded Parikrama in 1991 with Subir Malik in Delhi, has refocused attention on the heyday of Indian rock music. Here’s a list of a few Rock bands that thrashed the floor with their amazing music back in the day.

Indian Ocean (1990)

The group is credited with pioneering folk rock and fusion by fusing rock with classical ragas. Amit Kilam, Susmit Sen, Asheem Chakravarty, and Rahul Ram comprised the original group. These days, the sole members of the original band are Kilam and Ram.

Indus Creed (1993)

In 1984, Uday Benegal, Jayesh Gandhi, Mark Selwyn, Zubin Balaporia, Mahesh Tinaikar, and Mark Menezes formed Rock Machine. However, in 1993, they renamed the ensemble and started experimenting with different sounds, incorporating Indian instruments such as the tabla. When Pretty Child, their debut video, was released in 1993, it became a tremendous smash and earned them an MTV Video Music Award.

Euphoria (1998)

The band’s 1998 first album included the song Dhoom Pichuck Dhoom, which you may remember if you were alive in the 1990s. After its debut, the “Hindi rock band” led by Palash Sen, a medical student, had an exponential rise in popularity. Euphoria performed at the UN in 2001, accompanied by the Pakistani band Junoon.

Pentagram (1996)

Vishal Dadlani, a founding member of the band, is now more well-known for composing soundtracks for Hindi films. However, Pentagram was well-known for its rock and then electronica music when the group first formed.

Skinny Alley (1996)

Jayashree Singh, her husband Gyan Singh, and Amyt Dutta founded Skinny Alley, one of the most well-known bands the city has produced. The group fused jazz, funk, and rock, and they had a late-night side project named Pinknoise.

Motherjane (1996)

Motherjane, who had originally formed to cover another band at a college event, went on to open for Machine Head and Megadeth. In the 2010 list of bands of the decade by Rock Street Journal, it came in first place.

Motherjane, a rock band from Cochin, made history by being the first Indian rock band to have songs performed internationally.

And it’s still Rocking

The Indian public has been influenced by rock culture for a long time. Filmmakers boldly use punk and rock in their compositions, whether they be heard locally, nationally, or internationally. And it turns out beautifully most of the time.

These days, there are internet resources like NH7, Headbangers India, IndianMusicMug, Unholy Maunder, IndianMusicRevolution, Indian Metal Scene, etc., that preserve the splendour of Indian rock.

However, music is amazing whether it comes from a digital device, your iPod, your father’s radio, or your grandmother’s gramophone. Rock will never stop rocking.

On Air to On-Demand – How Technology Directed the Future of Music Listening

Over the last few decades, the way we groove to our favourite tunes has undergone a cosmic transformation. The evolution of music listening is one hell of a ride through the electronic jungle. So, let’s hop on a whimsical ride through the history of music listening and explore the days when we used to adjust antennas to the current days where we’re struggling to escape the in-between ads.

The Radio Days – When Airwaves Ruled

Back in the 20th century, the airwaves were the undisputed rulers of music. The radio was the ultimate DJ, spinning tunes like a pro to capture the attention of the audience. During the radio days, families used to gather around, savouring every note and lyric as if it were a rare delicacy. There was something magical about waiting for your favourite song to come on the airwaves, a ritual we’d call “appointment listening” today. However, radio’s dictatorship had its drawbacks. Once you missed the show? You’re going to savour it again, as there was no rewind or pause button in those days. Your best bet was a trusty tape recorder, ready to capture that fleeting magic.

Cassette Tapes – Mixtapes and Portable Passion

Fast-forward to the ’80s and ’90s, and you find yourself armed with a mixtape arsenal. Crafting the perfect mixtape for a crush was an art form like a symphony of emotions in magnetic form. The cassette tape was your canvas, and you were the artist, pouring your heart into those magnetic strips. While the record button was your paintbrush, and every track was a brushstroke on the canvas of your affection. And who can forget the thrill of discovering a hidden gem while fumbling in the dark, cursing the chewed-up tape that just devoured your beloved tunes? It was a time of personal playlists and portable passion, where mixtapes were the currency of love.

The CD Revolution – Skipping into Perfection

The ’90s brought us the compact disc, a shiny, circular marvel that revolutionised music listening. CDs delivered pristine sounds and the gift of skipping tracks with ease. No more fast-forwarding through flimsy tapes that had been through the wash one too many times. Yet, as we revelled in the digital utopia, we cursed our portable CD players’ “skip protection,” which seemed as reliable as an umbrella in a storm.

MP3s and the Dawn of Digital Domination

The late ’90s and early 2000s witnessed the reign of the MP3. Suddenly, your entire music collection fits snugly in your pocket, thanks to devices like the iconic iPod. The Walkman became a dinosaur, and the world marvelled at the convenience of digital music. Napster and its rebellious cousins broke the music industry’s back, sparking a wild west of illegal downloads, but also ushering in the dawn of legal digital music stores.

Streaming Services – The On-Demand Oasis

And then, magic happened! Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal transformed the music landscape once again. With these platforms, the world of music became an on-demand oasis. No longer were you bound by radio schedules or the constraints of physical collections. Music became a limitless library, accessible at the tap of a screen. Create playlists, explore entire discographies, and dive into the musical multiverse like never before.

Virtual Reality Concerts – A Portal to the Future

Don’t assume that streaming services will last because the future is a funky and mind-blowing place. Virtual reality concerts are turning living rooms into front-row seats. Slip on a VR headset, and you’re transported into a whole new dimension. Gone are the days of battling relentless crowds or nursing aching feet after a night of standing. With virtual reality, you’re no longer a mere spectator but an integral part of the spectacle, completely immersed in a dazzling dreamscape of music and art.

The Future of Music Listening – Where Will the Beat Take Us?

So, what’s next on this ever-evolving journey? Holographic pop stars dancing in your living room? Music beamed directly into your brain? Or perhaps musical AI companions curating your playlists before you even know what you want to listen to? The possibilities are as infinite as the tunes we adore. One thing is for certain, the technology will remain the guiding star in this interstellar odyssey through the groovy galaxy of music.

Women Pop Stars That Make Us Go Gaga #WomenInMusic

Since the early days of pop music, female pop stars have challenged societal norms and expectations, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the industry. In the 1960s, artists like Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin brought soulful vocals and dynamic performances to the forefront of pop music, while in the 1970s, disco icons like Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor inspired millions with their empowering and uplifting anthems. In the 1980s, Madonna revolutionized the industry with her provocative lyrics, daring fashion, and unapologetic sexuality, while Whitney Houston became one of the biggest voices of her generation, dominating charts and breaking records with her powerful vocals and emotive performances.

Our Exhibit Women’s special edition would be incomplete without talking about the women pop stars who rule the world right now. Check them out –

Taylor Swift

Swift’s music is known for its autobiographical and deeply personal themes, often drawing on her own experiences with love, heartbreak, and growth. Her songwriting and vocal abilities have been praised for their honesty and authenticity, and her ability to connect with her fans has made her one of the most successful musicians of her generation.

In addition to her music, Swift has been active in various philanthropic endeavours, including supporting education and disaster relief initiatives. She has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and political engagement, encouraging her fans to participate in elections and speaking out against discrimination and inequality. Taylor just back in December sold more than two million tickets during her Eras Tour presale making it the most tickets ever sold for an artist in a single day. There are no two thoughts about Taylor Swift being the biggest female pop star of our generation.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish grew up in a family of musicians and began writing and recording her own music at a young age. Her breakout single “Ocean Eyes” was released in 2016 and quickly gained viral popularity, leading to a recording contract with Interscope Records.

In addition to her music, Eilish has become known for her distinctive style and unapologetic approach to self-expression. She often wears oversized and baggy clothing, which she has explained is a deliberate choice to avoid being objectified or judged based on her body. Eilish has been open about her struggles with mental health and has used her platform to advocate for the importance of seeking help and breaking down stigmas surrounding mental illness.

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey’s music is known for its nostalgic and cinematic qualities, often incorporating elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop into her signature sound. Her lyrics frequently explore themes of love, heartbreak, and Americana, with a focus on the darker and more complex aspects of these topics. Despite her commercial success, Lana has faced criticism for her lyrics and image, with some accusing her of promoting harmful stereotypes about women and romanticizing abusive relationships. Del Rey has defended herself against these criticisms, arguing that her music is a reflection of her own experiences and emotions, and that she does not condone violence or abuse.

Despite these controversies, Del Rey remains a highly influential and acclaimed musician, with a devoted fan base and multiple Grammy nominations to her name

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga undoubtedly had me in a chokehold when her song ‘Hold My Hand’ for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ was released earlier last year. Gaga’s music is known for its catchy hooks and empowering messages, often incorporating elements of dance, electronic, and rock music. Her theatrical performances and unique fashion sense have made her a cultural icon and inspiration to many fans around the world. Gaga is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in the areas of LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.

In addition to her music career, Gaga has also made a name for herself as an actress, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in movies like “A Star is Born” and “American Horror Story.” She’ll be seen flaunting her acting skills in the upcoming Joker 2 film alongside Joaquin Phoenix.

Rihanna

Rihanna will forever be ‘Queen Riri’ for me after she blessed the latest Black Panther film with the ‘Lift Me Up’ single. Rihanna’s music is known for its blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, and her distinctive vocals and catchy hooks. She has won numerous awards for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards, and is considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her music videos are also highly acclaimed, often incorporating cinematic storytelling and striking visuals.

In addition to her music career, Rihanna has also made a name for herself as a businesswoman, with multiple successful ventures in the fashion and beauty industries. She founded the Fenty Beauty makeup line in 2017, which has become a major player in the beauty industry with a focus on inclusivity and diversity. Her little promotion of the Fenty Beauty brand during her Super Bowl performance created waves across the internet.

Adele

Adele has managed to carve a niche for herself in the music industry with soulful songs that put you in a spell. Adele’s debut album, “19,” was released in 2008 and featured the hit singles “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory.” The album’s success propelled Adele to international fame and earned her two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. She followed up with her second album, “21,” in 2011, which became a worldwide phenomenon and broke numerous records, including spending 24 weeks at the top of the US Billboard 200 chart. The album included hit singles such as “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain,” and won Adele six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

In 2015, Adele released her third album, “25,” which featured the hit singles “Hello,” “When We Were Young,” and “Send My Love (To Your New Lover).” The album was another commercial and critical success, earning Adele five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for the second time.

Sony Walkman NW-A306 Review: Nostalgia Bait?

It was back in 1979 when Sony introduced the portable audio player which revolutionized how we consume music with the Walkman. The first Walkman, TPS-L2, was a cassette tape player which quickly became a cultural phenomenon having sold millions of units since its inception. Over the years, the Walkman evolved and adapted to newer technologies like CDs, MP3 file formats and much more. The Walkman brand eventually expanded to include mobile phones and other portable devices, however, the peak 1980s OG and iconic Walkman series remains the golden standard. Cut to 2023, where smartphones and music streaming have pretty much become synonymous with one another, Sony has launched a new iteration of the Walkman which costs Rs 25, 990. This begs us to ask the question of whether this new Walkman is actually worth shelling out the price for or is it just nostalgia bait? Find out below –

Design and Features

The Sony Walkman NW-A306 is a high-quality digital audio player that brings back memories from an era bygone. It’s a compact and lightweight device featuring a 3.6-inch TFT display coupled with button controls on the side for ease of accessibility. While the Walkman is thicker than an average smartphone, it weighs lighter at just 113 grams. It has an eye catchy design that demands attention with its rippled wave design that covers the back of the device. The port selection consists of a 3.5mm Single-Enabled headphone output, coupled with a USB Type-C and an SD Card slot. The onboard storage is limited to 32GB with just 18GB out of it available for users to store offline music and load apps. It runs on Android 12 with connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.

The Walkman supports playback of Hi-Res audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz which translates to the user enjoying their music with the utmost clarity and detail. The device also comes equipped with Sony’s proprietary Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE Ultimate) technology which is capable of upscaling compressed audio files to enhance their sound quality. As it runs on Android 12, all your favourite streaming apps can be downloaded on the NW-A306 and used seamlessly. Overall, Sony has built a compact and complete package for the audio geek.

Performance

At the first glance, the Sony Walkman NW-A306 comes off as an unnecessary device meant only for the truly indulgent among us. However, once you get to use the device and compare its audio quality to the standard smartphones we use to stream music nowadays is when you’ll realize its actual prowess. The device is designed to play/stream music and it does so flawlessly. Its audio output is incomparable when it comes to smartphones as they don’t flaunt the hardware features present in the Walkman. It features wireless HI-Res Audio with Sony’s premium wireless codec titled LDAC. On paper, LDAC technology allows 3X the bitrate of standard Bluetooth and provides a better listening experience. During my testing of the device, the experience through Bluetooth headsets and wired earphones was both unmatchable to any other device. However, the crispest audio quality from the Walkman can be achieved through FLAC files in the offline mode. I listened to the entirety of Adele’s studio album ‘30’ on the FLAC file format and it felt like she was singing right in front of me (no exaggeration) Standard 128Kbps and 320Kbps sound formats can be upscaled using the DSEE Ultimate feature present and the difference in sound quality after turning it on was always notable. Other features in the audio tuning section include Vinyl Processor, ClearAudio+, and DC Phase Linearizer along with a standard Equalizer. It comes with an auto power-off feature which always came in handy to preserve battery during a trek. The sound output here can be dialled up to 120 and no sound distortion or noise was witnessed at higher volumes. To sum it all up, the Sony Walkman NW-A306 is truly a treat for the audiophile. While some eyebrows are sure to rise when it comes to the NW-A306’s pricing, it is definitely justified for the premium performance you get for it.

Verdict

The Sony Walkman NW-A306 builds upon the legacy of the Walkman brand with flying colours. It rewrites the boundaries of personal audio consumption by offering high-quality premium sound features in a compact package.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

17 underrated artists around the world – Hidden Gems

The ever-evolving landscape of the music industry churns out a number of big names every decade. Be it The Beatles or Taylor Swift, there are a number of talented music artists and bands that left a lasting impression in the world of pop culture. However, there is also a big chunk of artists who remained underrated throughout their careers that deserve to be talked about. In our 17th anniversary special, we wanted to have a look back at the underdogs and celebrate their musical impact on the world. Here are 17 underrated artists from around the world –

Carly Rae Jepsen

I am sure you remember 2012’s smash hit song ‘Call Me Maybe’ but staple dance pop is not just where Carly excels. Her 2019 album ‘Dedicated’ is one of the finest pieces of music released in recent times and more people need to pay attention to Carly!

John Mayer

John Mayer has definitely carved a place for himself in the music industry for over two decades but he still remains in the underrated category. Even now, most people know Mayer for his eccentric pretty boy image but he has evolved to become much more than that.

Rick Astley

Yes, I know you have been ‘Rickrolled’ many times on the internet by meme pages and trollers. However, the ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ singer could not make his way out of the hit song and has remained criminally underrated over the years having peaked in the 80s.

Alessia Cara

The 25-year-old artist definitely has a long way to go in her musical career, but that does not change the fact that she is underappreciated in the current pop scene. Her 2021 album ‘In The Meantime’ is an example of how much she has evolved from her ‘Scars to Your Beautiful’ days.

Harry Nilsson

Harry Nilsson was regarded as the most underrated singer-songwriter in the post-war era. While Nilsson is not a forgotten artist to any degree, people mostly only know him for songs like ‘Coconut’ without realising his profound knowledge of pop culture.

Topaz Jones

Until now, Topaz Jones has had only one mainstream hit with the 2016 single ‘Tropicana’ which garnered 11 million Spotify streams. However, the rap artist has since then struggled to find a mainstream hit.

Kimbra

Kimbra is a lot more than the girl who featured in a Gotye song. She has the ability to fuse genres like pop, R&B, jazz, and rock to create a unique sound that stands apart from the crowd.

Ravyn Lenae

It is not uncommon for contemporary artists to fly under the radar but Lanae is a lot more than just that. While her music lies in the roots of R&B and soul, her vocals and musical sensibilities transcend the limitations of any genre.

Katy B

Katy B influenced the UK charts back in 2011 but was on a hiatus for the longest time. The artist has now returned to the music industry with new tunes for her fans.

MC5

MC5 is considered one of the forefathers of punk rock and garage rock. While they have been cited as one of the most important bands in the development of alternative rock, not a big chunk of people are actually aware of them.

The Rare Occasions

Who would’ve thought that a euphoric rock band created nearby Boston would become infamous for its rock songs? Their hit songs like ‘Notion’ and ‘origami’ are bound to keep you hooked for a long time.

Dayglow

This one-man band with songs like ‘Close To You’ and ‘Hot Rod’ has carved a fanbase for itself.

Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha might have featured on hit songs like ‘Me, Myself & I’ but has not yet evolved as a solo artist. Bebe is poised to be a big star but for now, remains underrated.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is on his way to becoming perhaps one of the most notable LGBT musicians around the world. His singles ‘Bloom’ and ‘My My My’ are beyond just catchy.

Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie has carved herself a fanbase that is limited to only UK. However, her global recognition is still a long way to go.

Charlie Puth

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not like Charlie Puthhas not made a number of chartbusters. But in recent years, his popularity seems to have taken a dive putting him in the underrated category.

Grimes

Grime has become the indie darling of the past decade but is seldom mentioned in discussions about successful artists. It looks like grimes is not interested in breaking into the mainstream as her indie bubble serves her well.

Best Music Albums of 2022 – The Pop Melodies!

The western music industry had taken backstage due to the COVID pandemic which led to a number of canceled shows and delayed albums. However, with 2022 bringing back live shows with relaxed COVID protocols and artists being able to get back on track with recordings and releases, this year saw an influx of new music dropping throughout. Be it Drake, Beyoncé, or Harry Styles, the heavy hitters of pop music dropped new music left and right. Here is a look at all the best albums from 2022 –

The Weeknd – Dawn FM

The Weeknd had big shoes to fill with Dawn Fm as his 2020 album After Hours was a blockbuster hit globally. The 2022 album actually showcased how far Abel has come as a performer if we look back at his 2011 mixtape – House Of Balloons. The Weeknd’s music has often followed a theme of light/dark having multiple yin-and-yang elements sprinkled across all over his music. With Dawn FM, the artist takes the same theme to the next level and maybe even concludes. For what can be called his most upbeat album to date, Dawn FM by The Weeknd makes his way to our top albums list.

Favorite Track – Here We Go… Again (ft. Tyler, The Creator)

Harry Style – Harry’s House

I’ve spent the better part of my 2022 watching Harry Styles perform all over the world with his fans screaming ‘Leave America’ wherever he sings ‘As It Was’ live. And let me tell you, I had a ball! The wonderboy of One Direction has now evolved to become a solo showstopper and the Harry’s House album is a testament to what was waiting to be unleashed for all those years. It’s always a rocky road when a teen idol becomes a solo star and Harry’s own One Direction team is an example of the same. However, the artist has managed to break free from the shackles of the ‘boyband’ image and build a solo brand for himself. Harry’s House is a delightful entry to our top albums list.

Favorite Track – As It Was

Taylor Swift – Midnights

The imprint Taylor Swift has left on modern pop culture is unparalleled, but I am not a big fan of the megastar. While I love some of her songs, others not so much. But her Midnights album was the one where a completely evolved Taylor was presented to her fans and general listeners. Swifties around the world too were taken aback by the self-loathing and reflective nature of the lyrics this album had which was a departure from Taylor’s usual expression of music. The unfiltered and raw version of this pop icon makes Midnights a worthy mention in our list.

Favorite Track – Anti-Hero

Drake / 21 Savage – Her Loss

Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind album was a disappointment for me where tracks like Calling My Name and Sticky failed to intrigue the music enthusiast inside me. However, with Her Loss, we were presented with a much more carefree Drake coupled with 21 Savage’s exhilarating collaboration. The new collab between the two artists felt like a direct and fitting revolution from 2009’s So Far Gone. With Her Loss, the Certified Lover Boy makes his way to our best album list in all his Canadian glory.

Favorite Track – Rich Flex

Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

It took five years for Kendrick Lamar to drop an album after ‘Damn’ and all I can say is that it was worth the wait! The Pulitzer-winning rapper explored the depths of his soul with his new album as opposed to serving the chartbuster formula like his previous one. In his fifth and glorious studio album, Lamar has turned his back on the limelight of being a pop icon and highlighted his own insecurities and belief systems which is a daring feat for a star of his magnitude to do.

Favorite Track – We Cry Together (ft. Taylor Paige)

Stick Schtick! – Nothing Ear (Stick) Review

UK-based Nothing is a newer player compared to already-established brands like Samsung or Apple. The company is just three products old but has managed to gain momentum in the consumer market thanks to its unique design. Keeping true to its transparent design theme, Nothing has now launched the Nothing Ear (Stick). While it is natural for people to think that these new earbuds are the successors of the previously launched Nothing Ear (1), I beg to differ. There are more cutdowns here as opposed to upgrades from the Ear (1) that put the (Stick) in a confusing spot.

Design

There is only so much one can do with the design of earbuds and their case. This is where Nothing has actually excelled with the Ear (Stick). One could easily say that the design of Stick is its best attraction and the reason to buy it as it is more of a style statement as opposed to a standard case. The cylindrical case with a red, black, and white colour combination is a treat to the eyes. Whereas, the twist to open design is definitely fun and a worthy replacement for the fidget spinner for the anxious people among us. I often found myself referring to the Stick as ‘lipstick AirPods’ which is surely what they look like. The case is transparent, so the buds are always visible. The case is also predominantly white which means it is bound to get dirty, which it did! In just a few days of use, I could see the case collecting dust and losing its all-white charm.

The earbuds’ design on the other hand could be hit-and-miss for many. Similar to traditional AirPods, Nothing Ear (Stick) comes with one size for all designs. The open-fit earbuds also come with Nothing’s staple transparent design that gives a futuristic look. However, the buds were large for my liking and often popped out of the ear during extended periods of usage. I definitely could not go for a workout wearing them as I feared they would just fall off. The stalks of the earbuds come with pressure-sensitive controls which work without any issues. The lack of ear tips, however, is sorely missed.

Performance

Let’s address the elephant in the room, Nothing Ear (Stick) does not come with any form of Active Noise Cancellation. Thanks to the open-fit design, the Stick also misses out on deep bass. Nothing compensates for the lack of bass by adding the ‘More Bass’ mode in the NothingX app which gets the job to some extent. However, in its ‘Balanced’ mode, The stick produces flat music output which could be a deal breaker for many. The lack of silicone ear tips leads to a lot of background noise leaking in during your music sessions. I noticed that even while playing music at the maximum volume distant chatter of people talking was audible. This could be a good feature for people trying to be aware of their background while listening to music without relying on a transparency mode but it just did not work for me. While there are some key features missing here, Nothing Ear (Stick) manages to bring a balanced and premium sound experience. No complaints about the battery life here as it is top-notch. The earbuds lasted over 6 hours on a single full charge which is impressive. The battery life is good for up to 30 hours depending on your usage. At Rs 8.5K, the Nothing Ear (Stick) is an expensive affair as its competitors are available at a cheaper rate, but its stylish design makes up for what is missing!

Rating – ★★★★

Verdict

Nothing Ear (Stick) is another addition to the already saturated TWS market. However, its stylish design and crisp sound quality make it a standout product.

Nothing Ear (stick) launched in India

Nothing is slowly but steadily gaining momentum with its launches. The company has now launched its third product named Nothing Ear (stick) which stays true to its bracketed branding. The new wireless earbuds launched by Nothing are not exactly similar to the previously launched Nothing Ear (1) as they rock a minimal feature set shying away from Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Check out all the details about the newly launched Nothing Ear (stick) below –

Nothing Ear (stick) launched

The new Nothing Ear (stick) comes in a cylindrical form factor. The earbuds case looks like a mirrored image of a lipstick case which could be an aesthetic look for some. The body does not have any hinges or lids but instead twists to open. The Nothing Ear (1) launched previously came in a square form factor and supported wireless charging. The Nothing Ear (stick) on the other hand, is limited to a USB-C adapter for charging.

The company claims that Ear (stick) can last for up to 7 hours of listening time and 3 hours of calls on a single charge. The case additionally adds 22 hours of playback time taking the total up to 29 hours, which is impressive given its compact form factor. The case is a fast charging capability that can juice up the earbuds for 2 hours of playback in just 10 minutes. The earbuds themselves sport Nothing’s signature transparent design. The 12.6nm drivers have support for AAC and SBC codecs. There are no silicone tips this time around that were present on the Ear (1)

Along with the Nothing Ear (stick), the company has also introduced the Nothing X app that allows users to customize the sound output of the earbuds. The app is targeted toward people who do not own the Nothing Phone (1). People who own the Nothing phone do get additional benefits with the low-lag mode in gaming. There are also other exclusive features like custom equalizer gestures and software updates for Nothing Phone (1) users.

The Nothing Ear (stick) is priced at Rs 8,499 and will be available to purchase on Flipkart from November 17. Check out the Nothing Ear (stick) on Flipkart – HERE

Bo Burnham – Bezos I

The Lonely Island – Threw It On The Ground

“Weird Al” Yankovic – Smells Like Nirvana

Jack Black – Peaches

Kenny Sebastian – Die Trying

Garfunkel & Oates – Me, You and Steve

Where it began…

Where did it go after…

The amazing enchantment persisted…

Sounds of the ‘90s…

And it’s still Rocking

The Radio Days – When Airwaves Ruled

Cassette Tapes – Mixtapes and Portable Passion

The CD Revolution – Skipping into Perfection

MP3s and the Dawn of Digital Domination

Streaming Services – The On-Demand Oasis

Virtual Reality Concerts – A Portal to the Future

The Future of Music Listening – Where Will the Beat Take Us?

Taylor Swift

Billie Eilish

Lana Del Rey

Lady Gaga

Rihanna

Adele

Design and Features

Performance

Verdict

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Carly Rae Jepsen

John Mayer

Rick Astley

Alessia Cara

Harry Nilsson

Topaz Jones

Kimbra

Ravyn Lenae

Katy B

MC5

The Rare Occasions

Dayglow

Bebe Rexha

Troye Sivan

Anne-Marie

Charlie Puth

Grimes

The Weeknd – Dawn FM

Harry Style – Harry’s House

Taylor Swift – Midnights

Drake / 21 Savage – Her Loss

Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Design

Performance

Rating – ★★★★

Verdict

Nothing Ear (stick) launched

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