In today’s fast moving world the path that the future will take can be very difficult to predict. Fads come and go faster than ever before and music is not immune to the fickle nature of modern life. Someone can be on top of the world one day and then be all but forgotten the next. (Remember Gotye? Anyone heard from him lately?) Likewise acts can be plucked up from obscurity and thrust into the limelight seemingly out of the blue… I bet Rick Astley’s bank account is looking nice and full after all those millions of rick rolls! But even in the disorderly world of pop culture there are patterns to be found. Perhaps the best way to make predictions is to look at how the industry itself is set to change and think about what effect it will have on music. Continue reading
Belwood Music Awards 2016
I think for most of us 2016 has been a pretty bleak year; marred by death, destruction and division. One of the few guiding lights to lead us through the darkness has been the exemplary music gifted to us by rising stars, and left behind as a final swansong by dearly departed legends. As we move on into an uncertain 2017 let us look back on the year’s lows as chances to learn and grow, and revel in the highs that show the potential majesty of the human spirit. Here’s Belwood Music’s brief picks of a few of the brightest musical beacons of the past twelve months: Continue reading
Top Ten Albums of 2016
Though we have had a tragic year in many respects we have been blessed with some excellent albums. The ranking was closer than ever this year, and there are many releases that deserve a mention, but here are Belwood Music’s top picks of the past 12 months based on album ratings: Continue reading
Top Ten Songs of 2016
To coincide with this year’s Belwood Awards we’re introducing a new annual list of the top songs of the year. Apologies for the terrible oversight of not starting one sooner! After re-exploring numerous albums and playlists from January onwards, this list eventually formed after countless shuffle rounds and rethinks. Most of this year’s biggest tunes were from up-and-coming artists which needless to say is a very good sign of a thriving music scene. So without further ado, let’s get down to it: Continue reading
George Michael passes away
Wham! frontman and pop legend George Michael sadly died of heart failure on Christmas day. Rising to prominence with Wham! and the perennial Christmas favourite ‘Last Christmas’, then later with his solo career which featured such hits as ‘Careless Whisper’ and ‘Faith’, and with his unforgettable performance at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert, he was one of the most iconic and best selling artists of the 80s. He was one of the most important voices of a generation and, despite being surrounded by controversy in the media in recent years, there is no denying the impact he made on popular music. He will be sorely missed.
Belwood Music is now on Spotify!
You can now follow us on Spotify where we’ll be bringing you regular playlists of the best featured music on the site, some highlights from our favourite artists and spotlight stars, as well as the perfect soundtrack for whatever mood takes you. First off lets get things started with Belwood’s playlist of some of the best songs of the year!
Playlist: Nov/Dec 2016
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2017 inductees announced
The Rock and Roll Hall of fame has officially announced the acts that will be inducted into the institution next year. The acts include Journey, Pearl Jam, ELO, Yes and Joan Baez. They will be inducted in a ceremony due to be held 7th April. It has also been announced that Chic’s Nile Rodgers will be presented with the award for musical excellence. Pearl Jam have been inducted on their first year of being eligible and many fans are pleased with Yes receiving recognition as the Hall of Fame have been criticized for many years for their bias against progressive rock acts. The biggest talking point however is whether or not Journey will reunite with their former frontman Steve Perry for the induction ceremony.
Top Tracks: The Molochs – You And Me
Any self-respecting music fan would kill for the chance to go back to the late sixties and experience the golden age of music firsthand. Rest assured however that you don’t need a time machine, all you need is the latest single from The Molochs. ‘You And Me’, taken from their upcoming album America’s Velvet Glory out 13th January, perfectly captures that sixties spirit. With the Lou Reed-esque vocals and hints of the Byrds and the Grateful Dead, this slice of psychedelic Americana brings the age of Aquarius into the modern day. Few bands can so completely capture retro styles without sounding like a rehash of old ideas, but that problem never comes close to plaguing this song. Sometimes we need to take a step back and appreciate what came before to figure out what the future needs, and somehow this throwback track ends up being the perfect solution.
Top Tracks: Ksenia Valenti – Powerless
First impressions can often be misleading. From the beginning of ‘Powerless’, its gentle echoes fading away into the ether, I envisioned the song to continue as a delicate piano ballad. From the moment the chorus started I realised I was mistaken. Ksenia’s voice suddenly finds new life and confidence, swelling with power and purpose to lift the song to new heights. Her breathtaking vocals perfectly capture the mood of the song and the feeling of falling in love; what starts as something so fragile and uncertain suddenly eclipses all other thoughts, and before you know it everything has changed. As with love I find myself powerless to resist the pull of this track. Anyone wishing to recapture that incredible feeling should delve into the work of this wonderful artist.
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