Critical Karaoke

Idris Goodwin on the release and stylistic ramifications of Eric B & Rakim's game chaging album Paid In Full. 

Ryan Banagale breaks down the musical threads woven through the space time continuium of Robert Zemeckis's game changing sci fi comedy

Matthew Mugman on the premiere and roots of Seblius's Finlandia. Also it's connection to Bruce Willis. 

Proud Canadian Steven Hayward celebrates the musical contributions of his countrymen Arcade Fire, Rush, Neil Young and Justin Beiber. Go leafs! 

What's the link between arch duke Franz Ferdinand, a race horse of the same name and some scottish rockers? All will be revealed by Steven Hayward on this episode of "A Day in the Life."

On this day in 1911, film composer Bernard Herrman was born. Here Idris Godowin gives us a snapshot of his enormous decade spanning career working with some of the most important names in cinema.

The marriage of Sonny and Cher came to an end on this day in 1975.  Find out how they first met and how their relationship influenced their creative output, from the good times to the bad—today on “A Day in the Life” presented by Steven Hayward.

Today in 1996 Jay Z released his first album Reasonable Doubt.  Hear his 1989 duet with Jaz-O, his efforts to become a solo act, and why he started his own record label Roc-A-Fella today on “A Day in a Life” offered by Idris Goodwin. 

Today in 1880, “O Canada” was born in Quebec, Canada.  What are its international roots and circumstances of its first performance?  When did it get its English lyrics?  And what does it all have to do with hockey?  Matthew Mugmon explains all on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

It is June Carter Cash’s birthday, born today in 1929.  Learn about her musical pedigree and her accomplishments prior to and with eventual husband Johnny Cash on today’s “A Day in the Life” offered by Ryan Banagale.    

Today in 2009 the Eastman Kodak Company announced the end of the production of its Kodachrome color film stock.  What are its musical origins, connections, and inspirations?  Find out on today’s "A Day in the Life" offered by Ryan Banagale.

Guitarist and folk singer Nick Drake was born on this day in 1948.  His music never quite found an audience during the 1960s and 1970s.  But his posthumous success has been significant, due in no small part to a particular 1999 TV commercial.  Find our which one on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1948, Columbia debuted a new audio format known as the LP, or long playing record.  What became possible with this “revolutionary” format?  Take a listen to today’s “A Day in the Life” to find out!

Today is composer Igor Stravinsky’s birthday, born in Russia on this day in 1882.  Why did his ballet Rite of Spring send listeners into a frenzy?  How did he come to influence nearly every twentieth-century composer through his musical output.  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Today is the birthday of Tupac Shakur, born on this day in 1971.  Learn about his early influences and rise to stardom, including his original rap name and time Digital Underground on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

On this day in 1989, grunge band Nirvana released its debut album titled Bleach.  Find out how lead singer/songwriter Kurt Cobain was influenced by The Beatles while creating this music for this album on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

On this episode of Critical Karaoke we are talking about “cover songs.”  Songs that were written and recorded by one artist, but go on to be re-recorded and re-performed by many other artists in many other genres—it is kind of like karaoke of existing songs, but it is critical?   Complete details available here: http://criticalkaraoke.com/critical-karaoke-episode-4-cover-songs/ Join us as we discuss covers of "No Diggity" by Blackstreet; "King Porter Stomp," first composed and performed by Jelly Roll Morton; and “The World Turned Upside Down” by Leon Rosselson.  All than and more, including a special "cover band" name pop quiz.  

Human’s Lib, the debut album by English musician and synth-pop guru Howard Jones is released on this day in 1984.  Where did he come from, where did he go?  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1968 Paul McCartney recorded “Blackbird.”  What inspired him to do so? A combination of historical music and contemporary social issues?  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

The opera Tristan und Isolde premiered in Munich on this day in 1865.  Learn about the power of an important chord composed Richard Wagner and why some say it was the beginning of the end for traditional harmony.