Author: Larry Howard
Soul vs. Funk in the 1970s: A Deep Dive into Musical and Cultural Overlaps
Explore the deep musical and cultural connections between soul and funk in the 1970s. Learn how these genres evolved, overlapped, and shaped Black American culture.
Political Reggae of the 1980s: Lyrics, Activism, and Awareness
Explore how 1980s political reggae fueled anti-apartheid movements and social change. Discover key songs, artists, and the lasting impact of this powerful genre.
Mixing Disco on Analog Consoles: 1970s Studio Workflows and Techniques
Explore the 1970s studio workflows for mixing disco on analog consoles. Learn how engineers used Neve, Harrison, and SSL desks to manage low-end, tape saturation, and dynamics for vinyl.
The Go-Go’s: How This All-Female Band Revolutionized the Music Industry
Discover how The Go-Go’s became the first all-female band to top the Billboard charts with self-written songs, reshaping the music industry and inspiring generations of women in rock.
Reggae’s 1990s Legacy: Roots, Lovers Rock, and Dancehall Evolution
Explore how the 1990s transformed reggae into three distinct pillars: digital dancehall, conscious roots revival, and romantic lovers rock. Discover the artists and sounds that shaped modern music.
Album Sequencing in the 1980s: Side A vs. Side B Strategies
Explore how 1980s artists like Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen used vinyl constraints to craft Side A and Side B strategies, balancing physics, psychology, and commercial hits.
Weather Report's Avant-Garde Jazz: Electronic Experimentation and World Music
Explore how Weather Report revolutionized jazz fusion through avant-garde improvisation, pioneering electronic experimentation with synthesizers, and integrating global world music rhythms.
Hidden Gems: Underrated 1980s Albums Worth Rediscovering
Discover the best underrated 1980s albums that missed the mainstream spotlight. From post-punk masterpieces to hidden funk gems, explore the hidden gems of 80s music history.
How the DMCA, Napster, and Microsoft Cases Reset Digital Piracy (1999-2001)
Explore how the DMCA, Napster lawsuit, and Microsoft antitrust case between 1999-2001 reshaped digital piracy, copyright law, and the tech industry forever.
Photography in Album Covers: How Professional Vision Drives Artistic Direction
Explore how professional photography shapes album covers, from historical milestones to modern streaming strategies. Learn the roles of photographers and art directors in creating iconic music visuals.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1980s Inductees: The Founding Class Explained
Explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 1980s inductees. Discover why Chuck Berry, The Beatles, and Elvis were chosen, how the 25-year rule worked, and the biases that shaped the early canon.
George Michael’s Faith Era: The Rise, Controversy, and Fall of a Pop Icon
Explore George Michael's Faith era: the rise from Wham!, the controversy of 'I Want Your Sex,' massive sales, and his pivot to authenticity with Listen Without Prejudice.