Beck’s latest perhaps his most modern
Just months after Beck’s surprising win for album of the year at the Grammys, he’s back with a new single and a striking new sonic direction.
The singer-songwriter had earlier hinted at new music, posting artwork for a new song, “Dreams,” last week. Now the single has arrived, and it’s a much dancier reaction to the smooth bummer-folk of his acclaimed “Morning Phase.”
The song is built on a hard-strummed, garage-rock riff that quickly gets reinforced with a big disco production. It’s dance music indebted to the early Nile Rodgers era, but with just enough glammy rock ‘n’ roll, ’70s acoustic guitars and really strong hook-writing to keep it grounded.
Beck has experimented with funk and club-friendly material on previous records such as “Midnite Vultures,” but this is perhaps his most modern and overt floor-filler yet.
The song is available for streaming and download, but there’s not yet any info about an upcoming LP to properly follow up “Morning Phase.”
Author Donoghue writes young adult novel
“Room” novelist Emma Donoghue is the latest popular author to join the thriving young adult genre.
Donoghue’s first book for middle graders, “The Lotterys Plus One,” will be published in 2017, Scholastic announced earlier this week. The novel will center on a large, unconventional family, the Lotterys, and the Victorian house they call Camelottery.
Donoghue’s “Room” was a best-seller published in 2010 and shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. This fall, Scholastic will publish “Untwine,” a young adult novel by National Book Award finalist Edwidge Danticat.
Lady Gaga’s appearance kept secret
Singer Lady Gaga spent several days hiding in a hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, to keep her presence a secret before she performed at the European Games.
Performing the John Lennon song “Imagine,” Lady Gaga was a surprise addition to the program for the inaugural games. Her participation was only revealed part-way through the two-hour show.
Catherine Ugwu, who coordinated the ceremony for games organizers, said they had to “work very hard on keeping it a secret” and that the singer “was kind enough to stay in a hotel and not move for several days.”
Lady Gaga, who is known for her strong advocacy for gay rights, has faced criticism from some fans for performing in Azerbaijan, whose government has been widely criticized over its human rights record.
About the Author
