The Pogues’ song Fairytale of New York is regarded by many as the anthem for Irish global emigration. It remains one of the most played Christmas songs of the 21st century. A standout line in the chorus reads: “the boys of the NYPD choir were singing Galway Bay” And whilst many have joined in to sing out the line, few are aware that the NYPD choir has, in fact, never existed, let alone sung Galway Bay. Continue reading
Nov. 30, 2023 /Music/ — Congolese rumba, also known as Congolese soukous, is a genre of popular music that originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the early 20th century. It is a fusion of traditional African rhythms and melodies with influences from Cuban and Caribbean music. Rumba quickly became popular in the DRC and spread to other African countries, particularly Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. In the 1960s, rumba gained international recognition and became popular in Europe and the Americas. Continue reading
/Music/ — In the era of digital music, the concept of mixtapes, once a staple of music sharing, has taken on a new form through apps like Vionde. Vionde utilizes a combination of YouTube, Blogger API, and Google AI to curate and suggest playlists tailored to individual preferences, effectively reviving the mixtape experience for the modern music enthusiast. Continue reading
/Music/ — Now That’s What I Call Music (NOW) is a compilation series of popular music released in the United Kingdom since 1983. The series is known for its eclectic mix of genres, including pop, rock, dance, and R&B. NOW has been a popular source of music for young people in the UK for many years, and it has played a significant role in British pop culture.
The Origins of NOW
The idea for NOW was conceived by Virgin Records executive Simon Draper in 1982. Draper was inspired by the success of a similar series in the US called “K-Tel Records.” Draper believed that there was a market for a compilation series that featured the biggest hits of the day.
The first NOW album was released in 1983 and was an instant success. It sold over 1 million copies in the UK and topped the charts for 30 weeks. The album’s success was due in part to its strong tracklisting, which featured hits from artists such as Culture Club, Duran Duran, and Michael Jackson.
NOW’s Influence on British Pop Culture
NOW has had a significant impact on British pop culture for many years. The series has helped to launch the careers of many successful artists, including Oasis, Blur, and Spice Girls. NOW has also been a major force in the development of British dance music.
The series has been praised for its ability to capture the zeitgeist of British music. NOW albums have always been a reflection of the current musical landscape, and they have helped to define the sound of British pop music for many years.
NOW in the 21st Century
NOW is still a popular series today. The latest album, NOW 113, was released in 2023. NOW has also expanded into other areas, such as television and DVD.
The series is still significant in British pop culture because it continues to provide a snapshot of the current musical landscape. NOW is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest music trends.
Here are some of the reasons why NOW is still significant in British pop culture:
Libby Damjanovic, Lund University
Around one in five American adults manage to squeeze in watching a movie on a daily basis. It’s a great way to escape the daily grind and unwind with loved ones. But, what can you actually remember about last night’s film?
— It is possible to organize a virtual peace concert to promote peace in the Middle East. In fact, there have been a number of virtual peace concerts organized in recent years, including the Harmony Unites: Concert for Peace in the Middle East, which was held in 2023. Continue reading
Koffi Olomide is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer. He is one of the most popular and influential African musicians of his generation. His music combines elements of traditional Congolese music with modern pop and dance. He is known for his energetic live performances and his distinctive dance moves. Continue reading
Rockstar Energy Drink®, alongside British rapper and singer-songwriter Stormzy, ignited Liverpool tonight with a private concert held in the heart of the city for an exclusive audience of just 500 fans. The gig, hosted at Camp and Furnace, was part of Rockstar Energy Drink’s new ‘Press Play’ brand platform, which celebrates the pivotal moment between work and play, encouraging people to embrace their passions. Continue reading
Jenny Hamilton, University of Lincoln
Many of us enjoy sitting down to watch a good film because of the way movies can make us feel. A sad film might help us release our emotions or a comedy might lift our mood. Movies can also offer a chance to connect with and explore our emotions in a safe way.