All Posts

The claim that Stayin' Alive was built from a sample of Night Fever has intrigued music enthusiasts for decades. But did the Bee Gees truly invent sampling?

In the landscape of pop music, certain controversies stand out due to their cultural impact and the questions they raise about creativity. One such case involves Huey Lewis and the News' "I Want a New Drug" and Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" theme. These two tracks have been frequently mentioned together in discussions of musical similarity, bringing both artistic and legal questions to the forefront.

Rubber Soul boasts a variety of tracks, but Michelle stands out with its French twist. Interestingly, this track might trace its roots back to 1959. Its chilled vibes and unique guitar solo make it feel like an earlier Beatles song. Don’t you just love its meaningful lyrics? Though you might chuckle at their playful use of French, it all adds to the charm.

In the 1990s, Madonna's influence on both the music and fashion industries was nothing short of extraordinary. During this decade, she emerged not only as a pop sensation but also as a trendsetter whose bold and innovative style choices were emulated by countless fans and aspiring pop stars worldwide. Her fearless willingness to push boundaries in both her music and her wardrobe set new standards for those who followed in her footsteps.

Meet Xiu Xiu—a band that has just released their 18th album. This one’s a covers album, and it’s already considered one of their best. I’ve got a soft spot for the 80s, so we couldn’t resist checking out their cover of Anola Gay. Fun fact: I recently met the lead singer, and he gave me a David Bowie book. But that’s a story for another day. This cover is from their album titled "Xiu Xiu Mother Funking Xiu Volume One." Let’s dive in!

Recently, we received an enthusiastic email urging us to check out a band called Long Fling. This intriguing group consists of Pip Bloom from Pip Bloom and Villim Smith from Personal Trainer. Based in Amsterdam, they've been collaborating creatively for a decade, and now, they bring us their first album, also titled "Long Fling."

MTV Unplugged has gifted us unforgettable moments where bands and singers strip down their hits to raw, acoustic brilliance. From legendary performances to hidden gems, these sessions have left an indelible mark on music history. At Chatting Tracks, we’re all about celebrating those musical moments that come to life, and what better way than to revisit these iconic performances?

Ship Says Om is the solo project of Jenny Gillespie Mason, based in San Francisco. With a rich history, including collaborations with Sis and the Lower Wisdom, Jenny is also the founder of Native Cat Recordings, a feminist label supporting fellow artists.

Hey there, Robbie from Chatting Tracks here. I recently caught up with Kane Hibbard, the mastermind behind an extraordinary guitar photography exhibition. Kane's journey into music photography began back in 2005.

When it comes to the world of musical trios, there's something uniquely compelling about the synergy and harmony these groups create. Here, we delve into the top 11 music trios of all time—those that have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape through their influential sounds and unforgettable hits.

MTV (Music Television) was launched on August 1, 1981, marking a significant turning point in the way music was consumed by audiences across the globe. Before MTV's debut, music was primarily accessed through radio or live performances, with limited visual representation. However, MTV introduced an innovative platform that married music with television, providing a fresh, dynamic format that captivated viewers.

Queen has once again ignited the music scene with the release of a previously unheard Christmas song titled "Not For Sale (Polar Bear)." Unveiled after years of anticipation, this discovery comes as a delightful surprise to both longtime fans and music enthusiasts, highlighting the band's enduring legacy and influence.  

"Unhinged: Inside the Doors Lawsuit" by John Densmore delves deeply into the intricate and controversial legal battle surrounding one of rock music's most enigmatic and influential bands,

Few Christmas songs can claim to define an entire nation’s festive soundtrack. Fewer still can fill pubs, living rooms, football stadiums, and radio airwaves with the same explosive energy year after year. “Merry Xmas Everybody” by Slade is one of those rare songs.

Every Christmas has its soundtrack. For some, it’s loud and celebratory, filled with sleigh bells and singalong choruses. For others, it’s quieter — reflective, emotional, and rooted in the moments between celebration. Few songs capture that quieter side of the season better than “Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea.

Few Christmas songs inspire as much discussion, division, and yearly reappraisal as “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney. Since its release in 1979, the song has become a permanent fixture of the festive season — played endlessly on the radio, in shops, at parties, and across streaming playlists every December. And yet, it remains one of the most hotly debated holiday songs of all time.

he use of plastic sleeves for vinyl records has long been a topic of debate among collectors and audiophiles, each with their own passionate opinions and experiences. Vinyl enthusiasts understand the importance of preserving the condition of their records, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for maintaining the value of their collections. Plastic sleeves, often made from materials such as polyethene.

Once hailed as collaborations of legends, many Supergroups dazzled for a brief moment before fading into obscurity. Behind every hit single or explosive debut, these projects carried creative tension, clashing egos, and flashes of genius. Here are ten remarkable yet forgotten Supergroups that still echo through music history.

The album features some incredible tracks, one of which involves a captivating story. The bassline, dwelling in the artist's mind for a while, came to life during a car ride. So engrossed was the musician in its allure, he nearly met with an accident. The track, though sparse, with mainly drums, hoohoos, and the iconic bassline, exudes a power similar to Thriller in its simplicity.

When people think of Christmas music, they often imagine songs filled with warmth, nostalgia, romance, and celebration. Bells ring, choirs sing, and lyrics focus on home, family, and festive cheer. Yet among these seasonal staples stands a song that refuses to simply comfort or distract. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono is a Christmas song with a conscience — one that blends celebration with confrontation, hope with responsibility, and melody with messag