MUSIC REVIEW: Rixton – Let the Road

Rixton
Let the Road
Interscope Records

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

[The Breakdown]

Rixton, the four-piece band from the UK, released their debut album Let the Road via Interscope Records. Of course I had already heard “Me and My Broken Heart” and “Wait On Me”, both vibrant and infectious hit songs. After listening to the 10-track album, the one thing I got is that they REALLY like girls and they want people to know that. Cool, noted.

While the first song, “Let the Road,” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I really enjoyed the title track. Not just because I have a soft spot for a capella, but they just did it so well. I was getting flashbacks to NSYNC’s Christmas album and I love that album. Plus, what is a better way to showcase true talent than in this raw form? They killed it.

They have a couple songs written by big names including “Hotel Ceiling”, written by Ed Sheeran and “I like Girls,” co-written by Mike Posner. Both of which definitely have the signature of its writers. Although, I am a Mike Posner fan, I felt like the lyrics were a bit juvenile even for a young band such as Rixton.

“We All Want The Same Thing” is a great dance track and goes in the same direction as “Wait On Me” and that song is awesome. But “We All Want The Same Thing” seems like the band is trying too hard to be a mini Maroon 5. Even so, this would probably make a great single.

Overall, the band shows amazing potential in their debut album. Rixton are all very talented, there is no doubt about that. Let the Road goes in a few different directions, but doesn’t really have a balance. This could also be because the band used songs that they had written six years ago, when they were teenagers. Still, I think once they have grown more lyrically they could have true staying power.

MUSIC VIDEO: Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”

Ed Sheeran‘s newest video for the single, “Thinking Out Loud” is quite the surprise! Who knew he had it in him to dance the night away like that.  Ed reportedly had professional dancers come in to train him just so he could get the routine down perfect. The hard work sure paid off! Beautiful song (not surprising), but I just can’t take my eyes off him in this video. Check it out above!

MUSIC VIDEO: Ed Sheeran – “SING”

Ed Sheeran as a puppet you say?! That’s exactly what you will see in his new music video for the amazingly awesome single, “SING“. I just can’t get enough of this song and he just made it better with this super clever and funny video. The karaoke bar theme fits really well with the song lyrics and those Asian businessman were incredible. Pharrell also makes a cameo in the video since he contributed vocals and produced the track. The ending of the music video is classic. It is hands down one of my favorite videos this year. Watch the goodness above!

EVENT REVIEW: The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles

The Night that Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles
Featuring: Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Eurythmics, Pharrell, Brad Paisley, Dave Grohl, Dhani Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh,  Gary Clark Jr.
January 27, 2014
LA Convention Center
Los Angeles, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

The Beatles made their US debut on the Ed Sullivan show 50 years ago this February 9^th, the same day this special will air. That appearance has become one of the most iconic in music history. Many have tried to replicate it, but it is impossible. Being a HUGE Beatles fan, this was one concert I was dying to see. Paul AND Ringo, TOGETHER—and not like the Grammys. Instead, they would be performing classic Beatles hits. Can we say, EPIC?

CONCERT REVIEW: Taylor Swift – Red Tour

Taylor Swift – Red Tour + Grammy U Event
Opening Act: Ed Sheeran and Casey James
August 20, 2013
Staples Center
Los Angeles, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

This review is going to be a little different from the ones I usually write mostly because I got a special opportunity and decided to write about it along with the show review. I was able to be a part of the Grammy U: Sound Checks with Taylor Swift event. Twenty of us got to watch Taylor do her sound check, participate in a Q & A, and watch her do a press conference and a few press interviews. I didn’t know what to expect, but I left very impressed with her.

CONCERT REVIEW: Ed Sheeran [@EdSheeran]

Ed Sheeran
Free Outdoor Show
February 7, 2013
The Grove
Los Angeles, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Ed Sheeran, Grammy nominated artist and the newest of the British Invasion, graced Los Angeles with multiple shows this month. One of which was a free show at The Grove. Since it was a school day I figured it probably wouldn’t be as chaotic as it usually is, but I was wrong. I arrived at The Grove a good hour before the start time and saw the stage area fairly empty and thought this should be easy to catch. That was before we were told that the line for the show started outside on a side street and once I found that side-street I saw a line that went on and on and on. Of course the line would be ridiculous. It’s Ed Sheeran we’re talking about here. Silly me.