Explore artists, records, scenes and the ideas that shape sound. The Staimusic blog connects music stories with the listening archive.
It's near impossible to think of Shaggy and not immediately tap your toes in time with the rhythm. From his early days as a cheesy reggae artist to now becoming an international icon, Shaggy proves that any genre can be crossed over with skill and finesse. But even so, there are criticisms of some of his material that have been…
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Serge Gainsbourg: the controversial French singer and songwriter who helped define musical tastes of generations. With tracks such as Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus– his duet with a then-unknown person Jaqueline Kennedy--Gain…
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It's difficult to have a conversation about influential voices in music that doesn't mention Screamin' Jay Hawkins. He was the enigmatic master of musical horror and shock, whose iconic stage presence made him unlike any…
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Since her debut album in 2008, Santigold has proved to be a powerful force in the world of music. While some have criticized her work and pointed out flaws with certain songs, others have praised her unconventional appro…
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Many people immediately think of Ry Cooder as a legendary roots musician, but he was so much more than that. Not only did he boldly push the genre's boundaries and create music that was both innovative and still true to…
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From their soulful lyrics to groovy beats, the American funk and soul duo Rufus & Chaka Khan have made a huge impact on pop music since they first formed in 1973. While there is no doubt that the individual members of th…
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Robert Johnson, an iconic blues musician from the early 20th century, has long left an indelible mark on music and society alike. Despite his legendary status as a master guitarist and composer of some of the most influe…
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When someone mentions the name Rick James, people tend to bring up both positive and negative thoughts. Some may remember his funk-rock hits like “Super Freak” or “Give It To Me Baby” while others may think of the contro…
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Criticism has always followed a consistent pattern, validating excellence while pointing out the aspects of an artist that could be improved. In regards to Pharrell Williams' music career, it's no different–there are bot…
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One of the most influential and legendary soul performers of all time, Percy Sledge has been a beloved presence in the music industry for decades with his exceptional voice and captivating lyrics. His signature raw emoti…
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Are you a fan of Parliament's cosmic funk? Even if the answer is no, it would be impossible to deny their influential role in history. Formed by George Clinton in 1972, Parliament was at the forefront of creating a uniqu…
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Otis Redding's music is respected and beloved across generations. His songs are timeless classics, recognizable to many who enjoy R&B soul. He was a revolutionary artist whose impact on the world of music can still be fe…
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Many music lovers know of the legendary artist, Muddy Waters. Since his fortuitous discovery in 1941, this musical genius garnered countless accolades from Billboard Magazine and The Rolling Stones alike. From writing ti…
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Mos Def is one of the most iconic and influential rap artists of his generation, an artist that has had a strong influence on hip-hop culture throughout his career. His lyrics are full of clever wordplay and artistic exp…
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As one of the most popular bands during the early 1980s, Men at Work achieved international success with their upbeat and often quirky pop-rock sound. For some listeners, the music provided a needed break from the heavie…
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annalisa balestrieri
emma
Isabella Rose
julie morris
kashi
sammy d
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