Community Blog - Page 9

During this autumnal, candy-corned season of Samhain, I like to dim the lights and listen to all the “graveyard smashes” that I grew up on. But I also indulge in some horror rock. Not to be confused with gothic rock or "goth," (although it should be noted that some of today’s goth bands like Vision Video are really stepping it up, horror-wise), horror rock has existed nearly as long as rock 'n' roll has. Inspired by horror films and comic books as well as by the Halloween holiday, horror rock is often regarded as "shock rock" and many music historians credit Screamin’ Jay Hawkins as the very first shock rocker. He had a hit in 1956 with “I Put A Spell on You” and he would emerge from a coffin during his live performances that included smoke bombs going off as he howled into a skull-shaped microphone.

The end of summer doesn't always have to be a bummer! For many of us, it means heartier meals, building fires, football season snacks, changing colors, apple picking, the death of mosquitos, and cozying up with a book...or a playlist! Here are some of the songs that stood out for us this autumn equinox.

Come see who was featured this month!

For lack of a better moniker, it’s National Hispanic Heritage Month (I prefer Latin Heritage Month). And being that I’m half Mexican (the good half!), I wanted to celebrate the present by rocking out to the past. More specifically, my ears were craving some Mexican garage rock, beat bands, and cumbia from the 1960s. So I programmed a playlist: Mexico Rocks The 60s.

In 1994 President Bill Clinton proclaimed September Classical Music Month.

The proclamation read in part: “Classical music is a celebration of artistic excellence…. This month we exalt the many talented composers, conductors, and musicians.”

As Head of Classical Music here at Pandora I strive to feature it all. Whether you’re looking for something to listen to while reading or working, or focusing in and enjoying the detail of each performance.