The Harmonic Evolution in Gaming: Music’s Role from Arcades to Apps

Music has metamorphosed throughout the gaming industry, from simple tracks that looped in early arcade games to elaborate orchestral scores in today’s PC and mobile gaming platforms. This transformation has turned music into a background element of game playing into a major part of the experience, enhancing characters’ stories, immersing players and drawing emotions. In this exploration, we shall see how music is not just accompanying but forming a core part of video games’ content, indicative of changes in technology and innovation in visual arts.

From 8-bit Tunes to Orchestras: Charting the History of Game Music

The development of game music historically refers to a transition starting from simple 8-bit tunes created within the span of the 1980s to complicated orchestral motifs defining the current times. Initially, composers were limited by technical capacities to only beeps and tunes such as those found on “Pac-Man” or “Tetris.” 

The introduction of MIDI technology resulted in more complex compositions; for example, the “Final Fantasy” series was responsible for deeper narratives with its music. Full orchestras became an essential factor when developers wanted their audiences to become fully absorbed into their virtual reality, some examples include The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim.

These milestones underscore the integral role of music in enhancing gameplay, storytelling, and player immersion, reflecting the industry’s technological advancements and growing recognition of composers’ artistry.

Silence Speaks: The Unique Approach of Aviator by Spribe

Aviator has been designed by Spribe to have no sound of music, simple and focused. This is a part of its design concept, which focuses on simplicity. This type of silence is intended to extract the most out of players when they are going up or down with their aviators. In other words, ‘Aviator’ eliminates music from the game; thus shifting the emphasis on the auditory elements onto the player’s actions and mechanics, leading to a unique and immersive experience. 

The aforementioned approach implies that game creators decided to include as few details as possible for gamers so that they could express themselves about what was happening in gameplay, without being influenced by a background track, making it possible to make online betting more personal and emotional.

Amplifying the Game: How Music Elevates Player Experience

One major benefit comes with the incorporation of music into games; this makes gaming much better than before. In this case, soundtracks make the gaming process both interactive and realistic, since they create environments for players where gamblers enter real worlds. It also helps build up game scripts such that characters become more realistic, thus appealing to more emotions towards them.

This is the bond between music and video games that further defines player engagement, providing memorable experiences beyond the screen, and exhibiting how music can magnify the artistry and impact of video games.

The Psychology of Sound: Music’s Emotional Resonance in Gaming

Music in a game works deeply on the psychology of a person as it greatly affects their emotional responses, moods, and levels of engagement. Employing good music can make a player feel a whole range of emotions, from tension during battle scenes to tranquillity within peaceful environments; thus having direct psychological effects on players’ minds while playing. These heightened moments make success more rewarding and loss more devastating. The use of music in strategy enhances storytelling by making such narratives more vivid and lasting.

  1. Enhanced Emotionality: Music heightens emotionality across various game elements, as illustrated by exciting victories or dramatic defeats.
  2. Mood Optimization: Background tracks may have a calming or energizing influence over gamers, affecting their overall experience.
  3. Involvement and Absorption: Immersion into gaming realities is accompanied by an appropriate soundtrack, which creates deeper involvement for players.
  4. Behaviourism: Some rhythms or musical motifs may affect player decisions and strategies, giving a clue for what to do next in terms of gameplay.

Music in video games does more than enrich the gaming experience, as it also epitomizes a crucial aspect of marketing and branding strategies that improve brand identity and recall. This has been exemplified by the world-famous themes from games like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda” which have gone beyond gameplay to form part of Nintendo’s brand identity. 

The haunting soundtracks of Halo have played a vital role in its promotion, thus confirming the epic scope and immersive nature of the franchise. Consequently, these musical trademarks do not just amplify the game but also kindle strong bonds with audiences displaying music’s capacity to embody or elevate any given game’s brand essence within a competitive industry.

Composing the Future: Innovative Trends in Video Game Music

Emerging technologies, genres, and creative approaches are influencing current trends and shaping future innovations in video game music. Adaptive music technology is increasingly becoming more advanced, resulting in personalized gaming experiences where music changes according to player actions. 

Additionally, the blending of various musical genres, from electronic to traditional orchestral, reflects the industry’s growing diversity. Virtual reality games are also pushing composers to explore spatial audio, creating immersive soundscapes that envelop the player. These advancements promise a future where game music not only enhances gameplay but also becomes an even more integral part of the gaming narrative and experience.

What Are The Best Link Building Vendors? Effective SEO Tips

In today’s fiercely competitive online landscape, the significance of securing high-quality backlinks cannot be overstated. These backlinks play a pivotal role in elevating your website’s search engine rankings and driving organic traffic. They are like digital endorsements that signal to search engines the value and relevance of your content. To navigate this intricate process and assist you in identifying the best link building vendors, we’ve meticulously compiled a comprehensive list of expert-recommended options.

1. Quality over Quantity

One of the most important criteria to consider is the vendor’s approach to link building. Avoid vendors that promise an excessive number of links in a short time frame. Instead, focus on vendors that emphasize the quality of links. High-quality links from authoritative websites hold more value in the eyes of search engines and can have a greater impact on your website’s SEO.

2. Relevance of Links

Links originating from pertinent sources within your field hold greater significance compared to arbitrary links from unrelated platforms. A trustworthy link building provider comprehends the significance of context and diligently endeavors to obtain links from websites linked to your sector, merchandise, or offerings. This targeted approach bolsters the credibility of your backlink profile and solidifies your website’s authority within your niche.

  • Additionally, an effective link building strategy should encompass a mix of both high-authority and niche-specific websites. This combination not only enhances your site’s domain authority but also establishes your website as an authoritative resource within your industry. 
  • It’s important for the vendor to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that each acquired link contributes meaningfully to your overall profile, which can be viewed with a Ahrefs link building instrument.
  • Moreover, the vendor should be adept at fostering relationships with webmasters and content creators to secure natural and organic links. These types of links, earned through genuine connections and collaborations, carry substantial weight in the eyes of search engines and can have a lasting positive impact on your website’s SEO efforts. 

Ultimately, a well-rounded link building strategy tailored to your unique goals and industry can significantly contribute to your website’s search engine visibility, organic traffic, and overall online presence.

3. Transparency and Reporting

A trustworthy link building vendor will provide transparent reporting of their activities. They should offer insights into the websites they are targeting, the progress of the campaign, and the status of links obtained. Regular updates and clear communication are indicators of a vendor that values transparency.

4. White-Hat Practices

Ensure that the vendor follows ethical and white-hat link building practices. Avoid those who engage in black-hat tactics such as buying links or participating in link farms, as these can result in severe penalties from search engines. A reliable vendor will adhere to industry best practices and focus on organic, natural link acquisition.

5. Customization and Strategy

Embracing a one-size-fits-all strategy for link building often falls short of achieving the desired outcomes. A reliable vendor recognizes the significance of tailoring their approach to your unique circumstances. They will invest time in comprehending your website’s objectives, target audience, and current link profile. By gaining insights into these aspects, they can then craft a personalized link building strategy that perfectly aligns with your distinct requirements and aspirations. This individualized approach not only maximizes the effectiveness of your link building efforts but also enhances your chances of securing high-quality links from relevant and authoritative sources. The emphasis on customization underscores the vendor’s commitment to achieving results that resonate specifically with your brand and its objectives.

6. Portfolio and Case Studies

Review the vendor’s portfolio and case studies to evaluate the success of their previous link building campaigns. Look for evidence of improved search rankings and increased organic traffic. This will give you insight into their capabilities and the results they can potentially deliver for your website.

7. Quality of Content

Content serves as the cornerstone of any prosperous link building campaign. When evaluating potential vendors, it’s crucial to delve into the quality of the content they create for guest posts, outreach emails, and other link-related assets. Prioritize vendors who consistently deliver content that is not only high in quality but also informative and captivating. Such content is far more likely to entice links from reputable websites, ultimately boosting the effectiveness of your link building efforts. By focusing on the creation of valuable and shareable content, you lay a strong foundation for building meaningful connections within your industry and enhancing your website’s authority and credibility.

8. Long-Term Approach

Link building is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. A reliable vendor will emphasize the importance of a long-term approach to link building. They should be focused on building sustainable, natural link profiles that will continue to benefit your website over time.

9. Ethical Practices

Consider a vendor’s reputation within the industry and their commitment to ethical practices. Avoid vendors that have been associated with spammy or unethical link building tactics. Working with a reputable vendor can help safeguard your website’s reputation and ensure long-term success.

10. Communication and Accessibility

Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. 

  • When selecting a vendor, prioritize those who are responsive, accessible, and eager to promptly address your inquiries and concerns. 
  • Maintaining open lines of communication ensures that you’re well-informed about the campaign’s progress and any potential adjustments required. 
  • Regular updates on the project’s status and an ongoing dialogue with the vendor can contribute to a smoother collaboration. This not only allows for effective problem-solving but also enhances the overall quality of the partnership. 

Remember, a vendor who values communication demonstrates their commitment to your shared goals, and this can greatly contribute to the success of your endeavors.

In Сonclusion 

The best link building vendors offer a range of strategies that can be tailored to your specific goals, ensuring that you’re not only acquiring backlinks but also building a link profile that aligns with your website’s niche and target audience. These strategies can encompass guest posting, outreach to authoritative websites, content placement in relevant online publications, influencer collaborations, and more. Such diversified approaches enable you to obtain a variety of high-quality backlinks that collectively enhance your website’s authority and visibility within search engines.

  • Partnering with the right link building vendor is akin to having a seasoned guide in the ever-evolving landscape of SEO. Their expertise allows you to navigate algorithm updates, changing ranking factors, and industry trends with confidence. 
  • Moreover, collaborating with a reputable vendor provides you access to insights, data, and analytics that help you measure the impact of your link building efforts. This information empowers you to make informed decisions, refine your strategies, and allocate resources effectively to maximize your organic growth potential.

In essence, the selection of an appropriate link building vendor can significantly contribute to the sustainability and success of your website’s SEO endeavors. By forging a strategic partnership, you position yourself to consistently enhance your online presence, cultivate a strong backlink profile, and remain competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Top 10 John Williams Scores: A Symphony of Cinematic Brilliance

Introduction: The Maestro of Movie Magic

In the world of film music, few names shine as brightly as John Williams. Born on February 8, 1932, in Floral Park, New York, Williams has become synonymous with cinematic scores that transport audiences to galaxies far away, magical schools, and shark-infested waters. With a career spanning over six decades, Williams has composed some of the most iconic and recognizable film scores in history.

His accolades are a testament to his genius: 5 Academy Awards, 25 Grammy Awards, 4 Golden Globes, and even a Kennedy Center Honor. Williams’ collaboration with filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas has resulted in soundtracks that have not only achieved critical acclaim but have also raked in billions at the box office.

Now, let’s embark on a musical journey as we rank the top 10 scores from this legendary composer:

10. Jurassic Park (1993) Box Office: $1.03 billion
The haunting beauty of the “Theme from Jurassic Park” captures the wonder and terror of a world where dinosaurs walk the earth once more. It’s a score that’s both majestic and foreboding.

9. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Box Office: $306 million
The five-note motif used in this film became a symbol of communication and understanding, bridging the gap between humans and extraterrestrials.

8. Schindler’s List (1993) Box Office: $322 million
A hauntingly beautiful violin solo encapsulates the pain, sorrow, and hope of one man’s efforts to save as many lives as possible during the Holocaust.

7. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Box Office: $792 million
The “Flying Theme” is a testament to friendship and adventure, capturing the innocence and wonder of a boy and his alien friend.

6. Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Box Office: $389 million
The “Raiders March” is the embodiment of adventure, perfectly capturing the swashbuckling spirit of the iconic archaeologist.

5. Jaws (1975) Box Office: $471 million
With just two notes, Williams instilled a sense of impending doom and made audiences think twice about going into the water.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Box Office: $974 million
“Hedwig’s Theme” is the musical gateway to the magical world of Hogwarts, instantly recognizable and beloved by fans worldwide.

3. Superman (1978) Box Office: $300 million
The “Superman March” is not just a theme; it’s an anthem of hope and heroism. From its triumphant brass opening to its soaring crescendos, the music encapsulates the essence of Superman: a beacon of hope in a world filled with challenges. Every time those first notes play, audiences can’t help but envision the Man of Steel taking flight, cape billowing, saving the day with unwavering determination. Williams managed to capture the duality of Superman’s character – the powerful hero and the humble Clark Kent – in a melody that’s as timeless as the character itself.

2. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) Box Office: $775 million
The “Main Title” theme from “A New Hope” is the musical introduction to a galaxy far, far away and it’s nothing short of cinematic perfection. With its grand orchestration and epic scope, it sets the stage for a saga filled with adventure, romance, and battles between good and evil. This theme doesn’t just represent a film; it represents an entire universe of characters, stories, and lore. It’s the sound of a rebellion rising, of heroes embarking on a journey, and of a legacy that would change the landscape of cinema forever.

1. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Box Office: $538 million
Topping our list is the unforgettable “The Imperial March.” This piece is more than just a theme; it’s a character in its own right. Dark, imposing, and dripping with menace, it perfectly encapsulates the might of the Galactic Empire and the chilling presence of Darth Vader. Every beat, every note tells a story of power, ambition, and the dark side of the Force. It’s a testament to Williams’ genius that he could craft a piece that becomes synonymous with one of cinema’s most iconic villains. When “The Imperial March” plays, it’s not just a theme; it’s a statement.

Conclusion

John Williams’ scores have transcended the realm of film music, becoming cultural touchstones that resonate with audiences of all ages. His compositions are not mere accompaniments to the visuals; they are integral to the storytelling, adding depth, emotion, and an unparalleled epic scale. In films where characters don’t always have the words to express their feelings, Williams’ music speaks volumes. As we reflect on his illustrious career and the indelible mark he has left on the world of cinema, it’s evident that John Williams is not just a composer; he’s a storyteller, a magician, and a true cinematic legend. His legacy is one of brilliance, and it will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate for generations to come.

New Music: The Brit-pop Style and Its Exciting Intersect with Mobile Live Casinos

If you are a fan of Brit-pop music, you know the genre has its unique sound and character. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the culture, the attitude, and the spirit of an era. Just like how live casinos bring an immersive, engaging experience, Brit-pop brings the music scene to life in its unique way. And when these two worlds of entertainment collide, they create a stimulating experience that is hard to ignore, especially when it’s in the comfort of your home through mobile live casinos.

The Origin and Evolution of Brit-pop Music

Brit-pop, the mid-1990s British musical movement, emphasized Britishness and produced bright, catchy pop songs as an alternative to the American grunge music. Its roots can be traced back to the Beatles and the Smiths, and bands like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp redefined its identity. In parallel, live casinos have evolved, offering an unparalleled gaming experience. Nowadays, mobile live casinos are creating new avenues for entertainment.

Key Elements of Brit-pop Music

Brit-pop, with its blend of infectious melodies and punchy lyrics, carved out a niche for itself. Similar to how the roulette spins in a live casino, Brit-pop has its unique spin to the music that keeps you coming back for more.

Influence of Brit-pop on the Music Industry

Brit-pop has made an indelible impact on the music industry. It paved the way for a resurgence of guitar-based music and reinvigorated the British music scene, similar to how live casinos revived the traditional casino gaming experience.

Top Brit-pop Bands

From Oasis’s raw energy to Blur’s art-pop sensibilities, Brit-pop bands defined the sound of a generation. Their music resonates on the floors of live casinos, providing a unique backdrop to the gaming experience.

Brit-pop Music Today

Even today, the influence of Brit-pop can be heard in many new bands. Just like the evolution of live casinos to mobile live casinos, Brit-pop music too has found its place in the digital age.

Experiencing Brit-pop in a New Way – Mobile Live Casinos

What if you could enjoy your favorite Brit-pop tracks while playing your favorite casino game? Enter mobile live casinos. They provide a blend of music and gaming, adding an extra layer of entertainment.

The Intersection of Brit-pop and Gambling

Mobile live casinos are revolutionizing the gaming experience by integrating music into their platform. Brit-pop, with its upbeat and lively tunes, creates the perfect atmosphere for a game of poker or blackjack.

Famous Brit-pop Songs in Live Casinos

The rhythm of the roulette wheel spin matches the beat of the song playing in the background, and it just feels right! If this sounds like you, you’re probably grooving to some famous Brit-pop tunes. Brit-pop and live casinos – it’s like fish and chips, mate, they just go together!

How to Enjoy Brit-pop at Mobile Live Casinos

It’s pretty simple and loads of fun with mobile live casinos. All you need is your phone and a bit of wanderlust for music and games. Download your favorite mobile live casino app from the app store, set up your account, and you’re good to go! Once you’re in, head over to the music settings and select Brit-pop from the list. There you’ll find a playlist full of classic Brit-pop tunes from the likes of Oasis, Blur, and Pulp, ready to roll. Now, it’s just you, the game, and Brit-pop music filling the air. 

Benefits of Listening to Brit-pop in Mobile Live Casinos

So, why is jamming to Brit-pop while playing on your mobile live casino such a big deal, you ask? Well, mate, it’s all about that immersive experience. Picture this: You’re cozied up on your couch, phone in hand, all set for a round of poker or blackjack. As the virtual cards get dealt, there’s Oasis or Blur blasting through your headphones, setting up the rhythm of the game. The classic Brit-pop tunes pump you up, add a bit of drama, and make the whole gaming scene a lot more fun. Every win feels like a dance celebration, and every loss, well, just another reason to lose yourself in the music. Plus, it gives you the feel of a real casino, all glitz and glamour, right there in your living room. Brit-pop in mobile live casinos? 

Conclusion

Brit-pop music and live casinos may seem like two different worlds, but their intersection has created a unique entertainment experience, especially in the world of mobile live casinos. It’s time to let the music play and the games begin.

Top 5 Best Gambling Songs Ever

For millions of people around the globe, music became an inevitable part of life long ago. People listen to their favorite soundtracks while doing all sorts of things. For example, while walking, running, working, driving a car, riding a bike, etc. But what about online gambling? Many players simply listen to the inbuilt sounds of a chosen slot or aviator game. However, famous musicians have already composed the best and highly encouraging songs dedicated to gambling and gamblers. Do you know them? Continue with this post to get to know the best gambling songs ever composed.

Shape of My Heart

·         Artist: Sting

·         Songwriters: Dominic Miller and Gordon Sumner

·         Album: Ten Summoner’s Tales

·         Released: 1993

Shape of My Heart is one of the trendiest and most prominent gambling songs. It is dedicated to a gambler who tries to find patterns in the will of chance. It is about a person who is looking for any sense in a card game but finds only disappointment in life and games. The gambler also failed to find love because he did not know how to express his emotions and lost all possible relationships because of gambling. After it was released, Shape of My Heart immediately became incredibly popular music in many brick-and-mortar casinos, especially among poker players. This significant music was also used in such prominent films as Leon and Three of Hearts. So, if you are in a bad mood while gambling, this music will undoubtedly cheer you up.

You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)

·         Band: Dead Or Alive

·         Songwriters: Steve Coy, Mike Percy, Wayne Hussey, Pete Burns, and Tim Lever

·         Album: Youthquake

·         Released: 1984

It is a great song dedicated to gambling by a well-known British pop band. In 2021, You Spin Me Round was ranked fifth in the list of the greatest songs in the UK by the Guardian. This hip-hop hit tells the story of unrequited love. And although there are no direct references to gambling and casinos, this composition, where the word “spin” is constantly repeated, has also become popular in many casinos. Consequently, if you adore playing online roulette or slots, listen to it while entertaining. This piece of music is sure to set you in a great gambling mood.

The Gambler

·         Singer: Kenny Rogers

·         Songwriter: Don Schlitz

·         Album: The Gambler

·         Released: 1978

The Gambler is a tremendously well-known song in the gambling community. Every true casino player must have heard it at least once. This piece of music was performed by dozens of singers. However, it is owing to Kenny Rogers, a prominent country singer, that The Gambler has been so popular for over 40 years already. Don Schlitz composed this hit in memory of his deceased father. The action of the song takes place at night, in a train car, where the main character meets an old toughened poker player. The latter shares his life experience with the young man. In this song, many exclusively card terms are used. Hence, if you adore playing Omaha, Holdem, or other types of poker, you should turn The Gambler on and enjoy the process.

Ace of Spades

·         Band: Motörhead

·         Songwriters: Lemmy, Eddie Clarke, and Phil Taylor

·         Album: Ace of Spades

·         Released: 1980

It is a genius piece of music in the heavy metal genre by Motörhead. The band`s participant said that the Ace of Spades song is a true ode to crazy card players and all risky people who are ready to put everything on the line for the sake of the game. For them, the main thing is not to hit the big jackpot. The main thing is the gameplay itself when the blood freezes and the player gets a huge surge of adrenaline while the croupier deals the cards. Ace of Spades song is ranked 442 in the list of top 500 songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Poker Face

·         Singer: Lady Gaga

·         Songwriters: Nadir Khayat and Stefani Germanotta

·         Album: The Fame

·         Released: 2008

Music critics claim that thanks to this hit in her debut album, Lady Gaga gained fame around the world. The song has plenty of gambling references and is dedicated to avid punters. All poker players know how important it is to maintain a poker face while playing Holdem or Omaha. However, not all players succeed to do it and lose as a result. The Poker Face song has many covers performed by famous musicians. Add this song to your playlist while playing virtual poker and enjoy the gameplay to the fullest.

To sum up

Now, you have the list of the best soundtracks for gamblers. They will undoubtedly cheer you up and make you more confident while playing your favorite American roulette, Caribbean poker, or Classic blackjack games online. You can select any of them according to your present mood and listen while gambling. You will immediately see the difference as if you play without music. We hope these music videos will make your online entertainment more exciting and profitable.

11 ROCK BANDS YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD OF

We’ve selected 11 guitar bands of varying severity and popularity, from Amenra and ’68 to the Foo Fighters and Enter Shikari.

1. Foo Fighters

Probably the most famous band on the list, headed by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. However, since 1996 he has written so many good and not at all “Nirvana” songs, that the mention of this eternal title of the ex-drummer of the great band could be omitted.

Foo Fighters is recognisable, fairly formatted guitar music with an optimal balance of lyricism and assertiveness.With three guitarists, a charismatic vocalist who turns even a broken leg into a performance highlight, and an ever-expanding set of hits, Foo Fighters are a band to follow and whose old albums can be listened to with pleasure.For all their conventional format and popularity, the Foo Fighters aren’t Nickelback and don’t annoy almost anyone. Maybe that’s why they packed Wembley for a two-night gig in 2008, and why a thousand musicians performed their Learn to Fly in 2015.

2. At the Drive-In

At the Drive-In is a post-hardcore band from America, but its roots are more likely to be found somewhere in Mexico and Puerto Rico. The band existed from 1993 to 2001, after which frontmen Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez changed direction towards progressive rock and formed The Mars Volta. Since then, At the Drive-In has had two attempts of reunification, and the second, which happened in 2016, seems to have been a success.In more than twenty years, the band has matured: Omar no longer dances with his guitar and Cedric’s microphone stands no longer fly so high above the stage. But along with the members, the music has matured, and the live shows have only reduced the insanity, remaining perky and interesting.

3. ’68

The first duo on our list is the project of Josh Skogin (ex-vocalist of Norma Jean and The Chariot) and drummer Michael McClellan, who was replaced by Nico Yamada last autumn. The music of ’68, like all of Josh’s projects, has an expressive presentation and the performances are particularly spectacular, with acrobatic stunts and guitars flying over the stage. The music here is rather monotonous, though unconventional, ’68 being a noisy punk rock with fuzz guitars and aggressive vocals. We recommend ’68 to fans of Jack White, Nirvana and previous Josh Skogin projects.

4. DZ Deathrays

DZ Deathrays is a hardcore dance-punk from Australia, not full of complicated melodies and extra parts – there is almost always only one guitar, one vocals and drums. As the example of DZ Deathrays and ’68 shows, that’s enough. We also recommend you to pay attention to the DZ Deathrays’ videos – they are rather funny, especially the ones with Shane and Simon drinking.

5. Queens of the Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age’s roots lie somewhere in stoner rock, but in reality it is, as always, much more complicated than that. The band’s albums differ from each other and incorporate very different influences, though the music remains recognisable.Quite simply, Queens of the Stone Age is a kind of particularly stylish and aristocratic, riff-driven alternative rock.

The band released a great album last year and even featured in our August selection. The early Queens of the Stone Age albums have a lot to offer too, so we recommend downloading the whole discography at once or at least some Greatest Hits playlist.

6. Mogwai

There was a time when there was so much canonical post-rock with formulaic tracks, sound and arrangements that the genre lost its relevance: many of the popular projects of the noughties broke up, the audience of others decreased noticeably. But there are a few active bands that are still interesting to listen to today, and one of them is the Scottish-built fathers Mogwai.

Mogwai is atmospheric music with a guitar-driven shoegaze sound, experimenting with size and sometimes borrowing from other genres. The Scots manage to remain as diverse as possible within such a narrow genre as post-rock. If this is the first time you’ve heard anything at all, Mogwai is the best way to get to know the style.

7. Enter Shikari

Enter Shikari combine the guitar post-hardcore of the noughties with an electronic sound, and powerful breakdowns with a beautiful pop melody. That can be said about at least 80% of the band’s work.The Brits’ latest album is almost without overdriven guitars and extreme vocals – apparently, the urge to make stadium-format music has not passed over Enter Shikari either. Fortunately, the recognisable voices, pleasant melodies, some electronic chips and social lyrics remain in place, so we recommend listening to the entire discography, from Take to the Skies 2007 to what Enter Shikari are doing now.

8. The Raveonettes

To call The Raveonettes a rock band is not at all desirable: their music certainly has fuelled guitars and a garage-like sound, but in terms of expression and evoked emotions the Danes are closer to some kind of shoegaze or drip-pop.At the same time, The Raveonettes don’t abuse ambient influences, their songs always have a nice crisp melody and uncomplicated beat. Recommended to all fans of the above styles, as well as post-punk and combinations of male and female voices.

9. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

Perhaps the most prolific of today’s bands, who manage to combine performance with a good quality of music. In 2017 only, Australians King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard had five full-length releases. And all are listenable.If you’re looking for modern psychedelic music with a throwback to the 60s and 70s, have nothing against the fact that the bass can play a single note for eight minutes, and are willing to listen to a really great deal of music – you know what to do.

10. The Fever 333

The band, founded last year by vocalist Jason Butler from Letlive, guitarist Stephen Harrison from The Chariot and Aric Improta from Night Verses. Musically, The Fever 333 is much closer to the frontman’s project – it’s rapcore with a touch of Rage Against the Machine or early Linkin Park. We recommend it to all fans of expressive vocals and conditionally formal alternative rock.

11. Amenra

We continue the excursion through the musical genres. The next ones are post-metal and sludge, characterized by a heavy sound, slow tempo of songs, often aggressive vocals and guitars playing in low registers. Belgian band Amenra is one of the brightest current representatives of this music. Gloomy, sad and heavy. The most extreme item in our selection.

Online & Offline – Where you Can Hear Blur Songs | Punch drunk music

Being fans of the Blur band, we know the band’s discography by heart. It feels good when the favourite track is playing, helps remember the time when everything was a bit simpler, and we were younger, and things have been very different. They have been extremely popular in the nineties, and now we can hear them not only on TV or at concerts. 

Blur, which was formed in the late eighties, was formative for Britpop that started to stand in opposition — in terms of sound and themes — to dark and a bit disrupting rock of the American scene. Blur’s lyrics ranged from light, cheery and funny to sad ruminations on unfairness and meaninglessness of systems of Britain and the world — the tragedy and the comedy of being human. 

Blur was successfully competing against Oasis in the 1990th — the battle of Britpop has been great in itself, while the combination of British folk, rock and driving guitar is being admired even now. This fact drove us to gather in typical and unusual places to enjoy familiar chords once again — and one of them is establishments from Rhyker RTG casino rating

Rock Music In Online Casinos

Casinos in real life usually prefer jazz as a background to smoke-filled, rich silences around card tables, but rock music is also present if there’s a special theme for an event. Casino owners understand well that music while staying on the periphery of people’s perception, can influence their mood greatly: push them to be more forward, active, take more risks. 

Some casinos that operate online also employ different rock pieces in their games — they aren’t like polyphonic cheerful melodies fruit machines usually have. Rock motivates players, hypes them up, and that’s exactly what they need to gamble confidently. 

Blur’s compositions like “Boys and Girls,” “On Your Own,” and “Death of the Party” are simply perfect for 90s-themed evenings at the gambling places, both on the internet and offline.

Also, music is vital when you’re playing in an online casino — especially if the sounds of slot machines annoy you. Blur is kind of a perfect choice for energetic, dynamic background music. 

Music Websites

Websites are the easiest place to find the songs of our favourites. Many online resources are adding texts of the songs to their players, so everyone can start a virtual karaoke at home or, for instance, when travelling. Of course, live music and concerns are important and energetic, but it’s not like Blur is touring right now.  

At the same time, we should talk about whether or not you should use pirate websites that use Blur’s discography without appropriate rights. The answer is: don’t. Try to use only paid sources, that are paying the band for every track — in that way, thanks to your contribution, Blur will receive royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, or Deezer. Support your faves, alright? Besides, pirate websites are swarming with malware — one click on the wrong link, and you’re already trying to understand why your local file system isn’t responding. 

If you don’t want to pay, just use YouTube — although you’d have to make peace with ads there. 

Rock Bars

The tops in the list of the locations with unique atmospheres should belong to rock pubs. Of course, we are talking not about the food (also it’s often mouthwateringly good — especially with a tasty pint!), but about music. Although a rare pub can have professional acoustics for artists to perform perfectly, emotions are often even more important than clear sound. People often come to such places to relax with friends, so even a live cover by an unknown band of the favourite Blur’s song sounds great.

Unfortunately, Blur themselves cannot be seen in such places. The level of their vogue excludes ordinary performances in the bars or pubs, although they are one of the first steps of the popularity ladder. However, Blur’s most widespread tracks like “Song 2” or “Girls And Boys” are often picked for a cover by young bands that don’t have personal discography. 

Rock Concerts

Another unlucky news for Blur fans is the absence of announcements relating to their concerts. In 2003, they first disbanded and turned to individual projects instead of common work. It’s uncertain if they’ll reunite for another album as they made in 2009 or 2015. However, some unexpected concerts can be a reason to rewind the older times and enjoy the drive of live events. (Let’s hope that by the time they’ll manage to gather themselves to organise them, the pandemics of it all will be done with.) 

Blur’s last tour was in 2015, just after they presented the album The Magic Whip. They visited nine countries and performed 24 times in the first half of the year. And while it looked like the last dance of this music squad, Damon Albarn was against it. In 2018, he said to NME that another reunion is always possible. The musician confirmed that he enjoyed the time with others in the band and would likely return to the stage with them. At that moment, it sounded like the right words that should be said, but the reunion never happened in the scale fans had expected it to. However, a year later, the quartet made another comeback during a project called Africa Express in the UK.

At the moment, it’s hard to believe that Blur will return for a live performance, and no predictions have been made about the tour. However, the group’s popularity even after dozens of years is still there, and the fanbase’s activity worldwide is pretty consistent. 

On platforms that are selling tickets for concerts, one can choose the option “Notify me” when the concert will be announced. On the page dedicated to Blur on one of such websites, more than 800,000 people are indicating that they want to visit a live show with their favourite group. It brings some hope that guys will reunite once again. Although it surely will be made for profits — to collect, as they say, the fruit of their labour, Blur fans will appreciate the passion and energy of the artists, the drive and cheerful, oxymoronically, melancholy, and amazing, amazing sound.

Blur Group: History of Success  

As one of the main representatives of Britpop, Blur is considered to be one of the most successful bands in their music genre. After a six-year hiatus from their music career (2003-2009), now Blur keeps performing in various parts of the world. Although Blur’s last album was released in 2015, the band’s contribution to the world’s rock music remains significant even now.

Blur Bio

Young and ambitious guys, Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon, who were Goldsmiths College students of the liberal arts and played together in the Circus band, decided to create their own team. In 1988, the Seymour band was formed. At the same time, two more musicians joined the band: Alex James, who was a bassist, and Dave Rowntree, who played drums.

However, the name “Seymour” did not stick for long. During one of their live performances, the musicians were noticed by the talented producer Andy Ross. Their professional musical career began with this acquaintance. The group was invited to work in a recording studio and was advised to change the name.

Since that time, the band has been called Blur. As early as 1990, the group went on tour across Great Britain. In 1991, the first album, Leisure, was released.

Members

Blur’s main members —  vocalist Damon Albarn and guitarist Graham Coxon — met in 1980 in the English town of Colchester. The guys were 12 and 11 years old, respectively, went to the same school, and were both fond of music. On this basis, they became friends and even put together a couple of “amateur ensembles” that did not have much popularity with the public.

After school, Coxon entered Goldsmiths College in London, and there he met the third member of the future Blur band, Alex James. There, Coxon again met Albarn, who was taking music lessons at the college. At that time, Albarn wanted to organize his own group, changing its composition and name. Graham Coxon joined his band Circus and then introduced Albarn to James. The fourth member of Blur’s upcoming roster, Dave Rowntree, was also brought in by Coxon to Circus.

Interesting Facts

Here are some facts about Blur that have taken place throughout their music career.

  • Blur did not choose to go on their US tour on their own. By 1992, they had $100,000 in debt, and in order to pay off their debts, the guys were forced to tour the United States.
  • In 1996, at the Sanremo Music Festival, the band performed in an unusual lineup: instead of guitarist Graham Coxon (who “just got fed up with TV live”), there was his plywood figure, and instead of bassist Alex James, there was the band’s bodyguard.
  • Blur split in 2003, but the band reunited more than once to play the show as a full lineup from time to time. One of their biggest performances was at Great Britain’s 2008 Summer Olympics, where they headlined the closing ceremony.
  • In the summer of 2009, Blur returned to the stage after a long silence and performed triumphant concerts at the Glastonbury Festival, Hyde Park, and other venues. In 2010, the band released their highly anticipated single, Fool’s Day, for the first time since their last single, Good Song, had been released in 2003.

Two years later after the Good Song release, Blur presented just one single, Under the Westway/The Puritan. It included two eponymous songs, and it did not manage to claim high positions in music charts.

Albums: Discography

  • Leisure is Blur’s debut album that was released in 1991.
  • This was followed by the second album Modern Life Is Rubbish, which the audience had a chance to hear in 1993.
  • In 1994, the band’s landmark album Parklife was released.This is a record that is associated with the Britpop style. 
  • The Great Escape album was released in 1996 in the wake of the success of the Britpop movement.
  • The album named after the band, Blur, which was released in 1997, opened up new sides of the musicians’ talent.
  • In 1999, the album 13 was released — again, very different from what Blur had done earlier.
  • Think Tank (2003) is the last album before their hiatus.
  • In April 2010, Blur’s first new track, “Fool’s Day”, was released.
  • The band’s latest album to date is The Magic Whip, which was released in 2015. 

In total, the discography of Blur counts eight studio albums.

Awards

The hugely popular songs “Beetlebum” and “Song 2,” influenced by indie rock and low-fay, took the first lines of the charts and were illustrated with video clips. They were the nominees for MTV and NME Awards.

The singles To the End and Parklife allowed the band to emerge from the shadows of the competition and become a musical sensation. Blur has received four iconic awards (for Best Group and Best Album) from the BRIT Awards.

For their 10th anniversary, the Blur group organized an exhibition dedicated to their work, and a book about the history of the band was also published. Nowadays, the musicians continue to perform and receive awards in the nominations for “Best Single” and “Best Video Clip.”

Britpop history

Britpop is an alternative rock genre, a revival of the dominant guitar style of 60s pop on the UK music scene in the 90s. Britpop emerged as a response to the popular grunge movement.

Britpop in the 60s

In the 60s, The Kinks were considered the founders of Britpop. After the group was denied entry to America due to the harsh social essence of their lyrics, they were less psychedelic than other British invasion groups, and in 1966 they released their first Britpop album, Face To Face. The following two works by the musicians called ‘Something Else By The Kinks’ and ‘The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society’ became the standards of the genre. The Britpop melody of The Kinks was a mixture of English beats from the early Beatles and music hall traditions.

Origins

The modern origins of Britpop lie in post-punk and indie rock (in particular, such bands as Stone Roses, Smiths, Charlatans). It is believed that the term “Britpop” was first used by journalist and member of the punk band Goldblade John Robb in 1987. This is how he characterized the music of The Stone Roses. In 1997, this word earned a place in the Oxford English Dictionary.

The style flourished in 1994 when Blur released their cult records Definitely Maybe and Kurt Cobain’s Nirvana, the bulk of rock fans split into those who remained faithful to the American concept and those who began to welcome the British wave. The dominance of the world of rock again passed to the UK. America reserved the right to develop punk rock and its various branches: grunge, post-grunge, new metal, California punk, etc. In the third millennium, Britpop was recognized there as well. For example, The Killers and The Strokes emerged – bands that were undoubtedly influenced by the British “guitar” wave.

Britpop in the CIS countries

In the mid-90s Britpop gained a reputation as a separate direction in rock music. Over time, the wave reached the countries of the former USSR (However, there is an opinion that the genre originated in Russia independently, and the ancestor was the Wine group). It all started with the Baltics. The pioneers of Britpop are the Lithuanians “Biplane” (1995), who perform songs in both Lithuanian and Russian. 

The more successful group is the Brainstorm. Their hit “Maybe” won listeners not only in the CIS but even in the UK. The group that brought Britpop to Russia was Mumiy Troll and their leader Ilya Lagutenko. Having lived for a long time in England, he decided to adapt the original British direction for Russian-speaking listeners. In 1997, their first album “Marine” was released, which was recorded in London at Alaska Studios. The sound engineer was Chris Bandy, who previously worked with Cure, Duran Duran, Rolling Stones, Tears For Fears, and others. 

Russian companies “Soyuz” and “Polygram” considered the demo version of the album as “non-format” and refused to release it. As a result, the album was released by “Rec Records”. In the same year and on the same label, “Ikra” was released. The lyrics, music, and sound of the group turned out to be fundamentally new for Russia. 

In the CIS countries, the traditions of “Russian rock” were still strong. Later in Russia and Ukraine, such performers as Zemfira, Cartoons, Dancing Minus, Dream, Oedipus Complex, Thomas, Tonight, Okean Elzy, and others became popular.

Nowadays, the hysteria about Brit-pop has noticeably subsided, but Britpop itself is still developing and has plenty of fans. Moreover, its influence has spread all over the world, and almost everywhere, from America to Russia, you can find numerous brands that sound very like the original Britpop.

Many popular artists of this genre have also appeared. The fact is that the original Britpop, despite the root of “pop”, was still just rock music. Nowadays, plenty of people prefer this genre of music only, considering it the one of the highest quality.

If we take the purely pop singer Robbie Williams, then we can hear in many of his songs how Brit-pop sounds exactly in pop-musical form. Much the same can be said for the guitarless band from Sussex called Keane.

Main representatives

As we have previously mentioned, there are plenty of representatives from around the globe. The most well-known ones are the Kinks, Oasis, Stereophonics, Suede, Manic Street Preachers, Glasvegas, Cast, The Stone Roses, and Soundivers.

Converters worth your attention

If there is a need to convert an audio file, it is impossible to do it without a converter. By the way, nowadays it is even possible to convert videos to MP3 with the help of YouTube to MP3 converters. But now, let’s focus on audio converters.

Media.io

This online audio converter can be found at the link https://www.media.io/. It is worth mentioning right away that it can be viewed from different angles because the browser version of the converter differs significantly from the desktop version, which is paid. Among the features of the browser version stand out:

  • the ability to convert only 2 files;
  • saving files both on your computer and on the cloud server;
  • free use;
  • an impressive number of supported formats (MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, WMA, and others).

As for desktop versions of this program, they open up incredible converting possibilities: you can even change the audio format by downloading entire folders. Here are the main features of the desktop version:

  • the minimum price is $40 for using a personal account for a year, a lifetime license is$ 60;
  • according to the developers, the conversion is 30 times faster than using any other converter (according to information from the official website);
  • applications can be downloaded for both Windows and Mac.

This option is a very nice one if you need to convert files frequently, especially if you deal with a large number of files where there is a need for batch conversion.

Online Audio Converter

Now let’s take a look at an alternative to the previous batch processing option, which is also completely free. Online Audio Converter makes it possible for users to simultaneously convert a large number of tracks. Like the previous options, this audio converter supports all popular formats, allowing you to convert to MP3 and more.

Pay attention that the key feature of this service is that it can convert video to mp3 – that is, make audio files from video recordings, which favorably stands out among the previously reviewed converter. This can be useful, for example, if you have heard music in a movie or some video, but you simply cannot find it. In this case, the conversion will come to your aid.

Among the key features, a variety of settings should also be highlighted, including:

  • recording quality;
  • bitrate;
  • the number of channels, as well as their frequency;
  • removing voice from recording and much more.

An interesting feature is also the fact that you can upload audio recordings to the converter not only from your computer but also from any cloud storage. 

Convertio

Convertio is another example of an online music conversion service that offers both a free version and a subscription option that costs 12 dollars a month. As for the conversion itself, with the help of this tool, you can work with almost any file, and as for music, the service copes almost perfectly with any formats: ogg, wav, flac, mp3, wma … Users highlight a huge number of server advantages, which include:

  • batch processing;
  • attractive and simple interface;
  • work with cloud storage;
  • an impressive number of formats.

The difference between the paid version and the free version is the number of files that you can convert at the same time. For this reason, the service can be used free of charge if you do not need constant batch processing. If you have a free version, then you can convert only two files at once, but after that, you can upload an infinite number, the limitation applies only to parallel processing.

Speaking about the paid version, you can convert about 50 files simultaneously. 

Diktorov.net

And finally, let’s take a look at a very simple Russian audio file converter, which can also be used to perform simple tasks. It is called diktorov.net. Its features include:

  • processing only one file at a time;
  • a small number of supported formats (WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG, AIFF, M4V);
  • simplicity and speed of conversion;
  • the ability to set simple settings (bit rate, number of channels, compression).

In any case, the choice is yours, each of the tools is good in its own way and has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary to choose based on your tasks and in accordance with the required functions, formats, speed, and the number of concurrently processed audio recordings. It is not worth spending money on a paid converter if you only process files occasionally, but if this is part of your work, it may be worth resorting to the features of the paid services.