Hot Off the Press: HiFi Magazine (April/May 2011)

Posted April 21, 2011 by J Matthew Cobb in Features

HiFi Magazine, Issue No. 1 features stories on the Best of 2010, LCD Soundsystem and PJ Morton, includes 2-page spread on this year’s biggest music festivals

Our first issue of HiFi Magazine is finally ready. And we here at headquartersare officially stoked.

The first issue of our bi-monthly publication focuses on the “Best of 2010” with feature stories on the Best 33 1/3 Albums of 2010 and 45 Best Singles of 2010. Topping the list of last year’s best albums, Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs emerged as the key winners, with LPs from Elton John & Leon Russell, Vampire Weekend, Janelle Monae, Kings of Leon, Eminem and Broken Bells trailing closely behind. The best singles of 2010 (hear them) included music from Robyn, Katy Perry, Drake, OneRepublic, MGMT, Bruno Mars and Sade.

The disbaning of LCD Soundsystem leaves a noticeable void in the world of dance/electronica. Led by DFA producer and multi-instrumentalist James Murphy, the band released three records and earned critical acclaim with their last studio album, This Is Happening. With their last show at Madison Square Garden on April 2, LCD Soundsystem has finally bowed out of the music game as a group. It only leaves us to wonder what happens now.

If you haven’t noticed lately, songwriter and singer PJ Morton has been gigging with Maroon 5 and giving “a little help to his friends,” even earning the distinctive title of being a honorary member. Much like Billy Preston was with the Beatles. We profile his journey from being a preacher’s kid to scoring extra points as a songwriter of Stevie Wonder-inspired soul music.

Other stories to check out:
NBC Loses Its ‘Voice’: American Idol faces fresh competition with new talent show on NBC
Ebony and Ivory: We remember the music of Teena Marie, story by Ray Mark Rinaldi
From Hero to Zero: Activision pulls the plug on popular rhythm-game franchise Guitar Hero, includes timeline
2011 Music Festival Mini-Guide: Get a close up on some of the biggest and baddest music festivals this year

HiFi Magazine, Issue 1 is available now in digital form. Print copies are available upon request.