Kenni and the Jets

Archive photo/The Slate

Members of Act V Productions, one of the musical companies at Shippensburg University, perform a scene from “Clue” during spring semester 2018. Commentary: Musical recommendations for ‘Hamilton’ fans seeking new musicals

Bailey Cassada Guest Contributor

While “Hamilton” brought many tears to people’s eyes, including mine, it is not the only musical people should watch.

For anyone interested in stepping into the world of musicals, check out these four musicals to get you started.

“In the Heights,”

With music and lyrics written by and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda. If the name sounds familiar it is because Miranda also wrote “Hamilton.” This musical is a story about a Latino community in Washington Heights, New York City. Since Miranda wrote the musical score, its style is similar to “Hamilton.” This musical offers a look into the culture of The Heights through the music.

A movie adaptation is scheduled to hit theaters in 2021 starring Anthony Ramos, who played John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in “Hamilton.”

“SIX”

King Henry VIII had six wives, but what do you know about them? Refusing to be known as just a number, the six ex-wives join together to create a girl band. This show is in the style of a pop concert, with songs highlighting each wife and how their relationship with the king ended. It is yet another great way to dive into the musical genre.

“Mamma Mia!”

After reading her mother’s diary, a bride-to-be sends out wedding invitations to three men from her mother’s past, in hopes that her real father will walk her down the aisle. The show, which features hit songs written by ABBA, has hit the big screen twice, with a movie adaptation in 2008 and sequel in 2018, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”

“Hairspray”

In 1960s Baltimore, Maryland, a plus-sized teenager dreams of being a dancer on “The Corny Collins Show.” After she is cast, she strives toward integrating the show. It is an upbeat musical that brings light to issues including racism and body image. There are movie adaptations, with the two most recent being “Hairspray” and “Hairspray Live!” While it is unclear when Broadway will open its doors again to the public, actors and actresses are still practicing for when it is time to get back into the spotlight. They will just have to “Wait For It.”

Popular Broadway Shows

1. “To Kill a Mockingbird”

2. “Hamilton”

3. “Wicked”

4. “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”

5. “The Phantom of the Opera”

Review: ‘Geography’ brings listeners on a trip around the world from their home Throughout the first three songs, Misch

Ryan Cleary Asst. A&E Editor

As a musician, I am open and willing to listen to any type of music. During the summer, with my enormous amounts of free time, I found myself searching for new artists to listen to every week.

The album “Geography” by Tom Misch combines numerous musical genres into one album. The album has 13 tracks.

According to Apple Music, Misch is a London-based producer, singer and songwriter who blends hip-hop-inspired beats with smoothly soulful vocals and guitar.

Misch’s musical background includes playing the violin as a child. Throughout his years in school, Misch listened to rock n’ roll until he was introduced to hip-hop music.

The album “Geography” shows Misch’s style of blending numerous styles of music to create a masterpiece. While listening to this album, I found three songs that really demonstrates his diversity of giving the love to every genre.

The album starts off with the song “Before Paris” which opens up with a singular person (most likely Misch himself) explaining how his philosophy is to be a musician because you love playing music, and not for the money.

After Misch finishes his dialogue, the drums and bass come in playing a solid pocket, which is a musician term that means a beat that is together.

The genre Misch is trying to portray to his listeners in this track is a funk style when people listen to this song. In my opinion, when the drums and bass come in, listeners should be bopping their heads back and forth.

Later on, in the album, the song “Movie” produces a ballad style.

The time signature, which is determining how many beats are in a musical measure, is in 3/4 time. This gives the listeners’ ears a which were considered to be loud and inyour-face.

break from the three other songs they heard, incorporates hip-hop into his music, ranging from 30 seconds to half of the song. Since Misch found a liking for hip-hop, it makes sense that he would try and incorporate it into his music.

Finally, toward the end of the album, the song “Water Baby,” featuring Loyle Carner, introduces the listener to a jazzier style of music. The song features a horn section that is put through special effects to make it more modern. While listeners are enjoying the song, it is hard not to realize how the flow of the song is natural. It is not forced to distract the listeners. It helps project the listeners toward the lyrics.

According to Apple Music, “Geography” is considered to be an alternative album. Yet, I’d argue it is more of a funk or world album. The amount of bass and drum combo that is present during the album makes listeners enjoy it even more.

“Geography” is avaliable on all streaming devices and apps. Apple Music is $5 for college students. Students must verify their academic email to receive the discount.

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Editor’s Corner

What has the assistant A&E editor Ryan been listening to the past week?

Songs

1. Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked

2. Before Paris

3. Bluebird feat. Chris Thile

4. Kenni and the Jets

5. Thinking About You 6. What About Me?

Artists

Cage the Elephant Tom Misch

Cory Wong The Fearless Flyers Cody Fry Snarky Puppy