NEWS
Kanye West is at all-time low when it comes to musical output. VULTURES 1 and VULTURES 2 are the consensus picks for worst albums of his career. The rapper has clearly lost the plot with regards to his musical focus, resulting in albums that were pieced together seemingly in real time. That said, West has seemingly regained focus in recent months. Since VULTURES 2, the rapper has played a well-received show in Korea. He also performed in China. And now he's hinting at the release of a brand new single called "Preacher Man."
Kanye West performed "Preacher Man" during the Korean show, and he reposted an image from the show on his Instagram. He also dropped the title of the song in the caption, suggesting that fans will get a chance to hear a CDQ version of the song in the near future. That's the best case scenario, at least. Ye has become a model of inconsistency when it comes to sticking to a plan. That said, "Preacher Man" is a promising sound for a new album. The production is wistful and stripped down. A single vocal sample is the basis of the whole instrumental.
Then there's the rapping. Kanye West has not had the strongest pen game over the last decade, despite harnessing the talents of multiple songwriters. There are songs on VULTURES 2 in which he humbles his way through verses as though he left reference tracks in. There were also claims that he used AI to fill in gaps where he failed to rap. Conversely, West is rapping clearly and coherently on "Preacher Man." It's a surprise to hear, albeit a nice one.
Kanye West is rumored to be working on a new solo album. While the jury is still out on VULTURES 3, the Channel Candy CEO claimed that the rapper was pleased with the reception to his Korean concert. West is reportedly channeling this newfound inspiration into a fresh body of work. We can only hope it comes together more smoothly and seamlessly than we we've gotten from the rapper since, well, 2018. On the other hand, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign just debuted a "Thousand Miles" remix that has fans baffled.
NEWS
Panic! At The Disco are preparing to release a special deluxe anniversary edition of A Fever You Can't Sweat Out.
The I Write Sins Not Tragedies icons marked the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking 2005 debut album during their performance at When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas over the weekend, and have now confirmed the new edition.
On January 23, the group — originally formed by Brendon Urie, Spencer Smith, Ryan Ross and Brent Wilson — will unveil a limited edition box set that features a remastered version of the record.
The package, priced at £164.99 and available for pre-order, includes 11 unreleased demos and a vinyl pressing of 2006’s Live In Denver. The full live set has also been uploaded to YouTube.
On the band’s UK store, they shared a message:
“To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Panic! At The Disco’s seminal debut album, this limited edition box set brings together a comprehensive time capsule celebrating the record's impact.
This release includes the original album remastered for the first time ever, 11 unreleased demos, plus the legendary 2006 Live In Denver performance — never before released on vinyl or CD.
The box set also includes a 12-page zine with never before seen photos from the era, a sticker set, a door hanger, and a paper doll set.”
By 2023, the band had essentially become a solo project for Urie. Their final show was held in Manchester, UK, where the frontman said: “Sometimes a journey must end for a new one to begin.
“We’ve been trying to keep it to ourselves, though some of you may have heard… Sarah and I are expecting a baby very soon!
The prospect of being a father and getting to watch my wife become a mother is both humbling and exciting. I look forward to this next adventure.”
Panic! returned to the stage at WWWY over the weekend, performing A Fever You Can't Sweat Out in full alongside fan favorites like This Is Gospel and Nine in the Afternoon.
To end the night, they performed I Write Sins Not Tragedies once again, as Smith reunited with Urie for the emotional closing moment.
