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#1 What album is the song 'New Slang' by The Shins found on?
Explanation
'New Slang' appeared on The Shins' 2001 debut album 'Oh, Inverted World,' and later gained wider recognition when featured in the film 'Garden State,' helping define the indie rock sound of the early 2000s.
#2 Who sings the rap song "Secret Wars Part 1"?
Explanation
The Last Emperor created 'Secret Wars Part 1,' a concept rap song based on the Marvel Comics storyline, showcasing the intersection between hip-hop culture and comic book mythology in underground rap.
#3 Pete Townshend's solo album, "White City: A Novel", is set in the metropolitan area of Chicago.
Explanation
'White City: A Novel' is actually set in London, specifically in the White City area of West London where Townshend grew up. The 1985 concept album reflects on his childhood experiences in that neighborhood.
#4 Where was Nicki Minaj born?
Explanation
Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, before moving to Queens, New York as a child, which influenced her distinctive accent and Caribbean-influenced rap style.
#5 The song Scatman's World was released after Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop).
Explanation
'Scatman's World' was indeed released in 1995 as the follow-up to Scatman John's breakthrough hit 'Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop)' from 1994, continuing his unique blend of scat singing and electronic dance music.
#6 Which album was released by Kanye West in 2013?
Explanation
'Yeezus' was Kanye's most experimental and abrasive album, featuring industrial and electronic influences with minimal cover art and controversial lyrics that divided critics and fans upon its 2013 release.
#7 A Caixa Malacacheta is what kind of musical instrument which is commonly used in Latin American music?
Explanation
The Caixa Malacacheta is a specific type of snare drum used in Brazilian music, particularly in samba and other percussion-heavy genres, featuring a distinctive sharp, cutting sound that drives the rhythm.
#8 Which of these is NOT a song featured on the Lockjaw EP released in 2013 by Flume & Chet Faker?
Explanation
'Left Alone' was not on the collaborative Lockjaw EP. The 2013 release featured three tracks including 'Drop the Game,' which became a standout hit showcasing the Australian producers' electronic soul fusion.
#9 Who had a 1981 hit with the song "Japanese Boy"?
Explanation
Aneka (Mary Sandeman) scored a European hit with 'Japanese Boy' in 1981, performing in Japanese-inspired costume and makeup as part of the early 1980s new wave fascination with Asian culture and aesthetics.
#10 What song originally performed by The Bee Gees in 1978 had a cover version by Steps 20 years later?
Explanation
Steps covered The Bee Gees' 'Tragedy' in 1998, updating the disco classic with a late-90s pop production and choreographed dance routine that became a hit across Europe.
#11 In Kendrick Lamar's 2012 album, "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City", the album's story takes place in which city?
Explanation
'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City' is a concept album chronicling Kendrick's teenage experiences in Compton, California, depicting the challenges of growing up in a gang-affected neighborhood with vivid storytelling.
#12 Pete Townshend collaborated with which famous guitarist for an event at Brixton Academy in 1985?
Explanation
Pete Townshend performed with Pink Floyd's David Gilmour at Brixton Academy in 1985 during Townshend's 'White City' tour, creating a memorable collaboration between two guitar legends from different generations.
#13 What is the name of the song by Beyoncé and Alejandro Fernández released in 2007?
Explanation
'Amor Gitano' was a Spanish-language duet between Beyoncé and Mexican ranchera singer Alejandro Fernández, showcasing Beyoncé's versatility and appeal to Latin American audiences.
#14 Which member of the English band "The xx" released their solo album "In Colour" in 2015?
Explanation
Jamie xx (Jamie Smith), The xx's producer and multi-instrumentalist, released the critically acclaimed solo album 'In Colour' in 2015, blending house music with The xx's signature minimalist aesthetic.
#15 The song "Old Town Road" by American rapper Lil Nas X samples the song "34 Ghosts IV" by which band?
Explanation
'Old Town Road' samples Nine Inch Nails' instrumental track '34 Ghosts IV' from their 2008 album 'Ghosts I-IV,' which Trent Reznor released under Creative Commons, allowing for creative reuse.
#16 What was the name of the cold-war singer who has a song in Grand Theft Auto IV, and a wall landmark in Moscow for his memorial?
Explanation
Viktor Tsoi was the frontman of the Soviet rock band Kino, whose song 'Gruppa Krovi' appears in GTA IV. The Tsoi Wall in Moscow remains a pilgrimage site for fans of the late rock icon.
#17 How many members are there in the idol group "µ's"?
Explanation
μ's (pronounced 'Muse') is the fictional nine-member school idol group from the anime and mobile game 'Love Live! School Idol Project,' each representing different character archetypes and vocal ranges.
#18 Which M83 album is the song "Midnight City" featured in?
Explanation
'Midnight City' appears on M83's 2011 double album 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming,' becoming their biggest hit with its nostalgic synthpop sound and memorable saxophone solo.
#19 Who recorded the 1975 album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy'?
Explanation
'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' was Elton John's autobiographical concept album about his early career and partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, becoming the first album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200.
#20 Björk's "Unison" contains a sample of which Oval song?
Explanation
Björk's experimental track 'Unison' from her 2001 album 'Vespertine' samples 'Aero Deck' by German electronic artist Oval, blending glitchy digital textures with organic sounds.
#21 Which lyric is about Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis?
Explanation
These lyrics from Joni Mitchell's 'The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines' reference Anthony Kiedis, who is of Lithuanian descent and was known for his energetic, dance-like stage performances.
#22 Myoui Mina, member of Korean girl group TWICE, was born in South Korea, despite being Japanese.
Explanation
Mina was actually born in San Antonio, Texas, USA, to Japanese parents, before moving to Japan. She later moved to South Korea to train as a K-pop idol with JYP Entertainment.
#23 Which artists' version of the song "The Tide is High" came first?
Explanation
The Paragons, a Jamaican rocksteady group, originally recorded 'The Tide Is High' in 1967, which was later covered by Blondie in 1980 and became a worldwide hit.
#24 Which band is the longest active band in the world with no breaks or line-up changes?
Explanation
U2 has maintained the same four-member lineup (Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr.) since forming in 1976, making them one of the longest-running bands with no lineup changes.
#25 Who is a pioneer of "Minimal Music" in 1960s?
Explanation
Steve Reich is considered one of the founding fathers of minimalism in classical music, known for works like 'Music for 18 Musicians' and his pioneering use of phasing and repetitive patterns.
#26 What song includes the words "Numa Numa" which was subject to a Viral Video in 2004?
Explanation
'Dragostea Din Tei' by O-Zone became an internet meme through Gary Brolsma's 'Numa Numa Dance' video, one of the first viral videos to gain massive popularity on early internet platforms.
#27 Which of these songs is NOT included in the Suicide Squad OST?
Explanation
'Skies on Fire' by AC/DC was not part of the 2016 Suicide Squad soundtrack, while the other tracks appeared in the film and contributed to its commercially successful soundtrack album.
#28 Who was not in the band "The Smiths"?
Explanation
Martin Chambers was the drummer for The Pretenders, not The Smiths. The Smiths consisted of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass), and Mike Joyce (drums).
#29 Pamina and Papageno are characters in what Mozart opera?
Explanation
Pamina and Papageno are central characters in Mozart's final opera 'The Magic Flute' (Die Zauberflöte), with Pamina as the heroine and Papageno as the comedic bird-catcher.
#30 Which of these songs was released in 1996?
Explanation
The Smashing Pumpkins' '1979' was released in 1996 from their album 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,' becoming one of their most popular songs with its nostalgic lyrics about youth.
#31 What year was Huun Huur Tu's album Altai Sayan Tandy-Uula released?
Explanation
Huun Huur Tu, the renowned Tuvan throat singing group, released 'Altai Sayan Tandy-Uula' in 2004, showcasing their traditional Central Asian vocal techniques and cultural heritage.
#32 Which iconic album cover features the pulsar waves of CP 1919 placed in the center of the cover?
Explanation
Joy Division's 'Unknown Pleasures' (1979) features the radio waves from pulsar CP 1919, the first pulsar discovered, creating one of the most recognizable and minimalist album covers in music history.
#33 Who was the original drummer for The Beatles?
Explanation
Tommy Moore was The Beatles' first drummer in 1960, predating Pete Best and Ringo Starr. He left the band early in their Hamburg days, before they achieved fame.
#34 What is the first Studio Album to be released on the Internet with a "Pay-What-You-Want" price?
Explanation
Radiohead revolutionized the music industry in 2007 by releasing 'In Rainbows' as a digital download with a pay-what-you-want model, allowing fans to name their own price including zero.
#35 Who won the 1989 Drum Corps International championships?
Explanation
Santa Clara Vanguard, one of the most prestigious drum and bugle corps, captured the DCI World Championship title in 1989 with their competitive marching band performance.
#36 Who was the first Jazz Musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music
Explanation
Wynton Marsalis broke barriers in 1997 by becoming the first jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his composition 'Blood on the Fields,' an oratorio about slavery.
#37 On which Beatles album would you find the song 'Eleanor Rigby'?
Explanation
'Eleanor Rigby' appears on The Beatles' 1966 album 'Revolver,' showcasing their experimental phase with its string quartet arrangement and innovative storytelling about loneliness.
#38 What is the name of the 2016 mixtape released by Venezuelan electronic producer Arca?
Explanation
Arca released 'Entrañas' (meaning 'entrails' in Spanish) in 2016, continuing their exploration of experimental electronic music and non-binary identity themes.
#39 The song "Mystery Train" was released by artist "Little Junior's Blue Flames" in 1953.
Explanation
'Mystery Train' was indeed recorded by Little Junior's Blue Flames in 1953, later becoming famous through Elvis Presley's 1955 cover version at Sun Records.
#40 What is the English title of the vaporwave track "リサフランク420 / 現代のコンピュー" by Macintosh Plus (Vektroid)?
Explanation
This iconic vaporwave track from the album 'Floral Shoppe' became a defining piece of the genre, referencing nostalgic 80s aesthetics and Lisa Frank's colorful designs.
#41 This album, now considered to be one of the greatest of all time, was a commercial failure when it was released.
Explanation
The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967) sold poorly initially but became hugely influential, with producer Brian Eno famously saying that everyone who bought the album started a band.
#42 Which song in rapper Kanye West's album "The Life of Pablo" features Rihanna?
Explanation
'Famous' from 'The Life of Pablo' (2016) features Rihanna and became controversial for its lyrics about Taylor Swift, sparking widespread media attention and social media debates.
#43 What was the name of the rock band that Nobuo Uematsu formed that played songs from various Final Fantasy games?
Explanation
Nobuo Uematsu, the legendary Final Fantasy composer, formed The Black Mages in 2002 to perform rock arrangements of his iconic video game soundtracks.
#44 The heavy metal band Black Sabbath hail from which English city?
Explanation
Black Sabbath originated from Birmingham in 1968, becoming pioneers of heavy metal music and putting the industrial English city on the rock music map.
#45 The key of sharps does the key of G# minor contain?
Explanation
G# minor contains 5 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#) in its key signature, following the standard pattern of sharps in music theory.
#46 What is the stage name of New Zealand singer Phillipa "Pip" Brown?
Explanation
Pip Brown performs under the name Ladyhawke, named after the 1985 film, and became known for her synth-pop music and hits like 'Paris Is Burning.'
#47 "All the Boys" by Panic! At the Disco was released as a bonus track on what album?
Explanation
'All the Boys' appeared as a bonus track on Panic! At the Disco's 2013 album 'Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!', marking their electronic-influenced era.
#48 Panic! At the Disco's sixth album "Pray For The Wicked" was released on which date?
Explanation
'Pray For The Wicked' was released on June 22, 2018, becoming Panic! At the Disco's sixth studio album and featuring hits like 'High Hopes' and 'Hey Look Ma, I Made It.'
#49 When did the rapper Eazy-E die?
Explanation
Eazy-E, the pioneering N.W.A rapper known as the 'Godfather of Gangsta Rap,' died on March 26, 1995, from complications related to AIDS at age 30.
#50 Which Death Grips album is the only one to feature a band member?
Explanation
'No Love Deep Web' (2012) infamously features drummer Zach Hill's erect penis on the album cover, representing Death Grips' provocative and anti-commercial artistic approach.