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(03/06/18 4:21pm)
In lieu of the new Jack White album Boarding House Reach being released on March 23rd, I decided to write about all the amazing things he has done to build up hype for this iconic day. Jack White just so happens to be my favorite guitar player, and I shed a tear just about every day because I can never get White Stripes, Raconteurs, or his solo material to sound even remotely similar when I play it. If you disagree with me about him being one of the greatest guitar players, just take a listen to a few of the solos on “Ball and Biscuit” or “Catch Hell Blues”, I mean come onnnnnn
via GIPHY
White released the album teaser “Servings and Portions from my Boarding House Reach” back in December, and let me tell you, it’s a trip. A little terrifying. But also genius. Here he samples different parts of all the songs on the new album into one 4 minute cluster. I have never seen anything like it before, and even though it might shatter your eardrums and overload your brain, I suggest you give it a listen.
So not only does this man have extreme success with his solo projects, but has also been in three bands. Yes that's right. Three. Jack White defined rock for the early 2000s with former wife (not sister, despite media confusion) Meg White in the White Stripes, where he did guitar and vocals. After the White Stripes era, White would eventually join The Raconteurs (guitar, vocals) and The Dead Weather (drums). The Dead Weather also includes Alison Mosshart from the Kills and Dean Fertita from Queens of the Stone Age, so you already know their material is amazing. My all time favorite Raconteurs song is “Consoler of the Lonely”, and my favorite Dead Weather song is “I Feel Love” or “I Cut Like a Buffalo”. I didn’t even realize for the first 500 times I listened to “I Feel Love” that the singer actually wasn’t Jack White, but a girl. Whoops.
I recently watched the documentary “It Might Get Loud” on Netflix which features Jimmy Page, Jack White, and The Edge all talking about the power of the electric guitar. This 1 ½ hour show caused me to love Jack White even more than I already did (I know, I didn’t think it was possible). Just in the first 5 minutes of the documentary, White managed to make an electric guitar sounding instrument out of some wood and a glass bottle. His talent is immeasurable, and I highly recommend watching the show if you have any interest in the guitar at all.
So be sure to look out for Jack White’s third solo album which he describes as “back alley stabbing music” which will be gifted to us all on March 23rd, and until then, distract yourself with some of my Jack White favorites below.
https://open.spotify.com/user/g7jhwspkssrmxxcgcat9gq956/playlist/4wJ3MK4XcIV7oyJbEg4AxO
(02/19/18 5:25pm)
Towards the end of November, after the release of their first album From the Fires, I became completely obsessed with a band called Greta Van Fleet. You may have heard of them, BUT I JUST NEED TO SHARE MY LOVE WITH THOSE WHO HAVEN’T.
Greta Van Fleet is a group of four, extremely good looking 18-21-year-old guys, three of which are brothers. They are from a small town in Michigan called Frankenmuth, which strangely I have been to. My Uncle Hans from Germany flew to America and made us go to a German sister city celebration, which was a drag but whatever.
So let’s just get this out of the way: Lead singer Josh Kiska sounds freakishly similar to Robert Plant, especially in the opening wail of “Highway Tune”. Even though they share a similar sound, I get heated when people (*cough* *cough* my brother) just peg GVF as a Led Zeppelin knockoff. They have released eight incredibly original songs that have become an extreme success in the short time since the release of the album. You may already know “Highway Tune” from an appearance on the TV show "Shameless".
Asking me to pick my favorite Greta Van Fleet song is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child. But if I was forced to choose, they would be Black Smoke Rising, Edge of Darkness, A Change Is Gonna Come, and Flower Power. I went downstairs and learned Black Smoke Rising on the guitar approximately two seconds after hearing it for the first time. I also bought tickets for Hangout Music Fest where GVF will be performing. Don’t be surprised if my next article is titled “How Greta Van Fleet Caused Me To Have A Stroke In The Middle Of Their Set”.
When I play these songs in my car, I end up going like 90 mph because it makes me so amped. This is the first album I’ve heard in a very long time that has just been good, quality rock n’ roll. From the Fires in its entirety makes me feel like I don’t have to go back to the 60’s to hear this kind of music. And even though I have had the record playing nonstop for the past two months, I am still not sick of it. I am beyond eager to see what’s ahead for Greta Van Fleet, and hope you enjoy this group as much as I do.
https://open.spotify.com/user/g7jhwspkssrmxxcgcat9gq956/playlist/4jaRXPGgf65gJuWs91nmjg
https://youtu.be/aJg4OJxp-co
(12/18/17 1:16am)
Welcome back friends for week TWO of Surf Rock Sunday. I hope you all finessed your finals and are now sipping eggnog and enjoying the luxury of showering without shoes on. Here’s a second batch of surf rock songs to bring some sunshine into your life. As always, you can listen to the featured songs ~below~. Enjoy.
California Sun - Ramones
“California Sun” was originally written by Joe Jones in 1961, and made popular by The Rivieras in 1964 with their more rock version. There have been many covers of this song, but the Ramones version is my favorite by far. I first heard this song in Urban Outfitters and had one of those moments where you rip your phone out of your pocket and try to catch the very end of a song on Shazam before it’s out of your life forever. I could tell it was the Ramones by the yelling intro, but had never heard the song before. I didn’t even know it was a cover until my mom knew all the words in the car and told me I was incredibly wrong. Oh and this is a really fun and easy song to learn on the guitar if you’re into that kind of thing.
Stoned Fruit - Soaked Oats
Soaked Oats, what a strange name. It makes me a little uncomfy for some reason. I’m really into their new album called Stoned Fruit Melodies, featuring my personal favorite song, “Stoned Fruit”. Soaked Oats is a relatively new band from New Zealand. They currently only have about 15 songs on Spotify, and sound a bit like a hyper Mac Demarco. If this band hasn’t caught your attention by now, check out the song “Avocado Aficionado”, it’s thrilling really.
Silhouettes - Colony House
“Silhouettes” is Colony House’s most popular song, and appears on their 2014 album, When I Was Younger. Colony House was originally called Caleb, and only changed their name in 2013 when they decided to take on a slightly different sound. This song is extremely upbeat and has bright sunshiny guitar. “Silhouettes” has really good memories for me. I remember always blasting it out of my open windows while I drove out to this lake by my house to go boating.
Blonde Blood - Boyscott
Ok I’ll admit it, I first listened to this song because I’m blonde and I was intrigued. And it just so happened that it lived up to my standards and made the list. “Blonde Blood” is a lot softer and more relaxing than the three previous songs and will instantly chill you out. There is something about this guy’s voice that just makes you feel relaxed. If you enjoyed this song, check out “Marco Polo”. The whole album is good to listen to if you need chill music while doing homework.
Way Too Much - Wavves
Back to the fast guitar riffs with this one. “Way Too Much” is my favorite Wavves song, but “Pony” is a close second. I am a big fan of “Nine is God”, but it does not feel surf-y to me, so we won’t include that here. The music video for “Way Too Much” was really bizarre. It featured a lot of huge wrestlers just throwing crap at each other. I’m not really sure how it goes with the song, but I mean hey, whatever they think is cool.
After The Moment - Craft Spells
I have been blasting this in my car for a few weeks now. “After the Moment” is from 2011, so I guess I’m just out of the loop because I only recently started loving it. This song is extremely catchy to me and I can’t not dance when I listen to it. It gives me weird 80s vibes for some reason, and it is always going through my head. However, I listened to other Craft Spells songs and I wasn’t that impressed, so I guess they are just a one hit wonder for me. The only other song I slightly liked was “Party Talk”, but I don’t think I would recommend any of their other songs to people besides “After the Moment”.
Days - The Drums
Another chill song for you here with “Days” by the Drums. The Drums are a really quality surf rock band, and they remind me a lot of older, 50’s style music. If you thought “Days” was catchy, I would recommend listening to “Blood Under my Belt” or “Let’s Go Surfing”. The Drums also released a new full length album titled Abysmal Thoughts in June.
https://open.spotify.com/user/g7jhwspkssrmxxcgcat9gq956/playlist/0MK9fNps3o6KNwZDPNR8sG
(12/11/17 12:46am)
When I told my dad I was starting this column, he said “How are you gonna make a new playlist every week when the only surf rock that exists is the Beach Boys??”, so I guess I’ll just be getting as close to surf rock as I can without overloading you with “Surfin’ USA”. Get your weekly dose of summer right here with seven killer surf rock songs every Sunday. Some songs will be old, some will be new, but all will remind me of jeeping in the summer with my friends instead of getting hypothermia in my toes as I walk to class in a freaking blizzard. Listen to all the featured songs ~below~ as you read this riveting article.
Archie, Marry Me - Alvvays
Of course I absolutely had to start this column off with some Alvvays (don’t be a dummy, it’s pronounced “always”). I am totally, 100%, completely obsessed with Molly Rankin, and Archie, Marry me is probably in my top five favorite songs of all time. I even tried to dye my hair like Molly once, but ended up looking like a piece of tofu rather than a rocker. Archie, Marry Me is a contagious song. I promise you, if you listen to it now for the first time, it will continue to go through your head for the next month. And you will like it. If you have heard this song before, congratulations, you have officially blessed your eardrums. For you I recommend checking out the music video. It’s a pastel dream and wickedly visually appealing.
If You Know That I’m Lonely - FUR
This song was pretty recently released on September 6th, and I checked my Spotify history to find out that it’s my most listened to song for the month of October. So obviously I love this song and you’re gonna have to love it too. It’s one of those songs that sounds super happy, but when you listen to the lyrics it’s actually a bit depressing. So just focus on the guitar, upbeat drums, and ooh la la’s rather than thinking about how lonely you are. FUR currently only has three songs on Spotify, so if you like “If You Know That I’m Lonely”, you should definitely give those other two babies a listen. They are called “Trying” and “Not Enough”. (“Not Enough” is a crucial addition to my night driving playlist. Dreamy.)
Candy Wrappers - Summer Salt
The guitar intro to “Candy Wrappers” is everything. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re in freaking Hawaii or something. I recently became obsessed with Summer Salt. They have a lot of good material, especially on the So Polite EP which was released in early 2017. I’m going to be completely honest with you, the part where they say “candy, candy, candy, candy wrappers” is a little annoying to me, but the rest of the song is so damn good that I just had to add this to the playlist. Summer Salt also has some wicked merch on their website including these amazing red heart shaped sunglasses that I’m pretty sure I have to have in my life.
Saltwater - Geowulf
I was watching TV the other day and this song came on for a Corona commercial?? I screamed. Congrats Corona, you’re doing all the things. Geowulf also currently only has about five songs on Spotify, and “Saltwater” is by far the hit. It seems like a lot of good stuff is coming out of Australia right now, which seems random to me, but I’ll embrace it. Saltwater is more of a chill song, and it’s good to listen to while doing homework. I really like the sound of the lead singer’s voice, and I saw on their Facebook page that they should be releasing new music soon so yay.
What a Pleasure - Beach Fossils
I was just stalking Beach Fossils on Spotify, and one of their largest followings is in Istanbul which made me cackle idk. “What a Pleasure” comes from 2011 Beach Fossils album What a Pleasure. This song is quite a bit more somber than the rest of the playlist, but is still a jam. I normally listen to Beach Fossils when I need something quality in the background, but don’t want to pay attention to it too much. This isn’t an insult, study music is needed too yo.
Twilight Driving - Methyl Ethyl
Ever wanted to hear a song about trying not to hit a kangaroo while driving through Australia at night? Well here you go!!! All your dreams have now been fulfilled. I first learned about this song while looking through the new music radar in Rolling Stone magazine a few years ago and have been hooked ever since. This song appears on their first full length LP titled Oh Inhumane Spectacle. I havn’t given the rest of the album a listen, but considering how much I love “Twilight Driving” I think I might just have to do that.
Let Her Go - Mac Demarco
Is it basic to end this first column with Mac Demarco? Well too bad, I don’t care. “Let Her Go” gives me serious beach vibes within the first the first couple seconds and definitely is in my top three Mac Demarco songs. I listened to this song every waking moment when I first found it, and totally burnt myself out on it, but I’m starting to get over myself and listen again (in moderation). “Let Her Go” is the fourth track on the Salad Days album. I always play this song in the car for my mom and every time she goes “Oh I like this one!”, so if it is Lori approved you’ll definitely want to give it a listen below if you haven't already.
https://open.spotify.com/user/g7jhwspkssrmxxcgcat9gq956/playlist/6vhc4NXRxpUH33P49UiEt6
(10/23/17 4:24pm)
BECK - COLORS
Release Date: 10/13/17
Rating: 6/7
WOW! It’s a new Beck album.
Beck is cooler than any of us could ever hope to be, and continues to amaze everyone with his indescribably wacky genre jumps. He is hands down the most diverse artist I’ve heard, and can seamlessly jump from folk, to funk, to “hip hop”, and now, with his newest album, takes part in the pop movement. Whether you know him as “that two turntables and a microphone guy”, or are a close follower of Beck’s music, you will enjoy Colors and be able to jam to it on the bus, on a beach, or anywhere you want to bless your eardrums.
Colors features 11 songs and 45 minutes of continuous energy.
“Wow” was released as a single in the summer of 2016, and I distinctly remember listening to it nonstop on my first visit to Indiana University. After listening to Morning Phase, I was shocked that this was Beck’s next step, but the song grew on me and was constantly stuck in my head. The beat is insanely catchy and combines synth pop and some slight rapping.
Stand out tracks on this album are definitely "Dear Life", "Up All Night", and "Dreams". "Dear Life" gives off strong Beatles vibes and has upbeat sunshiny piano riffs. This song stands out to me because it combines so many genres into one to create a mesmerizing sound. "Dreams" was released as a single in 2015, far in advance before the release of the full album. Colors features two versions of the song, including a “Color’s Mix”.
“I’m So Free” is my personal favorite because of the strong chorus with heavy guitar influence. I also like the message it sends about doing what you want and walking to your own beat.
The record only slows down for the song “Fix Me”, which has a longing chorus that repeats “I want you, I want you”. This is one of the more meaningful songs on the album, and concludes with the thought provoking outro that repeats “I’m set free”.
There is not one song on this album that I disliked, and it was difficult not to get up and dance to each track. Beck has done it again, providing listeners with a feel good album that is unlike any other.
After listening to the whole album, I hope Beck isn’t fully transitioning to becoming a mainstream pop artist, but rather exploring his “Beck-ness” and conquering yet another genre.
(10/09/17 8:49pm)
Release Date: 9/22/2017
Rating: 4/7
The Killers were a defining band of the early 2000’s when their album “Hot Fuss” was released featuring hit songs such as Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told me. From then on, the band put out a steady stream of music, releasing Sam’s Town (‘06), Sawdust (‘07), Day & Age (‘08), and eventually Battle Born (‘12).
After a 5 year hiatus, The Killers finally released a new 10 track LP titled “Wonderful Wonderful” on September 22.
The album features a different side of the Killers, displaying more personal lyrics and a wide range of tempo. It talks about the band’s struggles to write new music in the tracks “Have All the Songs Been Written?” and “Rut”, and drastically slows down for “Some Kind of Love”.
In the song “The Man”, Brandon Flowers seems to joke about his built up reputation of being cocky and arrogant, with lines talking about his wealth, and stating he is a “household name”. This is an extremely catchy song and has an upbeat tempo that has made it one of the most popular on the album.
The title song “Wonderful Wonderful” sounds very unlike the Killers previous material. It has an eerie magical feel and a chorus that repeats lines about a motherless child. It seems very experimental and is a totally different sound. This is not one of my personal favorites on the album, but I appreciate that the band is branching out from their typical sound.
“Run For Cover” is my personal favorite and reminds me of the old Killers. It begins with fast guitar strumming and continues to build as the song progresses, creating a song that you just want to dance to. It talks about not being “afraid of the fear” because “that’s a played out track, man”. The song was originally going to be part of the Day & Age album, but Flowers just wasn’t able to get the lyrics right until now.
Overall, Wonderful Wonderful is definitely not a huge comeback album for the Killers, but it does feature a few strong songs that I will definitely be adding to my playlists.