Loud Viking

Loud Viking is a collaborative effort by music & beer lovers to produce the finest in music journalism through every possible medium. From news, to reviews, to interviews, we aim to provide a broad spectrum of content focused on music, all while sipping on a fine brew.

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Song of the Day 2/27/16: Bibio - “Feeling”

Another late night discovery, this groovy little track had me bobbing my head to the beat the minute it began. It’s very indie-pop, with an echoed, smooth voice hitting high notes throughout, complimented by what seems to be a disco inspired instrumental. It’s got a little bit of playful guitar work that gives it a sense of funk too, and I can’t help but bob my head as I listen to it again right now.

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Song of the Day 2/26/16: Krrum - “Evil Twin”

I discovered this song during a late night drive after class on the way to the lady’s pad, and I quickly fell in love. It’s grimy yet smooth, an interesting blend of guttural bass complimented by smooth voices that come together to create a slightly poppy, yet still unique sound.

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Song of the Day 2/25/16: The Buttertones - “Bad Girl”

I just recently discovered The Buttertones after a coworker recommended I check them out, and this is both the first song I heard by them and my favorite. It sounds like it came straight out of a completely different time in music over 50 years ago, and makes me want to bust out my 1973 Ford Comet and cruise to a diner with my lady before heading to to a drive-in movie theater. I’m hoping to see these guys in March, but only time will tell I suppose.

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Song of the Day 2/24/16: The Arcs - “Pistol Made of Bones”

While many are quick to recognize The Black Keys, few know of The Arcs, a side project by member Dan Auerbach that manages to veer away from the sound of the Keys enough to make it stand on it’s own legs. It still maintains that wonderfully raw rock sound, but feels more eclectic as a whole, with a variety of instruments and vocals that blend together magnificently. This is only the first song on their very solid debut album, and leaves us hoping for more from these guys. 

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Yet another great musician claimed by death. RIP to country legend Sonny James, thank you for your contribution to music #rip #sonnyjames #country #countrymusic #music

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Song of the Day 2/23/16: Tyler, The Creator - “Fuck It”

Tyler, the Creator has garnered quite a good amount of attention since his debut in music through his edgy lyrics that hold no punches. Add to his twisted lyrics his deep, abrasive voice that recites them, and he’s a truly unique artist in the rap game right now. While many are quick to dismiss him as a child who needs to mature and develop greater lyrical depth, a closer listen to his work shows just how clever he is, even going so far as to present a story that spans over his first three albums, out of order. His most recent release, Cherry Bomb, was generally a disappointment for a lot of fans save for a few tracks, and in this song, he expresses his dismay at this, among other things. It’s dark, almost ominous in a way, and manages to add an eerie tinge that makes it fantastically twisted.

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Song of the Day 2/22/16: Betty Davis - “This is It”

Recognized by many as the queen of funk, Betty Davis has a rough voice that matches her abrasive attitude in her music, a self-proclaimed “nasty gal”. She’s groovy, she’s badass, and she makes killer funk music. Oddly enough, she doesn’t get mentioned much in conversations on music despite her recognition by fans of the genre. With the bouncy guitar work and interesting drums that seem to even include a cow bell, “This is It” showcases her talent quite fantastically.

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Song of the Day 2/21/16: Sonny James - “Young Love”

There was once a time when country wasn’t addled with the atrocious influence of pop, and sounded far more like rock. Sonny James is a prime example of how fantastic country once was, managing to make a country song that didn’t mention a dog, a shotgun, a wife who left him, or a truck. It’s a fantastic track that makes you want to take your lady out for a night on the town and buy her a milkshake. We’re sad to hear of Sonny’s passing yesterday, and would like to that him for his fantastic contribution to music. RIP Sonny James.

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Song of the Day 2/20/16: Capital Cities ft. Tupac Shakur - “Breathe (Pink Floyd Cover)”

I’ll be the first to admit that Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” is one of my favorite songs of all time, and that I was skeptical to give this track a listen for a second. Initially, the original was going to be today’s song of the day, but when I saw a track by Capital Cities that not only covered the song, but featured Tupac, I had to give it a listen for the sake of curiosity. It’s not game changing, and I still like the original more, but this track is just so unique, I felt it deserved a spot for the day. It still manages to maintain a chill, almost ambient sound while sounding more modern and dancey. Add to this Tupac’s hard-hitting lyrics, and this is a tune that really stands out from the rest in a fantastic way.

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Song of the Day 2/19/16: Krivi - “Surreal Skies”

Seamus told me about this one while we sat in line for Pliny the Younger after having discovered it the night before, and I’m glad he shared it with me. While it feels like a techno track at first, it manages to develop a very ambient vibe that is eventually complimented with killer electronic sounds reminiscent of the 80′s. It manages to change things up often enough to avoid becoming annoying and repetitive like a lot of techno out there, and brings the listener through a smooth journey that, oddly enough, is more relaxing than it is energizing.

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Song of the Day 2/18/16: Jimi Hendrix - “Hey Joe”

I think it’s safe to say that Jimi Hendrix needs no introduction, unless you live in complete isolation from all humankind. One of the most prolific guitarists in the history of not only rock, but music in general, Jimi managed to create an entire legacy with his music during his short 28 years of life. Were it not for him, countless musicians we enjoy today would have never existed, as he’s one of the most influential artists possibly of all time. Listen to this track and it won’t be long before you spend the rest of the week listening to his fantastic discography, that’s what I did all last week.

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Song of the Day 2/17/16: Alina Baraz & Galimatias - “Pretty Thoughts (FKJ Remix)”

It takes a certain kind of talent to be able to make a track that manages to switch it up fairly often and still sound good, but producer French Kiwi Juice manages to do this quite wonderfully in this remix. While it starts off aural in the beginning, it quickly becomes a groovy, dance-y tune that makes you want to move to the beat. Add to this the almost jazzy guitar-like sounds towards the end, and this track is a truly delightful track that’s sure to please.

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At long last, we got our hands on Pliny the Younger. Incredibly balanced yet delightfully hoppy, we'll be sure to talk about this brew on the podcast. 5/5 #russianriver #pliny #plinytheyounger #craftbeer #instabeer #instabrew #beer #beerporn #ipa #tipa

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Song of the Day 2/16/16: Mountain - “Mississippi Queen”

While some will have discovered this song through the animated series Regular Show, this track is a classic rock gem. It’s raw, it’s rough around the edges, and it’s just downright rockin’. Wailing guitars keep the song going in a way that makes you just want to jam out to the track, and when you add the equally wailing lyrics, you can’t help but fall in love with the track. Here on Loud Viking, you can listen to this track without having to eat hallucination-inducing chili.

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Song of the Day 2/15/16: Tiger Tooth - “Baboon Heart”

Something about housey music just seems to fit late nights so wonderfully, which is part of the reason I’m quick to turn on radio station KCRW in the evening most nights. Yet another discovery I made on there, this primitive sounding track is simplistic and grimy, two things I absolutely love in electronic music. It’s almost hypnotic in a way, compelling you to bob your head as you cruise down an empty highway in the dark of night. 

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Song of the Day 2/14/16: David Bowie - “Valentine’s Day”

A David Bowie song on the blog has been long overdue after his passing on January 10th, mostly because one of our writers kept claiming that he would make a post, only to fail to deliver repeatedly. And so, I take it into my own hands, choosing this song for Valentine’s day. Ironically enough, this song is in no way romantic, instead acting as a precursory tale to a school shooting to take place on the Hallmark holiday. The coming together of the simplistic, high-pitched guitar with Bowie’s smooth, slightly bouncy voice makes this a delightful track that sounds like it came from a decade earlier.

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Song of the Day 2/13/16: Led Zeppelin - “D’yer Mak’er”

Led Zeppelin is one of the most recognized bands in rock history, and for good reason, as they’ve touched base with most genres in music during their time making art. While I’ve come to grow and appreciate just about every track by them, this was my first love back when I was a toddler. I loved this track so much, in fact, that my mother had to make a tape that had nothing but this song and War’s “Low Rider” back to back, on repeat. Throw this tune on and it won’t take long before you understand why this song is so loveable. Fun fact: the name of this song is supposed to be pronounced “Jamaica”.