ALL THINGS MUSIC @ WMUL 88.1 FM
We bring the best music from all around right to Marshall University's radio.
Check out WMUL's website Here are our awesome staff members and their respective top 5 music picks ( which are always bound to change):
ZAC RUNYON: Music Director
1. NeedtoBreathe
2. Andy Mineo
3. Mike Mains and the Branches
4. Switchfoot
5. The Almost
BENNET SIFFRIN: Other Guy
1. Jimmy Eat World
2. Bayside
3. Streetlight Manifesto
4. Alkaline Trio
5. Marijuana Deathsquads
SPANKY ROGERS
1. Childish Gambino
2. Chance the Rapper
3. Tyler, the Creator
4. Schoolboy Q
5. Jay-Z
BRAXTON CRISP
1. Avenged Sevenfold
2. KoRn
3. Bullet For My Valentine
4. Disturbed
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers
NATHAN THOMAS
1. The Band
2. The Mountain Goats
3. Ellie Goulding
4. Big Star
5. The Weakerthans
PAIGE KAPITAN
1. Slipknot
2. Dance Gavin Dance
3. A Day To Remember
4. Death Cab For Cutie
5. Neutral Milk Hotel
KATIE SNODGRASS:
1. Au Revoir Simone
2. The Avett Brothers
3. Norah Jones
4. Florence& The Machine
5. Lana Del Ray
ANNA TUPPER
1. Oasis
2. The Beatles
3. Ed Sheeran
4. The Smiths
5. The Cab
TY HILES
1. MGMT
2. The Flaming Lips
3. Tame Impala
4. Beatles
5. Harry Nilsson
Mixer: Drew Danburry, Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD, and United Nations
This week's mixer really is all over the spectrum, so if it's variety you're looking for, this is the place.
Drew Danburry - "Nirvana, by Kurt Cobain"
While the influence may appear obvious, Drew Danburry is his own singer-songwriter. His emotion can stretch just as far with his music, from carefree to reflective, and sometimes to just a spilling of words. "Nirvana, by Kurt Cobain" is a prime example of Danburry being himself, less simple and even more sincere.
Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD - "Six Degrees ft. Danny Brown"
Yeah, I'll say I was a bit confused by this team up at first, but BADBADNOTGOOD put out a fresh and natural sound that strengthens Ghostface's performance tremendously. It's a surprisingly natural fit, and sets up showstealer Danny Brown to make for a full-fledged smooth track. If anything, it goes to show jazz can still be relevant and share itself with the hip-hop genre.
--- NSFW ---
United Nations - "Serious Business"
United Nations dropped their record The Next Four Years today, and it's already been receiving praise for it's relentless power, clever jokes, fearless critique of society and the punk scene. An angry blending of punk roots and dynamic screamo, "Serious Business" is the perfect opener to rip your ear off and scream that this is worth something. This isn't your average overmoded-blasty-angst rock. This is aggression incarnate.
Slow Club's new album comes out Monday! You can bet your bottom dollar we'll be playing it throughout our alternative block, but take a quick listen from the one of the featured tracks off Complete Surrender. The British duo mixes 70s revival with a modern appreciation that makes for a "real" sound that is heard and felt.
Somehow the fact that Counting Crows is releasing their new album Somewhere Under Wonderland on September 2nd flew completely under my radar.
Luckily, there's a new music video/short film for upcoming track "Palisades Park." Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised to see how well writer/director Bill Fishman translated Adam Duritz and gang's musicality into a visual format. It's a bit of a long one, but stays engaging and is worth the time.
And that opening trumpet? Mmmmmm. Love it. September can't come soon enough.
Mixer: Baden Powell de Aquino, Listener, and Panda Riot
You like music, right? Most people I know do. Today I'm trying something a little different and seeing if we can spread out those musical horizons a bit. Here's a quick blend, a mixer of sorts, of artists from across different genres to sample your tastes.
Baden Powell de Aquino - "Se Todos Fossem Igua À Você"
Arguably one of the greatest classical guitarists of the last century, Baden Powell delivered a chilling yet reflective presence nearly every time he picked up a guitar. Even if you think classical guitar isn't up your alley, open your ears for this sound. Powell's voice and style transcend language barriers and continues to be relevant today. He is the definition of old school cool.
Listener - "Falling In Love With Glaciers"
Listener is a project that started out as traveling hip-hop/slam poetry (check out "Ozark Empire") that has evolved into a three-piece rock/folk band with powerful songwriting and raw emotional structure. It could be billed as song-speak, but the delivery and writing style of lead singer Dan Smith goes beyond of what he calls "talk music." Somebody you know will love this.
Panda Riot - "Black Pyramids"
Perfect place to find your fix of shoegaze or dreampop. Panda Riot is hazy, loud, sincere, and mellow all at the same time. Lovers of My Bloody Valentine and Ride should hop right on and enjoy the drive. Also, this video was recorded on a Fisher Price PXL 2000. Google that for some real 80s nostalgia. The final product feels like a memory, maintaining a ghostly look that fits seamlessly with the sound.
Here's to all music, new and old, unearthed and discovered.
Interview w/ Tommy Victor - Lead Singer/Guitarist for Prong
"Don't pollute yourself..." - Tommy Victor
Just a little over two hours ago, I spoke with Tommy Victor, front man for the metal band Prong. Prong released their newest album, Ruining Lives, a couple weeks back. Tommy spoke about the ideas behind the album, "Don't pollute yourself... positive message...searching for happiness." He seemed quite content with the album, his current life and the soon to be tour happening mid-July. Which will be starting off in Milan, Italy on July 22nd. He assured me that tracks from Prove You Wrong all the way through Ruining Lives will be within their set list for the tour.
Outside of the new album, we discussed some rather fun things. NFL players retiring and becoming broadcasters, the low wage of the music industry, and the outlets that seasoned artists can approach once they are ready to give it a rest. More intriguingly, Tommy stated that the first piece of music he ever bought, was a 7 inch from a department store called E.J. Korvette. This purchase was no other than David Bowie's hit song Space Oddity, recorded on a 45 single for only three quarters. Tom became giddy at the thought really.
Also, in the short and unusually formatted interview, I asked Tom for his Top Five Influences/listens, and this is what he told me:
Killing Joke - English post punk band from 1978/79
Slayer - American thrash metal
Eckhart Tolle - writer and public speaker
Joy Division - English rock band from 1976
Black Sabbath - "ALLLLL ABOOOOARD!!!" - Crazy Train
It’s been too long of a wait since the last release from The New Pornographers. Four years to be exact. But the wait is over as last week they released “Brill Bruisers,” the first track from the album-of-the-same name which will be released late this August. A personal favorite band of mine, that I play on WMUL anytime I can, they've got a unique indie-pop sound that no other band have.
"There's a son coming up in my soul, Lord, in my soul, I see the light, I see the light, oh thank you God I see the light!!!" - My Beloved
The most recent release from Crowder is quite the doozy. This is by far one of the best releases of the year within the christian contemporary genre and, dare I say, better than any genre-type releases as well. So many things are wrapped into one record that mesh beautifully, folk blues, synth, pop, rock, and more combine to make this album stand out among hundreds others this year. The level of praise and worship is at 1000% and it is awesome how Crowder has provided terrific tracks to celebrate God and what He does for us, while also admitting to our flaws in not appreciating God.
The first studio album, "Neon Steeple," presents fourteen brand new tracks from David Crowder's solo career, Crowder. The "Neon Intro" does justice to hint towards the rest of the album. Shortly after, tracks two and three ("My Beloved" and "I Am") are quite the sing-along tunes that shout out praise and excitement for God. Then track number four, "Come Alive," takes the tone down a bit. The upbeat rhythm is still there, but the chorus is filled with reverb fashioned vocals echoing alongside some synthy sounds. Oh but wait - it gets better!! Track five, "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)," Crowder sings quietly, but so firmly that your attention is grabbed instantly and drawn towards his lyrics. Not to mention, the sweet music played behind the phenomenal vocals are a fantastic blues folk anthem. The soloing twang of the acoustic guitar and an epic stomp/clap combo brings the thunder. On a more serious note, the meaning at first listen seems to be a shout out to the broken, and yelling for them to open their eyes to what is in front of them the whole time - salvation, ergo Jesus Christ!
"Lost and wandering come stumbling in like a prodigal child, see the walls start crumbling, let the gates of glory open wide" - Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)
After this exciting battle of noises, Crowder really takes it down with a piano intro on "Come As You Are."A classic hymnal feel that again calls out to all. Crowder's voice resonates over heavy drawn out notes and pleads for all to come as is, that Earth has no wound that God cannot heal, so lay down your burdens. Crowder proceeds to surprise the listeners with fun and catchy clicks between pop and folk. "Hands of Love," begins with a sort of electronic whistle accompanied by consistent Earl Scruggs-esque banjo playing. This song seems to be angling the take on Jesus, the one who saved us! Praising His works and all He has done, does and will do for us, despite how unworthy we are. Jesus frees us and then holds us through it all. Southern rock swings through the atmosphere on "Jesus is Calling," a pleasant, uplifting and yet again, fun song. I am tempted to suggest that the youth at my church sing this sometime soon. It's just that catchy and an easy sing with the best repetitive hook. Another great message as well, realizing that Jesus calls us night and day, all the time.
This album truly deserves a more in-depth breakdown, but for now, a complete track discussion is adequate and at hand. "My Sweet Lord," is a duet between Crowder and Emmylou Harris, a multiple Grammy award winner artist with many hit albums and singles. The two serenade us with the sweet confession that we cannot do anything without God, and that we need Him. Then the prayer rings through out,
"I need my sweet Lord's help today"
and the song fades out."This I Know," further explains the epiphany of realizing what is in front of us, God, and all His beauty. What He did for us, how He takes us back, even when we run. Later in the song, the message asks that God takes us to this place, where we consciously and fervently seek him out with our whole heart's desire. This is truly a testimony of praise, celebration, and teaching that people need to hear. "Ain't No Grave," is a clear reference to how Jesus rose from the dead, three days after his crucifixion, and the eternal everlasting life that God promises after death on Earth, Heaven. Which is a comforting blessing when times become tough, or even grim, for one person, or for multitudes.
The twelfth track "You Are," is legit in a way that it allows another opportunity to reach out at a "different" pair of ears. It presents a great message further praising God and thanking him for his mercies and his blessings. Which all of them could never be mentioned enough. The second to last track, breaks out an soft acoustic guitar rhythm with stripped down vocals, that truly gives it all to God, lyrically and emotionally. "Here's my Heart," strikes through your chest with conviction and excitement all at the same time. The last track, a "Steeple Outro," peacefully settles the conclusion to a slow but quick end. Spiritually at this point, every individual that has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will be in tears and at a loss for almost all words, except these - Praise God!
Here is the lyric video for "This I Know.".
Standout Tracks:
Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)
Here's My Heart
Come Alive
My Beloved
But really, listen to them all in order, 1-14... now!!
Simply put, this album kicked off my interest in Lil Wayne, which has since continued into Rebirth, I Am Not a Human Being, Tha Carter IV. His lyrics are rhythmic enough to appeal to my liking, without being too over the top. I personally am not as fond of when guys just say “uhh” over and over again and call it a freestyle rap.
I also like how Lil Wayne is able to make the lyrics of his songs mesh with the beats, rather than the beats be non-existent or the beats overpower the lyrics. It’s a plus to be able to understand what he’s saying because he isn’t trying to set a world record for most words spoken in a second.
If I have to have a criticism of Tha Carter III, it would have to be that a lot of the guest appearances on the album are by people who aren’t really known, mostly because it was pre-YMCMB hay day. Now on a Lil Wayne album you’re rarely likely to hear a song in which you ask yourself, “Who is on this verse?” Now if someone comes in on a verse, it’s likely to be someone you’re familiar with, such as Drake or French Montana, etc.
I find myself frequently playing this album amongst my shuffle of music because it was my introduction to Lil Wayne and truly established my interest in hip hop.
Throwback Thursday: "The Outsiders," - NeedtoBreathe
After NeedtoBreathe reached fame and praise for their release of The Heat, they had to bring their A-game for their follow up album. NeedtoBreathe did just that with The Outsiders. The 14 track bundle was released in late August of 2009. The standing members Seth Bolt, Bo and Bear Rinehart, invite Joe Stillwell to play percussion and help produce for this album. The band walks a fine line of good message music and gospel tracks. In doing so, their songs reach more perspectives than any artist could imagine. NeedtoBreathe finds a way to rock out in a purely talented way, yet also brings the crowd to silence with their melodic praise songs. The Outsiders accomplishes just that, and more.
Instantly, the album starts off by breaking the sound barrier with the monumental hit and classic among the contemporary Christian crowd. The title track “The Outsiders,” starts with a single banjo chord that rings out momentarily, then progresses into a mesmerizing swoon from the lead singer, Bear Rinehart. Throughout the song, harmonica is thrown in with the captive chorus “We are the Outsiders!” and then once an emotional peak has been reached, the song breaks down to a harmonized beauty to a slow end. The album has many contributions from added strings, backing vocals, and several producers. “Prisoner,” and “Girl Named Tennessee,” execute a prominent rock fill with the upbeat repetitions of piano and catchy hooks. While other tracks, such as “Won’t Turn Back,” and “Hurricane,” are less subtle, and rely more so on Bear’s vocals to carry the song. “Garden,” “Stones under Rushing Water,” and “These Hard Times,” really become vulnerable and throw everything out with pleading vocals and heart-grabbing lyrics. The more so hymnal or heavily gospel influenced songs of the album would be “Through Smoke,” Lay ‘Em Down,” and “Let Us Love.” Although, this melting pot of an album, a delicious ice cream sundae of combinations, “Something Beautiful,” is the cherry that tops it all.
The song starts off with a quiet, yet majestic acoustic rhythm with Bo’s vocals to soon follow.
“Hey now, this is my desire, consume me like a fire, because I just want something beautiful to touch me, I know that I am in reach because I am down on my knees waiting for something beautiful Ohhhhh, Ohhhh…”
The chorus shows a man begging, reaching, wanting that connection with God, something beautiful. The song name is a funny sort of irony. The song is something beautiful, the vocals, lyrics, instruments, everything together concocts the best song. Even someone who doesn't see God at the heart of the song, can perceive something truly beautiful and easily connect with the lyrics. Despite the deeper meaning and quieter sound, a group of people can capably sing along and belt out the chorus. The song was released almost five years ago, later this year, but yet I still hear people with their ringtone “Hey now, this is my desire, consume….”
NeedtoBreathe has released several albums since, all with critical acclaim and huge love from veteran fans and new alike. I only hope that they never stop, because as long as it’s possible for NeedtoBreathe to push out more music similar to this, they need to stick around.
