Kevin Devine Live @ WKDU 2/07/15

Singer/songwriter Kevin Devine stopped by the studio a few weeks back before his show with Into It. Over It. and Laura Stevenson at the Church Sanctuary. Listen to the three-song set below!

[bandcamp width=350 height=470 album=143124917 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false]

Some photos of Kevin at the Church are below. For more, see Under The Gun Review.

Continue reading “Kevin Devine Live @ WKDU 2/07/15”

Another 10 Songs that Make Us Cry

Happy first week of classes!
Happy first week of classes!

by Shannen Gaffney

As a last little hurrah as music director, before the reigns are handed off to DJ Glasses, I decided to follow DJ Esmail’s lead in listing ten songs that make me cry. It’s the perfect time to listen to this kind of playlist anyway, Back 2 School time!  I would also like to just clarify that there are many, many more than ten songs that could make me cry under the right circumstances. Here’s a fraction of those.

1. Built to Spill – “Carry the Zero” (1999)

I nearly failed Math 101. But carrying a zero is a simple enough concept, even for me, to compare to a relationship gone wrong – and BTS do it just right. Those opening chords alone just strike a nerve. This song comes from my favorite album of all time, Keep it Like a Secret. If you don’t know them and need an album to start with, listen to that one!

2. Elliott Smith – “Between the Bars” (1997)

We’re going there. There’s loads of reasons why this song makes me cry from the lyrical content, delicate vocal timbre, and Elliott Smith’s story in general. Though many of his songs are, this song in particular is clearly about the struggle of overcoming addiction, and it’s utterly heartbreaking, as is everything this man is associated with.
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3. Jose Gonzalez – “Heartbeats” (2006)

This song was originally by The Knife, which is a much livelier, synthtastic (yup) version, but the way Gonzalez reforms this song with nothin’ but guitar arpeggios fits perfectly with its solemn lyrics and theme of broken promises. (This song works great on a sleep playlist.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKo8Czj112I

4. Sinéad O’Connor – “Nothing Compares 2 U” (1990)

I couldn’t leave this classic song out. Sinéad is an artist and activist and a heroine despite any mental breakdowns or illnesses she’s experienced, and this song is indisputably heartbreaking. Even Miley Cyrus was inspired by this music video, and tried to pay homage to it with “Wrecking Ball,” which, was not as good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUiTQvT0W_0

5. Ben Kweller – “Old Hat” (2009)

I grew up listening to every Ben Kweller album. His older songs stick with me the most, but this one off 2009’s Changing Horses is a beautiful tune about avoiding the pitfalls of boredom in a long-term relationship featuring a giddy little piano line and heartstring-pulling lap steel guitar.

6. The Cure – “A Night Like This” (1985)

In 2014 there’s almost nothing more existential and sad than watching the Cure live. They aren’t the performers they once were, but in 1985 they were #sad for other reasons. Those perfectly timed and striking opening chords paired with in-your-face hollow drums open up the song with a void that rips through you, and just keeps pulling. Pure goth sadness.

7. Waxahatchee – “Catfish,” “Lively,” “Blue Pt. II” (2012-2014)
(Also P.S. Eliot’s “Diana”)

It’s scientifically impossible to pick just one Waxhatchee song that “makes you cry.” I had to include all of these, and even one from P.S. Eliot (Katie and Allison Crutchfield’s older band; you won’t be sorry). I’m assuming you’re having a horrible day since you clicked on this article, so wallow in these intimate tearjerker songs (and all of American Weekend) and you may feel a little better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ZMsO-iJXo

8. Kevin Devine – “Ballgame” (2003)

It only takes three chords to make a great song and Kevin Devine may just be the king of this rule. With three simple chords, “Ballgame” explores alcoholism, war, regret and growth in one of his most poignant songs ever written.

9. Drake – “From Time” ft. Jhene Aiko (2013)

I’m putting a Drake song on here. Sue me. Though I’ll admit a good portion of his lyrics are a bit elementary, tunes like “Furthest Thing,” and “Pound Cake” have that yearning, apologetic quality that we can all relate to – and an aural emptiness Drake cultivates extremely well. Aiko’s beautifully fragile voice carries this one, and Drake’s reflections on his relationship with his father add to the drama.

10. Bright Eyes – “Poison Oak” (2005)

Bright Eyes is up there with Waxahatchee in that the whole discography is emotional as hell. Oberst is a known existentialist, of course, his effective and assured recipe being a simple song structure, steady acoustic guitar and a philosophical debate, the piercing lyric in this one: “I’m glad you got away, but I’m still stuck out here, my clothes are soaking wet from your brother’s tears.”

CHARLIEBROWN

Listen to more cry-worthy jams on Shannen’s Rock Bottom Radio, Wednesdays at 2pm.

Top 50 Albums of 2013 (according to Liquid Courage Media)

Our lovely Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Shannen Gaffney, also writes for Liquid Courage Media. This is their list of the top albums of 2013, co-written with Isabel Imperatore (in alphabetical order).

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Allison Weiss – Say What You Mean
Allison Weiss’ No Sleep Records release, Say What You Mean, was an uplifting take on the more depressing moments of being a teenager-to-twenty-something. The first track, “Making It Up,” outlined the uncertainties of defining a relationship. Our favorite is the breakup pop tune “How to Be Alone”.

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Beyoncé – BEYONCÉ
BEYONCE released a self-titled “exclusive visual album” on iTunes in the middle of the night without any previous announcement or promotion. Do I need to say anything else? Videos/tracks to check out: ”XO” and “Blue” (and the entire album).

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Blood Orange – Cupid Deluxe
If we can use the word ‘groovy,’ Blood Orange released one of the grooviest records this year. “You’re Not Good Enough” encompasses everything you’ve ever wanted to say to your ex, and has been stuck in our heads ever since its recent release.

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Brick + Mortar – Bangs
It’s hard to categorize and describe Brick + Mortar, which is a duo comprised of Brandon Asraf and John Tacon. They combine elements of alternative, electronic, indie, drum and bass, noise-pop, hip-hop, and punk. It’s aggressive, anthemic and catchy. The intense drum and bass parts are overlapped with Brandon’s distinct vocals and instrumentation like synths and guitar.  Listen to “Bangs” and “Locked In A Cage” and you’ll understand.

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Charli XCX – True Romance
Charli XCX was definitely a breakout artist of 2013, and True Romance was one of the best dance pop albums of the year. Her obvious best track was “You – Ha Ha Ha,” but “Take My Hand” and “What I Like” were also equally addictive pop gems.

Continue reading “Top 50 Albums of 2013 (according to Liquid Courage Media)”

Top Played Artists 11/26 – 12/2

1    DUCKTAILS:    Wish Hotel [EP]
2    LOS CAMPESINOS!:    No Blues
3    DR. DOG:    B-Room
4    TENNIS:    Small Sound [EP]
5    KEVIN DEVINE:    Bubblegum
6    OF MONTREAL:    Lousy With Sylvianbriar
7    WHITE DENIM:    Corsicana Lemonade
8    YUCK:    Glow And Behold
9    CULTS:    Static
10    FUZZ:    Fuzz
11    POLICA:    Shulamith
12    WOODEN SHJIPS:    Back To Land
13    DIANE COFFEE:    My Friend Fish
14    COURTNEY BARNETT:   The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas
15    SLEIGH BELLS:    Bitter Rivals
16    NOAH AND THE WHALE:    Heart Of Nowhere
17    BLOOD ORANGE:    Cupid Deluxe
18    PURLING HISS:    Paisley Montage
19    MARIJUANA DEATHSQUADS:    Oh My Sexy Lord
20    NOBUNNY:    Secret Songs: Reflections From The Ear Mirror
21    HEAD AND THE HEART:    Let’s Be Still
22    FLATLINERS:    Dead Language
23    JUANA MOLINA:    Wed 21
24    DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR.:   The Speed Of Things
25    JESSE WOODS:    Get Your Burdens Lifted
26    THOSE DARLINS:    Blur The Line
27    PHANTOGRAM    Phantogram [EP]
28    PARQUET COURTS:    Tally All The Things That You Broke [EP]
29    FRANKIE ROSE:    Herein Wild
30    RED FANG:    Whales And Leeches

Top Played Artists 11/18 – 11/25

1    TENNIS:    Small Sound [EP]
2    DUCKTAILS:    Wish Hotel [EP]
3    OF MONTREAL:    Lousy With Sylvianbriar
4    LOS CAMPESINOS!:    No Blues
5    DR. DOG:    B-Room
6    KEVIN DEVINE:    Bubblegum
7    YUCK:    Glow And Behold
8    POLICA:    Shulamith
9    SLEIGH BELLS:    Bitter Rivals
10    KING KRULE:    6 Feet Beneath The Moon
11    DEER TICK:    Negativity
12    FRANKIE ROSE:    Herein Wild
13    MINOR ALPS:    Get There
14    COURTNEY BARNETT:    The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas
15    PARQUET COURTS:    Tally All The Things That You Broke [EP]
16    WHITE DENIM:    Corsicana Lemonade
17    DIANE COFFEE:    My Friend Fish
18    FLATLINERS:    Dead Language
19    WOODEN SHJIPS:    Back To Land
20    THE BLOW:    The Blow
21    PURLING HISS:    Paisley Montage
22    NOBUNNY:    Secret Songs: Reflections From The Ear Mirror
23    FUZZ:    Fuzz
24    LA LUZ:    It’s Alive
25    MARIJUANA DEATHSQUADS:    Oh My Sexy Lord
26    PHANTOGRAM:    Phantogram [EP]
27    MAN MAN:    On Oni Pond
28    BLOOD ORANGE:    Cupid Deluxe
29    FLASHLIGHTS:    Don’t Take Me Too Seriously
30    NOAH AND THE WHALE:    Heart Of Nowhere

Top Played Artists 10/28/2013 – 11/4/2013

1 OF MONTREAL Lousy With Sylvianbriar
2 DR. DOG B-Room
3 DEER TICK Negativity
4 YUCK Glow And Behold
5 KING KRULE 6 Feet Beneath The Moon
6 PARQUET COURTS Tally All The Things That You Broke [EP]
7 KEVIN DEVINE Bubblegum
8 BELLE AND SEBASTIAN The Third Eye Centre
9 THOSE DARLINS Blur The Line
10 FUZZ Fuzz
11 SLEIGH BELLS Bitter Rivals
12 POLICA Shulamith
13 DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR. The Speed Of Things
14 HAIM Days Are Gone
15 MAN MAN On Oni Pond
16 FRANKIE ROSE Herein Wild
17 PHANTOGRAM Phantogram [EP]
18 THE BLOW The Blow
19 BEST COAST Fade Away
20 UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA Blue Record [EP]
21 CHVRCHES The Bones Of What You Believe
22 HEAD AND THE HEART Let’s Be Still
23 RUBBLEBUCKET Save Charlie [EP]
24 OBITS Bed And Bugs
25 MAZZY STAR Seasons Of Your Day
26 CHELSEA WOLFE Pain Is Beauty
27 DISMEMBERMENT PLAN Uncanney Valley
28 COURTNEY BARNETT The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas
29 ALBERT HAMMOND JR. AHJ
30 VOLCANO CHOIR Repave

Top Played Artists 10/22 – 10/28

1    OF MONTREAL    Lousy With Sylvianbriar
2    DEER TICK    Negativity
3    YUCK    Glow And Behold
4    DR. DOG    B-Room
5    KING KRULE    6 Feet Beneath The Moon
6    PARQUET COURTS    Tally All The Things That You Broke [EP]
7    SLEIGH BELLS    Bitter Rivals
8    FRANKIE ROSE    Herein Wild
9    THOSE DARLINS    Blur The Line
10    KEVIN DEVINE    Bubblegum
11    MAN MAN    On Oni Pond
12    UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA    Blue Record [EP]
13    OBITS    Bed And Bugs
14    FLATLINERS    Dead Language
15    BELLE AND SEBASTIAN    The Third Eye Centre
16    BEST COAST    Fade Away
17    CHVRCHES    The Bones Of What You Believe
18    THE BLOW    The Blow
19    RUBBLEBUCKET    Save Charlie [EP]
20    CHELSEA WOLFE    Pain Is Beauty
21    ELF POWER    Sunlight On The Moon
22    NO AGE    An Object
23    RJD2    More Is Than Isn’t
24    ST. LUCIA    When The Night
25    MGMT    MGMT
26    CRYSTAL STILTS    Nature Noir
27    SUPERCHUNK    I Hate Music
28    TIM KASHER    Adult Film
29    TOUCHE AMORE    Is Survived By
30    WASHED OUT    Paracosm