Kory's Recs: "This One Time On Bandcamp"

By: Kory Kasler, Promotions Director

I don't use iTunes. I don't have a Spotify account. I've never used last.fm. I just spend way too much time on Bandcamp, and I thought I'd share some albums I've stumbled upon during that time.


1. "Sad Bastard EP" - Algebra



Algebra is a really solid alternative hip-hop act from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am a big fan of Cincinnati hip-hop artist Evolve, and this album immediately reminded me of that same style. I wish there were more of this in the world and less Wiz Khalifa or Lil Wayne.

2. "SON.R22" - Hexis



European black metal/grind artist Hexis is definitely one to check out if you are into black metal. It adds a ton of intensity with the ultra-fast grind element and forms a really solid album. Check it out for sure.

3. "Demo 2011" - Traitors



Traitors is a strange mix of hardcore, punk, thrash and sludge. They do a great job of switching between the styles and still making the demo sound like an album and not just a collection of songs. The first track comes in and is really sludge-heavy, and then they go into the second track that is faster and has more of a thrash element in it. It's really interesting, and is definitely one for a fan of hardcore.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

4. "DOMESPLITTER" - Direct Hit!



This is one of the best pop-punk albums I've stumbled across in a long time. It's got really catchy lines and a lot more energy than a lot of pop punk bands I've seen. The scratchy, screamed vocals really bring it all together to make it sound more intense than you'd expect from a pop punk band. Great album!
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
5. "Follow Me" - Chalk Dinosaur



Chalk Dinosaur is a really eclectic project that encompasses some elements of surf rock, indie pop, funk, and all kinds of other odds and ends and really makes something unique. It's always good to see someone doing something new rather than copying what other people have done in the past. Definitely check it out. With that many different things mixed together, there's got to be something you like.

Dan's Recs: As Random As It Gets

By: Dan Lesiczka, Music Director

1. The Walking Dead



I'm sure by now most people have heard about the AMC series "The Walking Dead", which is just starting its second season. If you haven't, I'd definitely recommend catching up on it. It is well worth your time. The show is based on a series of comics which focuses on a group of people trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world overrun with flesh-hungry zombies. The series is well-made and features plenty of action and even more drama.

2. "Linsanity"

It may be hard to believe, but I'm a huge sports buff, and quite frankly this is one of the best sports stories I have heard in a while.

Jeremy Lin plays point guard for the New York Knicks right now, and has the record for the most points in the first 5 starts of his career. The guy graduated from Harvard, wasn't drafted, bounced around the NBA and the D league, and finally got a chance to play because of injuries for the Knicks. It's safe to say he hasn't looked back since. He went from sleeping on his brother's couch to becoming a phenom in the NBA and sweeping the nation in the process.

3. American Dad

There once was a time when "American Dad" was thought to be the ugly sister of "Family Guy" that nobody seemed to respect, but that time is over. "American Dad" has now clearly become the the better of the 2 and is slowly becoming better and better as "Family Guy" weakens. "American Dad" is my favorite show on TV now; the storylines and punchlines are great, as well the references to obscure pop culture events and people.

4. Super Smash Bros.

Easily my favorite fighting game of all time. The game has all the attributes necessary for to be successful, memorable Nintendo characters, great levels and graphics, easy controls, and unmatched multiplayer gameplay. Nintendo has continued to make the game better as well, without losing its original essence by adding in characters, levels, and modes of play.


5. Animal Kingdom

"Animal Kingdom" is one of my favorite movies in recent memory. It is an Australian independent film released in 2010, based on a family in Melbourne that robs banks for a living--or used to, at least.

The corrupt police department has forced them into hiding, but there is also a lot of turmoil among the family. Things eventually go from bad to worse, pinning relatives against one another. If you like crime/mob films, I definitely recommend checking it out.

Leo's Recs

By: Leo Sideras, Production Director

1. "Video Games" - Lana Del Rey Melo-X Live Remix



Melo-X has been one of my favorite artists for quite some time. He is a producer/hip-hop artist working out of the New York underground. Melo-X blends multiple musical influences into his work. This is one of my favorite remixes by him, Lana Del Rey’s famous "Video Games." If you like this song, check out his other music. He is always producing extremely diverse content.

2. "New Beat" - Toro Y Moi



Many of you have probably heard "New Beat" by Toro Y Moi. It is, hands-down, my favorite song by the band. The bass line gets me every time, which is what sets New Beat apart from so many other songs.

3. Gang Gang Dance 4AD Session



If I could describe Gang Gang Dance’s song titled "Adult Goth" in one word it would be "majestic." It starts at about 21:10 in the above video. Gang Gang Dance is straight out of Brooklyn, NY and signed to 4AD Records. Artists on this label include Bon Iver, St. Vincent, and Tune Yards among many others.

Their setup is complex, including a multitude of synths and percussion, in addition to guitar, bass, and ambient vocals. As you can see from the video, they put themselves in a room full of mirrors. Pretty trippy stuff.

4. "Glory" - Ryan Leslie



Ryan Leslie is undoubtedly one of my favorite Hip-Hop/R&B producers of all time. He optimized his fan interaction by releasing in-studio ‘making of’ videos on YouTube. His song titled "Glory" is self-produced by Ryan Leslie and is a huge production. Not only is the music unreal, but also his lyrics explain his ride in the music industry.

5. "Fulham 2 Waterloo" - Caspa



Caspa is one of the artists who brought the genre of Dubstep into existence. His song "Fulham 2 Waterloo" is a great club track. In addition, the video is a unique concept, following a cab driver throughout the adventures of his night. What I love about Caspa is that he still spins vinyl at his DJ sets, something you don’t see too much anymore.

Kevin's Recs: Let's talk about the '80s

By: Kevin Rutherford, Editorial Director

1. "Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil



Choruses rarely get bigger than this. Sure, I can see why Peter Garrett's vocal work on the verses could be off-putting, but the payoff is tremendous. This is a bona fide anthem, the song other anthems look to and are all, "WHOA, BRAH, WHY ARE WE EVEN TRYING?!" Add in lyrics calling for the Australian government to return desert lands to the native Pintupi, and you have what they call a political anthem. It's been ranked among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll, and it's fairly easy to see why.

2. "Down Under" by Men at Work



Speaking of Australia -- how about we touch on the most decidedly Australian song since "Kookaburra" (LOL DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?). Fun fact: lead singer Colin Hay is actually Scottish, having moved to Australia at age 14. Fun fact 2: Former guitarist Ron Strykert was arrested in 2008 for making death threats toward Mr. Hay. Fun fact 3: This song is my spirit animal.

3. "Africa" by Toto



Directly following "Down Under" atop the Billboard Hot 100 was a song about an entirely different continent altogether. Sure, it's a bit Westernized, but... but... ah, hell, let's just take some take to reflect on how much this video just screams, "This was made in the '80s! Look at me!" Also, my god could these guys harmonize.

4. "Sailing" by Christopher Cross



In case you were wondering where the hell Bon Iver's "Beth/Rest" came from. Yacht rock = best genre. Also, it's a little known fact that Mr. Cross was one of the forerunners of wearing sports jerseys when one performs. You're welcome, hip hop guys.

5. "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood



In which Steve Winwood goes into BEAST MODE. That dancing.

6. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon



Paul Simon's all like, "Yo Toto, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you finish, but I just made one of the best African-flavored songs by a white guy of all time. ONE OF THE BEST AFRICAN-FLAVORED SONGS BY A WHITE GUY OF ALL TIME. *shrug*"

7. "Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco



#RIPFalcoTooSoon

8. "Nemesis" by Shriekback



After Barry Andrews left XTC in the late '70s, he formed the lesser-known (but still totally great) rock act Shriekback in 1981. Their high note? I'd say this. And no, I don't really know what's going on in the video either.

9. "Why Should I Worry" from Oliver & Company



Oh god guys, remember that time Billy Joel voiced an animated character in a Disney film? Yeah, that really happened.


And I promise you this -- if you listen to this song now, it'll be even better than you remember it as a kid. Say what you will about Joel's acting, but maaaan, that guy could write a tune.

10. "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder



This song and the embedded video might be the most telling example of the '80s I've ever seen. The main reason? Just LOOK at Matthew Wilder.

Also, favorite song of the '80s. I'm serious.