Shane's Recs: Top Ohio Releases in Recent Memory

By: Shane Riley, Promotions Director

Ohio is a silly state filled with silly bands that play for millions of dollars every night. Every once in a while, they cut records, too. Here are the best and most famous records from our great state in recent memory, as can be confirmed by the charts, on which all of the following are absolutely skyrocketing.

1. MURDEREDMAN - MURDEREDMAN 7’’

This is really nuts, this stuff. It really is. I wholly recommend it, as the title of this blog would state. The band's from Cleveland and it's somewhere between some heavy, shirtless spitting Jesus Lizard or Pissed Jeans or Shellac and a little wackier Flying Luttenbachers-type shindig.

2. Giant Claw - Max Mutant

This guy is a whacko, I can tell ya that much. He releases about 37 albums every couple weeks and all of them are mostly dope. This is his latest. It moves away a bit from his other work--a little less repetitive synth arpeggios a la Tangerine Dream (or whoever else has played synth in the past 400 years) and a little more emphasis on jazz drums samples and overall confusion. Sounds kinda like Squarepusher but a bit more nutso, ya know?

3. GAZER - Phone Commercial

Yeah, yeah, it’s kinda noise rock, it’s kinda punk or whatever. Sounds like Fugazi or someone else that sounds like that. I do know that it’s all very well done and one could not possibly resist listening to such a feat. I’m losing steam here but hey, it’s great. Check it out, live it up.

4. Mike Shiflet – Llanos

This was released a little bit ago, but hey, it’s quite good and everyone who has ever listened to it thinks it’s kinda pretty and it really is. Some good ol' field recordings blend in perfectly with some mellow harsh-out noise vibes and they all sound just jolly.

5. Fertile the Drip - Fertile the Drip

Whoa, this is actually a pretty great thing. Even though some dumb blues rock riffs take over every once in a while, it just makes sense in the worst way possible. Kinda like Naked City or some meta postmodern start/stop intentional campiness-type act. Genuinely weird, wet and wild, and who could want something more than that?

6. Moth Cock - Bremmy

Just listen to this little windbag play the clarinet with another nice guy doing nothing at all except hey, he’s really twiddling some knobs there and holy hell it sounds just dandy. This is live and it should be that way.

7. Zack Kouns - The Peasant Girl's Crotch Full of Stars

This guy’s a hack but his music is nice enough to make a little list, so.

There’s a lot more but eh, that’s enough for now.

Ben's Recs: Concert Hangovers

By: Ben Haager, General Manager

Concert hangovers are very real. Much like an alcohol-induced hangover, the physical symptoms (ringing ears, bruises, inability to move your legs, broken glasses from overweight crowd surfers) are rather easy to overcome given time and proper tools. The tougher symptoms are those which begin to consume your everyday life (listening to entire discographies on repeat, watching every music video the band has to offer, scouring the internet for set lists, deciding which photos are worth showing the world). 

The following are a few bands that have induced some of my most inhibiting (yet delightful) concert hangovers of recent memory:

1. Frightened Rabbit 

This band currently consumes me. Frightened Rabbit absolutely one of the tightest sounding bands I have ever seen. Somehow I managed to resist the urge to buy all of the band's LPs at the show (I still bought Sing the Greys there), but that resistance didn't last much longer as I purchased its 2013 effort Pedestrian Verse two days later. These guys must be from some other world, as their lyrical honesty is unprecedented to my ears. Although that world is no fairy tale, it's a world where everyone's lives and relationships are just as shitty (and occasionally wonderful) as the rest of ours.  

2. Nico Vega 

The stage presence of lead singer Aja Volkman is astounding. Seeing that beautiful lady completely lose herself onstage while belting the lyrics to the band's tunes rendered every artist not named Nico Vega useless on my iPod for weeks. She rules. 

3. The Cave Singers

Holy hell, these Washingtonian indie folk rockers are good. Peter Quirk sure knows how to work a stage with his killer dance moves and howling vocals as the band (which now features former Fleet Foxes multi-instrumentalist Morgan Henderson on bass and flute) backs him up with rolling licks and some groovy beats. I certainly can't help but mouth lyrics, bob my head and throw in the occasional hip shake when walking around town with The Cave Singers blaring through my headphones. 

4. Apocalyptica

Four classically trained electric cellists playing Metallica covers and original compositions. 'Nuff said.

5. Buddy Guy 

Buddy is the best guitar player out there. He is 77 years old and still pumping out killer blues albums. When he's on stage, he is ageless as he struts his absurd guitar and vocal abilities. Plainly put, the man has swagger. And I've had the blues everyday since seeing him.

Sam's Recs: All-Consuming Song Obsessions

By: Sam Boyer, PR Director / '90s Blogger

I don't know about you guys, but when I hear a song I really like (nay, love beyond all measure), I put it on repeat until my ears bleed. Some of them are new-ish and others are throwbacks that came back into my life for some reason. Either way, here are my favorite songs of the moment (that I've probably heard too many times in the past week).

1. "Do I Wanna Know?" by Arctic Monkeys

When I finally got around to listening to AM, I immediately became hopelessly obsessed with it. This song in particular grabbed a hold of me and refused to let go. It's so simple and sexy and pretty much perfect. The video is pretty sweet, too. Arctic Monkeys kind of have a throwback thing going on right now and I'm really digging it. If you haven't listened to AM yet, drop what you're doing and get on it.

2. "Ugliest Son" by Diarrhea Planet

Yeah, this is an unfortunate band name, but don't let that deter you. Diarrhea Planet has it going on in the pop-punk scene. The band's brand of pop-punk isn't as polished as, say, Fall Out Boy, but it's got enough catchy hooks to keep you dancing. "Ugliest Son" is probably my favorite song on I'm Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams because it shifts between raw power and gorgeous fanfare riffs. Check these guys out if you haven't already.

3. "Bleed American" by Jimmy Eat World

Okay, this is definitely a throwback. Think all the way back to 2001. Remember "The Middle?" It's from the same album as this song, but "Bleed American" has some more head-banging power to it. I'm not sure what spurred my sudden fascination with this song again. I was having a weird night over the weekend and decided to listen to some old tunes when this track came up on shuffle. I had an exhilarating moment of sweet nostalgia, then proceeded to play it on repeat for the next half hour.

4. "Keep" by Pity Sex

Wow. This band came out of nowhere and hit me square in the face. Pity Sex is a shoegazey pop-punk band with abandonment issues. Yeah, I think that's a fairly accurate description. I'll stick with that. "Keep" is the second track on Feast of Love, a top contender for one of my favorite albums of 2013. The band's switches between a male and female singer, but I think the female singer's voice has the most emotion, especially on this song. "Keep my heart 'cause I don't want it back," she croons. Ugh, stop breaking my heart, Pity Sex.

5. "Barely Legal" by The Strokes

I'm going to be unoriginal and say Is This It is my favorite Strokes album. Yeah, I know, I'm boring. But whatever. That album is perfection and "Barely Legal" is my favorite Strokes song. Can Julian Casablancas serenade me with this, please?

6. "Within You Without You" by The Beatles

Fun fact: "Within You Without You" is my favorite Beatles song. I love psychedelic Beatles and this song is the pinnacle of that drug-induced stupor. I also have a thing for sitars. This song (along with "Love You To" from Revolver) makes me want to pick up a sitar and/or dance around my bedroom like carefree hippie.

7. "Kalopsia" by Queens of the Stone Age

As of right now, ...Like Clockwork is probably my favorite album of 2013. "Kalopsia" is a huge highlight for me mostly because of Trent Reznor's involvement. It starts out so quiet with some hypnotizing synths, then explodes into a heavy-hitting melody sung by both Reznor and Josh Homme. They work so well together, I think I might cry.

8. "You Complete Me" by Stabbing Westward

Not as many people are familiar with Stabbing Westward than I originally thought, and that makes me sad. I remember listening to Darkest Days in my mom's car all the time when I was a kid. I just assumed everyone knew this band. But if you don't, that's okay (kind of). Stabbing Westward was an industrial band in the late '90s that scored a couple minor hits on alternative radio. "You Complete Me" wasn't a single, but it's one of my favorite songs. It's got some cool electronic elements, but the chorus is what always blows me away.

9. "Black Skinhead" by Kanye West

I am not a huge fan of Kanye, but damn, Yeezus is amazing. Everyone kept fangirling over it, so I had to see what the fuss was about. I got halfway through the opening track before I said, "Well, shit. This is great. Dammit, Kanye!" I was totally prepared to hate it, but it's just so visceral and unapologetic. "Black Skinhead" goes hard, and I won't lie, every time it comes on while I'm walking somewhere, I automatically feel like the biggest badass on the planet.

10. "Royals" by Lorde

I kept hearing this song on the radio back home over the summer and I found that it had the power to completely change my mood. Lorde (a.k.a. Ella Yelich-O'Connor) is 16 years old. She has the voice of an angel twice her age. How is that even possible? "Royals" is so deceptively simple in terms of instrumentation, but Lorde's vocals take it to the next level.

Amanda's Recs: Day in the Life

By: Amanda Norris, Chief Engineer

Hey Rock Lobsters. This week I thought I’d walk you through what has been my life soundtrack lately. What do you listen to when you’re taking six classes too many, spend a significant portion of your week selling drunk food at Wings Over until 3 a.m., and still need to make time for your friends, the occassional hopelessly collegiate moment, and the HBO show you’re currently addicted to? Apparently this:

Best Song to Study to: "Lulla" - Tinariwen

Best Song to Watch on the Idiot Box: Game of Thrones

Best Song to Cook Dinner to: "Sex Machine" - James Brown

Best Song to Have a Late Winter Porch Beer and Cigarette to: "Letters and Packages" - American Football

Best Song to Scream at the Top of Your Lungs While Driving on Backroads with Your Best Friend: "I'll Believe in Anything" - Wolf Parade

Best Song to Sling Chicken to: "Just a Friend" - Biz Markie

Best Song to Fall Asleep with Someone to: "Little Motel" - Modest Mouse

Best Song to Try to Find Funding for Study Abroad to: "Jerusalem" - Matisyahu

Best Song to Have an Existential Crisis to: "Saving Since September" - The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers

Best Song to Drive to a Camping Trip to: "Down in the Valley" - The Head and the Heart

Katie's Recs: Pop Culture Poms

By: Katie O'Leary, Visual Media Director

By now, everyone in ACRN knows I’m obsessed with all things four-legged and fuzzy. Because of this, I’ve decided to focus on my addiction for this week’s Exec Recs.

When it comes to Pomeranians, I’m a big softy. Those fluffy bodies and silly grins always get me. There are a number of these wholesome critters that have become Internet famous lately, especially in the mainstream media. It’s safe to say they’re more popular than human super stars.

1. Boo the Dog

In my opinion, Boo started it all. Known as “The World’s Cutest Dog,” he has his own book, makes appearances on the Today Show and has over six million followers on Facebook.

His fame started with a few home videos uploaded to YouTube. In most of the videos, he just sat there. He won the hearts of millions with his silly, short haircut. No special tricks or talents--just a fluffy head and a pajama-like body.

At the age of 7, Boo is living the high life. He gets flown out on locations and even works with different charities to help children’s hospitals. He also has a best friend named Buddy. They do everything together.

His owner was kept secret until an Internet rumor began that Boo died. The Wall Street Journal investigated the scandal and discovered Boo’s owner is Irene Ahn, a finance executive at Facebook. Now, many speculate Boo may have been a ploy by Facebook to get some attention. Whether this is true or not, Boo continues to warm the hearts of millions and brighten our days with his silly head.

2. Gigolo a.k.a. Giggy

Giggy is the most flamboyant Pomeranian in Hollywood. His owner, Lisa Vanderpump, is one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She also has her own show called Vanderpump Rules and is currently a dancer on Dancing with the Stars. Though she is always in the spotlight, Giggy never leaves her side.

He is always dressed up in the latest fashions. This dog has more clothes than I will ever hope to acquire. From suits to PJs, he has it all. I’m not positive about this, but I’m almost certain everything they put him in is designer.

The most hilarious quirk about Giggy is that he always looks sedated. Camera crews will be interviewing Lisa and Giggy will just be lying there, eyes half opened. I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen him walk on his own. He’s always being carried.

Also, since he’s constantly being dressed up, his fluffy fur will stick out of his clothing awkwardly. You can’t feel too bad for him, though--he has more celebrity friends than any dog could hope for. Now that’s one classy pooch.

3. Toothless Tippy

The past two Pomeranians I’ve mentioned are loved for their dashing good looks. Tippy, however, is slightly less-fortunate looking. She has no teeth and her tongue constantly lolls out of her mouth. It’s okay, though. I like to think of her as charming.

When Tippy was a puppy, she was abandoned at the Humane Society. Her owner rescued her and she’s been Instagram famous ever since. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up every once in a while, follow @toothlesstippy. She’ll definitely put a smile on your face. 

Jacob's Recs: Spotify Discoveries

By: Jacob Bowman, Visual Media Director

I joined the world of Spotify recently, and I have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying it. The relationship was love-hate at first as I found myself with an abundance of free music, as well as 30-second commercials trying to convince me to get the Spotify Mobile App. Well listen here, Spotify, I’ll respect you much more once you stop rubbing it in my face that my phone, in fact, can not host applications, therefore your mobile services are of no use to me, you self-promoting bastards.

Aside from that, Spotify has taken me on a musical vacation of sorts. I found myself in a music rut at the beginning of this year, and as much as I love to listen to Arcade Fire and Beach House on repeat, the times were a-changing. 

My ears needed sustenance and Spotify began to spoon-feed them. Thus, I will spoon-feed you my past week’s starred tracks on Spotify with hopes that any rut you may be finding yourself in is eliminated in the same fashion.

In Alphabetical Order:

1. Bombay Bicycle Club – “Lights Out, Words Gone”

When looking further into this band, you’ll find most of its songs are mostly just noise. It’s depressing. It hurts to find a band that can make a song as good as this only to later find out that there is a reason you haven’t heard of them. Regardless, this song is quite wonderful. It has a pop feel that reminds you of a beach in the best way possible. This upbeat track will be sure to eliminate the woes of spring bringing in blizzards.

2. Cut Copy – “Need You Now”

The beginning of this track reminds me of an epic written by James Murphy. Cut Copy works its way into this track with a minute and a half intro that leads to a song that plays more like an anthem than anything else. Dan Whitford’s voice is comparable to that of Matt Berninger’s (The National), and the band actually sounds like The National joining the world of pop.

3. Other Lives – “For 12”

This music is just haunting and wonderful. Other Lives is host to instrumentation comparable to Arcade Fire and is nothing but relaxing to listen to. Just sit back and let the strings carry you through this track from start to finish.

4. Pepper Rabbit – “Lake House”

What can I say about this band? I’m genuinely excited that Pepper Rabbit has joined my life this week. “Lake House” has been on repeat in my noggin and when looking into the rest of this album (Red Velvet Snowball), it’s clear that the album may be on repeat for most of my week. Check these guys out!

5. Surfer Blood – “Floating Vibes”

Here is something that has been a struggle for me to come to terms with. I used to despise Surfer Blood’s debut album. Initially, it was clear they knew how to write music, but the album didn’t necessarily display that they were capable of playing music. This is the opening track from Astro Coast and it is quite literally fantastic.  Still not the biggest fan of the rest of their album, but I definitely have June 11^th marked on my calendar as I wait for their next release.

Ben's Recs: Bargain Shows

By: Ben Haager, General Manager

When I was in high school, I went to a lot of concerts. Then I came to college and became poor, and thus stopped going to as many concerts. Lately however, I have been on a roll finding budget concerts. Here are a few bands you can see for a bargain in Athens/Columbus in the coming months (you might see me there as well). 

1. Alt-J - 3/30/13 - The LC Pavilion in Columbus - $5 ($8.50 including those dumb Ticketmaster fees)

The "first dose" of CD 102.5 Day brings British band Alt-J as a headliner. The tickets sold out within two hours, but I was lucky to snatch up a couple tickets for myself. If you haven't heard this band yet, click this link and watch immediately. Anytime I attempt to describe them to someone, I completely blank, as they prescribe to no genre. My best explanation is alternative folk rock with some sort of an electronic mix. You'd be much better off just clicking that link.

2. Murder By Death - 5/2/13 - @ The Bluestone in Columbus - $13.00 (Purchase here)

I've already seen Murder by Death a couple times, and let me tell you, they put on one hell of a show. I like to describe them as whiskey-infused, dark folk. Their cellist is absolutely breathtaking live. If you'd like to buy me a whiskey sour when you see me there, I would be quite thankful.

3. Dawes & Shovels and Rope - 6/16/13 - @ The Bluestone in Columbus - $17.00 (Purchase here)

The opener is what really attracts me to this show. Shovels and Rope is the sweetest duo out there. Call it blues, call it country, call it good ole rock n' roll--they just play darn good music. I don't know too much about Dawes, but I do know their songwriter Taylor Goldsmith from the indie supergroup Middle Brother, whose debut album was one of my favorite albums two years ago. It's safe to say this show will be a rip roarin' good time.

4. Cave Singers - 4/3/13 - @ The Basement in Columbus - $12.00 (Purchase here)

A band I discovered through KEXP, the Cave Singers have quickly become one of my favorite bands. Simple and bluesy, yet utterly intriguing, their new album Naomi is absolutely phenomenal. It's uncanny how much great and diverse music comes out of Seattle. 

5. ACRN Lobsterfest - 4/25-27/13 - @ The Smiling Skull, The Union, and Central Venue in Athens - FREE

Shameless self-promotion? The headliners will be the Cloud Nothings. If that isn't enough to get you excited, the Turbo Fruits have also been announced as part of the three-day festival bill, with many more bands to come. Plus, IT'S FREE! 

I hate Ticketmaster.

Chris' Recs: Best of 2013 (So Far)

By: Chris Dobstaff, Editorial Director

I’m just going to admit it: 2012 was kind of a “meh” year for music. Don’t get me wrong, there were some damn good albums that came out last year. But it’s undeniable that there were some months where I felt as if there was a lull in interesting music.

Thus far, 2013 has been an entirely different story. Only a few months in and I have already listened to quite a few albums that are contenders for my year-end list, with many more on the way. With that in mind, let’s talk about some of my favorite songs that have come out in what could perhaps be one of the best music years in recent memory.

1. Foxygen – "Shuggie"

This band came out of nowhere for me. With the release of its sophomore album, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic (which was released just six months after the band's debut), Foxygen captured my ears with a sound that was familiar, yet new. "Shuggie" is a perfect demonstration of the '60s acid-inspired sound you'll get from this San Francisco group. Just wait until the funky middle eight, and you'll jump right on this bandwagon, too.

2. The Strokes – "Slow Animals"

If you want the old Strokes, turn away. While we can all agree that Angles was a poor effort on nearly all accounts, the band's fifth album, Comedown Machine, is filled with gems such as "Slow Animals," which makes no apologies for the new '80s direction of the band. Minimalism is gone. This song sparkles in all the right ways, using guitars sparingly until the chorus kicks in. But the real treat is the song's bridge, which is catchier than the chorus. What you're getting here is a completely different band, but it's still one hell of a track.

3. Vampire Weekend – "Diane Young"

Everyone's favorite Ivy Leaguers are back! Vampire Weekend's sophomore effort was hit and miss at best, causing me to think that maybe they were a one-album wonder. "Diane Young" gives us all some hope that this isn't the case. The song has that same Vampire Weekend playfulness we've all come to love, but it's much more intense. With jaw-dropping drumming and the vocal distortions of Ezra Koenig, this one's already a lock for one of my top songs of the year.

4. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)"

Honestly, the guitar work in this song is better than anything I've heard so far this year. Just listen to that riff. It's so mellow, and yet it still floors me every time I hear it.

5. Mount Moriah – "Younger Days"

Mount Moriah's second album kicks off with "Younger Days," a song that highlights the gorgeous, Americana vocals of singer Heather McEntire. "August is over, / So when are coming back?" she sings at the chorus. On this song, McEntire is giving Neko Case a run for her money. Watch out for this band in the next couple of years.

Dave's Recs: Songs I Have on Repeat

By: Dave Griffiths, Programming Director

I listen to the same songs and same artists on a weekly basis. So here’s this week’s list of songs that I constantly play on repeat to annoy my girlfriend.

1. “Love Comes Close” by Cold Cave

If you’ve read any of my previous entries, then you already know about my love for Cold Cave. I first started listening to them when Cherish the Light Years came out, but recently started checking out Love Comes Close. The titular track is a nice trot through gothic synth pop and the melodramatic vocal delivery and relaxed rhythm is what keeps this one in the top rotation of my iPod.

2. “Blue Boy” by Texas is the Reason

I recently started getting into the '90s emo scene, and whenever I was searching for bands and songs on YouTube, this song happened to turn up. I haven’t been able to stop listening to it ever since. The great buildup and constantly chugging pace is textbook emo, and with the recent release of their compilation Do You Know Who You Are?, I was finally able to download and play this song whenever I wanted.

3. “I Think of You” by Rodriguez

For reasons I can’t explain, I love the sound of Spanish guitars and really slow-paced songs. This song encompasses both of those aspects, so obviously I play it all the time.

4. “Stay Useless” by Cloud Nothings

This was the first song I ever heard from Cloud Nothings, and its fast and fiery delivery only got me deeper into their discography. With the recent announcement of them as Lobsterfest’s headliners, this song will be heavily played for the next couple of months.

5. “If Only You Were Lonely” by The Replacements

Every once in a while, a song comes around that really describes an aspect of your life. This song pretty much described my nine-to-five summer schedule and the desire to just mellow out and do something new. That’s why I’ll keep listening to it until my girlfriend decides to destroy my speakers.

Bonus:

Also this. Perfection.