Matt's Recs: Dodongo's Cavern

By: Matthew Bemer, PR Director

1. Count Your Lucky Stars Records might be my favorite current record label. Scratch that. It is. They recently signed Ann Arbor, MI-based emo/math outfit Brave Bird and released their 2010 EP Ready Or Not for free digital download. RIYL: This Town Needs Guns, Brand New and anything else that rocks. The first track, "Scared Enough", might be my favorite. It's a cathartic experience to say the least. 

2. The dude on campus who sells Buddhist books (or whatever practice they are) stopped me yesterday and asked for "help," which means that he wanted me to buy his books. "No thanks," I said. I thought to myself how weird it was that he phrased it as "help." Because buying books doesn't really help him. I mean, it can help him, but I don't know how it can help him. This musing is going nowhere. I was listening to John K. Samson's "Grace General" which appears on his latest release Provincial. Weird album for spring, but can there be a more brilliant singer/songwriter? I don't think so. And if we disagree, go listen to Left and Leaving. As I left Buddha Man, he mumbled, "You didn't look like the type that would help." Yeah, probably not. 

3. The past couple days have been a mix of good and bad for the LGBTQ community. Against Me!'s lead singer, formerly as Tom Gabel, revealed to the nation his decision to begin life as a woman. Obama and Biden have come out in support of equal rights for gays and North Carolina voted for the abolishment of gay marriage as well as civil unions. Regardless of how you stand on the issue, I think we can all agree that a human is a human and that hate-speech is unacceptable. Rise Against's lead singer Tim McIlrath recently wrote an essay on language and homophobia in the music community for Alternative Press. And even though they're now branded as a radio-rock band, I have to say, McIlrath is a pretty smart guy. They released a music video for "Make It Stop (September's Children)" a while back that echoes his essay's call to drop words like "gay" and "fag" from our language. It's by no means my favorite song by Rise Against, but it is a powerful video. 

4. I love Nervous Energies' sessions. I love Title Fight. As a wise Twitter celebrity by the name of @JADEDPUNKHULK said, "HULK JUST THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH MORE AWESOME TITLE FIGHT BE ONCE THEY GET OVER PUBERTY." I mean, yeah, that's kind of true. The more important point is that they're a.) young, b.) talented and c.) destined for greatness. They're like Lifetime's younger brother. Back to business. Nervous Energies is like the Daytrotter of emo/punk/pop-punk/math-rock music. Lifetime's singer/guitarist Jamie Rhoden played a couple songs acoustic for the session a few days ago. Check out this stripped-down version of "Shed."

5. I'll leave Right Away, Great Captain!'s newly released single to be covered by our Editorial Director Hannah Cook. She loves that dude. Instead, I'm going to plug my favorite Lobsterfest band and, in a way, unofficially announce that they will be playing Lobsterfest. If you're unaware, Lobsterfest is ACRN's annual music festival. Word has just gotten back to me that indie-punk act Reading Group from Louisville, KY has officially been booked for the festival. Check out the video for "Holy Kisser." There's a lot to love about the song. It's catchy. It's cute. It's fun. It's all around a good time even though it kind of makes people want to have a flashing light-induced seizure. Nonetheless, I can honestly say that I'm really excited to see Jamie Prott and company here in Athens for Lobsterfest. We should all get a drink together. 

Check out the other main headliners, too! Pujol and Xray Eyeballs. They are both extremely accomplished and extremely awesome. I say we all grab a drink. 

Bonus rec from ACRN's PR exec:

Beautiful?

Dave's Recs: Spotify me, Captain!

By: Dave Griffiths, Programming Director

I love Spotify.  No chance of downloading viruses.  No limited number of skips.  All you have to deal with is a couple of ads and you’re good to go.  I’ve made dozens of playlists, but these are the album playlists that make up the majority of my listening time.

1.  Attack on Memory - Cloud Nothings
I had never heard of Cloud Nothings until this album began to show up in ACRN’s rotation.  I instantly fell in love with this album not only because it was made by a couple of Clevelanders, but also because every song on the album is so diverse and could easily stand on its own as a great single.  Literally every style of rock is explored in this album and I would say it encompasses the definitive college rock sound without overwhelming newcomers with too much experimentation.  It is a must-listen.

2.  Seasons In Verse - My Heart to Joy
I began getting into emo in high school and picked it back up in college. I’m not talking about that emo with the Mickey-Mouse-voice vocalist you hear for a year before the band vanishes without a trace; I’m talking about pure emotion surrounded by the raw sounds that hark back to the glory days of punk rock.  This album encompasses both elements perfectly.  The lyrics are so simple, yet the vocals and musicianship are filled with so much power that you can find at least one song to relate to even if you have no idea what the song actually means.  It's the perfect album to come back home to after a long day at the office.

3.  Dive - Tycho
Techno and synthesizers have always held a special place in my heart.  When I first heard this album, I thought it was good, but I thought it was a one-hit-wonder kind of a deal. 

Big mistake. 

Not every person will like Dive because of its ambient sound, but if you’re looking for a trip into the wonders of rhythm, sounds and beats, it's something you need to listen to at least once in your life.  Each arrangement is unique and Tycho takes you on a catchy ride that encompasses the laid-back side of techno.  If California had a soundtrack, this would be it.

4.  Cherish the Light Years - Cold Cave
If you took the '80s synthesizer sound, added a touch of gloomy undertones and threw in a little eccentric personality, then you just created one of the greatest alternative electronic acts in the modern world. 

When I first heard "Confetti" from this album, I was obsessed.  I listened to it three or four times in a row and then annoyed my roommate by playing it three more times that night.  As I kept playing Cherish the Light Years, I began to move away from the single and discovered a great electronic sound that emulates the best sounds and styles of the '80s while cutting away all the crap and cheesiness of the decade.

If you’re looking for a nice technological sound without constantly pulsating bass and lyrics that consist of more than repetitions of three word phrases, then this is the album for you.

5.  El Ten Eleven - El Ten Eleven
The name of the game here is musicianship, and these guys are masters. 

Lyrics aren’t always needed to create emotion.  Rather, one just needs guitars, bass, a drum set and a good sense of how to arrange the clashing sounds together to create a mood. 

El Ten Eleven's self-titled is the kind of album that builds up to a dynamic sound with the melodic tuning and simple chords of a guitar, a smooth bass line and a simple drum rhythm that never overpowers. 

Each instrument is given equal treatment and what results is a collection of beautiful arrangements that explore every human emotion without uttering a single word.

Hannah's Recs: "Oh my gosh, dudes in bands are like, so funny."

By: Hannah Cook, Editorial Director
 
1. That Mitchell and Webb Look



I’m not just saying this because 50 percent of my blood comes from the London, England (Hey dad). I’m saying it because it’s true. The English know how to make a person laugh. It’s not that Americans don’t, but there’s something so delightfully sarcastic and bizarre about British humor. Ever heard of Monty Python and the Holy Grail? Yeah, you have, and it probably made you laugh before (or maybe after) you realized that it was the perhaps the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen.

It helps that the British are also a rather unattractive group of people. Gotta love those teeth.

Anyway, I discovered That Mitchell and Webb Look after discovering Peep Show on Hulu. Peep Show is about two painfully sarcastic and goofy roommates living a painfully sad life of denial. And it’s hilarious.
That Mitchell and Webb look consists of the same two guys but instead, they play many different roles in many different skits. This is the best one.

 2. Something for Somebody Somewhere, Andy Hull’s blog
 
Manchester Orchestra was that band for me—The band that I discovered at 15 and decided “aint nobody else can has them.” Well… they may be playing on the same radio station as Kings of Leon now (and playing on a radio station in general) but they still have a small place in my heart. That being said, it’s nice to keep up with them every once in a while, and frontman Andy Hull’s blog is a good way to do so.

Oh my gosh, dudes in bands are like, so funny.  

3. Little Baby Girl—the Internet sensation

Did you really think I would make it through this blog without mentioning LBG?

If you don’t know, Little Baby Girl is my guinea pig and she’s a chubby sassy squatch. She has her own Facebook fan page as a public figure. I wanted to make her, her very own Facebook page, but Facebook didn’t think “Little Baby Girl” sounded like a real person’s name, so they didn’t let me. Anyway, she’s at about 41 likes right now, but I’m trying to make her an Internet sensation.

Reddit didn’t love her, but maybe you will.

4. The Sagan Series



Gotta give props to my boyfriend for this one. The Sagan Series is presented in nine parts on Youtube and every single one is incredibly stimulating, both visually and mentally. Carl Sagan’s handsome voice asks questions and provides insight on the idea of traveling to other planets.

For simplicity’s sake, let’s keep it at that. Above is the last of the segments called "The Humans," and it might just be my favorite. It helps that "The Album Leaf" is playing behind it.

“Should we solve those problems first, or are they the reason for going? "

5. "Anti Anti" - Snowden



Snowden has been one of my favorites for a while, ever since I saw them open up for Colour Revolt about five years ago. It’s sad though, because they haven’t done much since then besides release an EP (although it is a kick-ass EP. Slow Soft Syrup—check it out).

I’m not entirely sure what the hiatus is all about, but I do know that they’re one of the few bands who I can deem original in some sense.

“Anti-Anti” is one of their first hits off of the 2006 album of the same name. It’s jumpy and progressive and just wonderful.

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!
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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.