By: Matthew Bemer, PR Director
It has been a busy start to the quarter, and after finishing my first couple weeks as ACRN's new PR Director, there are a few things left that help me relieve the stress that is being a student. I am lying, I would not want to spend my college days any other way. Here's some stuff I been diggin' on lately:
1. "Jude Law and a Semester Abroad (Demo 2000)" by Brand New from their 2012 Your Favorite Weapon Reissue
My vinyl player has been out of commission since before Winter break, so I have been anticipating hearing this release on vinyl for a while now. I finally got it spinning, and it is everything I could want and more. Check out this demo session by Jesse Lacey and the band from the digital release.
2. "The Obituaries" by The Menzingers from their upcoming release On the Impossible Past
Punknews is going crazy over these guys, and for good reason. I don't recommend this, but their album leaked and from what I "hear," it is pretty freakin' amazing. This is a single that they released coinciding with their album pre-order. The full album drops February 21.
3. "Countdown" by Beyoncé
Last.Fm scrobbled my playing this at least 20 times in the past 7 days. It is a little bit of an obsession, because that scrobble does not include how many times I've watched the actual video.
4. "Boxcar [live]" by Jawbreaker
I just wrote a blurb for ACRN about Jawbreaker and how I wished they never broke up. This video speaks for itself.
5. "March" by Basement from their 2011 album I Wish I Could Stay Here
I can't really tell you all the details about why this is a particularly relevant song in my life, but in the near future I'll unveil the details. Until then, all I got to say is that this album rocks and lead singer Andrew Fisher is one of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure to talk to.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Ben's Recs: Blues on Vinyl - Great Christmas gift, or Greatest Christmas gift?
By: Ben Haager, Alumni And Investment Relations Director
This past Christmas I got a record player as my main gift. Since then I have been bargain hunting for some gems. My collection has built considerably since Christmas; here are some of the best and blusiest.
1. Jimi Hendrix and Otis Redding: Live at the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival
Jimi Hendrix on one side and Otis Redding on the other. Can't beat that. Because less people seem to know the delight that is Otis Redding, here is “Try A Little Tenderness.” You should recognize it as the sample Jay-Z and Kanye took for “Otis” on Watch the Throne.
2. Creedence Clearwater Revival Bayou Country
John Fogerty's voice is one of the most recognizable ever. It is astonishing that the Forgerty brothers were born in Berkeley, California, considering their association with the swampy bayou blues. Between “Good Golly, Miss Molly” and “Proud Mary” is “Penthouse Pauper,” which proves CCR had as much swag as any rap artist today.
3. Blues Brothers Soundtrack
Growing up in Illinois meant my father raised me watching Blues Brothers at an all-too-early age. And why not? It is undoubtedly one of the greatest movies ever, and has a ridiculous collection of artists featured both on film and on the soundtrack. Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles to name a few. Not to mention Belushi and Aykroyd are phenomenal artists themselves as the Blues Brothers.
4. Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan
SRV's talent was unfathomable. You know the nursery rhyme. Now listen to the song.
5. Good Old Boys - Randy Newman
Randy's talent is not limited to soundtracks by any means. His non-Pixar stuff actually contains some pretty controversial social commentary. Good Old Boys happens to be about the south, so you can easily imagine the focus of “Rednecks.”
6. Muddy Waters – Sweet Home Chicago
This album doesn't have a version of “Sweet Home Chicago” on it ironically enough. But I must question why people don't listen to Muddy Waters? You should.
This past Christmas I got a record player as my main gift. Since then I have been bargain hunting for some gems. My collection has built considerably since Christmas; here are some of the best and blusiest.
1. Jimi Hendrix and Otis Redding: Live at the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival
Jimi Hendrix on one side and Otis Redding on the other. Can't beat that. Because less people seem to know the delight that is Otis Redding, here is “Try A Little Tenderness.” You should recognize it as the sample Jay-Z and Kanye took for “Otis” on Watch the Throne.
2. Creedence Clearwater Revival Bayou Country
John Fogerty's voice is one of the most recognizable ever. It is astonishing that the Forgerty brothers were born in Berkeley, California, considering their association with the swampy bayou blues. Between “Good Golly, Miss Molly” and “Proud Mary” is “Penthouse Pauper,” which proves CCR had as much swag as any rap artist today.
3. Blues Brothers Soundtrack
Growing up in Illinois meant my father raised me watching Blues Brothers at an all-too-early age. And why not? It is undoubtedly one of the greatest movies ever, and has a ridiculous collection of artists featured both on film and on the soundtrack. Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles to name a few. Not to mention Belushi and Aykroyd are phenomenal artists themselves as the Blues Brothers.
4. Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan
SRV's talent was unfathomable. You know the nursery rhyme. Now listen to the song.
5. Good Old Boys - Randy Newman
Randy's talent is not limited to soundtracks by any means. His non-Pixar stuff actually contains some pretty controversial social commentary. Good Old Boys happens to be about the south, so you can easily imagine the focus of “Rednecks.”
6. Muddy Waters – Sweet Home Chicago
This album doesn't have a version of “Sweet Home Chicago” on it ironically enough. But I must question why people don't listen to Muddy Waters? You should.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Kory' Recs: "Are those supposed to be WORDS?"
By: Kory Kasler, Promotions Director
My family, not being into metal like I am, is constantly asking me things like: “What is he saying?” or “Are those supposed to be words?” when I am listening to something from the metal portion of my music library.
For this post, I’ve made a list of some of my favorite metal artists for any metal-loving Rock Lobsters who know that, yes, they are words.
1. Skeletonwitch
Being from Athens, I have been around Skeletonwitch for a long time. While I wasn’t around in 2004 when they came together, they became my favorite band after I purchased Beyond the Permafrost from the Haffa's Records metal section.
Their music is unique in that it doesn’t fit neatly into a certain genre; as, they combine elements of thrash, black metal, death metal, and other genres to put together some of the best blackened thrash music out there.
2. Toxic Holocaust
Toxic Holocaust is probably my favorite purely thrash band. There really isn’t much to say about them except that if you’re looking for some fast and intense thrash metal, then Toxic Holocaust is for you.
3. Horde
Say what you want about religious metal music, but it’s hard to deny that when it comes down to music alone, Horde is one of the best black metal bands out there in my opinion. Being around during the early part of the rise of black metal, they have the classic black metal sound: fast blast beat drumming, harsh, shrieked vocals, and foreboding chord progressions.
4. False
It’s always nice to see a band with a good female vocalist, and False is one of the best. If you’re looking for good, modern black metal, False is a great choice. Once again, great guitar, fast drums, and solid vocals.
5. Hilariously Disgusting Album/Song Titles
There are endless band, song, and album titles that are so disgusting and so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh at them. The music is less-than-stellar, to say the least, but it’s fun to cruise YouTube looking for funny/disgusting song titles like Gutrot’s “Gorging on Menstrual Chunks” or Spermswamp’s “Fermented Anal Nectar.” Come on, you know it made you laugh (or throw up.)
My family, not being into metal like I am, is constantly asking me things like: “What is he saying?” or “Are those supposed to be words?” when I am listening to something from the metal portion of my music library.
For this post, I’ve made a list of some of my favorite metal artists for any metal-loving Rock Lobsters who know that, yes, they are words.
1. Skeletonwitch
Being from Athens, I have been around Skeletonwitch for a long time. While I wasn’t around in 2004 when they came together, they became my favorite band after I purchased Beyond the Permafrost from the Haffa's Records metal section.
Their music is unique in that it doesn’t fit neatly into a certain genre; as, they combine elements of thrash, black metal, death metal, and other genres to put together some of the best blackened thrash music out there.
2. Toxic Holocaust
Toxic Holocaust is probably my favorite purely thrash band. There really isn’t much to say about them except that if you’re looking for some fast and intense thrash metal, then Toxic Holocaust is for you.
3. Horde
Say what you want about religious metal music, but it’s hard to deny that when it comes down to music alone, Horde is one of the best black metal bands out there in my opinion. Being around during the early part of the rise of black metal, they have the classic black metal sound: fast blast beat drumming, harsh, shrieked vocals, and foreboding chord progressions.
4. False
It’s always nice to see a band with a good female vocalist, and False is one of the best. If you’re looking for good, modern black metal, False is a great choice. Once again, great guitar, fast drums, and solid vocals.
5. Hilariously Disgusting Album/Song Titles
There are endless band, song, and album titles that are so disgusting and so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh at them. The music is less-than-stellar, to say the least, but it’s fun to cruise YouTube looking for funny/disgusting song titles like Gutrot’s “Gorging on Menstrual Chunks” or Spermswamp’s “Fermented Anal Nectar.” Come on, you know it made you laugh (or throw up.)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Kevin's Recs: Pirate Metal, Catchy Choruses and Other Delights
By: Kevin Rutherford, Editorial Director
1. "Newlands" - Justice
Justice - Newlands by FranklinP
It's tough to choose a favorite track off what might be the best electronic record of 2011, but this song is certainly a candidate. "Newlands" not only showcases Justice's growing predilection toward guitars, but also lets us know that they've become quite good at the instrument, too. Cap it off with an earworm of a chorus, and you have a song that will be played at dance parties well into the new year.
2. "Untitled" - Pearl and the Beard
These always-the-object-of-my-affection Brooklynites have a new song. Don't miss if you're a fan of cello, glasses, stupendous beards, or purely spectacular vocal performances. While the trio consists of three of the funniest individuals I've ever had the pleasure of interviewing, it also consists of three of the most passionate musicians I've met.
See them live.
Immediately.
3. "The Soft Voices Die" - Apparat
Talk about your unfair first impressions. When I first heard a few songs from German musician Apparat's new record The Devil's Walk, I was unmoved. I revisited the album for the purpose of reviewing it and was floored. The way Apparat can weave strings, piano, synths and his somber voice together into a patchwork of atmospheric songs is breathtaking. One of the best records of 2011.
4. "Get it Daddy" - Sleeper Agent
Say hello to the newest female-fronted indie rock darlings. Apparently, they don't like pinatas.
5. "Die" - Girls
Some were turned off by this cut from Girls' mesmerizing new record, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. I, on the other hand, dig it immensely. Sure, it's a step to the side of most of the band's other material, which would normally be something to criticize. But when your riffs are this delicious, it's hard to complain.
6. "Michael Jackson" - Das Racist
"I'm fucking great at rapppppiiiing!"
It doesn't matter how much you may think you hate this song right now. The refrain of "Michael Jackson! One million dollars!" will be stuck in your head for hours.
You feel me?
7. "Island in the Sun" - Weezer
RIP, Mikey Welsh.
8. "It's So Cold in the D" - T-Baby
The pride of Detroit.
9. "Homeward, These Shoes" - Iron & Wine
Sometimes you listen to a song and think, "This is way too long." Sometimes you think the exact opposite.
"Homeward, These Shoes" exemplifies the latter.
10. "Captain Morgan's Revenge" - Alestorm
What's that? You weren't aware 'pirate metal' existed? Prepare to be enlightened.
1. "Newlands" - Justice
Justice - Newlands by FranklinP
It's tough to choose a favorite track off what might be the best electronic record of 2011, but this song is certainly a candidate. "Newlands" not only showcases Justice's growing predilection toward guitars, but also lets us know that they've become quite good at the instrument, too. Cap it off with an earworm of a chorus, and you have a song that will be played at dance parties well into the new year.
2. "Untitled" - Pearl and the Beard
These always-the-object-of-my-affection Brooklynites have a new song. Don't miss if you're a fan of cello, glasses, stupendous beards, or purely spectacular vocal performances. While the trio consists of three of the funniest individuals I've ever had the pleasure of interviewing, it also consists of three of the most passionate musicians I've met.
See them live.
Immediately.
3. "The Soft Voices Die" - Apparat
Talk about your unfair first impressions. When I first heard a few songs from German musician Apparat's new record The Devil's Walk, I was unmoved. I revisited the album for the purpose of reviewing it and was floored. The way Apparat can weave strings, piano, synths and his somber voice together into a patchwork of atmospheric songs is breathtaking. One of the best records of 2011.
4. "Get it Daddy" - Sleeper Agent
Say hello to the newest female-fronted indie rock darlings. Apparently, they don't like pinatas.
5. "Die" - Girls
Some were turned off by this cut from Girls' mesmerizing new record, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. I, on the other hand, dig it immensely. Sure, it's a step to the side of most of the band's other material, which would normally be something to criticize. But when your riffs are this delicious, it's hard to complain.
6. "Michael Jackson" - Das Racist
"I'm fucking great at rapppppiiiing!"
It doesn't matter how much you may think you hate this song right now. The refrain of "Michael Jackson! One million dollars!" will be stuck in your head for hours.
You feel me?
7. "Island in the Sun" - Weezer
RIP, Mikey Welsh.
8. "It's So Cold in the D" - T-Baby
The pride of Detroit.
9. "Homeward, These Shoes" - Iron & Wine
Sometimes you listen to a song and think, "This is way too long." Sometimes you think the exact opposite.
"Homeward, These Shoes" exemplifies the latter.
10. "Captain Morgan's Revenge" - Alestorm
What's that? You weren't aware 'pirate metal' existed? Prepare to be enlightened.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Joe's Recs: 5 Classic Songs to Piss Off Your Hip Roommate
By: Joe Amlung, Programming Director
It’s a Friday night, your roommate is forcing you to listen to that same mix consisting of Tyler the Creator and Dubsteb (something about the beats' being good.) You just happen to be on your third Vanilla Coke, so you have some sugar-induced confidence going, and you’ve heard enough from “some band you’ve probably never heard of."
So, it’s time to take action: It’s time to take over the playlist, and--as an added bonus--annoy the hell out of your roommate.
Here are 5 classic songs that are sure to drive them crazy.
1. "Purple Rain" - Prince
By itself, this song seems harmless. I mean, come on, everyone loves Prince’s sexy reverb-drenched voice. The key here is to play it every time the word “purple,” is said in conversation. Trust me, it comes up more than you’d think. They’ll be in tears by the time they hear that epic guitar solo for the third time.
2. "More than a Feeling" - Boston
No explanation needed here. Just make sure you play air guitar.
3. "Feliz Navidad" – Jose Feliciano
Bonus point’s if it isn’t the holiday season.
4. "When I Come Around" - Green Day
The kicker here is they’ll have to pretend they hate it. No self-respecting music “aficionado” will ever admit they enjoy a song by Green Day. It’ll drive them crazy trying to hide the smile from their face.
5. "Hotel California" – The Eagles
The dude said it best, “I hate the ******* Eagles, man!” Also, you’ll need to pretend you’re The Jesus (also from the Big Lebowski). The Jesus is introduced earlier in the movie with a cover of Hotel California in the background. Granted, that cover is better than the original, but your roommate won’t be happy that you’re not respecting “The Dude."
It’s a Friday night, your roommate is forcing you to listen to that same mix consisting of Tyler the Creator and Dubsteb (something about the beats' being good.) You just happen to be on your third Vanilla Coke, so you have some sugar-induced confidence going, and you’ve heard enough from “some band you’ve probably never heard of."
So, it’s time to take action: It’s time to take over the playlist, and--as an added bonus--annoy the hell out of your roommate.
Here are 5 classic songs that are sure to drive them crazy.
1. "Purple Rain" - Prince
By itself, this song seems harmless. I mean, come on, everyone loves Prince’s sexy reverb-drenched voice. The key here is to play it every time the word “purple,” is said in conversation. Trust me, it comes up more than you’d think. They’ll be in tears by the time they hear that epic guitar solo for the third time.
2. "More than a Feeling" - Boston
No explanation needed here. Just make sure you play air guitar.
3. "Feliz Navidad" – Jose Feliciano
Bonus point’s if it isn’t the holiday season.
4. "When I Come Around" - Green Day
The kicker here is they’ll have to pretend they hate it. No self-respecting music “aficionado” will ever admit they enjoy a song by Green Day. It’ll drive them crazy trying to hide the smile from their face.
5. "Hotel California" – The Eagles
The dude said it best, “I hate the ******* Eagles, man!” Also, you’ll need to pretend you’re The Jesus (also from the Big Lebowski). The Jesus is introduced earlier in the movie with a cover of Hotel California in the background. Granted, that cover is better than the original, but your roommate won’t be happy that you’re not respecting “The Dude."
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Billy's Recs: It's just like, my opinion, man...
By: Billy Bracken, Sales Director
1. "Kangding Qingge" - Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet
Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet combine a unique blend of old time bluegrass with trational Chinese influences. While it may sound like a disaster in theory, the results are actually great.
2. "Around the World in a Tea Daze" - Shpongle
According to Raja Ram, the word “Shpongle” is a feeling of ultimate positive and euphoric emotions. I can’t help but fall into the Shpongletron Experience everytime I see their shows. Shpongle is a completely new sound that seems to incorporate aspects of a cornicopia of musical styles.
3. Why? - Good Friday
I’m a big fan of hip-hop. Yet I get tired of hearing the same recycled themes regurgitated constantly by most rappers. Why? is an experimental hip-hop group unlike anything I’ve heard before. Plus, the lead rapper has a bad ass mustache.
4. "Wonderlust King" - Gogol Bordello
Gogol Bordello is one of the few bands that fall under the classification of gypsy punk. I can’t think of a better description for their frantic and theatrical shows.
5. "Florida Rain" - Matt Bauer
I downloaded Matt Bauer’s EP a few years ago through looking at artists similar to Gillian Welch, and was instantly impressed with his songwriting. His darker lyrics and sparse use of instrumentals create a truly haunting Appalachian folk sound.
6. Gommorrah
Gommorrah is set in modern day southern Italy, and provides a brutal glimpse into the Comorra syndicate. The Comorra have existed since the 18th century, and have a huge influence over the region. Five unique stories come together through the involvement of the Comorra. It’s hard to believe the incredible amounts of corruption that take place daily in this region of Italy.
1. "Kangding Qingge" - Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet
Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet combine a unique blend of old time bluegrass with trational Chinese influences. While it may sound like a disaster in theory, the results are actually great.
2. "Around the World in a Tea Daze" - Shpongle
According to Raja Ram, the word “Shpongle” is a feeling of ultimate positive and euphoric emotions. I can’t help but fall into the Shpongletron Experience everytime I see their shows. Shpongle is a completely new sound that seems to incorporate aspects of a cornicopia of musical styles.
3. Why? - Good Friday
I’m a big fan of hip-hop. Yet I get tired of hearing the same recycled themes regurgitated constantly by most rappers. Why? is an experimental hip-hop group unlike anything I’ve heard before. Plus, the lead rapper has a bad ass mustache.
4. "Wonderlust King" - Gogol Bordello
Gogol Bordello is one of the few bands that fall under the classification of gypsy punk. I can’t think of a better description for their frantic and theatrical shows.
5. "Florida Rain" - Matt Bauer
I downloaded Matt Bauer’s EP a few years ago through looking at artists similar to Gillian Welch, and was instantly impressed with his songwriting. His darker lyrics and sparse use of instrumentals create a truly haunting Appalachian folk sound.
6. GommorrahGommorrah is set in modern day southern Italy, and provides a brutal glimpse into the Comorra syndicate. The Comorra have existed since the 18th century, and have a huge influence over the region. Five unique stories come together through the involvement of the Comorra. It’s hard to believe the incredible amounts of corruption that take place daily in this region of Italy.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Kory's Recs: Discovery Is Wonderful
By: Kory Kasler, Promotions Director
While I struggled to think of a fun theme for my first Exec Recs blog, I ended up failing miserably and decided to share a few artists and bands I discovered over the past year that I believe are worth passing along to the dedicated Rock Lobsters reading my ramblings. So, here are the first five that came to mind:
1. The Holy Mess
I feel like a lot of pop-punk bands these days have developed a consistently slightly boring sound, which saddens me as a pop-punk fan. These guys give me hope. They've got a knack for writing catchy songs and making their way into any playlist I try to put together.
2. Teen Daze
I'll be the first one to admit it....I'm a sucker for chill wave and synth pop. I came across Teen Daze this summer, and his ability to put together really solid synth pop tracks really impressed me. He is also well-versed when it comes to surf-pop and can make you feel like you're surrounded by sand and sunshine.
3. Dog Shredder
I am also a big fan of metal and hardcore, and after I stumbled across their Bandcamp page, I was hooked. I typically get bored when I listen to 10 minute long songs, but these guys have the ability to keep my attention for the entirety of their long tracks without making me shut off my iTunes.
4. Wax Phantom
This band's name alone should tell you they are rad....but in case you have never seen Scooby Doo, these guys are another solid pop-punk band I came across over the summer. I like their simple and catchy pop-punk, as well as the Scooby Doo samples throughout their album. My apologies for being unable to find a good live video for them.
5. Daytrader
I am also a fan of good emo/math rock stuff (i.e. the kind that isn't produced by teenagers wearing their sisters' jeans). Daytrader is just a good band who stuck with the early math rock sound. I make it a point to share them with my fellow emo/math rock fans.
While I struggled to think of a fun theme for my first Exec Recs blog, I ended up failing miserably and decided to share a few artists and bands I discovered over the past year that I believe are worth passing along to the dedicated Rock Lobsters reading my ramblings. So, here are the first five that came to mind:
1. The Holy Mess
I feel like a lot of pop-punk bands these days have developed a consistently slightly boring sound, which saddens me as a pop-punk fan. These guys give me hope. They've got a knack for writing catchy songs and making their way into any playlist I try to put together.
2. Teen Daze
I'll be the first one to admit it....I'm a sucker for chill wave and synth pop. I came across Teen Daze this summer, and his ability to put together really solid synth pop tracks really impressed me. He is also well-versed when it comes to surf-pop and can make you feel like you're surrounded by sand and sunshine.
3. Dog Shredder
I am also a big fan of metal and hardcore, and after I stumbled across their Bandcamp page, I was hooked. I typically get bored when I listen to 10 minute long songs, but these guys have the ability to keep my attention for the entirety of their long tracks without making me shut off my iTunes.
4. Wax Phantom
This band's name alone should tell you they are rad....but in case you have never seen Scooby Doo, these guys are another solid pop-punk band I came across over the summer. I like their simple and catchy pop-punk, as well as the Scooby Doo samples throughout their album. My apologies for being unable to find a good live video for them.
5. Daytrader
I am also a fan of good emo/math rock stuff (i.e. the kind that isn't produced by teenagers wearing their sisters' jeans). Daytrader is just a good band who stuck with the early math rock sound. I make it a point to share them with my fellow emo/math rock fans.
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