Radio Roundup for the week of October 23rd
Library Manager’s Pick – Kyle Hooker ’24
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Library Manager’s Pick – Kyle Hooker ’24
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check out these recommendations and let them become the soundtrack to your semester. *RIYL (recommended if you like) Social Media Director’s Pick — Kai Velazquez ’23 Album: “Foreign Things” — Amber Mark Genre: Soulful pop RIYL: Remi Wolf, Austin Millz, Hope Tala, Smino Blurb: Amber Mark has been said to create music that will make you dance and cry. I would add on top of that that her music will remind you of the light illuminating your path in dark times. The start of the semester has been tough, but my favorite track on this EP, “Worth It,” has kept me going. Mark sings about the moments when you feel like you don’t deserve the good in life and reminds you that “you’re so damn [worthy]” of joy. Through grief, regret and pain, the lyrics and beats will reverberate through your heart. Co-Concert Manager’s Pick — Luke Robins ’23 Album: “An Overview on Phenomenal Nature” — Cassandra Jenkins Genre: Indie Rock/Folk RIYL: Big Thief, Slaughter Beach Dog, Indigo de Souza Blurb: This first week of school, I have felt non-stop out of breath. From readjusting to the social scene to remembering homework exists, stressors can be overwhelming. Cassandra Jenkins’ babbling production and swirling lyrics reminds me to take the space I need to breathe. Library Manager’s Pick — Kyle Hooker ’24 Album: “Seal” — Seal Genre: Pop/ Neo R&B/Soul RIYL: World Party, The Subdudes, also classic R&B Blurb: This album is a few decades old, but I was told that’s alright. In any case, this album is the debut, self-titled album from Seal, which I own on cassette (courtesy of my mom). The album has a nice blend of higher energy songs with a good baseline and slower, more mellow songs. All of them are long, with nice groove, pacing and beautiful, passionate lyrics. The first track is called “The Beginning,” which I feel is fitting for transitional moments. General Manager’s Pick — Maddie Van Beek ’22.5 Album: “If This Isn’t Nice, I Don’t Know What Is” — Still Woozy Genre: Indie Rock RIYL: Rex Orange County, Omar Apollo, Glass Animals Blurb: After years of incredibly catchy singles and EPs, Sven Gamsky, better known as Still Woozy, has finally released his debut album. “If This Isn’t Nice, I Don’t Know What Is” was produced in Gamsky’s home studio garage, imbuing it with all of the character of his bedroom pop roots. The album takes us through Gamsky’s often chaotic mental state. “You wouldn’t last a day in my head” is the repeated warning of the opening track. These lyrics are balanced out by Gamsky’s strong command of sound and genre blending, making for an album that’s layered with emotional and sonic complexity. Music Director’s Pick — Natalie Penna ’24 Album: “i’m so glad i feel this way about you” — Insignificant Other Genre: Indie Punk/ Indie Pop Rock RIYL: Remember Sports, Origami Angel, Diet Cig Blurb: “i’m so glad i feel this way about you” is a catchy, bouncy and sometimes angry album about a lot of complex feelings. Each song is its own specific moment in time, and they feel personal while being easy to relate to. Above all else, this album is super fun whether you’re deeply listening or just looking for something to play while you study. Music Director’s Pick — Pia Contreras ’22 Album: “Obviously” — Lake Street Drive Genre: Alternative RIYL: The California Honeydrops, Anderson East Blurb: The song “Hypotheticals” has been stuck in my head since I first heard it in March, and I’m not upset about it at all. “Obviously” is a very fun album to sing along and dance to. Side note: if you ever find yourself with the aux on a car ride and don’t know what to play, pick this album — you won’t regret it.
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check out these recommendations to carry you through the summer, and listen to the roundup here on Spotify. *RIYL (recommended if you like) Creative Director’s Pick - Chad Kim ’23.5 Album: “Sauropoda” — L’éclair Favorite Song from the Album: “Castor MacDavid” Genre: Psych Jazz/Funk RIYL: Beyond the Seasons, Pink Floyd, Los Bitchos Blurb: If you’re looking to be seduced into a sundrunk daydream, then L’éclair can provide the funky beats and immaculate synth transitions to guide you there. L’éclair is composed of seven Frank Zappa-types — indicative of a cloning experiment gone right — who have mastered their own unique instrument. Each band member grabs your attention and invites you into the experience as they jam in perfect harmony. All the tracks they have released so far immerse you into deep funk, and “Sauropoda” is a delicately curated gateway album into this psychedelic solar storm. Get on outta here and go listen to it outside! Music Director’s Pick - George Werner ’21 Album: “The House at Sea” — Amor de Días Favorite Song from the Album: “The House at Sea” Genre: Dream Pop RIYL: The Clientele, Papercuts, Cass McCombs, Still Corners, classical guitar Blurb: Originally the side project between the Clientele’s Alasdair MacLean and Pipas’s Lupe Núñez-Fernández, Amor de Días’s 2013 album “The House at Sea'' provide a soothing, readily listenable collage of passing images. Classical guitar features on many of the tracks, which are awash with a bright nostalgia, offering scenes of beaches and passing clouds. If you are looking for a bilingual soundtrack to a slow day on an empty seashore, you could do much worse than put on “The House at Sea.” Tech Director’s Pick - Maddie Van Beek ’22.5 Album: “Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)” — Fred again.. Favorite Song from the Album: “Kyle (I Found You)” or “Angie (I’ve Been Lost)” Genre: Dance/Electronic RIYL: FKA Twigs, Tourist, Jayda G, TSHA, Ross from Friends, Brian Eno Blurb: British producer Fred again.. assembled this album by sampling from “actual life.” Over the course of eight months, he curated snippets from personal FaceTime conversations, iPhone videos and clips from YouTube and Instagram, then transformed them into a series of equally thoughtful and catchy songs that flow into each other seamlessly. Music Director’s Pick - Dan Frazo ’23 Album: “Guantanamo Bay Surf Club” — Guantanamo Bay Surf Club Favorite Song from the Album: “Escargot Blues,” “Georgia Make” or “Homesick of Home” Genre: Alternative Rock, Surf Rock RIYL: Atta Boy, Ezra Bell, Dan & Drum, Flipturn, Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners Blurb: The name "Guantanamo Bay Surf Club" was conceived of in Havana, Cuba when the band was invited upon their arrival in the country to go surfing with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. While the Colorado-based trio are no surfers, they certainly know how to have a good time. Their self-titled album was released in 2017 and is the perfect complement to any hangout. Between the groovy hooks of songs like “Escargot Blues” and the gentle lo-fi beats of “Georgia Make,” Guantanamo Bay Surf Club pairs nicely with summertime delicacies such as enjoying an adult beverage with friends or falling asleep in the sun, knowing full well you’re going to wake up with a nasty sunglasses tan line. Creative Director’s Pick - Pia Contreras ’22 Album: “Colores” - J Balvin Favorite Song from the Album: “Azul” Genre: Reggaeton RIYL: Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Maluma Blurb: What is better than a color coordinated album? Very few things. Combine that with reggaeton, and you get something really great! This album assigns a color to each of its songs depending on what they “feel” like, a fun concept that plays into the vastly different moods of each of the tracks. I strongly recommend giving this a listen, particularly if you want to unwind or simply dance some pent up energy out of your system. Social Media Manager - Jose Morales ’22 Album: “:3” - Axolotes Mexicanos Favorite Song: “Verano en Espiral” or “Cara de Idiota” Genre: Indie Pop, Punk, J-Pop RIYL: Los Bonsáis, Las Annettes, Cariño Blurb: Axolotes Mexicanos is a band based in Madrid and their latest project “:3” is fun and energetic. Their loud guitars remind you of an indie punk track, but they also build up some pop and J-pop production for an interesting and exciting sound.
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check back each week for a new set of recommendations. *RIYL (recommended if you like) Business Manager’s Pick - Maia Sauer ’22 Album: “Anika” - Anika Genre: Post-Punk, Dub, Electronic RIYL: John Maus, Ariel Pink, Molly Nilsson Blurb: For her 2010 self-titled project, Anika worked with Geoff Barrow of Portishead, a fun mix of ’60s pop and folk covers. I just rediscovered “Anika” on my Spotify and have been enjoying its moments of punky heaviness interspersed with those of greater mellowness. Anika’s echoey speak-singing carries throughout the album. Give this one a listen if you’re looking for a lowkey energy boost this week. Tech Director’s Pick - Maddie Van Beek ’22.5 Album: “tape 001” and “tape 002” - BETWEEN FRIENDS Genre: Alternative Pop RIYL: Dayglow, Gus Dapperton, Remi Wolf, Ryan Beatty, Kid Bloom Blurb: Alt-pop sibling duo BETWEEN FRIENDS is in the process of releasing three short mixtapes about the past year, with “tape 001” and “tape 002” already out and “tape 003” on the horizon. After a two-year hiatus, their work has matured and become much more daring. While “tape 001” sticks to their pop roots and evokes artists like MIA or Crystal Castles, “tape 002” takes more risks, leaning into hyperpop in a self-described “ode to nightlife.” The mixtapes are short, fun listens — keep your eyes peeled for “tape 003!” Creative Director’s Pick - Chad Kim ’23.5 Album: “The Future’s Still Ringing In My Ears” - Sam Cohen Genre: Ethereal, Psychedelia RIYL: Sam Evian, MGMT, Post Animal Blurb: Striking a delicate balance between the nightmarish and the blissful, “The Future’s Still Ringing In My Ears” embodies acoustic and electric overtones complemented by psychedelic undertones that can really get you amped for the nightmare zone. You don’t have to worry about being a poser, as two of Cohen’s most popular songs come from this album; I believe this is a testament to the album’s allure. If you’re looking for an album to narrate actions of metaphorical arson or a drunken stupor whilst in a playground, then this album is for you. Creative Director’s Pick - Pia Contreras ’22 Album: “Good Thing” - Leon Bridges Genre: R&B,Soul RIYL: John Mayer, Sam Cook, Otis Redding, Ray Charles Blurb: This album masterfully plays with old-school tropes and new sounds to create what I think is a very cool album. While of course I am a fan of “Beyond,” I recommend listening to “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand” and “If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)” to understand just how versatile Bridges can be. Give these a listen if you’re interested in a fun blend of new music that leans toward retro. Social Media Manager’s Pick - Jose Morales ’22 Single: “Star” - Yella Beezy ft. Erica Banks Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop RIYL: Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, Boosie Badazz Blurb: Yella Beezy and Erica Banks have both made a name for themselves this year in Texas with singles like “That’s on Me” and “Buss It.” Banks’ “Buss It” became a Tik-Tok phenomenon, and she has been on a couple features since that record. These two up-and-coming artists have now collaborated on the fairly recent single “Star,” that dropped in late January. The beat is a throwback to glamorous 2010’s Hip-Hop productions with its use of background vocals, a drum introduction and light bells. The artists also bring an aggressive rap flow with their usual brand of braggadocious lyrics, and Erica Banks’s feature is the highlight of the track. Her delivery is punchy, fun and creative, and I am looking forward to her upcoming projects.
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check back each week for a new set of recommendations. *RIYL (recommended if you like) Concert Manager’s Pick - Gennie Herron ’23 Album: “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” - Taylor Swift Genre: Folk, Acoustic RIYL: Taylor Swift, Classic Country, Americana Blurb: She’s back and better than ever — which is hard to imagine. “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” features classic Swift songs reimagined with 10 years of experience under her belt. The songs convey the same emotions, but in more depth and with higher production quality. It seems as though Swift has a better ability to produce the songs she’s hearing in her brain. In addition, her previously unheard songs labeled “From The Vault” are unreal. My personal fave is “You All Over Me (feat. Maren Morris) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault).” Whether you’re a hardcore Swiftie or not, you must check it out. Music Director’s Pick - George Werner ’21 Album: “The Buried Life” - Medicine Genre: Noise Pop, Experimental RIYL: The Telescopes, My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain Blurb: Earworm hooks, laden with white noise and passive aggressive lyrics, define this ’90s gem. The album begins with “The Pink,” a song driven by its fiercely intense beat, then moves through to, what I consider to be, the best track on the album, “Never Click.” Next, it moves in a more experimental direction, using feedback and increasingly off-kilter instrumentation to set up the deceptively approachable “Live It Down.” Not every track on the album is a winner, but it succeeds as a noise-pop album because of Brad Laner’s excellent sense of musical balance, which keeps the listening experience fresh and enjoyable. This album is an underappreciated classic. Concert Manager’s Pick - Eric Kapner ’21 Album: “Survive” - Show Me The Body Genre: Punk, Industrial RIYL: Portrayal of Guilt, Daughters, Death Grips Blurb: Show Me The Body is back with a new EP that rings just as harsh and aggressive as their earlier releases. Their distorted, bass-boosted sound is energizing and unique. As usual, the band infuses statements about politics, media and society into their music. I recommend listening to “Survive” when running, working out or starting a revolution in the streets. Music Director’s Pick - Dan Frazo ’23 Album: “Titanic Rising” - Weyes Blood Genre: Psych Folk, Noise Pop RIYL: Faye Webster, Drugdealer, Julia Jacklin, Big Thief, Angel Olsen Blurb: Weyes Blood (pronounced “wise”) is the moniker of California-born Natalie Mering, who began writing and performing music under that name at the age of 15. Throughout many years of solo work and collaborative efforts, her music has spanned a number of different genres. In “Titanic Rising,” Mering plays with different moods of dream-pop and psychedelic folk in what some have called a “chill apocalyptic blend.” Mixing together smooth melodies and chilling vocals, “Titanic Rising” is a beautiful addition to Weyes Blood’s musical portofolio. Programming Director’s Pick - Micah Raymond ’21 Album: “Off You” - Big Thief Genre: Indie Folk, Rock RIYL: Snail Mail, Julia Jacklin, Better Oblivion Community Center Blurb: Big Thief’s cover of The Breeders’ “Off You” is the first single they released this year, following just one new single in 2020 (after the acclaimed back-to-back albums released in 2019, “U.F.O.F.” and “Two Hands”). It’s soft and aching and raw, just like we’ve all come to expect from everything frontwoman Adrienne Lenker makes. The song comes from “Bills & Aches & Blues,” an album of covers released earlier this month as a belated 40th-anniversary celebration of UK-based record label 4AD, which also features contributions from Tune-Yards, Future Islands, Jenny Hval, Bradford Cox, Helado Negro and more. Definitely worth a listen in its entirety.
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check back each week for a new set of recommendations. *RIYL (recommended if you like) Tech Director’s Pick - Maddie Van Beek ’22.5 Album: “Sound Ancestors” - Madlib Genre: Hip-hop, Jazz, Instrumental RIYL: MF DOOM, J Dilla, Four Tet, Flying Lotus Blurb: Madlib collaborated with Four Tet’s Kieran Hebden to produce an album that is a study in archivism, sampling and homage. Pulling from his own catalogue of music, Madlib rearranges beats and vocal lines to reference the past and bring them into the future. “Sound Ancestors” also includes samples and draws inspiration from Snoop Dogg, MF DOOM and J Dilla. This album is perfect for turning the lights off and listening to straight through, but it’s also a great study album because it is predominantly instrumental. Concert Manager’s Pick - Eric Kapner ’21 Album: “Sultans of Sentiment” - The Van Pelt Genre: Emo, Indie Rock RIYL: Braid, The Promise Ring, Cap’n Jazz Blurb: Now this is a true emo throwback. In the mid ’90s, while many emo bands were getting louder and faster or embracing the emerging pop punk sound, The Van Pelt was crafting an album that was slower and more thoughtful, but still quirky and hard-hitting. “Sultans of Sentiment” is an accessible record for fans of indie rock, while also remaining essential for midwest emo purists. If you’re short on time, check out track numbers one, three, nine and 10. This album could change your life — or at least your perspective on music! Business Manager’s Pick - Maia Sauer ’22 Album: “Quiet Signs” - Jessica Pratt Genre: Folk / Singer-Songwriter RIYL: Angel Olsen, Cate le Bon, Bedouine Blurb: If you haven’t heard this gentle, wandering 2019 album, you’re missing out. Jessica Pratt has a haunting voice that swirls in and around her pared-back instrumentals. The resulting sound is hazy and poetic, perfect for getting lost in the woods or watching rain slide down your window. Library Managers’s Pick - Jacob Raymond ’23 Album: “Long Violent History” - Tyler Childers Genre: Instrumental Country, Bluegrass RIYL: Colter Wall, Lillie Mae, Norman Blake Blurb: A surprise release from modern old-country artist Tyler Childers, “Long Violent History” appears to be a quiet, unassuming fiddle album. Childers’ lyricism plays almost no role in this album. He has crafted a very low-production but nonetheless pleasant record best played in the background while sitting in a rocking chair reading a book. However, this wasn’t Childers’ only intent for the album. Alongside the release, Childers uploaded a six-minute message to YouTube contextualising the album and the powerful final track, the titular “Long Violent History.” In the song and video he speaks about the suffering endured in a country ravaged by Covid-19, as well as the violence and oppression inflicted on Black Americans and people of color. He attempts to bring to light how Southern, rural white people refuse to accept and empathise with the horror of this reality. Childers implores them to shatter their ideologies and communities of hate and apathy, and stand up for those who are being harmed and killed in this country. Creative Director’s Pick - Pia Contreras ’21 Album: “Whack World” - Tierra Whack Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap RIYL: Mac Miller, Buddy, Drake Blurb: I was introduced to this album when I heard the song “Pretty Ugly” playing in a Walgreens commercial about sun protection, and I was immediately hooked. While I didn’t go buy sunscreen, I did make a dash for my phone to pull up Shazam. When I found the song, I was thrown for a loop when I saw it was only a minute long. Actually, all 15 tracks in this album are one minute long — and they are fantastic. If you have a couple of minutes, I strongly recommend listening to this brilliant collection of whimsical vignettes. There are so many different production styles and musical themes represented in this single album that there’s something for everyone.
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check back each week for a new set of recommendations. *RIYL (recommended if you like) Music Director’s Pick - Dan Frazo ’23 Album: “The Mighty Project” — Total Football Genre: Indie Pop, Surf Rock, Dream Pop RIYL: Beach Fossils, Real Estate, Woods, Vundabar Blurb: “The Mighty Project” is a six-piece band of fun-lovers from Beppu, Japan. Influenced by the sounds of American indie pop, frontman Keito Otsuka gathered up a group of his childhood friends to try his own hand at making music in 2018. Since then, the band has been busy crafting simple, atmospheric tunes that bridge dream pop and surf rock, all the while performing at local venues in Beppu. Studio Manager’s Pick - Lucy Rinzler-Day ’21 Album: “Amiture” – The Beach Genre: Dance, Electronica, New Wave RIYL: New Order, Spelling, Drab Majesty, TR/ST, Pet Shop Boys, Bronski Beat, Choir Boy Blurb: This album instantly transported me back to last spring, briefly abroad in Prague, at a low-ceilinged, hole-in-the-wall nightclub during its ’80s night, where dark, pulsing beats reverberated through the purple smoke. If you think “Blue Monday'' by New Order goes hard, try this. Whether cleaning my room or putting on silver eyeshadow for a small get-together this past weekend, “The Beach” did the trick. (Also, one of WRMC’s official additions last week, so we encourage you to play it on your show to support emerging artists like this!) Amiture’s gorgeously smooth, tenor/contralto vocals are reminiscent of the bands who pioneered ’80s New Wave, while his instrumentals are smooth, danceable and incredibly well-produced. Viiiibes. Music Director’s Pick – George Werner ’21 Album: “Music from the Unrealized Film Script: Dusk at Cubist Castle” – The Olivia Tremor Control Genre: Neo-psychedelic Rock, Experimental RIYL: The Apples in Stereo, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Thee Oh Sees Blurb: The Olivia Tremor Control — a member of the Elephant 6 Collective that produced Neutral Milk Hotel and The Apples in Stereo — were part of a resurgence of interest in the songwriting and production practices of the 1960s, those which were used to produce albums like the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds.” The album ranges from pleasing-to-the-ear retro pop like “Jumping Fences” to the bizarre — and occasionally haunting — soundscapes of the ten successive tracks titled “Green Typewriters.” A great album to listen to all the way through, it interweaves familiar notes and experimental music together seamlessly. Creative Director’s Pick - Chad Kim ’23.5 Album: “Nico and Her Psychedelic Subconscious” – Mr. Elevator Genre: Jazz Band, Psychedelia, Rock RIYL: Mdou Moctar, Beyond the Seasons, KGLW Blurb: As the name of the album suggests, “Nico and Her Psychedelic Subconscious” features a series of jam sessions punctuated with moments of calmness that act as a chance for the listener to catch their breath. The evolution of each track allows an exploration of a broad gamut of genres — from experimental to more classic psych rock. If you’re the kind that enjoys having your senses knocked around in the presence of novelty, then this is the perfect album for you. Programming Director’s Pick - Micah Raymond ’21 Album: “Stay in the Car” – Bachelor Genre: Indie Rock RIYL: Jay Som, Palehound, Hand Habits, SASAMI Blurb: Best friends Melina Duterte (of Jay Som) and Ellen Kempner (of Palehound) — two classic WRMC faves — just started a band together. They’ve released a couple singles from their upcoming album (you can preorder it on Bandcamp) and they’re everything you thought they’d be. The music is fun and playful, with the just-gritty-enough crunch that we’ve come to expect from the two. Duterte and Kempner write that while they did shed tears in the creative process — especially around themes of queerness and climate change — “they couldn’t remember a time they’d ever been so delirious with creativity, so overwhelmed with joy.” A must-hear, and a must-look-forward-to.
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check back each week for a new set of recommendations. *RIYL (recommended if you like) Concerts Manager’s Pick — Eric Kapner ’21 Album: “Do You Wonder About Me?” - Diet Cig Genre: Indie Rock RIYL: Great Grandpa, Remember Sports, Charly Bliss Blurb: I didn’t realize that I managed to miss Diet Cig’s new album until I recently came across “Do You Wonder About Me?” Like Diet Cig’s earlier releases, this album channels punk influences and indie sweetness to create a confessional and honest record. From hard-hitting lyrics to rocking instrumentals, this album is perfect for headbanging (or crying) alone in your room. Studio Manager’s Pick — Lucy Rinzler-Day ’21 Album: “Introverted Romance in Our Troubled Minds” - P.S. Eliot Genre: Indie Rock/Punk RIYL: Waxahatchee, Hop Along, Camp Cope, Swearin’ Blurb: “Introverted Romance in Our Troubled Minds” has always hyped me up, from high school morning train commutes to more recent platform-boot-stomps across Battell Beach, as I yearn for the kind of rowdy DIY house show this album can transport you to. I also love P.S. Eliot for showcasing sister songwriters Katie and Alison Crutchfield’s sonic teenage roots before they moved on to bigger projects: Swearin’ and Waxahatchee. IRIOTM is lyrically captivating and cohesively upbeat, raw and gritty across all tracks, illustrating the nuances of beginning a new relationship through all-too-relatable anecdotes for our generation. Business Manager’s Pick — Maia Sauer ’22 Album: “Underneath the Pine” (Instrumentals) - Toro y Moi Genre: Synth Pop/Psych Pop/Electronic RIYL: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Wild Nothing, Tennis Blurb: Okay, okay, I know this album came out in 2011, but hear me out. Toro y Moi just released an instrumental version of “Underneath the Pine,” and I’ve been listening to it a lot on my walks around town. It’s a fitting soundtrack to early spring, with a little laid-back groove and some synth-y energy to hype me up for warmer weather and longer days. Give it a listen! Music Director’s Pick — Dan Frazo ’23 Album: “Foam” - Divino Niño Genre: Indie Pop/Neo-Psychedelia RIYL: Drugdealer, Chicano Batman, Crumb, Loving, Jerry Paper Blurb: Divino Niño released “Foam” in 2019 after recording the entire album in frontman Camilo Medina’s Chicago apartment. The album consists of mellow beats, dreamy keyboards and this one stinking guitar riff that I cannot get out of my head (see track 10 if you dare). If you’re like me, and get those occasional weird nights on campus where you don’t feel like doing anything and instead just walk around looking for reasons to feel kind of sad, this one’s definitely for you. Programming Director’s Pick — Micah Raymond ’21 Album: “Under 1 House” (EP) - Blue Hawaii Genre: House/Techno RIYL: Four Tet, Jessy Lanza, Braids Blurb: “Under 1 House” is a quick six-track mixtape released in September 2020 by one of my favorite house music duos: Blue Hawaii. It’s been my go-to pick-me-up album for the past several months. Based in Montreal and Berlin, Blue Hawaii has a trademark blend of clean yet irresistibly fluid house music with soaring vocals that make for total dance-floor euphoria. The album is dedicated to “the spirit of togetherness ... unity achieved through confidence, in the seductive redemption of one’s own sexuality, finding power in feelin’ one’s self.” The album is a much-welcomed feeling in a time of fierce isolation and temporary separation from the nightclub.
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check back each week for a new set of recommendations. *RIYL: recommended if you like Tech Director’s Pick – Maddie Van Beek ’22.5 Album: “Hey u x” – BENEE Genre: Indie Pop RIYL: Mallrat, Gus Dapperton, Still Woozy, Lorde Blurb: New Zealander BENEE followed up her TikTok-famous single “Supalonely” with a full-length album, “Hey u x,” in late 2020. It’s sincere, fun and star-studded, with features from Mallrat, Gus Dapperton, Grimes, Lily Allen, Flo Milli, Kenny Beats, Bakar and Muroki. Creative Director’s Pick – Pia Contreras ’22 Podcast: “How to Save a Planet” - Gimlet Genre: Society, Environment, Science RIYL: Drilled, Timber Wars Blurb: Hosted by Alex Blumberg and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, “How to Save a Planet” is great for anyone who is even remotely curious about climate change. In each episode, the hosts explore a new topic related to the climate crisis — from the truth about recycling to kelp farming to electric cars. Even if you don’t like podcasts and hate the planet, the theme song alone (original music by Peter Leonard and Emma Mungard) makes the show worth listening to and earns it a spot on this roundup. Music Director’s Pick – George Werner ’21 Album: “Roses” – The Paper Kites Genre: Indie, Folk Rock, Atmospheric RIYL: Fleet Foxes, Grizzly Bear, Iron & Wine, Bon Iver Blurb: For whom are the “Roses” in the Paper Kites’ newest album’s title meant? Perhaps it is a reference to the wistful love songs that dominate the album, but I suspect the album is above all else meant to honor the concept of the vocal duet. Every track has a different guest singer, each of whom shines in their own right. As a whole, the album reminds me of driving on an empty highway at 2 a.m. as you grow tired and feel the world around you start to blur. It is certainly worth a listen if you are in the mood for a slower, quieter album. General Manager’s Pick – Rayn Bumstead ’21 Single: “Materialistic” – Remember Sports Genre: Indie Rock, Pop Punk RIYL: Bully, Forth Wanders, Diet Cig Blurb: SINGLE ALERT! Get excited for a new Remember Sports album by listening to this single! “Like a Stone,” the band’s fourth album, is set to be released April 23. Creative Director’s Pick – Chad Kim ’23.5 Single: “Trophy” – Crumb Genre: Ethereal, Indie, Dream Pop RIYL: Mild High Club, Drugdealer, Post Animal Blurb: Maybe it’s been a minute since you last gave Crumb’s EP “Locket” a listen, but fret not! Crumb has returned with its new single, “Trophy,” a pleasant reprise of a familiar dream sequence that will facilitate your self-dissolution goals. Their fully-realized sound pairs well with late night walks and sitting at the bottom of a swimming pool. Social Media Manager’s Pick – Jose Morales ’22 Single: “Leave the Door Open” – Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) Genre: Soul, Pop RIYL: Kali Uchis, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak Blurb: “Leave the Door Open” isn’t necessarily underground, but this new collaboration from Bruno and Anderson hits hard! Their vocals mold beautifully under a grand and smooth production that has me excited for future projects. They go by the name Silk Sonic, which is fitting given their delivery on this track.
Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check back each week for a new set of recommendations. *RIYL: recommended if you like Programming Director’s Pick – Micah Raymond ’21 Album: “Devil’s Rain” - Maria BC ’19.5 Genre: Ambient, Dream Pop RIYL: Grouper, Oneohtrix Point Never, Broadcast Blurb: This debut album from Middlebury and WRMC alum was recorded in the solitude of Maria BC’s apartment bedroom during lockdown. Maria’s classical vocal training shines through against soft guitar loops and ghostly reverb. The album gets its title from a folktale in which sunshowers are the work of an evil spirit; it is beautifully intimate, expansive and full of dreamy longing. Maria’s music is “close and visceral, like Cocteau Twins’ melodies repurposed as choral pieces… [it] lands as softly and naturally as snow at night,” Pitchfork magazine said. Concerts Manager’s Pick – Gennie Herron ’23 Album: “Atlanta Millionaires Club” - Faye Webster Genre: Indie rock pop RIYL: Ambient indie, good songs with snazzy lyrics, Better Oblivion Community Center Blurb: Faye Webster weaves narratives using a wavy guitar and a solid rhythm. She has a lovely voice that conveys emotion in every note. Her songs are good for any mood: from moping break-ups to dancing in your room (alone or with friends). “Better Distractions” was also one of President Obama’s favorite songs from 2020. Library Manager’s Pick – Jacob Raymond ’23 Album: “Old Time Feeling” - S. G. Goodman Genre: Country blues RIYL: Margo Price, Tyler Childers, H.C. McEntire Blurb: S. G. Goodman’s debut album brings us to the life of a Kentucky farmer’s daughter through its bluesy and Southern rock and roll influences accompanied by Goodman’s wistful lyrics and harrowing vocals. From the smooth “Tender Kind” to the angry and moody “The Way I Talk,” this album is both a love letter to and a painful protest against the Southern experience that seems to stem from her own experience. If you are looking for an album that is both old and new, feels both loving and longing, and sounds both subdued and emphatic, you will find it in “Old Time Feeling.” Creative Director’s Pick – Pia Contreras Balbuena ’22 Album: “YHLQMDLG” - Bad Bunny Genre: Latin Urban, Trap RIYL: J Balvin, Ozuna, Maluma, Daddy Yankee Blurb: This album title might look like a typo, but it’s actually an acronym for “Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana” or “I Do What I Want.” It’s an excellent album that takes this phrase very literally, especially with regard to its lyrics and production, which vary widely between songs. I highly recommend listening to this album, but beyond that I recommend adding Puerto Rican icon Bad Bunny to your playlists. Business Manager’s Pick – Maia Sauer ’22 Album: “The Tipping Scale” - Kinlaw Genre: Dreampop, Artpop RIYL: Caroline Polachek, Jenny Hval, Kate NV Blurb: The album is dreamy, poetic and a little bit dancey for your “it’s still winter somehow, but all I really want is to be driving alone on a summer night with all my windows down” mood. Atmospheric and bittersweet, “The Tipping Scale” is chock full of sweeping synths and moments that sink into house beats and crowded basement sounds. Its lyrics center around memory and how to navigate changing relationships. Social Media Manager’s Pick – Jose Morales ’22 Album: “take it, leave it” - Jackie Hayes Genre: Alternative, Indie RIYL: Billy Lemons, Indigo De Souza, No Vacation Blurb: Jackie Hayes’ latest EP “take it, leave it” is a small set of tracks that showcase her creative experimentation with production and vocal performances. This is her first EP as a solo artist since she left her previous band Family Reunion, and it holds the feelings of a transitional moment in her life. The first two tracks, “headache” and “enemy,” follow some introspective thoughts of dissatisfaction, frustration and confusion. The last two tracks “belong” and “dead of winter” build off these emotions and take on a more aggressive tone. The drums pick up their pace while the guitar and her voice become increasingly distorted. There is a sharp, high-pitched distortion that comes in during “belong,” evoking the emotions of frustration that come with feeling displaced mentally and socially.