Author: WKNC Admin

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DJ Highlights

WKNC Daytime DJs select best albums of ’09

The year 2009 has undoubtedly been a fantastic one for music, from the techno tones and spaced out beats of Animal Collective’s “Merriwether Post Pavilion” to the satisfying and deep “Tarpits and Canyonlands” from Bombadil. We were moved by new albums by old favorites like in Yeah Yeah Yeahs “It’s Blitz” and we were introduced to new acts that leave us wanting more like in Florence and the Machine’s beautiful “Lungs.” After knowing the huge amount of great releases that this year has left us with, I asked the daytime DJs at WKNC to complete a job that’s a lot easier said than done. Below is a list of the top five albums as completed by many of the DJs you know and love. Enjoy!

DJ Danger Tape

1. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
2. Bowerbirds – Upper Air
3. M. Ward – Hold Time
4. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
5. Japandroids – Post-Nothing

Just John

1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz
2. Fever Ray – Fever Ray
3. A Sunny Day in Glasgow –Ashes Grammer
4. Yacht – See Mystery Lights
5. Here We Go Magic – Here We Go Magic

May Day

1. Bowerbirds – Upper Air
2. M. Ward– Hold Time
3. Discovery – LP
4. St. Vincent – Actor
5. Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career/The Love Language – The Love Language

DJ Elly May

1. Luego – Taped-together Stories
2. Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club – The Beautiful Untrue
3. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below
4. Lonnie Walker – These Times Old Times
5. Gossip – Music For Men

Hot Tamale

1. Florence and the Machine – Lungs
2. Passion Pit – Manners
3. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Matt & Kim – Grand
5. Discovery – LP

DJ Kligz

1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz
2. Florence and the Machine – Lungs
3. Dirty Projectors– Bitte Orca
4. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
5. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone

Riff Raff

1. Regina Spektor – Far
2. Passion Pit – Manners
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs– It’s Blitz
4. The Temper Trap – Conditions
5. You and Your Effects – Wire Sharks/Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard – One Fast Move Or I’m Gone

Audity

1. Sonic Youth – The Eternal
2. U.S.E – Loveworld
3. Regina Spektor – Far
4. Metric – Fantasies
5. Veelee – Three Sides/Various Artists – Here Here Compilation

DJ Ones

1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs– It’s Blitz
2. Florence and the Machine – Lungs
3. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Animal Collective – Merriwether Post Pavilion
5. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

DJ Matticus Rex

1. Do Make Say Think – Other Truths
2. Pelican – What We All Come to Need
3. Bon Iver – Blood Bank
4. Caspian – Tertia
5. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion

Chuck

1. The Antlers – Hospice
2. Megafaun – Gather, Form & Fly
3. Various Artists – Dark Was The Night
4. Antony and the Johnsons – The Crying Light
5. Wilco – Wilco (The Album)

Mick

1. Bombadil – Tarpits & Canyonlands
2. Cotton Jones – Paranoid Cocoon
3. Megafaun – Gather, Form, & Fly
4. Cymbals Eat Guitars – Why There Are Mountains
5. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below

DJ Ray

1. Rural Alberta Advantage – Hometowns
2. Brazos – Phosphorescent Blues
3. Here We Go Magic – Here We Go Magic
4. Grouper – Cover the Windows and the Walls
5. The Low Anthem – Oh My God Charlie Darwin

Tommyboy

1. The King Khan and BBQ Show – Invisible Girl
2. Megafaun – Gather Form and Fly
3. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Telekinesis– Telekinesis
5. The Very Best – Warm Heart of Africa

Spaceman Spiff

1. Bowerbirds – Upper Air
2. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
3. Bill Callahan – Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
4. Harlem Shakes – Technicolor Health
5. The Temper Trap– Conditions

Categories
Concert Review

It’s always better in a Christmas sweater

Trekky Yuletide Orchestra and local friends took the stage at the Cat’s Cradle on December 15.

Last evening, DJ Nicole and DJ Cioffi, made the voyage to Chapel Hill to see some of the greatest acts take the stage to pay homage to the greatest holiday ever,  Christmas.  Hosted by the able bodied host Billy Sugarfix, we were delighted to see not only The Trekky Yuletide Orchestra, but Dexter Romweber, Stuart McLamb and Missy Thangs (of The Love Language), Des Ark, Whatever Brains, Organos, Veelee, Birds and Arrows, Mount Weather, and the last minute addition to the lineup, Lonnie Walker.

In the 4th annual Christmas at the Cradle, each band gave their interpretation of classic Christmas carols, as well as performed their own Christmas compositions. All acts were outstanding. Their songs ranged from classic ballads such as “Silent Night” performed in a distorted fashion by Lonnie Walker as well as the hilarious rendition of the holiday song, “I’m Gettin’ Nuffin’ For Christmas” which was performed by Organos. The bands’ songs Veelee covered, all featured stand-up drummers. So, for Christmas at the Cradle, Veelee’s Ginger performed standing up. The stand-up drumming was of great value and made us happy.

All in all, The Christmas at the Cradle show exceeded our expectations and filled our hearts with Christmas cheer.

Hope you will join us next year at the fifth Christmas at the Cradle.

Enjoy our pictures!


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DJ Highlights

Sessions@KNC: Death to the Details

Death to the Details is part from Durham, part from Chapel Hill.  Its members play rock music.  They’d probably like you to think it’s that simple.

Realistically, guitarists Brian and Betty are almost always playing something completely different.  Justin is probably playing some really sweet riff again and again and again on the bass.  And John is always looking for new ways to use his drums as a sonic weapon, pulling the group through each track without fail.

Mike Alston and I had a blast recording these folks, as you can see below.  You’ll also see some pictures of us nearing the end of the session, doing…gasp… OVERDUBS!  Yes, this is one of the few times when we wanted just a few extra vocal tracks to thicken things up, so you will hear both Brian’s live vocals and the extra overdubbed parts stacked on top of each other in this session.  Check out the powerful doubled vocals on ‘Eternities of Fraternities’.

Our friend Matt Moore deserves a huge “thank you” for making it out to take some excellent photographs.  Hold onto your ears; this session was both played and mixed LOUD!

Categories
Music News and Interviews

DJ Ones Interviews The Whigs

Recently I got the chance to interview Tim Deaux of The Whigs. The Whigs are currently touring the east coast, with upcoming show at the Local 506. We talked about upcoming release of the band’s third full length album, “In the Dark,” and we discussed the process behind the creation of the upcoming album. This is Tim’s first full length album that he has recorded with the band, and since the release of their previous album “Mission Control” he has taken the role as the band’s full time bassist. For those of you who missed the live interview, here it is in its entirety.

The Whigs

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Concert Preview

Live music is the best holiday entertainment

Gonna be in town over the winter break? Entertaning guests? Wondering what to fill all that free time with?

Go with live music, of course!

Below are my  recommendations for shows between December 17 to January 11 (N.C. State’s Winter Break)

December 17:

Who: Sea Legs & Old Bricks

Where: WKNC’s Local Beer Local Band atTir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh

I must say it, these are actually two of my favorite local bands. Both bands are new to the scene but I predict they will have quite a name for themselves by this time next year. Catch um while their new so you can be the cool guy who knew them when they were the little people.

December 18:

Who: Fin Fang Foom, Free Electric State, Gray Young

Where: Pinhook in Durham

If you haven’t yet been to the Pinhook, this is your excuse. Not only is it one of my favorite places to drink, they have a killer patio, these local bands are all worth seeing.

December 19:

Who: Holiday Honky Tonk and Burlesque Show

Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill

Say whhhat? I get to see The Whiskey Smugglers, The Pneurotics and Gambling the Muse all while Miss Mary Wanna puts on a burlesque performance…. I’m sold.

December 20:

Where: Nightlight in Chapel Hill

What: Nightlight Holiday Craft Fair from 2 to 6 p.m.

Okay, so it’s not music. Think of it this way though, its local art and any local art that is presented to me will get a moment of my time. Stop by, especially if you haven’t checked everyone off your shopping list yet.

December 21 to 24:

It’s my birthday week so I would love to celebrate with some tunes! Unfortunately, the world seems to shut down around these dates, I’m not sure why. If YOU want to serenade me happy birthday feel free to find me at one of these shows!

The Cave in Chapel Hill is holding an all day open swap December 22 and 23. You can buy and trade your doodads. Sounds like fun!

December 25:

Where: The Pour House in Raleigh

You can celebrate Christmas day along with Terry Anderson, who will be celebrating his birthday as well. He brings his band, The Olympic Ass Kicking Team to the Pour House. You know there isn’t much to do after the family is done opening gifts and eating food so bring them to sing along!

December 26:

What: The Merch Holiday Party

Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill

The Merch is a local screen printing and design business whose logos are plastered all over the triangle. They are huge supporters of local music and we love that!  Not sure what the night entails but it should be something great! The party starts at 10pm

December 31st:

Downtown Raleigh

First Night Raleigh

Ring in the new year right! Surround yourself with the amazingness this town has to offer. First Night is offering performances by The African American Dance Ensemble, Crucial Fiya and the Annuals (plus a million other amazing things to see and do). While your downtown don’t forget to stop by Slims to see A Rooster for the Masses.

OR

New Years Eve Party at Local 506 in Chapel Hill

Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, The Love Language and the Dirty Little Heaters share the stage to help you ring in the new year!

January 1:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  there isn’t much going on this week so make sure to rest up for next week because it is jam-packed with shows to witness!

January 6

Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh

Who: The Ex-Monkeys are spinnin in downtown Raleigh this night. Great to see if you’re in the mood for a different kind of electronic music to dance too.

January 7

Where: Tir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh

IT BEGINS! RALEIGH UNDERCOVER STARTS TONIGHT!!

This a weekend all local music lovers should look forward too! Your favorite bands will cover the bands that have inspired them. Last years performances  included Valient Thorr covering Parliament Funkadelic, Hearts and Daggers covering The Beastie Boys and Embarrassing Fruits as Pavement. Make sure to be there for at least one night this weekend!

January 8:

Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh

Who: Your favorite local artists Lonnie Walker, Megafaun and The Rosebuds are all joining together to put on one amazing show. The night will be a prom theme and fun for everyone! If you can’t make it out on the 8th, no worries, Megafaun and The Rosebuds will be performing again, same place same time, only this time the amazing Hammer No More the Fingers will be joining them.

January 9:

Where: The Nightlight in Chapel Hill

Who: Midtown Dickens takes the stage with Joe Romeo and the Orange County Volunteers. Midtown Dickens is a group that consistently keeps a smile on my face. They are a joy to watch and with this year’s release of Lanterns, you wont be let down.

Also right down the street North Elementary will be playing at The Local 506. A classic local group that is worth the short walk!

That is it for now!

The new year seems to be starting out well here in the Triangle!

Categories
Podcasts

The Whigs

Categories
Podcasts

EOT15 Year in Review 12/7/09


Last semester was quite the semester for N.C. State University and its image. The University was in national news – and it wasn’t pretty, whether it dealt with decisions administrators made, budget cuts because of the economy or corruption within the higher-ups. This image problem affected faculty, staff, students, donors and alumni alike. However, last year was also a  great one for local music, with many memorable events bands have taken part in. So, for the last episode of the semester, EOT brought you an N.C. State semester-in-review of news and sports, and a review of some of the things the local music offered you and the surrounding the community.

NEWS
Tom Anderson and Mike Alston filled in for Evan Garris to bring you this week’s local, national and international news. Listen to the podcast if you missed it for updates on the Obama exit strategy for the war in Afghanistan, bipartisan opposition to the Honors Services Law, the most recent bombings in Pakistan, the creation of the new aircraft: Spaceship 2, Raleigh’s rating as the 21st city in the nation with the “best bang for the buck,” former State Senate Democrat Cal Cunningham running for U.S. Senate, a Gastonia murder trial and more.

VIP
I interviewed former student body president and current senior class president, Jay Dawkins, and Student Body President Jim Ceresnak about N.C. State’s image, the good, the bad and the grades they give its issues – ranging from the former N.C. first lady Mary Easley’s scandal, which caused the resignations of the University’s three top leaders, to the Rally 4 Talley campaign, to research developments at the University. Although Jay and Jim seemed to remain optimistic, it’s clear the University has its work cut out for it. 

SPORTS
John Cooper Elias, Tyler Everett and Derek Medlin gave us a wrap-up of the semester in sports, a football rundown and expectations for the next semester as well as next year for several sports, including men’s soccer and men’s and women’s cross country. We also discussed the firing that week of Volleyball Coach Charita Stubbs due to what can be considered a terrible tenure for her with the team, as well as the incident surrounding what she perceived to be a racist cartoon, which was actually intended to show that the volleyball team was finally winning some games last season. Be sure to check it out the whole podcast if you missed it:

HEAR THIS
Kelly Reid gave us a list of best local moments of 2009 including Bombadil shows, the Raleigh Undercover event, the journey to the Love Language’s Debut album and more. Be sure to check it out if you haven’t:

COMMUNITY CANVAS
Mike Alston sat down and spoke to Eric Hirsch and Pierce Freelon from The Beast to talk about some of the programs and “hip hop” curriculum the members take to N.C. schools. Hirsch discusses the importance of music and scholarship, and how the band was able to put the two together for schools around the nation:

WOLFPACKER OF THE WEEK
Damian Maddalena sat down with Logan Scarborough, Forestry Club president and senior in forest management. Scarborough talked to us about the club and its activities, including its forestry competition, Rolleo. 

As always, be sure to let us know what you think/want to hear more or less of at publicaffairs@wknc.org. We’ll be back in action for the spring semester – same time, same place!

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Playlists

Free playlists available from ReverbNation

Each week, Playlist 7 sponsored by ReverbNation and Windows 7 will allow listeners to stream 50 songs by independent artists.

Featured genres include  alternative, electronica/dance, hip hop, jazz, Latin, and rock. Then, listeners can select 7 of the 50 songs for free download. Featured artists and songs will change each week that Playlist 7 continues. Tracks from artists featured the previous week will be available for a limited time in the audio library.

In addition to Playlist 7, music is always available to stream from ReverbNation, including tracks from several North Carolina artists.

Categories
Concert Preview

Local Beer Local Band tonight!

This Thursday, December 10  is Local Beer Local Band night at Tir Na Nog, which it hosts weekly in conjunction with WKNC.  This Thursday’s bands are Hammer No More the Fingers, Gift Horse, and Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun. Hammer No More the Fingers should ring a bell for most of you. There’s a good chance you’ve heard the song “Shutterbug” at least once a week since the release of the Full length album “Looking for Bruce.”  Yes, they are that good! They are performing with two out of town bands this week that fit this bill ever so perfectly.  Thanks, Chris at Tir Na Nog, for booking an awesome line-up!

Categories
Music News and Interviews

Members of local music collective Drug Horse Cartel on WKNC Thursday

Members of the local music collective Drug Horse Cartel will be on WKNC Thursday, December 10, around 3:30 pm. Nick Jaeger (Max Indian, The Tomahawks), Ryan Gustafson, Jeff Crawford (Max Indian, The Tomahawks), and Josh Moore will be on to discuss the various bands and solo acts associated with the group and their upcoming Holiday Show this Friday at Local 506, so be sure and tune in!