Author: Caitlin

Howdy, I'm Caitlin and I'm a senior in Communication Media. My favorite genres of music are pop and indie-rock, though I dabble in most genres. Hope you enjoy my content!

Band/Artist Profile

Best of Phoebe Bridgers (Deep Cuts)

Post author By Caitlin
Post date January 20, 2022

Photo originally by David Lee (davidjlee on Flickr), used under the Creative Commons license.

My very first blog for WKNC was about the very best of Phoebe Bridgers, in which I included my then-favorite pieces of her work. However, since the creation of that post I’ve delved deeper into the Phoebe-verse, she’s come out with new music and I’ve become a better writer. So without further ado, I’m going to declare what’s worth listening to outside of “Motion Sickness” and her other larger hits.

“Georgia” Daft Star Live Performance

Everything about this performance is perfect to me. Her vocals, the guitar, and of course the haunting lyrics of “Georgia.” This performance is from 2014, before her footing in the music industry had been fully secured, (the studio version of this song didn’t come out until 2015) and that’s why I think I love it so much. It’s raw– you can tell it’s coming straight from her soul and one nearly never gets to hear Bridgers belt the way she does here. I love her whisper-singing as well, but this performance has wedged a permanent place in my heart. The belting of “If I fix you / Will you hate me?” is one of my favorite moments in music ever. Bridgers knocked this performance out of the park and it’s by far my favorite thing she’s ever done.

“Waiting Room” from “Lost Ark Studio Compilation, Vol. 8”

Speaking of Bridgers’ raw emotional moments early in her career, let’s talk about “Waiting Room.” She wrote this song when she was 16, and has since expressed embarrassment by just how genuine this song is, saying: “it’s super sincere, and I meant everything. But it’s so emotionally raw, and I’m… pining for someone. And I think the fact that I’m complaining so much in the song is, especially in retrospect, like, dude, you’re fine.” Personally, I love it, teenage angst and pining is rarely packaged so beautifully. I love it when Bridgers’ vocals shine as they do in the bridge. In the bridge, she laments repeatedly, surrendering the fight to love this person, “know it’s for the better.” Bridgers repeats this phrase 36 times in a row. If you believe in the idea of “right person, wrong time,” listen to this song. It’ll tear your heart in two.

“Dylan Thomas” from “Better Oblivion Community Center”

If you haven’t caught on by now, I love it when Bridgers branches out of her niche. This song is from a collaboration album with Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes), titled “Better Oblivion Community Center.” It’s an indie rock track that’s fun despite its grim lyrics and certainly worth the listen even if you’re not a fan of Bridgers’ normal stuff. There’s a lyric in one of the final verses that references Phoebe’s ghost artwork (done by Angela Deane) that has stayed fairly consistent throughout her career: “They say you’ve gotta fake it / At least until you make it / That ghost is just a kid in a sheet.” Bridgers and Oberst are a magical duo, and this song is tangible proof of that.

“Me & My Dog” from “boygenius”

boygenius is a trio that consists of Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker and of course, Phoebe Bridgers. This track displays the best of all three of them, and is impeccable lyrically. My favorite two lyrics are: “I had a fever / Until I met you / Now you make me cool” and “I wanna be emaciated / I wanna hear one song without thinking of you.” Between the harmonies, the song’s relatively short length and again, the beautiful lyricism, this is a deep cut you won’t regret listening to.

Other honorable mentions include: “That Funny Feeling,” “7 O’Clock News / Silent Night” and “Steamroller.” If you haven’t already read my original “Best of Phoebe Bridgers” blog, check it out, you may discover something new or find a new appreciation for her work.

Until next time,

Caitlin

Tags best of, WKNC 88.1

Miscellaneous

Finals Season Solidarity

Post author By Caitlin
Post date December 3, 2021

It’s finals season, and I just wanted to offer some solidarity in this wild portion of the semester. No study playlist, no tips, just solidarity.

I’m also a student and it’s a very grueling thing to be: a lot is expected of us all at once. It is extremely difficult to work, do school, extra-curricular activities and have friends. People will hear this statement and brush it off by saying “such is life.” Yes, but that doesn’t make this time any less difficult.

I sincerely hope that everyone’s finals are going well thus far and that everything works out the way you need it to. I hope that professor is lenient with their grades, you get a curve on your toughest exam and that your hard work pays off. More than that, I hope you’re taking care of yourself to the best of your ability (you need sleep)!

I am not even supposed to use exclamation marks in these posts, and I should be using them sparingly but ideally not at all… that’s how much I want you all to be getting sleep during finals.

Encouraging tidbits can seem shallow and empty, but just know this is all very sincere from me.

I have three projects and two tests this finals period, all due within a 72 hour period. Needless to say, I’m also a bit stressed. But, it’ll all get done. It always does.

Best of luck,

Caitlin

Tags finals, WKNC 88.1

Classic Album Review

Life Without Buildings “Any Other City” Album Review

Post author By Caitlin
Post date December 2, 2021

Life Without Buildings was a Scotland based indie-rock band of the early 2000s, named after a b-side by the band Japan. Unfortunately this album and a few singles was all they ever released, as they were really short lived, forming in 1999 and disbanding in 2002. However, this record is a cult-classic for a reason. It’s mesmerizing, whimsical, fun and a unique take on math rock.

Sue Tompkins, the vocalist, has an insanely mesmerizing way of talk-singing near-nonsense lyrics in such a way that it begins to make sense. It’s not what she’s saying, it’s the way she’s saying it. You want to sing with her, engaging in the childlike mumbling right there with her. It’s unlike anything I’ve heard (although, I’m sure other things like this exist, and if you know of them, please let me know) and it keeps me engaged in the music.

The melodies are enchanting, the instruments are prominent but not overpowering and the lyricism makes absolutely no sense: it’s the perfect storm for good art-rock.

This ten-track record clocks in at 44 minutes and 31 seconds, and it’s impossible to not savor every moment.
When doing research for this album review, I found a Youtube comment by user Devon Reed on a video that summed the band up perfectly: “Did what many great bands do. Recorded one great album. Broke up shortly thereafter. Forever preserved as a moment of perfection.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Devon. There’s not much else for me to say besides, give it a chance. And if you still don’t like it, listen to it until you do (at least a little bit).

Tags Classic Album Review, Life Without Buildings, WKNC 88.1

DJ Highlights

Thanksgiving Dinner Set w/ carbon copy

Post author By Caitlin
Post date November 25, 2021

A few months ago, my family came to visit me, and it was then the idea was born that me and my father should do a radio set together. I figured the Tuesday before Thanksgiving would be a good time for that (for travel reasons), and I gave my dad free reign on what to put on the set. He decided to make a set themed around Thanksgiving dinner and the progression of the night and foods you might eat. I love how creative he was with it and was very impressed with how all of the songs mesh together perfectly.

Without further ado, here is DJ GCarr’s Thanksgiving playlist:

“I Thank You – LP/Single Version” — Sam & Dave
“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf)” — Sly & The Family Stone
“Be Thankful For What You’ve Got” — William DeVaughn
“Save The Bones for Henry Jones” — Nat King Cole
“(Do The) Mashed Potatoes” — James Brown
“Mashed Potato Time” — Dee Dee Sharp
“My Sweet Potato” — Booker T. & the M.G.’s
“Sweet Pea” — Tommy Roe
“Yummy, Yummy, Yummy” — Ohio Express
“Cold Turkey” — Lenny Kravitz
“Mother Freedom” — Bread
“Long Tall Glasses” — Leo Sayer
“Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie” — Jay & The Techniques
“Pecan Pie” — Golden Smog
“One More Cup Of Coffee” — Bob Dylan
“Goodbye” — Mary Hopkin
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” — Peter, Paul and Mary
“Take Me Home Country Roads” — Ray Charles

It was very fun to switch up what I normally play on my sets, and it really renewed my creative interest in what is possible for future sets of mine. The set is on Spinitron and Spotify.

Until next time,

Caitlin

Tags WKNC 88.1

Concert Preview

8 December Concerts in the Triangle to Look Forward to

Post author By Caitlin
Post date November 23, 2021

December can be an uncharacteristically busy month for a lot of folks. But, if you’re looking to get away from family, or spend time with them making memories, I’ve compiled a list of 8 shows the WKNC crowd may be interested in seeing throughout the month.

Medium Heat — Wednesday, December 1, 2021 @ 8 p.m.— The Pour House Music Hall

Openers: Roar the Engines & The BQs

Jeff Rosenstock — Thursday, December 2, 2021 @ 8 p.m. — Cat’s Cradle

Openers: Slaughter Beach, Dog & Oceanator

Old Crow Medicine Show — Thursday, December 2, 2021 & Friday, December 3, 2021 @ 8 p.m.— Carolina Theater (Fletcher Hall)

Milky Chance — Saturday, December 4, 2021 @ 8 p.m. — The Ritz Raleigh

Slow Pulp — Sunday, December 5, 2021 @ 8 p.m. — Cat’s Cradle Back Room

Opener: Strange Ranger

Lawrence — Tuesday, December 7, 2021 @ 8 p.m. — Lincoln Theatre

Openers: Proxima Parada & Reliably Bad

Wednesday — Thursday, December 16, 2021 @ 8 p.m. — Cat’s Cradle Back Room

Openers: Truth Club & Bangzz

The Mountain Goats — Thursday, December 16, 2021, & Friday, December 17, 2021 & Saturday December 18, 2021 @ 8 p.m. — Cat’s Cradle

Openers: Mac McCaughan (Night 1), Flock of Dimes (Night 2) & Bowerbirds (Night 3)

Maybe concert-going isn’t quite as festive as going ice-skating or seeing an old Christmas movie in theaters, but don’t count it out in the month of December. The Triangle is an awesome place with some amazing venues, try to check them out.

Until next time,

Caitlin

Tags concert preview, Jeff Rosenstock, The Mountain Goats, Wednesday, WKNC 88.1

Classic Album Review

Revisiting “Zeros” by Declan McKenna

Post author By Caitlin
Post date November 23, 2021

For several years, “What Do You Think About the Car?” by Declan McKenna was my favorite album of all time. So, in September of 2020, when he released his sophomore album, “Zeros” I was nervous to listen, and put it off an entire month. I wrote a song-by-song review in my notes app as I listened, but I’ll spare you that and share my overall takeaways:

“Okay so overall, a good album. Definitely more experimental with instruments and stuff, but the songs mostly follow the same layout where it starts off kinda normal and then by the end it’s either really instrument heavy/ or he’s screaming or both; which is fine but it kind of makes it sorta predictable. I'm also not a huge fan of releasing SO many singles before the album’s out but that’s just me. He definitely chose a PERFECT opener and closer. The songs definitely are all good on their own and I know I said they’re kind of repetitive but it doesn’t feel as cohesive as his first album was. Honestly, I think it’s a case of sophomore album syndrome (where the second album an artist puts out just doesn’t compare to the first). Also, none of the themes of the songs stuck out to me that much, but that could just be because I'm listening to it in a car with headphones turned all the way up as my dad blasts music on the radio so I couldn't hear the lyrics that well. this all sounds super negative but overall it’s a good album and definitely worth the listen.” — October 11, 2020

The following are my thoughts on this album one year later. I definitely appreciate this album a lot more for what it is now; I was expecting a part two to his first album and this wasn’t that, but it’s still a good album. However, some of what I said stands true. This album is ten songs long, but four of the songs were singles, that is entirely too many. Releasing 40% of the album months before the rest of it comes out is just not my preference as a listener.

My favorites on my first listen were “You Better Believe!!!” and “Emily,” but nowadays I’m more partial toward “Twice Your Size” and “Sagittarius A*.”

Overall, it’s solid indie-pop, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.

Rating: 8/10

Tags declan mckenna, WKNC 88.1, Zeros

Playlists

bone chill: A Playlist

Post author By Caitlin
Post date November 17, 2021

It’s getting cold outside. Not freezing cold, but enough to wear a couple pairs of socks and layer up on shirts. Thus, out with fall music and in with winter (even though it’s not technically winter for over a month). These fifteen songs are ones that just feel chilly without the need for an abundance of acoustic guitar. They’re the ones that make you feel colder just by listening to them. A perfect mix of shoe-gaze and regular old indie-rock to float you through these months.

“Subterranean Homesick Alien” — Radiohead
“November” — Azure Ray
“I Couldn’t Love You” — Cursive
“O Contest Winner” — Frankie Cosmos
“gray light” — Soccer Mommy
“Mary Of Silence” — Mazzy Star
“Need 2” — Pinegrove
“Under Wraps” — Her’s
“Potions” — Day Wave
“Medicine” — Gus Dapperton
“Bad Role Models, Old Idols Exhumed (psst, teenagers, put your clothes back o)” — Car Seat Headrest
“Wasted On The Senate Floor” — Emperor X
“Falling in Loves too Mean” — Hether
“Blown a Wish” — my bloody valentine
“Bleachers” — Emily Yacina

As usual, I’ve put these fifteen tracks on a Spotify playlist for convenient streaming.

Happy listening,

Caitlin

Tags winter playlist, WKNC 88.1

New Album Review

“a touch of the beat…” by Aly and AJ review

Post author By Caitlin
Post date November 16, 2021

ALBUM: “a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out into the sun” by Aly & AJ

RELEASE YEAR: 2021

LABEL: Aly & AJ Music

RATING: 9.5/10

BEST TRACKS: “Pretty Places” “Slow Dancing” “Personal Cathedrals” “Listen!!!”

FCC: Clean

“a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out into the sun” could not be a more apt title for this mellow pop comeback-album by Aly & AJ. With a long, Fiona Apple-esque title, songwriting assistance from Sky Ferreira, production by Yves Rothman and an 80s synthpop aura, the influences on this record are tangible but never redundant or gaudy. The upbeat tracks make you want to run through a meadow on a cool 70 degree day and the more melancholic tracks are more a warm hug than a pity party.

There were never “Oh my gosh this is so good I could cry” moments but I think that’s what makes this album special. There are no high-highs and thus there are no low-lows; it’s not mountains and valleys, it’s a steady force, an old reliable. It doesn’t feel bound in time either, it’s definitely an album I could revisit years from now and feel similarly about.

The lyricism has the vagueness that makes a pop album. However, I like the honesty that comes with specificity in lyrics, which is why I love folk music, and pop/indie music that leans folk. This album lacks some of that personality that I look for a record, but I wouldn’t necessarily say that the vagueness works against the quality of the album as a whole.

Released in May of 2021, this 12 track album clocks in at just over 47 minutes. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up as we’re on the cusp of winter and as the days get shorter, it is impossible to listen to “a touch of the beat…” without feeling at least an iota happier. As my dear friend, Deethony Jaythony says about his favorite feel-good albums, this LP is a “glimmer of happiness in an uncaring void.”

Be sure to listen to this album on Spotify, or wherever you choose to consume your music.

Happy listening,

Caitlin

Tags aly & aj, New Album Review, Pop, WKNC 88.1

Music News and Interviews

New Mitski Single, “The Only Heartbreaker” Review

Post author By Caitlin
Post date November 15, 2021

“The Only Heartbreaker,” Mitski’s brand new single, released on November 9, is definitely the most commercial-sounding work that Mitski has released to date, and probably the least “Mistki” song in her repertoire. The production lends itself to 80s dance music, and the lyrics sound detached and impersonal compared to the deeply detailed and personal style of lyricism we are used to hearing from her.

It’s not a bad song per se, but definitely not what I’d expect to hear coming from Mitski, especially after “Working For The Knife” (which I also wrote a review about) seemed like a natural progression for her music.

The music video definitely felt more authentic, however, and seemed to be a reference to her song “A Burning Hill” off of her album “Puberty 2” where she laments “And I’ve been a forest fire / I am a forest fire / And I am the fire, and I am the forest / And I am a witness watching it / I stand in a valley watching it / And you are not there at all.”

With all of this being said, I am excited to see where this fits in the context of the album (her sixth) she just announced, “Laurel Hell,” which is coming out February 4, 2022.

Tags Mitski, WKNC 88.1

Miscellaneous

My Music Wishlist

Post author By Caitlin
Post date November 8, 2021

It is nearly the holiday season, so I’ve been brainstorming gifts to get for my loved ones as well as items I may want for myself. But there are some things that I want that can’t be fulfilled by a gift wrapped up in a box, and most of those things are weird music concepts. Like for example, how is one supposed to ask for a Taylor Swift cover of the entire “XO” album by Elliott Smith? I’ve deemed these things my music wishlist, and I’d like to share it with you all.

The following is my music wishlist:

For the band Rilo Kiley to get back together and tour
A Fiona Apple Tour
For me to be able to see every artist I like in an intimate venue
Concert tickets to be less expensive
A Maggie Rogers and Phoebe Bridgers collaborative album
A time machine to see old artists/bands at their prime
A Taylor Swift “Hot Ones” Interview
“All I Wanted” by Paramore to be performed live
Fiona Apple to cover the entire “Let It Be” album by The Beatles
A Frank Ocean Tour

There are legitimate reasons that most (if not all) of these things will never happen, but, in my dream world, those barriers wouldn’t exist. Do you have any music-related pipe dreams that’ll probably never happen?

Happy dreaming,

Caitlin

Tags wishlist, WKNC 88.1