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Classic Album Review

Classic Review: This Old Dog – Mac DeMarco

ALBUM: “This Old Dog” by Mac DeMarco

RELEASE YEAR: 2017

LABEL: Captured Tracks

RATING: 10/10

BEST TRACKS: “One More Love Song,” “Moonlight on the River” and “For the First Time”

FCC: Clean

“This Old Dog” has to be my all-time favorite Mac DeMarco album (although “Here Comes the Cowboy” comes in a close second). Out of his entire discography, “This Old Dog” stands out as epitomizing Mac’s personality the most; lovable, gentle, and goofy. Looking to turn your mood around? There exist few better albums to do the trick. It’s both calming and upbeat at the same time, staying true to Mac’s classic, easygoing spirit.

What makes Mac so incredible to me is his ability to combine synth tones and acoustic guitar. It’s a fine line to walk, but he toes it excellently without sounding over-processed or unnatural. “This Old Dog” is no exception; songs like “Dreams From Yesterday” and “Sister” are a perfect balance between soft acoustics and synth. Even “On the Level,” which is almost entirely comprised of synth music, feels organic and mellow.

The biggest difference between “This Old Dog” and Mac’s previous albums is the amount of humor he interjects. His older releases, like “Rock and Roll Night Club,” “Mac Demarco 2,” and “Salad Days,” all seem to have the same distinctive sense of ridiculousness that you just can’t help laughing at. However, “This Old Dog” reveals Mac’s more sensitive side. You could peg him as a hopeless romantic by listening to nearly any one of his albums, but “One More Love Song” and “For the First Time” really hit me right in the heartstrings.

“This Old Dog” will forever be a gem among the indie genre. Whether you haven’t heard it before or it’s been a hot minute, go give it a listen!

– DJ Butter

Categories
Band/Artist Profile Classic Album Review Miscellaneous New Album Review

Who Are The Burkharts?

Who are the burkharts?

Who are the Burkharts? The Burkharts are a new band that sounds like an old style of 50s doo-wop beach music. With angelic background harmonies, a fast drum beat, and a light bit of guitar, this band seems to mimic almost everything the Beach Boys stood for. However, that’s not to say that the Burkharts are a carbon copy of them. 

The Burkharts started in Buffalo, NY around two years ago. They have described themselves as not too sleepy, not too spicy. I honestly couldn’t put it any better than that. Their music keeps you engaged, but it’s not too overwhelming. It’s the kind of music I could do homework to or listen to while I walk around a park on a Sunday afternoon. Right now they only have two EP’s and a few singles out, but my favorite songs are “Our Rockaway,” “Pretty Words,” “Oh, Dreamer,” and “Flower City Nights.” Their second EP contains the latter two of my favorites and has more of an indie feel to it than their most recent EP, however you can still hear their trademark old-beachy-sound. 

Hope you guys enjoy the tunes, 
-The DJ Formerly Known as Chippypants

Categories
Band/Artist Profile

Band Highlight: The Babe Rainbow

Sunshine, good vibes, and relaxation are what The Babe Rainbow delivers. The Australian neo-psychedelic group is one of my personal favorites. They’re one of those rare bands that never seems to have a “dud” song; You can listen straight through every album and enjoy each track.

Drummer/lead singer Angus Dowling and guitarist Jack Crowther originally met when they were in high school in Byron Bay, a place known for it’s organic, back-to-nature culture. Influenced by ’60s surf rock and the counter-culture movement, The Babe Rainbow creates music that feels like walking through a magic garden at sunset. In an interview with Beat Magazine, Crowther speaks to how the band uses the hippie movement to inform their discography:

“I really like the back to the earth movement, putting a really high value on the appreciation of nature, all the resources that we use. There was a real movement around where we live in the ‘70s, people were coming from Sydney and Melbourne up here to live that life.  For me, it’s got a lot to do with that, and lots of other things link up with that.”

Jack “Cool Breeze” Crowther (guitarist) Source

In their early years, The Babe Rainbow caught the attention of Stu Mackenzie from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, who offered to produce their debut self-titled album. Mackenzie’s influences are strong in “The Babe Rainbow,” but The Babe’s work following their original 2017 release is their own. Though it’s easy to compare them to other neo-surf bands like The Growlers and King Gizzard, The Babe Rainbow offers a unique, more relaxed version of psych-rock. Their music makes you feel centered and happy, almost like a meditation of sorts. The Babes are truly one-of-a-kind.

Discography:

“The Babe Rainbow” (2017)

“Double Rainbow” (2018)

“Today” (2019)

Best Songs:

Bella Luna – Double Rainbow

Peace Blossom Boogy – The Babe Rainbow

The Wind – Single

Aloe Vera – Single

Something New – The Babe Rainbow

– DJ Butter

Categories
Band/Artist Profile Classic Album Review DJ Highlights Miscellaneous Playlists

Chip’s Picks

Album Cover for Jurassic Shark

You know those times when all of a sudden it feels like you’ve been hit with a wave of new, really good music out of nowhere? It’s the best feeling in the world. Finally, you can get yourself out of the same five-song rotation and expand your music taste, treating your ears to the soothing sounds of something new. I just recently happened upon this feeling for the first time in a while, and I would like to share it with you all. So, here is what I’ve been listening to lately. 

“My Cousin Greg” by Houndmouth 
You might know this band from the song “Sedona,” but if you dig deeper into their discography you can find that they actually have an array of songs that match “Sedona’s” energy. “My Cousin Greg” is like one of those songs that starts out smooth but eventually gets more and more exciting as it goes on. Perfect for any car ride with friends. 

“Evil Ways” by Santana
I heard this song for the first time in a while last weekend while I was in Wilmington. It was a beautiful day and I was driving to the beach with friends when this song came on. The sun was shining through the Spanish moss and illuminating the car as a wild guitar riff spun through the car. And now I think of that every time I listen to this song. 

“Blue Magic” by Kelly Hogan and Bill Taft 
This is one of those songs that is perfect for laying in bed at 3 AM and staring up at the ceiling. It has an echoing guitar with a vocalist to match it perfectly. It sounds very similar to “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane.

“Miracle” by Jurassic Shark 
Jurassic Shark is a nice little surf rock band that came out with the album “Miracle” back in 2014, however I’ve only just recently been getting into them. My favorite song off of the album is “Summer.” The sound of the song definitely lives up to its name. 

“Above Water” by Felly 
This song encapsulates the feeling of trying to make it through the first week of classes. No matter how stressful it gets to keep everything up to date, you just have to keep your head above water. 

Well I hope you guys enjoy the tunes,
-The DJ Formerly Known as Chippypants 

Categories
Miscellaneous

The Saw’s Life Hacks: Back to School Edition

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and today we will be talking about going back to school. I don’t know what it is, I love being on break and doing nothing, but I love preparing for a new semester and getting my school supplies and area together. It’s a time to start over and create better study habits. I will be giving you guys some of my tips and tricks that I use in order to be successful in school and start off the new semester with ease. 

School Supplies

            This is probably one of my favorite things about going back to school, I. LOVE getting school supplies. Usually, each student has their “core” supplies that they buy in order to organize their materials for class. Here is what I do: first, I get a planner. These help me keep track of all of my assignments, readings and papers. I don’t like taking notes on my computer, you can say that I am old-school. So, instead I buy a binder, loose leaf paper, and dividers in order to keep track of all of my class notes. This is cheaper than buying notebooks for each class, it uses less paper, and it keeps everything in one place. Highlighters, pencils, and pens are a must. Get some pretty colors to make taking notes fun! 

Clean your study space

Since all of my classes are online, it is important to keep my school space clean and organized. Working in a clean space will do a lot of positive things for you; it’s as if a clean workspace makes a clean headspace. I like to have my space cozy and neat. This helps me be able to sit down for large periods of time doing work. I also have a shelf that is dedicated to all my textbooks and binders so all of my school supplies are in one place. 

Syllabuses are your BFF

            When you get your syllabus for all of your classes, print those out and keep them for the entire semester. These will have all of your due dates, more information and requirements for those assignments, the class schedule with the readings, and contact information for your professor. I like to give each class that I am enrolled in a different color pen and write down all of my due dates and writing/reading assignments for each class. This helps me stay on top of my work and keeps me less stressed. When I know what is going on weeks in advance and I can plan accordingly is when I do my best work. 

I hope my tips can help! Do you have any tips and tricks that have helped you through school? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Playlists

Best Spotify Playlists: Hip-Hop Edition

Ever at a loss to find new music? Fret no more sweet readers, because this week I’m going to cover some of my favorite rap and hip-hop Spotify playlists. When I first started at WKNC, I actually did an Underground show every Saturday night. It was super fun and I’m absolutely stoked that we’re extending Underground to play all day on Mondays too! These playlists are where I dug around to find new music, back then and now:

QUARANTINA – Flatbush Zombies

“QUARANTINA” was gifted to us in the Spring of 2020, right as COVID was starting to get really bad. The members of Flatbush Zombies, Zombie Juice, Meechy Darko and Erick the Architect, made this playlist filled with uplifting rap and r&b tunes to help out our anxious spirits. It’s a sample platter of different eras and genres of hip-hop from artists like Outkast, D’Angelo, and Mac Miller.

Spilled Ink – Spotify

This playlist is one of the best Spotify has to offer. It’s filled with the perfect mixture of underground and notable artists, including Freddie Gibbs, Deem Spencer, and LUCKI. Extremely lo-fi and very lyrical, it’s a great playlist to turn to for some nice ambiance music.

boom bap/chill rap – Dadswell

A bit more on the mainstream side of things, this playlist features artists like J. Cole, Joey Bada$$, and Kendrick Lamar. Nevertheless, the songs it does include from those big names are some of my favorites.

I Love My West Coast Classics – Spotify

WARNING: This playlist is only for people who can handle time traveling back to the 90s.The name says it all, but this Spotify curated playlist is a fantastic collection of some of the biggest hits in West Coast rap. If you’re into songs like “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube and “I Got 5 On It” by Luniz, you’re gonna love this one.

black creativity – Nej

You might recognize Raleigh-based rapper Lesthegenius on this playlist. With more of a softer tone, “black creativity” is something really worth sitting down and enjoying. It’s a beautiful collection of thoughtful r&b, soul, and rap.

– DJ Butter

Categories
Weekly Charts

Chainsaw Charts 1/26

ArtistRecordLabel
1MALODOROUS “Gestation of Iniquity” [Single]Self-Released
2OF MICE AND MEN“Obsolete” [Single]Sharptone
3DYSPHORIAPrimal EntropySelf-Released
4SIX FEET UNDERNightmares Of The DecomposedMetal Blade
5CADAVER Edder and BileNuclear Blast 
6NECROPHOBICDawn Of The DamnedCentury Media
7ABORTEDLa Grande Mascarade [EP]Self-Released
8THY ART IS MURDER“Killing Season” [Single]Nuclear Blast
9GOREVENTFateComatose
10WAGE WAR“Surrounded” [Single]Fearless
Categories
Weekly Charts

Daytime Charts 1/26

NANCY
ArtistRecordLabel
1NANCYThe Seven Foot Tall Post-Suicidal Feel Good BluesB3SCI
2SHAMEDrunk Tank PinkDead Oceans
3JORDANASomething To Say To YouGrand Jury
4VIAGRA BOYSWelfare JazzYear0001
5LANDSHAPESContactBella Union/PIAS
6BLU AND EXILEMilesDirty Science
7BUTCHER BROWN#KingButchConcord Jazz
8CASHINOVABig DragonStophouse
9JOESEFDoes It Make You Feel Good [EP]AWAL
10PINK SIIFU AND FLY ANAKINFlySiifu’sLex
11TOBIElements Vol. 1Same Plate/RCA
12ZEBRA KATZLESS IS MOORSelf-Released
13BABE CLUBRemember This Feeling [EP]Self-Released
14CHERRY GLAZERR“Rabbit Hole” [Single]Secretly Canadian
15DEZRON DOUGLAS AND BRANDEE YOUNGERForce MajeureInternational Anthem
16FAT TONYExoticaCarpark
17FREDDIE GIBBS AND MADLIBBandana BeatsKeep Cool/RCA
18KARI FAUXLowkey SuperstarChange Minds
19PRINCESS NOKIAEverything Is Beautiful/Everything SucksSelf-Released
20SHYGIRLALIAS [EP]Because
21ST PANTHERThese Days [EP]Nice Life
22JESSIE WAREWhat’s Your Pleasure?Virgin EMI
23PLANET 1999DevotionPIAS
24TIGERS JAWI Won’t Care How You Remember Me [Advance Tracks]Hopeless
25SIMPS, THE“On Fye” [Single]Lex
26STEVE LACYN Side3qtr
27FELIXX“My Baby” [Single]Loud N Klear
28DON TOLIVERAfter PartyWMG Atlantic
29PARK HYE JINHow Can I [EP]Ninja Tune
30RICO NASTYNightmare Vacation [Advance Tracks]Sugar Trap

TOP ADDS

ArtistRecordLabel
1POM POKOCheaterBella Union
2KIWI JRCooler ReturnsSub Pop
3BENNY SINGSMusic [Advance Tracks]Stones Throw
4TEEN CREEPSForeverPIAS
5GOAT GIRLOn All Fours [Advance Tracks]Rough Trade
6VAUGHNS, THERom Coms And Take Out [EP]Equal Vision
7BURKHARTS, THEWho Are The Burkharts [EP]Admirable Traits
8HAND HABITS“4th Of July” [Single]Saddle Creek
9TOLEDO“Dog Has Its Day” [Single]Telefono
10HOGAN AND CRAZYUPSSomeone’s Gotta’ PaySelf-Released
Categories
Miscellaneous

Top Second-Hand Stores in The Triangle

Second-hand shopping is the best shopping. Not only are you (usually) saving a pretty penny by thrifting, but you’re also avoiding fast fashion! It’s so important to shop sustainably, and buying pre-loved goods is one of the easiest ways to do so. My new year’s resolution was to only buy clothes, books, and furniture used, and it’s been super rewarding! One of my favorite pastimes is to explore rows of antiques. Here are some of my favorite second-hand stores near NC State (in no particular order):

1. The Cheshire Cat

This place is a treasure trove if you love antiquing. Located in Cameron Village next to the Goodberries, the Cheshire Cat is a huge underground antique store. It’s filled with just about anything you can imagine from dozens of different vendors. There are records, books, furniture, clothes, knick-knacks, and literally the most random stuff you’ll ever see. I’m not exaggerating when I say that you could get lost in there for hours. If you’re looking for cheap vinyl, they have lots of $1 records available.

2. Nice Price Books & Records

Nice Price is an obvious favorite, especially since it’s right across from campus next to Cup a Joe. They’ve been around for over 20 years and continue to be one of Raleigh’s best record stores. Not only do they have new releases from current artists, but they also have rare used records as well. It’s a bit pricey for me, but their used book section is fantastic and you’re sure to find something special.

3. Rumors Chapel Hill

Since I moved to Chapel Hill last summer, Rumors has become my favorite spot. Though Franklin St. will never compare to Hillsborough St. (to me at least), the little side avenue where Rumors lives is the exception. They have tons of used, on-trend clothes and some really nice vintage pieces. If you’re on a budget, Rumors is probably the best curated thrift store to hit up because of their low prices. Looking to get some clothes off your hands? They also buy clothes at a really fair price!

4. Father & Son

Because they get the majority of their stock from estate sales, Father & Son is the peak of high-end vintage shopping, but get ready to drop some cash if you’re shopping there. They have the most beautiful mid-century furniture and art. Their clothing selection includes lots of ball gowns, leather jackets, and quality vintage pieces. Despite being on the more expensive side of things, Father & Son does have some cheap records!

5. Reader’s Corner

Reader’s Corner is the best place to find used books. Period. It’s one of those places that people often forget about but are amazed by when they walk through the doors. Though it’s a small place, it’ wall-to-wall with books. This is where I get all my vintage collage magazines and prints from! They are very budget-friendly and super helpful in there. Located a bit up the street from Nice Price, it’s a definite must-see!

6. Design Archives Emporium

Though it’s a bit of a haul away from Raleigh, the Design Archive Emporium is a second-hand shop in Downtown Greensboro that I absolutely love. Like the Cheshire Cat, it’s a vendor-based thrift store with (mostly) clothes for sale. I’ve found some amazing pieces there for super cheap! If you’re ever taking a trip westward you gotta make a stop there.

– DJ Butter

Categories
Miscellaneous

Let’s Get Metal: Décor Edition

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! We are almost a month into 2021 and I know some people want to spice up their lives; whether that be going to the gym, changing their hair style, or even changing up their room. 

Today, we will be talking about how to add some ~~spice~~ to your room. I get compliments on my room and how I have it set up. My friends like the vibe and aesthetic that my room has. I have a dark hippie-metal vibe going on in the lair. So, if you want to add some dark hippie vibes to your room, here are some of the things that I did to spice up my room. 

Find a main theme and work around it.

I really love skulls, so I have a lot of items that involve skulls. If I am being honest, I have nine skulls in total. They are all designed in different ways and I have placed them around my room to set the theme. I have them on my nightstand, printer, bathtub, and my dresser. I also have posters of skulls and even skull ashtrays! Some people may say that I have an obsession, but I call it taste. 

Have an accent wall.

When I moved into the house that I am living at now, the girl who had my room before me painted a wave of eyes on one of the walls. I loved it when I saw it and I thought it would add to the aesthetic of my room. I didn’t want to cover up the eyes, so I added my bed and some small furniture around it. If you do not have a wall of eyes (if you do, please show me; that would be so cool), you can always paint an accent wall or design something on one of your walls (if you are allowed to). You could also add some tapestries to a wall to accent it! I have collected tons of tapestries from different smoke shops and also mall outlets. These tapestries can help you add some color to your room and also find other color furniture or decorations that match the tapestry. 

Make your room smell good.

Okay y’all, I love candles. They are my absolute favorite. I get candles from Target, TJ Maxx, Walmart, and literally anywhere or any business that makes/sells candles. Scents can also help set the vibe of your room. You can get some dark earthy scents, floral scents, fruity/tropical scents, or even clean fresh scents! I like my musk scents or heavy fruit scents. I think they go with both my dark hippie and metal vibe. The colors and designs of candles and candle holders can also help create your aesthetic. 

If you don’t want candles, you can always get wax burners. They have some cute burners that can help bring your room together. I have a sugar skull wax burner and also a Himalayan rock burner. They give off cool light designs on your wall and create a way to have some dim lighting in your room that is great for relaxation. 

And if you are feeling really fancy, incents will always help you get the hippie vibe. 

Accent Furniture 

I have an old school record player/ stereo that I placed by my windows in order to be the centerpiece of my room. I placed some plants, incents, and skulls on top of it in order to add my aesthetic to it. I love vinyl’s and record players because it gives me those ‘90s vibes. I love the ‘90s and my record player is from 1992 so it fits in perfectly. 

How are you guys decorating your rooms? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW