Category: Blog

Categories
Weekly Charts

Afterhours Charts 3/23

The Avalanches - We Will Always Love You Cover
ArtistRecordLabel
1AVALANCHES, THEWe Will Always Love YouAstralwerks
2CARIBOUSuddenly RemixesMerge
3CRIJuvenileAnjunadeep
4OVERMONOEverything U Need [EP]XL
5ADRYIANO100% AUTHENTIC VIP LOUNGE TRAXX [EP]100% VIP APPROVED MATERIAL
6YAEJIWhat We DrewXL/Beggars Group
7BICEPIslesNinja Tune
8GALCHER LUSTWERKInformation (Redacted)Ghostly International
9FIT OF BODYPunks Unavailable [EP]2MR
10BELLA BOOOnce Upon A Passion RemixesStudio Barnhus
Categories
Weekly Charts

Chainsaw Charts 3/23

Rob Zombie - The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy Cover
ArtistRecordLabel
1ROB ZOMBIEThe Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse ConspiracyNuclear Blast
2BORN OF OSIRIS “White Nile” [Single]Sumerian 
3ABOMINABLE PUTRIDITY Parasitic Metamorphosis Manifestation Inherited Suffering 
4SUFFERING HOURThe Cyclic ReckoningProfound Lore
5ASPHYXNecrocerosCentury Media
6BEARTOOTH “Devastation” [Single]Red Bull
7CYTOTOXINNuklearthUnique Leader
8WARDRUNAKvitravnAISA
9THERIONLeviathanNuclear Blast
10BOUNDARIES Your Receding WarmthUnbeaten 
Categories
Weekly Charts

Daytime Charts 3/23

Julien Baker - Little Oblivions Cover
ArtistRecordLabel
1JULIEN BAKERLittle OblivionsMatador/Beggars Group
2MISS GRITImpostor [EP]Self-Released
3CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAHNew FragilityCYHSY/Secretly
4ADULT MOMDriverEpitaph
5BLACK COUNTRY NEW ROADFor The First TimeNinja Tune
6ARLO PARKSCollapsed In SunbeamsTransgressive/PIAS
7FRUIT BATSThe Pet ParadeMerge
8MOLLY BURMAN“Fool Me With Flattery” [Single]Prolifica/PIAS
9SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVEEntertainment, Death [Advance Tracks]Saddle Creek
10AVALANCHES, THEWe Will Always Love YouAstralwerks
11TIGERS JAWI Won’t Care How You Remember MeHopeless
12BLESSEDiii [EP]Flemish Eye
13BLU AND EXILEMilesDirty Science
14CASHINOVABig DragonStophouse
15CITRUS CLOUDSColliderLolipop
16FAT TONYExoticaCarpark
17LAVA LA RUEButter-fly [EP]Marathon
18STEVE LACYThe Lo-FisL-M
19ALICIA CLARAOutsider/UnusualHot Tramp
20ANTONIONIAntonioni [Advance Tracks]Lauren
21BRENT FAIYAZ“Gravity” feat. Tyler, The Creator [Single]Lost Kids
22DEZRON DOUGLAS AND BRANDEE YOUNGERForce MajeureInternational Anthem
23DON TOLIVERAfter PartyWMG Atlantic
24GALCHER LUSTWERKInformation (Redacted)Ghostly International
25KELLY LEE OWENSInner SongSmalltown Supersound
26MATT MARTIANSThe Last Party3qtr
27SERENA ISIOMASensitive [EP]AWAL
28SHYGIRLALIAS [EP]Because
29SMERZBelieverXL/Beggars Group
30SMINOShe Already DecidedSelf-Released

TOP ADDS

ArtistRecordLabel
1REALLY FROMReally FromTopshelf
2DOOHICKEY CUBICLEDon’t Fix Anything 😉Self-Released
3RON GALLOPEACEMEALNew West
4CHAD VANGAALENWorld’s Most Stressed Out GardenerSub Pop
5LO TALKERA Comedy Of ErrorsArts & Crafts
6ADULT BOOKSGrecian UrnTaxi Gauche
7CRUMB“Trophy” [Single]Self-Released
8SQUID“Paddling” [Single]Warp
9PACKS“Slivertongue” [Single]Fire Talk
10CONTROVERSIAL NEW SKINNY PILL, THE“No Path Forward” b/w “Welcome 2 Your Show” [Single]Guilt Ridden Pop
Categories
New Album Review

Chemtrails Over the Country Club

ALBUM: “Chemtrails Over The Country Club” by Lana Del Rey
RELEASE YEAR: 2021
LABEL: Interscope
RATING /10: 10 – a country-folk dream
BEST TRACKS: “Tulsa Jesus Freak”, “Chemtrails Over The Country Club”, “Breaking Up Slowly (Feat. Nikki Lane)”
FCC: (none)

The Goddess of sadcore’s long awaited album is here. To announce the release, Lana Del Rey posted an extract on Instagram  saying: “Until we meet again, I’ll be out there, running with the wolves.” If you listen to the album, her caption just makes sense: “Chemtrails Over The Country Club” is about Lana running away from California to the countryside and finding out she’s “Wild At Heart” in the process. She makes it very clear that she’s finally found her true self and that she’s not going to let stardom, the media or Los Angeles’ toxicity steal away her identity this time. It’s official: the dream pop queen has turned folk. This album is undoubtedly the result of her embracing both a wilderness and a vulnerability that only genres like 1960’s Americana and country-folk can reliably convey. The harmony between the guitar and the slow piano throughout the album makes for a very soothing record. Compared to the rest of her discography, which mostly depicts heartbreak and sorrow through a sad or glamorous prism, this album sounds like a timid ray of sunshine emerging from behind the clouds. 


Let’s talk about the cover first. Lana’s tendency to get inspiration from the 60’s and 70’s is never a surprise to anyone, so her choosing an old school aesthetic for this album isn’t either. The photograph on the cover depicts a group of women around a table inside a country club, all wearing summer dresses and a cheerful smile on their faces. Lana is standing among them, though barely noticeable at first glance, and she’s smiling like never before. The last time Lana chose to use a black and white picture as a cover was in 2014 for “Ultraviolence” where she was standing alone, staring into the camera with a dreadful look in her eyes. I love the idea that Lana went from glamorizing her loneliness and despair to celebrating her newly found happiness surrounded by equally happy women — as if the path home to herself took finding pieces of herself in other people. Speaking of being surrounded by women, all the featurings on the album are female artists: Nashville singer Nikki Lane on the slow and heart-shattering country ballad “Breaking Up Slowly”, and Zella Day and Weyes Blood on the cover of Joni Mitchell’s “For Free”.


Now for the actual content of the album. The very first song, “White Dress”, really intrigued me when I listened to it for the first time. Her trying of new high-pitched vocal techniques when she’s always relied on her deep voice was definitely unexpected, but still very pleasant. Each album she releases fits into a completely new era and universe in my eyes, so I’m always open to being surprised. In this song, she reminisces her past life when “[She] was a waitress / Wearing a white dress” in her teenage years, not yet burdened by the crushing weight of celebrity — a recurring theme on the album. “The best ones lost their mind / So I’m not gonna change / I’ll stay the same”: these lines from “Dark But Just A Game” are pretty self-explanatory. As far as I’m concerned, I’m mostly going to listen to this song for the sensual aura of its verses, which are hypnotic and even strangely addictive, but that’s just my take on it.

Lana is now claiming to be “Wild At Heart”, and indeed, the album unveils a side of her persona that’s wild, sensual, free and craving adventure. She’s no longer tied to the glamour of the City of Angels but rather to the recklessness of the countryside. Throughout her discography, the New York-born singer went from idolizing the “West Coast”, to questioning if she really belonged in Los Angeles in her poetry book with “LA Who Am I To Love You”, to eventually wanting to move away from California as far as possible. That being said, the allusions to country culture and the Midwest throughout the record are all pretty obvious: her sharing of religious faith with her lover in “Tulsa Jesus Freak”, her love for living on the road in “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” and her leisure time at the country club in “Chemtrails Over The Country Club” are good examples.


In an interview she gave for Mojo, Lana stated that her new album was  “more innocently emotional” than her previous records, and it would be hard to say otherwise. The fragile and bare emotions Lana had finally been comfortable writing about on both “Norman Fucking Rockwell!” — her last album — and “Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass” — her poetry book — seem to have helped her transcend the desperation she’d been drowning in for years now. She’s no longer holding onto toxic lovers but rather finally owning her side of the story in “Breaking Up Slowly”, my favorite song off the album: “It’s hard to be lonely, but it’s the right thing to do”. I was also glad to find songs on the album that actually portray loving and healthy romantic relationships. Lana has always been heavily criticized for “glamorizing abuse” or only singing about toxic relationships. While I never minded her writing about her own experiences and actually found comfort in her portrayal of heartbreak, lyrics like “You make me feel I’m invincible / Just like I wanted / No more candle in the wind” in “Yosemite” are very relieving to hear. The last thing I’ve noticed about her lyrics is how playful and carefree Lana seems to have become: sunny afternoons spent by the swimming pool, road trips in her old sports car, drinking whiskey and coke at the bar or teasing her love interest about his astrological sign — her new ranch Americana and roots persona seems to be having fun.

I could honestly keep writing about Lana’s music for days, but I’ll end this review here. I’m glad she’s finally found her “own version of America”, by leaving Los Angeles behind and being one with the countryside. As someone who’s been listening to her music for 10 years now, I’m glad she’s finally welcoming warmth, happiness and playfulness into her songwriting — without the underlying fear that often comes with being that vulnerable.

-Lise Nox

Categories
Band/Artist Profile

The Saw’s Choice Cuts: Whitechapel

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and I have the next band up on the slab in The Saw’s Choice Cuts! And you all will not be surprised by the band that we are talking about today. We will be talking about a band that has been one of my favorites for years now, a band that I have seen countless times, and the band that influenced my DJ name. If you guessed Whitechapel, then you guessed right!  
 
Today, I will be highlighting some of my favorite songs by my boys in Whitechapel. This was really difficult for me because I love so many of Whitechapel’s songs! But I had to narrow down my songs because if I didn’t this blog would just be a list of every single Whitechapel song. I think my favorite thing about this band is their evolution. Throughout each of their albums, you can hear the progression of the band throughout the years. If you were to listen to Whitechapel’s first album, “The Somatic Defilement,” and then listen to their most recent album, “The Valley,” the band sounds very different. Although they can still be picked out by Phil Bozeman’s powerful vocals and their chunky black metal/deathcore riffs, the overall structure and theme of their albums change. Although all of the albums are brutal and heavy in their own way, each album incorporates different musical components that help the sound of the band evolve. I think that is why I enjoy Whitechapel so much; not one album sounds the same, there is always something different going on. I think this evolution is important and beneficial not only for the listeners to hear the cabler of the musician’s musical talent, but also for the band. They are able to try things and fully embrace themselves into the music so it can continue to be fun and enjoyable for them. 
 
And without further ado, here is the list of my favorite Whitechapel songs! 
 
·      The Saw Is The Law
·      The Somatic Defilement
·      Ear to Ear
·      Vicer Exciser
·      This Is Exile 
·      Possession 
·      Breeding Violence 
·      Reprogrammed to Hate 
·      Make It Bleed
·      I, Dementia 
·      Let Me Burn 
·      Mark of the Blade
·      Elitist Ones 
·      Forgiveness is Weakness 
·      Brimstone 
·      When a Demon Defiles a Witch 
·      Hickory Creek (the original, and the acoustic version) 
 
 
Stay Metal, 
 
THE SAW 

Categories
Miscellaneous

Behind the Cover: “Vacation in Hell” by Flatbush Zombies

The members of FBZ stand between two girls covered in pink and green glitter

In my previous series “Album Art Gems,” I shared my favorite album art of all time. This time, I wanted to do a deep dive into the coolest stories behind how some of the most iconic covers were made. The creation of album art goes much farther than a designer or photographer’s concept. Oftentimes, there’s an incredible narrative at the root of the covers we know and love.

This week, we’ll be looking at Flatbush Zombies’ 2018 album, “Vacation in Hell.” It was shot by long-time musician photographer Jessica Lehrman (@jessierocks on Instagram). She was inspired by the classic 1968 photoshoot of the Jimi Hendrix Experience in Hawaii (pictured below).

The day of the shoot was miserable. It was a dreary, rainy day in California but it was the only time that the models, FBZ, and the photographer were available. It was their one shot. Meech, Juice, and Erik spent most of the day hiding under umbrellas, helping their fully-glittered models keep warm. Their photographer tried to get as many photos as she could under the cloudy skies, but they all knew the day was pretty much ruined. Suddenly, just as they were packing up their bags in defeat, the sun burst through the clouds, right at sunset. As they scrambled to get the shot before the light disappeared, a rainbow appeared overhead. The Zombies described the moment as “the final piece of the Vacation In Hell puzzle,” and “an image that will live forever as a piece of rap history.”

One members of FBZ walks with one of the models under an umbrella
One of the members from FBZ walks with a model in the rain. Photo via @flatbushzombies on Instagram.

You can read the full “Vacation in Hell” story here. Look out for more “Behind the Cover” blogs in the future!

– DJ Butter

Categories
Concert Review

Laser Floyd

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and we are going to talk about a laser show that I went to this past weekend. The light show was hosted by Cabin Fever and this drive-in laser show is the best way to get out of the house with you family or friends while during the Pandemic! There are two different light shows that you can choose from: A regular laser show, which played 40 second snippets of songs, paired along with some lasers! These songs can range from classic hits, to what is trending and popular today! This is even great for those with young children. The other light show that you can choose is Laser Floyd. That is the one that I chose. What is Laser Floyd you ask? It is the most action packed 40 minutes that will leave you mesmerized!! This light show consists of the play-through of Pink Floyd songs with the visual effects done by lasers. 
 
I was super excited to go to Laser Floyd because I love Pink Floyd. I have heard people in real life and in TV shows talk about Laser Floyd and that is what first piqued my interest. I am also a big fan of light shows. Back when shows were a thing, I would observe the light show that the bands would use and comment on them. We all know how much The Saw loves a good light show!! Laser Floyd was a light show on steroids. The show kicked off with the song “Time” and it really puts you in a trance. There were two jumbo screens that had tiny laser projecting images and pictures onto them during the songs. These images were telling the story of the songs that were playing which I found super interesting. When “Time” came on, all you see is a clock on the jumbo screen, and as soon as the vocals kick in, the lasers appeared throughout the sky and the trees. It was so beautiful when I first saw it that I got chills. 
 
They then went on to play “Money,” “Another Brick in the Wall Pt.2,” and “Eclipse,” along with many others! The colors of the lasers blended beautifully to give the viewer a type of psychedelic experience. I literally sat there in awe with my mouth wide open for the entire 40 minutes. The lasers and the laser images kept my attention the entire time and it was truly a great experience. The vibe overall was very relaxing. Attendees were free to either sit in their car or sit around their car to view the light show. They had the music playing on speakers so you could hear it, but at 11PM when the sound ordinance went into effect, the music could be heard on your radio! I ended up sitting in my car and listening to the music through my stereo during the show. 
 
It was an awesome experience to see Laser Floyd! Drive-in laser shows are perfect for children and up to adults! There is something for everyone to enjoy at the laser shows! 
 
Stay Metal, 
 
THE SAW 

Categories
Music Education

Music and Mental Health

WKNC 88.1 blog

Written by Miranda 

Any casual listener can tell that music can help improve your mood. Listening to songs can help you process what you’re going through, give you new perspectives, or distract you from the difficulties you face. Music allows us to relate to one another, whether we are creating our own music or enjoying others’ performances. Most music lovers know the helpful effects of music on mood, stress, and mental health, but what does science say about this relationship? 

Researchers from New York studied stress levels of surgical patients. They compared the stress levels of patients who listened to (self-selected) music during and after their surgical operations and measured the differences. On average, their research showed lower blood pressure and reported stress levels for the patients who were listening to music. Other related studies gave similar results. 

According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, music therapy is beneficial for multiple mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD. Music therapy is the process of using “musical interventions” to accomplish therapeutic goals and is performed by a credentialed professional. According to NAMI and the American Music Therapy Association, Inc., music therapy can help explore mental illness issues and meet the needs of many different people. This therapy involves exploring expression of thought and feeling, focusing on positive moods and emotions, and developing coping and relaxation skills; among other opportunities. 

It’s clear that not only is music beneficial to the casual listener, there is evidence-based research showing that music is helpful to improve stress levels and mood and through musical therapy can improve one’s mental health. 

I will always be so grateful for the artists who created music that helped me through difficult times; I also have increased appreciation for musical therapists and those participating in the music and musical education industries. 
Sources: I, II, III

Categories
New Album Review

St Vincent Shakes Things Up on New Single

It’s hard to believe that St Vincent has been around for 15 years now. Her unique blend of Art Pop and Classic Rock hasn’t seen any dramatic changes during her career, and yet her style hasn’t worn off either. In fact, Vincent’s style is arguably more relevant now than it was in 2007, with the massive resurgence in popularity for some of her main influences, like David Bowie or Kate Bush. It would be easy for her to just coast on the sound of “Masseduction” and ride another wave of positive reviews and good sales. And yet, she decided to take notes from her idols by keeping one step ahead of the curve once again on her latest single.

“Pay Your Way in Pain” is a funk and disco track at its core. However, Vincent takes these influences in a bit of a different direction than the smooth and sleek Nu-Disco of Dua Lipa or Jessie Ware. Her take on funk is a bit more raw, reminiscent of  Parliament-Funkadelic, who mixed rock and dance music in a way very similar to what Vincent is doing here.

In an interview with The Guardian Vincent likened her newest track to a blues song. This is surprisingly apt as well, since, under the rollicking beat and bass, the song is ultimately about struggle, more so than celebration. The effect is uplifting without being schmaltzy, a song about getting back up and out there despite your struggles. The song was almost certainly recorded prior to the pandemic and postponed, but it’s still easy to draw a comparison to our slow and troubled exit from… well you know.

St. Vincent has done it again, at least for this one song. It will be interesting to see how she expands this sound into a whole album. “Daddy’s Home,” (a reference to her father’s return from jail) will be released on May 14th of this year.

Categories
Classic Album Review

Album Review: Coastal Grooves by Blood Orange

ALBUM: “Coastal Grooves” by Blood Orange

RELEASE YEAR: 2011

LABEL: Domino Recording Co.

RATING: 9/10

BEST TRACKS: “Sutphin Avenue”, “Can We Go Inside Now” and “Champagne Coast”

FCC: Clean

Devonte Hynes, otherwise known as Blood Orange, is arguably one of the best composers of our generation. His experimentation with synths, falsettos, and dance music paired with compelling, emotional lyrics makes his music truly unforgettable. Through his songs, he tackles topics like sexuality, race, and gender identity.

The first time I heard Dev Hynes’ music I was a surly 14-year-old, rarely impressed by anything. However, I was obsessed with this indie movie called “Palo Alto,” which he produced the soundtrack for. Something about that score really stuck with me. It was so beautifully reflective of the nostalgic and free-spirited feeling of the movie.

“Coastal Grooves,” his first full-length album, is a masterpiece. Released in 2011, it has a distinct ’80s energy. Combining all of Dev’s strengths, it’s a powerful fusion of pop, indie, R&B, electronica, and post-punk. Dynamic, hard-hitting drums echo behind synth keyboards. His signature falsetto voice flows across each song in whispers rather than belts. Influenced by the New York night scene, Dev draws his inspiration for “Coastal Grooves” from drag clubs and gay bars. What I love about this album is his surfy plucking on the electric guitar; In songs like “Sutphin Boulevard” and “Are You Sure You’re Really Busy?,” the groove part of “Coastal Grooves” really stands out.

Above all else, this album is sultry, lush, and soulful. Though “Negro Swan” (2018) and “Freetown Sound” (2016) tend to get the most press out of all his discography, to me “Coastal Grooves” is a true gem. If you haven’t heard it already, give it a listen!

Stay tuned in!

– DJ Butter