Category: Blog

Categories
New Album Review

Bitchcraft Album Review

My favorites: Nothin’ But Net, Blue Jeans and Dinner Clothes, Bilbo’s Oboe 

Listen if you like: of Montreal, Aphex Twin, Miniature Tigers 

There are so many hidden gems in music out there, undiscovered until people just like you check them out! This week I’m reviewing on of my all-time favorite albums by the incredibly elusive band/project, Spooky. This album was a two-month project released in 2011 by band members of Miniature Tigers, Alvin Band, and Algernon (bands I also really recommend checking out for their indescribable styles). “Bitchcraft” is a short 6-song album tagged under the “hip-hop/rap” genre but to me fits better under the “experimental indie” label. The production of the album is quite detailed and features a variety of soundbites merged into intricate melodies. To top it off, the collaboration adds spectacular vocals, in some cases altered to add to the esoteric, psychedelic experience that the album provides. 

I first discovered the album, “Bitchcraft”, while I was a teenager based on a friend’s recommendation and have been absolutely in love with it ever since. I remember lying on my bed listening to it for the first time and immediately being taken through an emotional journey. Every few months I remember how much I like the album and play through the whole thing, and I feel this way about very few albums; “Bitchcraft” is definitely a special one. I have yet to find someone else who has heard of the album or listened to it so I wanted to make sure to share it with the WKNC blog so more people can enjoy it. 

The project members released four mini-movie teasers and two promos that go along with the album on Youtube. The videos are strange, esoteric, and plain weird but definitely fit within the world the musicians created in the album. Unfortunately, the project never garnered enough interest for them to continue making related content, but regardless what they did produce is absolutely worth a listen. 

You can listen to the album on Bandcamp and check out their video teasers on YouTube. 

– Miranda

Categories
Classic Album Review

Album of the Week: Cannibal Corpse – Tomb of the Mutilated (1992)

It is no coincidence that another of my favorite records, and one of THE best Death Metal albums in history, features Chris Barnes! Tomb of the Mutilated was released through Metal Blade Records in 1992. This is their third studio album, and where Cannibal Corpse really hit their stride. Of course, Chris Barnes handles vocals (and all lyrical content and arrangements), Bob Rusey is on guitar (solos in songs 2, 3, 4 and 7), Jack Owen is also on guitar (solos in 3 and 7), Alex Webster is the mastermind on bass, and Paul Mazurkiewicz is the mad drummer.

The record was first banned in Germany because of the album cover and the “extremely disturbed" lyrics. The album cover soon had to be replaced by a tamer version (until some years later). And the band, itself, was banned by multiple countries altogether for several years. As an aside, this is interesting to me because, unless you have a trained ear, you can’t understand a word of Barnes’ gutterals!

I’d like to list the song titles for you, but cannot; for those are also too controversial. I can tell you that one song, “Hammer Smashed Face" was featured in the movie Ace Ventura Pet Detective, where Cannibal Corpse made a cameo appearance (the band was Jim Carey’s favorite), and is featured as downloadable content for the Rock Band video game series. The song is known as a Death Metal Classic. “I Cum Blood" is also featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned. Those two songs, as well as “The Cryptic Stench" and “Split Wide Open,“ are fan favorites and played at most shows. The remaining songs I cannot list, here.

Tomb of the Mutilated has been described as a “high-concept album concerned with extreme necrophilia and sadism” by reviewers Jack Murray and Connur Joyce; especially concerning the last four songs, where the protagonist’s “mental state increasingly deteriorates.” Chris Barnes claims the lyrics are based on a true story, and one of the earlier songs on the record he says is based on his own experience (?!)!

Overall, reviewers rave about this album (as does your Master Butcher). As a rule, all say that it would be hard to pick out a favorite song (though I will) because they’re all awesome! The music is extremely complex and elaborated, especially when compared to their two previous records – unforgettable riffs, crushing bass progression, incredible drumming, and (of course) the unmistakable vocal gutterals.

In 2005, Tomb of the Mutilated was ranked number 278 in Rock Hard Magazine’s book of The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time.

Favorite song: Hammer Smashed Face

Rating: 10/10!! You must have this record in your playlist! It is TRUE Death Metal (IMO)!

What are some of your favorite songs off of Tomb of the Mutilated? 

Stay Metal,

THE SAW 

Categories
Playlists

Trekkin’ Tunes

Hiking is really the only type of exercise I actually enjoy doing. Middle school gym class conditioned me to dislike (fear) any sport that involves a ball, lots of running, or really anything remotely competitive. So, here we are left with long nature walks.

In Raleigh, my favorite place to hike is on the Sal’s Branch trail at Umstead Park. It’s a beautiful wooded loop that I find really relaxing to walk on. Sometimes I prefer to hike without music just to hear nature, but I find that if I’m feeling especially overwhelmed, music and walking is the perfect combo to get me out of my head.

Here is a sneak peek into my hiking playlist. At first glance, it may look like a completely random and weird mixture of artists, which it absolutely is. However, if you take a listen, all these songs combine gentleness and beauty that allow for reflection, along with a steady or upbeat tempo that keeps you walking at a consistent pace. Don’t be fooled by the Jimi and Zeppelin appearance.

Go outside. Start walking. Take a listen. I hope it’s as meditative for you as it is for me.

1. Cherokee Mist – Jimi Hendrix
2. Orange Peel – Sopwith Camel
3. Heart to Heart – Mac Demarco
4. Benzo – Blood Orange
5. Nikes – Frank Ocean
6. Give It to Me – HOMESHAKE
7. Purity – A$AP Rocky (feat. Frank Ocean)
8. The Rain Song (Live) – Led Zeppelin
9. Stormy – The Meters
10. Lost My Mind – Will Van Horn
11. Mango (Freestyle/Process) – Orion Sun & Mulch
12. You Don’t Have to Change – Kool & The Gang
13. Hit Me Like That Snare – alt-J (feat. Rejjie Snow)
14. T.M. – Jack Kilmer
15. Too Late to Turn Back Now – Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose

– DJ butter

Categories
Playlists

Friday Favorites (9/4)

As autumn approaches and the summer comes to an end, I am reflecting on a great summer despite all the strangeness because of COVID. One of my favorite go-to  genres to listen to during hot summer months is surf punk especially because it reminds me of my high school years. I’m sharing some of my favorite songs of this genre, hope you enjoy and find some unique new songs. 

Suburban Home – Descendents 

The Descendents are an LA punk group that make some really great music, and this song is one of my favorites by them.

Nine Is God – Wavves 

Although I didn’t love seeing this band live, I still really enjoy the band and think this is one of their best, especially because it’s featured in GTA V. 

Awkward – FIDLAR 

My top choice from this genre is FIDLAR, and this single keeps me reminded of why I loved this genre so much as a teenager. A really great punk-ish song that I can’t get enough of. 

Sick Shit – together PANGEA 

Catchy with a cool melody, this track is one of the best of together PANGEA. 

Babes – Hockey Dad 

Simple, nostalgic, punk. What more could you ask for? This one is perfect for a beach day or taking a drive on a summer day. 

As always, you can check out these songs and more on my WKNC Friday Favorites playlist here. Let me know what you think! 

– Miranda

Categories
Playlists

Earl Sweatshirt Starter Pack

Earl Sweatshirt is one of the standout artists from the former Odd Future collective and one of my favorite rappers. Along with his peers Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean, Earl is an artist that I grew up with, who matured as I matured. His debut mixtape Earl was released in 2010 when he was 16 years old and characterized him as a crude teenager who, in spite of his often cringey subject matter, undoubtedly had tons of potential.

Like the rest of us, Earl has grown a lot in the last ten years. I have curated a playlist that displays his growth, starting from 2013’s Doris to 2018’s Some Rap Songs. One of the highlights is “Chum”, the lead single off of Doris and Earl’s most popular song. From his relationship with his estranged father to his stay in a Samoan boarding school for at-risk youth, this track dives into his headspace prior to the release of Doris. Another highlight from Doris is Hive featuring Vince Staples and Casey Veggies. Earl’s stone cold delivery, combined with a grimey bass line and a killer Vince Staples verse make it one of my favorite rap songs ever.

2015 saw Earl at perhaps his most reclusive with his album I Don’t Like S***, I Don’t Go Outside, an album rife with themes of anxiety and avoidance. The cloud rap-inspired single “Grief” exemplifies the paranoia he experienced during the recording of this album. The song “AM // Radio” featuring Wiki, with its laid back sample loop, takes a less abrasive approach to similar themes.

In 2018, Earl Sweatshirt released Some Rap Songs, which I consider to be his best work. It is the result of almost ten years of artistic growth, and when compared to his early work it really shows. Everything from his production sensibilities to lyrical content have gotten better with age.

One of my favorite things about Earl is his willingness to be honest with his fans. He explores corners of his psyche that can be downright painful to face, but does it all the same – all while sharing his findings with the world. 

 – DJ Mango

Categories
Weekly Charts

Chainsaw Chart 9/1

Artist Record Label
1 CHELSEA GRIN “Bleeding Sun” [Single] Self-Released
2 FIT FOR A KING Annihilation [EP] Solid State
3 KATALEPSY Terra Mortuus Est Unique Leader
4 GUTTURAL SECRETE Nourishing The Spoil Rising Nemesis
5 DISENTOMB The Decaying Light Unique Leader
6 NECROT Mortal Tankcrimes
7 PIG DESTROYER The Octagonal Stairway [EP] Relapse
8 KATAKLYSM “Underneath the Scars” [Single] Nuclear Blast
9 WITHIN DESTRUCTION Yōkai Ultra Heavy
10 ACACIA STRAIN, THES low Decay Rise

Categories
Weekly Charts

Afterhours Chart 9/1

Artist Record Label
1 AVALANCHES, THE “Wherever You Go” b/w “Reflecting Light” [Single] Astralwerks
2 CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS La Vita Nuova [EP] Because/Capitol
3 CARIBOU Suddenly Merge
4 SASSY 009 KILL SASSY 009 Luft
5 KITTY Charm and Mirror [EP] Pretty Wavvy
6 COWGIRL CLUE Icebreaker Vada Vada
7 PARK HYE JIN How Can I [EP] Ninja Tune
8 GRIMES Miss Anthropocene 4AD/Beggars Group
9 BLOOD ORANGE Angel’s Pulse Domino
10 YVES TUMOR Heaven To A Tortured Mind Warp

Categories
Weekly Charts

Underground Chart 9/1

Artist Record Label
1 AJANI JONES Black Power Ranger Ajani Jones
2 NESS HEADS “Pull Me Up” [Single] Ness Heads
3 CLOUDY NUEVE Sober Hella Clout
4 CONRADFRMDAAVES “Vintage and Adventurous” [Single] boutabagmusic
5 DOSOTAKU “We Chief That Rob Paulsen (prod. Josh Karbon)” [Single] Self-Released
6 SOLANGE When I Get Home Saint Records/Columbia
7 ZACARI Run Wild Run Free Top Dawg Entertainment
8 RICO NASTY “Time Flies” [Single] Sugar Trap
9 OPEN MIKE EAGLE What Happens When I Try To Relax P + C Auto Reverse
10 NONAME Room 25 Self-Released

Categories
Weekly Charts

Daytime Chart 9/1

Artist Record Label
1 BULLY SUGAREGG Sub Pop
2 GIRL FRIDAY Androgynous Mary Hardly Art
3 LOMELDA “Wonder” [Single] Double Double Whammy
4 DOUBLE GRAVE Goodbye Nowhere! Forged Artifacts
5 ILLUMINATI HOTTIES FREE I.H.: This Is Not The One You’ve Been Waiting For Self-Released
6 HOLY MOTORS Horse [Advance Tracks] Wharf Cat
7 NYALLAH Reflections [EP] Self-Released
8 BETHS, THE Jump Rope Gazers Carpark
9 STEVE LACYN Side 3qtr
10 KID FRANCESCOLI “Moon” [Single] Yotanka
11 BARTEES STRANGE Live Forever [Advance Tracks] Memory
12 JOJI Nectar [Advance Tracks] 88 rising
13 MARMAR OSO Love Don’t Cost A Thing Free The Lost/EMPIRE
14 FONTAINES DC A Hero’s Death Partisan
15 SOLANGE When I Get Home Saint Records/Columbia
16 AJANI JONES Black Power Ranger Ajani Jones
17 NESS HEADS “Pull Me Up” [Single] Ness Heads
18 LIME CORDIALE 14 Steps To A Better You Chugg/London Cowboys
19 KING GINO Infinity Tapes, Vol. 1 Callisto
20 BROCKHAMPTON Ginger Question Everything/RCA
21 JAYDA G Both Of Us/Are You Down [EP] Ninja Tune
22 DWY “Latchkey” [Single] Wilder
23 DOUG SHORTS Casual Encounter [EP] Daptone
24 CLOUDY NUEVE “Hostage” [Single] Self-Released
25 LOU PHELPS AND TONY STONE “Cinnamon Toast” [Single] Self-Released
26 BLUE HAWAII Open Reduction Internal Fixation Arbutus
27 AMINE Limbo Universal Republic
28 ETHEREAL “Yeh!” [Single] Easy
29 FELIXX “My Baby” [Single] Loud N Klear
30 BIG SEAN “Berzerk” [Single] aftermath

TOP ADDS
1 BARTEES STRANGE Live Forever [Advance Tracks] Memory
2 HOLY MOTORS Horse [Advance Tracks] Wharf Cat
3 GAMBLERS “Small World” [Single] Self-Released
4 SAD13 Haunted Painting [Advance Tracks] Wax Nine
5 ORACLE SISTERS Paris I [EP] 22Twenty
6 LISEL “Night And Day” b/w “Die Trying” [Single] Luminelle
7 WINTER Endless Space (Between You And I) Bar/None
8 CHAI, HINDS “United Girls Rock ‘N’ Roll Club” [Single] Heavenly/PIAS
9 DREAM NAILS Dream Nails Dine Alone
10 LEMON TWIGS, THE Songs For The General Public 4AD/Beggars Group

Categories
Music News and Interviews

My Concert Experiences

Before COVID, one of my favorite activities was seeing bands live. Now that I’m quarantining at home, I’m reflecting on my previous concert experiences. I made this TikTok to rate my different show experiences. I’ve also included a little bit more detail below in case you’re curious.

Mitski: 7/10

I gave this concert a 7/10 because the concert was incredibly cool. Mitski had just put out her third album, “Bury Me At Makeout Creek.” The songs she performed were emotional and it was a great show.

Mac Demarco: 3/10

This show was pretty decent, but while crowd-surfing, Mac Demarco kicked my Dad in the face and knocked off his glasses, which was not great.

Wavves: 1/10

This show was definitely not my favorite, the sound was really off and the band sounded a lot different live. I still enjoy their music but probably wouldn’t see the band live again.

Neutral Milk Hotel: 9/10

This show was part of NMH’s last tour. I really love the band, and their album “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea” is a quintessential indie favorite. A truly unforgettable experience.

Cults: 10/10

This was one of my first concerts and one of my best. It was at a venue in Charlotte during Halloween and I was lucky enough to be able to meet the band afterward.

Hope you enjoyed my video and description, let me know if you want to see a part two!

– Miranda

*Disclaimer: these are my own views and experiences, and don’t reflect the views of the WKNC station as a whole.*