Category: Playlists

Great tunes to add to your own playlists

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Miscellaneous Playlists

Australia Favorites

Australia is home to an amazing indie rock and indie pop scene, one I had not discovered until a few years ago. Despite a few Australian artists breaking into the American mainstream over the years such as Vance Joy, Troye Sivan, and Natalie Imbruglia, I had not explored the depths of the Australian music scene. Without further ado, let me highlight some of my favorite songs by some of my favorite Australian artists.

Courtney Barnett – Indie Rock 

  • “Walkin’ On Eggshells”
  • “Elevator Operator”

Mallrat – Pop

  • “Charlie”
  • “Uninvited”

Alex Lahey – Indie Rock

  • “Every Day’s the Weekend”
  • “I Want U”

Last Dinosaurs – Indie Rock

  • “Zoom”
  • “Andy”

Julia Jacklin – Indie Pop

  • “Pressure To Party”
  • “Someday – triple j Like A Version”

Hockey Dad – Indie Rock

  • “Sweet Release”

Tame Impala – Psychedelic Rock

  • “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”

The Jungle Giants – Indie Rock

  • “Creepy Cool”

Skegss – Indie Rock

  • “Spring Has Sprung”

You can listen to this selection of songs on a playlist I made just for you.

Until next time,

Caitlin

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Playlists

The Saw’s Choice Cuts: Alice In Chains

Alice In Chains Logo

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and I have another band up on the slab for The Saw’s Choice Cuts! Now, it is no secret that I love Alice In Chains. I am a big grunge fan and Alice In Chains is the band that got me into grunge. My mom and dad played them frequently when I was a child and I remember listening to them driving down a back road with my mom. Alice In Chains is the perfect combination of harmony, groove, and emotion. The riffs that are in their songs are influenced by metal and hard rock, and that’s why I will argue that grunge is a different sub-genre of metal. The lyrics are packed with emotion, especially the songs that have Layne Staley (RIP) on vocals. You can hear how much he is hurting within their songs and I think that’s why I love Layne and the band so much. I like music that captures true, raw emotion, and that is exactly what Alice In Chains does. You can feel the emotion in each song with every breath that Layne takes. His voice was so beautiful and he sang like a wounded angel. 

In no particular order, here are my favorite Alice In Chains songs: 

  • Would? 
  • Man in the Box 
  • Rooster 
  • Nutshell
  • Them Bones
  • Dam That River 
  • Check My Brain 
  • Bleed The Freak
  • Junkhead 
  • Again 
  • Love, Hate, Love
  • Angry Chair 
  • A Looking In View 
  • Get Born Again 

What are some of your favorite Alice In Chains songs? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

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Playlists

5 French indie songs for Spring 2021

French Artists Claire Laffut, Poupie and the duet BARON.E are displayed with white outlines on a blurry blue and purple flowery background, with the title "Frencg indie songs for Spring 2021" in white.

As I was looking for indie French bops to bump on those hot, sunny Spring days ahead of us, I realized there are so many indie French artists who are not getting enough international recognition. So there you go: here’s a list of French artists you should be listening to this Spring and keeping an eye out for in the coming months! You can find them all in this Spotify playlist I’ve made recently.

“Bleu ou vert” by BARON.E

The French duet “BARON.E” released their EP “Jeunesse Dorée” (“Golden Youth”) in 2020 and it’s one of the best musical discoveries I’ve made in the last few months. “Bleu ou vert” literally fits so well the happy mood that sunny days get me in, so I couldn’t resist sharing this song with you. It’s just too good.

“Été 90” by Thérapie Taxi

Bad news: Thérapie Taxi broke up a few months ago. Good news: the duet just released an EP to say goodbye to their fans before they continue their careers separately, and they have a tour planned post-COVID to say goodbye to their fans. “Été 90” (“Summer 90”) is going to be my official Spring and Summer 2021 anthem, in their memory. Long live Adélaïde and Raphaël.

“Feux ” by Poupie Feat. Jul

I am addicted to the chorus of this song and I’m listening to it so much it’s becoming alarming. That’s it. That’s the review. In all seriousness, the song was first released by Poupie singing alone, and Jul collaborated on a new version with her when it was time to work on her EP. I never thought I’d like Jul’s voice that much — he heavily relies on autotune and I usually HATE it — but I guess I do now.

“Étrange Mélange” by Claire Laffut

Claire Laffut’s voice is really sensual in this one. This song is perfect for relaxing sunny days. The lyrics are somewhat dark and mysterious but the overall mood really screams “sunny summer vibes” and I love it. 10/10 recommend to listen to while you’re soaking up the sun.

“Le temps est bon” by Bon Entendeur

This song has become so famous and mainstream in France that I feel weird recommending it to anyone, but I don’t think it’s well-known in the US, so I thought I’d include it just to make sure no one’s missing out on this absolute hit. It’s a remix of Isabelle Pierre’s song “Le temps est bon” from 1972. Bold move, but the result honors the original version perfectly.

— Lise Nox

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Playlists

Underground Discoveries: 4 Songs to Add to Your Rotation Pt. 2

Graphic featuring four album covers pieced together in a collage.
Artwork for all songs listed below. (Top left is first song, bottom right is last song).

Zoom – Leikeli47 (2020)

If you need a pump-up song that is also catchy, this is the track for you. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Leikeli demonstrates her ability to create bounce and deliver hard-hitting bars on “Zoom.” Great for an energy boost throughout the day.

PITFALL – Bino Rideaux (2020)

A smooth track for another windows-down car ride on a sunny day. The outro track to LA rapper, Bino Rideaux’s, album “Outside” provides a mood booster for the day and is one of my personal favorites this year.

Nothin 2 Me  – Jazz Cartier ft. Cousin Stizz (2021)

Canadian rapper Jazz Cartier and Boston rapper Cousin Stizz team up to provide us a gritty and bounce-filled song. The flow that both artists carry on this track is especially note-worthy and worth listening to.

Lineman – 10kdunkin, Atl Smook (2020)

10kdunkin is part of a set of artists pioneering a powerful sound out of Atlanta, GA. The track “Lineman” is a song a great song for new listeners to hear his style and ease into his discography.

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Playlists

DJ Butter’s Playlist of the Week

It’s that time again! I have tons of new music to share with you guys this week. Most of it is going to be on my setlists, but I thought I’d feature some choice picks from my recent discoveries. If you’re into ’80s jams, heavy rock and funk, look no further. You’ve found your new favorite playlist!

1. Driving South – The Stone Roses

This song is an absolute experience. The Stone Roses are masters of combining two very unlikely music styles: classic rock and dance music. “Driving South” uses an amazing riff combined with that signature ’80s drum sound to create a truly magical song.

2. A Tear for Eddie – Ween

Ween is the weirdest, most amazing band ever. This song is a more lowkey instrumental, but it’s fantastic. With relaxing and atmospheric synth-like strumming, it’s sure to be one of your favorites.

3. I Wanna Be Your Dog – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Joan Jett’s cover of the famous Stooges song is totally underrated. Included in her fifth album, “Up Your Alley,” it has to be my top choice from the 1988 release. Her take on “I Wanna Be Your Dog” is less fuzzy than the original, but amazing nonetheless.

4. Ice Pick – Albert Collins

“Ice Pickin'”, the album “Ice Pick” came from, is one of the best blues albums ever released. This particular track blends blues and funk exquisitely.

5. Are You Gonna Be There (At The Love Inn) – The Chocolate Watchband

The Chocolate Watchband is one of those groups that (unfortunately) slipped through the cracks during the 1960s. This song, a great garage rock ballad, is one of my favorites from them.

6. Groove Grease – Jimmy McGriff

The title of this song really says it all. When “Groove Grease” was released, Jimmy McGriff was just starting to experiment with electric instruments and synth. He does an amazing job transitioning his classic soulful sound into a groovy number with this song.

7. Lay With Me – The Flying Eyes

The Flying Eyes are an awesome psychedelic rock band from Baltimore. “Lay With Me” is interesting in that it’s acoustic, but still manages to have a sludgy, heavy feel to it. First-rate band, first-rate song!

8. Just For Kicks – Salem’s Pot

I randomly stumbled upon Salem’s Pot on my Spotify Discover Weekly and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. “Just For Kicks” is probably their most popular song, but their entire discography is honestly amazing.

9. Just A Little Heat – The Black Keys

If you couldn’t tell from one of my recent blogs, I’ve been on a Black Keys kick for the past couple of weeks. This song from my favorite album, “Magic Potion,” a hard, bluesy-rock masterpiece.

Tune in!

– DJ Butter

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Playlists

The Saw’s Choice Cuts: Six Feet Under

Green logo for Six Feet Under

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and today we will be going through some of my favorite Six Feet Under songs! If you are new to the Butcher Shop, hi! I’m The Saw and I really like Six Feet Under. If you have listened to my show, then this comes as no surprise to you. I am always fangirling about the chunky and groovy riffs that the band have and also how strong and deep Chris Barnes vocals used to be. This band has everything I like about death metal: groovy riffs that you can bounce too, deep gutturals that just sound unhuman, and the lyrics that make me think I am in a horror movie… love it!!! 

In no particular order, here are my top songs by Six Feet Under: 
·      Feasting on the Blood of the Insane
·      TNT 
·      Seed of Filth 
·      Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck
·      War Machine 
·      Hacked to Pieces 
·      My Hatred 
·      Burning Blood 
·      Insect 
·      Murdered in the Basement 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

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Playlists

The Saw’s Choice Cuts: Parkway Drive

Parkway Drive logo.

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s ya girl, The Saw, and I am back with another Choice Cuts blog. Today we will be highlighting some of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands from down under, Parkway Drive. 

Parkway Drive is from Byron Bay, Australia, and are one of the most popular bands within the heavier realm of metal. They have been paving the way for other metal bands to follow them. I like to think of Parkway Drive as the Metallica of the heavier sub-genres of metal. This is because they are one of the first bands (that I have heard of/seen) that are playing sold-out arena shows. This is typically seen from the big thrasher bands or the new wave of metal that hit the U.S. back in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I have only seen Parkway Drive at local venues but never in an arena. I’m sure they put on one hell of a show because their light show and stage presence in a venue can’t be beat. Hopefully I will be able to see them in the future in an arena! 

Here is a list of my favorite Parkway Drive songs (in no particular order): 
·      Carrion 
·      Romance is Dead 
·      A Deathless Song 
·      Wishing Wells
·      Absolute Power 
·      Crushed 
·      Wild Eyes 
·      Dark Days 
·      Unrest 
·      Karma 
·      Idols and Anchors. 
·      Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em 

What are some of your favorite Parkway Drive songs? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

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Playlists

Friday Favorites (4/2)

Written by Miranda

Jealous (ft. Rico Nasty) [Acoustic] – Mahalia

The acoustic version of Mahalia’s new single perfectly mixes R&B with a Latin-influenced guitar riff. It’s reminiscent of Destiny’s Child with a modern twist.

Selfish (ft. Bas, Wyclef Jean) – PRICE

Get some inspiration to take some time for yourself with this new single, “Selfish,” that’s all about enjoying alone time and loving yourself.

Caught Up (ft. Phony Ppl) – VanJess

VanJess and Phony Ppl together bring a track filled with 90’s-style nostalgia, from the album cover to the song itself. Very groovy and a perfect listen if you’re in the mood to reminisce.

Sinking Feeling – Wavves

I’m still surprised by the new direction Wavves takes on this new single. It’s also their first new release in years.

Intruded (ft. Timbaland) – Justine Skye

A tumultuous love track that’s so catchy, you won’t be able to get it out of your head anytime soon. Skye’s voice is perfect with the addition of a Timbaland feature.

Listen to this week’s Friday Favorites, as well as my favorites from past weeks, on WKNC’s Spotify.

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Playlists

Don’t Sweat It

A rap workout playlist to get you moving.

Written by Miranda

Get motivated with the best high-energy rap songs of modern rap. Listen on Spotify now.

  1. By Yourself (ft. Jhené Aiko, Mustard) – Ty Dolla $ign
  2. Down Bad (ft. JID, Bas, J. Cole, EARTHGANG, Young Nudy) – Dreamville
  3. Post to Be (ft. Chris Brown, Jhené Aiko) – Omarion
  4. Truffle Butter (ft. Drake, Lil Wayne) – Nicki Minaj
  5. Throw Sum Mo (ft. Nicki Minaj, Young Thug) – Rae Sremmurd
  6. Trap Queen – Fetty Wap
  7. Classic Man (ft. Kendrick Lamar) – Jidenna
  8. My Way (ft. Monty) – Fetty Wap
  9. A** Drop – Wiz Khalifa
  10. 679 (ft. Remy Boyz) – Fetty Wap
  11. Back to the Streets (ft. Jhené Aiko) – Saweetie
  12. The Motto (ft. Lil Wayne) – Drake
  13. BIG BANK (ft. 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj) – YG
  14. My S*** – A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
  15. Hot Girl Summer (ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Nicki Minaj) – Megan Thee Stallion
  16. King’s Dead (ft. Kendrick Lamar, Future, James Blake) – Jay Rock
  17. Play No Games (ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brown) – Big Sean
  18. The New Workout Plan – Kanye West
  19. Stir Fry – Migos
  20. Fight Night – Migos
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Playlists

The Black Keys: Top Picks

The Black Keys have defined an entire generation of rock music. They’re easily one of the best bands to emerge from the early 2000s. In honor of their new rerelease of “Brothers,” I decided to highlight my all-time favorite tracks from the duo. With ten albums out, it’s hard to know where to start listening if you’re new to them. Here are my top song picks to get ya goin’!

1. Next Girl – Brothers (2010)

In my opinion, “Brothers” is The Black Keys’ best album. Even though “Howlin’ For You” and “Everlasting Light” tend to get the most attention from their 2010 release, “Next Girl” is my personal favorite. Dan Auerbach’s guitar skills are unmatched on this track of bluesy goodness.

2. Turn Blue – Turn Blue (2014)

This album leans in a psychedelic direction more than any of their others, but it’s still heavily twinged with their classic garage sound. “Turn Blue” (the song) has an atmosphere to it that’s truly amazing. Highly recommend listening on FULL VOLUME.

3. Thickfreakness – Thickfreakness (2003)

“Thickfreakness” is The Black Keys’ most underrated album. The song christened after its title is equally as such. Sludgy, heavy, and fuzzy, “Thickfreakness” is a staple of Auerbach’s supreme sliding skills.

4. Lonely Boy – El Camino (2011)

“Lonely Boy” is easily their most popular song, but you can’t help but love it. “El Camino” is quite different from their previous albums, straying into a more cheery sound. Patrick Carney’s rhythm artistry is on full display throughout the upbeat track.

5. Money Maker – El Camino (2011)

There’s just nothing bad about this song. Every moment is so good, from the chorus to the hook to Auerbach’s hypnotic voice. Though it comes from “El Camino,” “Money Maker” echoes the darkness of their other albums.

6. Have Mercy On Me – Chulahoma (2006)

I heard this song for the first time pretty recently, and I immediately fell in love. “Chulahoma” is actually a cover album, filled with remakes of Junior Kimbrough’s blues songs. The passion in this album is so tangible, even though it has less of The Black Keys’ signature garage fuzz.

7. Strange Desire – Magic Potion (2006)

The entire “Magic Potion” album has a very homemade, organic quality to it, but it’s great nonetheless. The riff in “Strange Desire” is just to die for. I love how they switch tempos throughout the track, making it a rollercoaster of a song.

8. Busted – The Big Come Up (2002)

“Busted” is the first song off their first full-length album. It’s a fantastic testament to their roots as a true garage-blues band. “The Big Come Up” sounds like something out of the early ’70s rather than 2002, having an almost Led Zeppelin-like quality to it.