Category: Playlists

Great tunes to add to your own playlists

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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.

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Playlists

Underground Discoveries: 4 Songs to Add to Your Rotation

Hey Slim – Stro Elliot

A soulful single from musician and producer Stro Elliot that gives a late-evening drive feel. This song is a great listen for sunsets and warm skies. This song is also great for daydreamers who love a good instrumental.

Roaches Don’t Die – BbyMutha

The energy that is brought on this track packs a punch that made me stand up from my seat. Chattanooga, Tennessee artist, BbyMutha, will most definitely catch the attention of any new listener and is a great way to start her amazing album, “Muthaland.”

Sainte – Champagne Shots

Sainte brings his own personal touch from the U.K. to a track that will turns heads all over the world. This song is a wonderful soundtrack to a night in the city with some friends. The smooth basslines and dancing hats provide a feeling that can add a little bounce to your step.

Vet – Tony Shhnow

Tony Shhnow is bringing back a classic aspect of the trap sound with his own personal twist to it. Each of his songs are consistent and “Vet” is a perfect example of this sound. This song is great for a sunny day and getting active outside.

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Playlists

Friday Favorites

Written by Miranda

do it right (ft. Aminé) – REI AMI 

A beachy easy listen with a beat I’m obsessed with. Aminé’s rap verses add the perfect complement to this gorgeous track. 

Maybe Chocolate Chips (ft. Ric Wilson) – CHAI 

This track from CHAI’s recent EP is playful and vibrant. The music video released along with this track features really beautiful, unique animation style by Callum-Scott Dyson. 

Japanese Word for Witch – of Montreal 

Pretty, esoteric instrumentals paired with chill vocals make this song an instant favorite, especially if you’re a fan of of Montreal. 

Seamstress – Little People

Vibrant and chill new track perfect for relaxing or listening while you get your work or studying done. Check out the newest Little People EP if you enjoy it, too. 

Sunblind (Acoustic Version) – Fleet Foxes

A lovely folk-style song from the most recent Fleet Foxes album. Their new album, “Shore”, brings me back to my roots in the North Carolina mountains. 

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

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Playlists

Friday Favorites (3/19)

Written by Miranda

MANGO (Remix) [ft. Adeline, Masego] – KAMAUU

The Masego remix of KAMAUU and Adeline’s gorgeous single, MANGO, adds an extra special layer of appeal. Masego’s vocals added to this track is just what it needed to make it an instant replay every time.

Good Girls (Don’t Get Used) – Beach Bunny

Pretty bedroom pop meets surf rock in this new Beach Bunny EP. This opening track is so catchy, it’ll stay in your head all day. I can’t get enough of this band and especially this song.

SHELTER (ft. Wyclef Jean, Chance The Rapper) – VIC MENSA

VIC MENSA takes on a whole new style in this new single. Raw lyricism and relevant themes including COVID and Black Lives Matter makes for a beautiful track. Chance The Rapper and Wyclef Jean’s additions to the song just add to the appeal.

Think About It – Verzache

Verzache’s new album is everything an anti-pop lover looks for. Chill enough for your daily car ride but upbeat enough to keep you coming back for more.

Trophy – Crumb

A dreamy, chill song to invigorate your morning. If you like Crumb, you’ll love this new single.

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

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Playlists

The Art of the Musical Cover

WKNC 88.1 blog

One of my favorite aspects of music as an art form is that it inspires more music. It’s safe to say that every artist or band has once been inspired by someone else, and a clear way to show respect for a song or artist that you love, is by covering them. Covers, sometimes, can even become more popular than the original, as can be seen with Whitney Houston’s famous cover of “I Will Always Love You,” originally by Dolly Parton. No matter the context, I love covers, so here are some of my favorites. 

“Swingin Party” covered by Lorde (originally by The Replacements)

Lorde, one of my favorite pop artists, loves bringing theater and drama into her music, which can clearly be seen in her cover of “Swingin Party.” This cover is perfect in so many ways, but perhaps my favorite quality about it, is that it fits so beautifully into her album, “Pure Heroine (Extended).” It takes a lot of skill and mastery for an artist to truly make a cover their own, but I think Lorde does an exemplary job of doing just that.

“Tim McGraw” covered by Maggie Rogers (originally by Taylor Swift)

Maggie Rogers puts a beautiful folk-pop touch on this originally country tune. Like Lorde, Maggie Rogers does an excellent job of making “Tim McGraw” her own. This cover is a Spotify Single, which is a series that Spotify does where they let an artist do a live version of one of their own songs, as well as a cover of a song of their choice. This cover came out in 2018, and I’ve loved it since.

“Say It” covered by girl in red (originally by Maggie Rogers)

Speaking of Maggie Rogers, girl in red did a Spotify Studio cover of “Say It” by Rogers. She puts a rock spin on the once folk-pop song, by making it more up-tempo (she shaves almost a minute off of the song) and adding more percussion and guitar. This cover was released in May of 2020, and was on repeat for several months of quarantine.

“Across the Universe” covered by Fiona Apple (originally by The Beatles)

Fiona Apple covered “Across the Universe” for the “Pleasantville” (1998) soundtrack, a movie starring Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire. I’ve been on a Fiona Apple kick for the last year or so, and when I discovered she had a cover of one of my favorite songs of all time, I was ecstatic. She doesn’t change much from the original, and it’s so lovely and dreamy. Her cover is just over five minutes long, but it floats by in an instant. 

“Such Great Heights” covered by Iron & Wine (originally by The Postal Service)

Even though “Such Great Heights,” by The Postal Service has over 100 million streams on Spotify, I still believe it’s an underrated love song. Iron & Wine puts an acoustic spin on this electronic track, making it all-the-more touching and intimate. Like much of Iron & Wine’s discography, this song feels like a warm hug on a rainy day.

I adore all of these songs and the originals as well. I have an entire Spotify playlist dedicated to these, titled “covers and their counterparts,” which I would love for you to check out. 

Until next time,

Caitlin

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Blog Playlists

Friday Favorites

Written by Miranda

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m featuring some of my favorite female artists and favorite songs they’ve done.

Spend Some Time (ft. Wade Coal) – Amaarae

One of my favorite artists, as you can probably guess by the album reviews of hers I have covered and the artist spotlight I wrote last month. Amaarae has done a lot for the advancement of women through music and advocacy, so she’s the perfect choice for Women’s History Month.

Beef FloMix – Flo Milli

Flo Milli is a bada** woman who is taking the rap genre by storm. From popping up on TikTok to running the “e-girl” scene, Flo Milli transcends the traditional limits of how rap is defined and truly makes it her own.

Good to Love – FKA twigs

FKA twigs is an extremely talented artist who is also a talented songwriter, actress, and dancer. She has gone through a lot in recent years including alleged abuse from a past partner but has remained strong in the face of everything.

Nunchucks – Doja Cat

Doja Cat has evolved immensely and increased her notoriety throughout recent years. Since her 2014 EP Purrr!, Doja Cat has been a strong female rap figure and has changed the way women are viewed in the industry.