Category: Playlists

Great tunes to add to your own playlists

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Playlists

Playlist of the Week!

If you’re an NC State student, or really a student anywhere, you know how stressful midterms can be. What’s been getting me through those long hours of late-night studying has (of course) been music! These are some of the songs I’ve had on repeat over the past few weeks to help cope with the mountains of homework:

1. Guts – Budgie

This song gets me PUMPED. Released by a somewhat obscure protometal band, it’s sure to make you get that astral projection feeling with those incredible riffs.

2. Easy Street – Amanaz

If you’ve never heard of Zamrock, I highly suggest you start here. Psychedelic funk reached every corner of the earth in the 1970s, including Zambia. Amanaz is a fantastic band that arose during this time, combining funk, rock, and psychedelia.

3. Stoned – Allah-Las

This song comes off a compilation called “Psych Versions of the Rolling Stones.” Allah-Las does NOT disappoint. I’m usually not a fan of covers, especially from such a prolific band, but Allah-Las does “Stoned” justice.

4. Who Do You Love, Pt. 1 – Quicksilver Messenger Service

This is my favorite track off my favorite album by Quicksilver Messenger Service. First-rate song, first-rate band!

5. Four Lead Clover Salad – Richard in Your Mind

I love the mind-bending sound of this song. I’ll be honest, I haven’t listened to much of Richard In Your Mind, but this is definitely one of my most prized songs on my repeat playlist right now.

6. Home Town – Witch

Witch is another Zamrock band that you just have to check out. They have a heavier feel than Amanaz, combining a garage and metal sound to their work.

7. Dove – Cymande

You! Can! Never! Get! Enough! Funk! The members of Cymande are the kings of soul and dressing impeccably. This track shows off their unique, hip style perfectly.

8. 1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be) – Jimi Hendrix

The day I don’t include at least one Jimi Hendrix song on my repeat playlist is the day I die. This song was released when Jimi was still apart of the Experience group and it’s one of the most epic tracks he’s ever released. At a whopping 13 minutes long, it has tons of weird reverb and experimental noises that perfectly compliment his signature riffs.

9. Knowing That I’m Losing You – The Yardbirds

Jimmy Page’s brief time with The Yardbirds proved to be formative years that set him up for future songwriting opportunities. Even though this track was originally released by The Yardbirds, it would later turn into Led Zeppelin’s “Tangerine.”

Stay tuned in!

– DJ Butter

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Playlists

Springtime Songs

The weather is finally getting warmer here in NC, and all I want to do is sit on my porch with a nice book, a cup of tea, and some springy tunes. It’s hard to believe that daylight saving time is right around the corner! In honor of the longer, warmer days ahead, I’ve decided to put together a playlist filled with my favorite springtime songs. These tracks give me sitting-in-a-garden-feeling-the-sun-on-my-skin type vibes and I hope they do the same for you!

1. Peach Fuzz – Tyler, the Creator

One of my favorite singles from Tyler, this song just oozes sunny, spring vibes. Even just the title makes me want to go fruit picking!

2. Not Fade Away/Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad – The Grateful Dead

The Dead are the masters of all things jammy goodness, and this track is no exception. I love the beachy, lovestruck sound to this song.

3. Run to the Sun – N.E.R.D

The title “Run to the Sun” says it all. Pharrell’s signature funky style sticks out especially on this track from the N.E.R.D trio.

4. Tangerine – Led Zeppelin

“Tangerine” is actually the song I named my show after! I love the gentleness of it, and it’s one of my all-time favorite Zeppelin songs.

5. The Girl From Ipanema – Stan Getz & João Gilberto

The idea of starting off Spring without some Bossa Nova playing in the background is despicable. This Brazilian classic will for sure remind you of sunny days.

6. One Rainy Wish – The Jimi Hendrix Experience

One of Jimi Hendrix’s softer songs, this psychedelic ballad is filled with lyrics that seem to worship mother nature herself.

7. Hit Me Like That Snare – alt-J & Rejjie Snow

This is one of those songs that I just wish were longer. The bridge at 0:53 is absolutely fantastic.

8. Raspberry Jam – Allah-Las

Allah-Las are arguably the kings of modern surf rock. This song, off the soundtrack of “Self Discovery For Social Survival” is a great testament to that.

9. Sparks – The Who

Even though this track is just an instrumental, the upbeat, soft strumming reminds me of sunshiny afternoons.

10. Dancing Barefoot – Patti Smith Group

Patti Smith is an absolute icon. Period. “Dancing Barefoot” is one of her more pop-leaning songs, but it reminds me of spinning around in the middle of a bright, grassy field!

11. An Idea – IAMNOBODI

What a great little random track! Featuring Emmavie, Zacari, and Josh J., this song is the pinnacle of R&B perfection.

12. Ivy – Frank Ocean

It would be injustice not to include at least one Frank song on this playlist. Though it’s a bit melancholy, for some reason this track reminds me of the shift from Winter to Spring.

Happy Listening!

– DJ Butter

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Miscellaneous Playlists

February Favorites

For me, 2021 has been about finding music new and old that is good quality and worth listening to. This is evidenced quite clearly by this list being composed of music with release dates that span from 1998 to 2020. Let’s not waste any time and get straight into my February Favorites.

“Let’s Get Out” by Life Without Buildings

Up first, we have “Let’s Get Out,” by Life Without Buildings, an arbitrary but joyous song comprised of slightly nonsensical lyrics. Despite this, it is so addicting to listen to, as the words and phrases seem to have no real meaning behind them, causing them all to flow into each other beautifully. The lead singer of the band, Sue Tompkins, talk-sings amongst an addicting guitar melody engineered by Robert Johnston, upbeat percussion headed by Will Bradley, and a groovy bass-line by Chris Evans (not to be confused with the famous Marvel actor Chris Evans). This song feels like sunny days in January, and I can’t help but smile as I sing along.

“When It Hurts so Bad” by Ms. Lauryn Hill

This year, I finally listened to the critically acclaimed album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which as a whole has been a favorite of mine thus far in 2021. In the hook of this song, Lauryn Hill laments the question “When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad  / Why’s it feel so good?” Hill displays her stunning vocals throughout this song, especially in the chorus. The outro of the song, like a few others on the album, includes a skit of a teacher asking a classroom full of students what love is. Following that story throughout the album is very fun, and makes it all-the-more cohesive. This track is the ultimate song to sing along to in the shower.

“Tarantula” by Wavves

Despite what the title might make you think, this song is not about arachnids, but rather the perfect angry-for-no-good-reason tune. It simultaneously is an upbeat dance tune, while also having fairly nihilistic lyrics, which is my personal favorite type of song. The chorus loudly asserts “Every morning / Toxic waste / Everything sucks / If you don’t get your way.” Wavves makes great indie-rock tunes and this song is a prime exemplar of that fact.

“Simple Math” by Kid Sistr

Kid Sistr started releasing music last year, and it would be no understatement for me to say that I’m obsessed. “Simple Math,” is a beautiful indie-rock ballad about the hard cycle of getting over a relationship.  The chorus, which I love to poorly sing along to, goes “I keep falling back on simple math / It’s all I have / Trying to subtract you / Coming back to simple math.” The intricate lyrics, clean vocals, and slow and somewhat haunting instrumentation comes to a head at the end of the song, where the lead singer belts out the last couple of lines. Kid Sistr is an excellent band, and I especially keep coming back to this song. 

“The Breeze” by Dr. Dog

“The Breeze” is a folkier song from Dr. Dog, a band that tends to lean more toward the genre of rock. This track feels like a winter in the Midwest in a comforting way that I can’t put my finger on quite completely. The folky nature of the song feels like a mixture of Fleet Foxes and “Norwegian Wood” by the Beatles. I can’t speak high enough praises of this song and the pure nostalgia it brings to me, despite only listening to it for the first time a few weeks ago. The lyrics are poetic in nature, my favorite section being the first chorus, which goes “Do you feel like you’re stuck in time? / Forever waiting on that line / If nothing ever moves / Put that needle to the groove / And sing.” 

You can check out a playlist of my favorites, if you so desire.

Until next time,

Caitlin

Categories
Playlists

Friday Favorites (2/26)

Written by Miranda

Tides – Men I Trust

This song is very classic Men I Trust vibes, if you like the band you’ll love this new single. 

yesterday – frumhere

A new single from my one of my favorite lo-fi beat makers. 

Caution – KAYTRANADA 

A chill new song from KAYTRANADA; perfect for working out to. 

Gang Signs (ft. ScHoolboy Q) – Freddie Gibbs 

Another great single from Freddie Gibbs since his recent album, “Alfredo.” ScHoolboy Q brings more of a top-100 vibe to the song but Gibbs keeps it unique. 

Jealous (ft. Rico Nasty) – Mahalia 

Mahalia’s strong, sweet vocals perfectly complement with Rico Nasty’s harsher rapping. You can definitely see how Mahalia’s style has evolved recently through this song. 

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Playlists

A Love Playlist from DJ Butter

A pile of heart shaped pink glitter


It’s Valentine’s Day! I feel so full of love every time I think about the people who listen to my show every week, so I decided to make a V-Day playlist just for y’all! Filled with classics, newbies and lots of romantic goodness, it’s all the lovey-dovey songs that I’m obsessed with. The full playlist is about almost two hours long, but here are of few of my choice favorites:

1.     I Love You So – The Chantels

The Chantels are most known for their hit single, “Maybe,” but “I Love You So” has to be the most romantic song they’ve released. It just makes ya feel good. 

2.     Sweet Thang – Shuggie Otis

I’ve been super into Shuggie Otis recently. His work on the steel guitar is impeccable and I love how he mixes funk and the blues. “Sweet Thang” is a great ballad perfect to listen to any day of the week, but especially on Valentine’s. 

3.     I THINK – Tyler, the Creator

“IGOR” has to be one of the most prolific albums released over the past couple years. I love the way Tyler has softened and really refined his work. “I THINK” shows off the hopeless romantic he really is. 

4.     Still Together – Mac DeMarco

I remember listening to this song over and over again in 9th grade when I first heard it. Five years later, and it’s still one of my favorites.

5.     Nancy (With The Laughing Face) – Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra is one of the original masters of the romantic ballad, but this song really makes me misty-eyed. Written about his wife, it’s so beautiful and heartfelt. 

6.     Prototype – Outkast

The lyrics say it all: “I hope that you’re the one/ If not, you are the prototype/ We’ll tiptoe to the sun/ And do thangs I know you like.”

7.     Hey, Hey, What Can I Do – Led Zeppelin

“Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” was originally released on the B-side of the “Immigrant Song” single in 1970. It’s a soft, acoustic track, displaying a side that the iconic heavy rock band rarely showed.

8.     Girl – The Internet (feat. KAYTRANDA)

Syd’s vocals on this song are fantastic, especially since they’re mixed with the rest of The Internet’s funky instrumental talent. 

9.     Not Fade Away / Goin’ down the Road Feeling Bad – The Grateful Dead

Is your love bigger than a Cadillac? As per usual, the Dead show their mastery of feel-good, eclectic rock in this live version of “Not Fade Away.”

10.  Paris, Tokyo – Lupe Fiasco

Last but not least, “Paris, Tokyo” is a sweet song about love that crosses borders and travels around the world. It’ll always be one of my favorites!

Make sure to check out the full playlist below for more tender jams!

Happy listening

–       DJ Butter  

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Playlists

Shower Playlist

Black and white graphic of someone showering.

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s ya girl, The Saw, and today I am sharing with you my playlist that I listen to while I’m in the shower. I take my showers very seriously and I like to set a vibe while I’m showering. It is one of the only places where I can self-reflect and relax. It’s also a place where I have my one-woman concerts. I have the worst singing voice, but in the shower, you best believe that I sound like Ariana Grande. 

These songs are some fun sing along songs that I like to dance around to while showering, this is probably the favorite part of my day because it’s just straight vibes. 

  • Olivia Newton John – Hopelessly Devoted To You 
  • Mac Miller – Self Care 
  • Frank Ocean – In My Room 
  • Tyler, The Creator – 2SEATER 
  • The Internet – Special Affair 
  • Smino – Amphetamine 
  • $not – GO$HA 
  • $uicideBoy$ – O Pana! 
  • Isaiah Rashaad – Tity and Dolla
  • Saweetie & Doja Cat – Best Friend 
  • Megan Thee Stallion – Body 
  • Drake – Hotline Bling 
  • TLC – No Scrubs 
  • Seether – Careless Whisper 
  • Staind – Outside 
  • Ariana Grande – Positions 
  • Lady Gaga – LoveGame 

These have been my go-to songs while I’m jamming out in the shower. I like to keep it light and playful while I’m showering. Gotta get the right vibes. (:

What songs are in your shower playlist? 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Playlists

Heartbreaker Playlist

Broken heart with knife slashed through it

Written by Miranda

For everyone out there celebrating Valentine’s Day alone this year, this one’s for you.

  • Build – Justine Skye
  • I Wish I Missed My Ex – Mahalia
  • Get Money – The Notorious B.I.G.
  • Single Again – Big Sean
  • Run Me Dry – Bryson Tiller
  • Hardest To Love – The Weeknd
  • Needed Me – Rihanna
  • Beware – Big Sean
  • Undying Love – Nas
  • I’m Out (ft. Nicki Minaj) – Ciara
  • Same Ol’ Mistakes – Rihanna
  • Too Good (ft. Rihanna) – Drake
  • On My Mind (acoustic) – Jorja Smith
  • Damage (ft. Halsey) – PARTYNEXTDOOR
  • Just Sayin/I Tried – The Internet
  • Insecure (ft. Bryson Tiller) – Jazmine Sullivan
  • Normal Girl – SZA
  • Motivation – Normani
  • Sorry – Beyoncé

Listen to the Heartbreaker playlist on Spotify here.

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Playlists

Friday Favorites

Written By Miranda

Road Of The Lonely Ones – Madlib

Madlib is known for his production work on major albums with MF DOOM, Freddie Gibbs, and more. His newest project with fellow producer Four Set, “Sound Ancestors,” just released and so far this is my favorite track from the new album.

2hrs – Tobi Lou

This phenomenal and emotional single from Tobi Lou encapsulates a lot of the loneliness, frustration, and exhaustion we can all relate to.

MLK Dr – Smino

A gorgeous, colorful music video pairs so well with this smooth new track from Smino in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Good Vibes (Za) – Wale

A groovy track perfect to relax you or get you dancing, with realness in the lyrics that adds a great depth.

Pomegranate – Kota the Friend

My favorite track from Kota the Friend’s newest release, “Lyrics to GO, Vol. 2.” A simple and short song with beautiful vocals and visual descriptions.

To listen to this week’s Friday Favorites and every song from the past weeks, check out my playlist on WKNC’s Spotify.

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Playlists

2020: The Music That Connected Us in a Disconnected World

2020 was a year of pure isolation, distress, and chaos. Throughout this year of disconnect, we all remained connected through the power of music. Here are my top ten songs from this year!

10. Obsession by The Cairos: Let’s just say that I played this song on repeat during a three hour long road trip. Am I proud? Absolutely. For me, this song has two moods. Either break something or scream the words in a dark basement with five of my closest friends. 

9. The Zone . Leave Me Alone by Lorine Chia, J. Kelr: I play this song and immediately I am on a rollercoaster of emotions. When it begins, I feel like I am in a neon lite club. Then, I am on a hammock on a beach! All I have to say is three minutes and fifteen seconds. You will thank me later. 

8. Pools by Glass Animals: This song, along with any Glass Animals song, will always and forever be my favorite. Every single member of this group was definitely an alien in their past-life. I had the honor of seeing this group (pre COVID-19) at Okeechobee Music Festival. To sum it up, the best experience of my entire life. This song has many different interpretations on its meaning, so let me know what you think it’s about! 

7. We Left (Night Version) by RÜFÜS DU SOL: Sound and color. These magicians use the inspiration of our beautiful world and translate it into mesmerizing sounds. I plan on doing an entire blog post surrounding RÜFÜS DU SOL, so definitely check them out! Fun fact: This is one of the first songs they ever created as a group!

6. Intrinsic by Odd Mob: If I were traveling through hyperspace, this song would be blasting in my space craft. Words to describe this masterpiece: weird, alluring, and memorable. This song is a rollercoaster that only goes up. Definitely give it a listen!

5. Another Sky – The Magician Remix by Scenic, The Magician: This song makes me feel like I am in the opening scene of a movie. Specifically, in a 1961 Lincoln Continental driving down a highway at 3:30 in the morning. Very cliche of me. I know. Can’t complain though, because it is true. 

4. Because You Move Me by Tinkler, Helsloot: If you are looking for the perfect bop your head and wiggle your toes beat, this is the one for you! Randomly play this song in front of your friends and every single one of them will be moving some part of their body. Tinkler is always one step ahead of the electronic music game. He combines various sounds and genres to create a “sound-driven journey”. 

3. Bunny by Tourist: Beautiful. Majestic. Unique. Lush. Emotional. All words and feelings that consume my soul while listening to this song. All I can say about this song is sparkles, sunlight, and serenity. 

2. Never Cage a Butterfly by tiedye ky: This song was released a few months ago in tiedye ky’s game changing album called “Baby Blue and the Super Moon”. This entire collection was such a dominating contribution to the 2020 evolution of electronic music. This song mixes the use of live instruments (specifically electric guitar) and synthesizers in unbelievable ways. If you are trying to get ahead of the electronic music scene, I highly recommend listening to this entire album! 

1. 2nd Street by Kaskade: I personally believe that Kaskade is one of the most innovative house artists of our time. With him being one of my favorite artists that I saw at Okeechobee Music Festival 2020, I decided to learn more about him, his music, and vision for the music scene. I also plan on doing a blog specifically for him so be on the lookout for it! In the meantime, enjoy this journey that this song puts your through. 

-Caitlin

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Playlists

Best Spotify Playlists: Rock Edition

Though I’m an Apple Music user (my dad has a family plan, don’t just me), I still turn to Spotify for discovering new music. Not only are their curated playlists fantastic, but there’s also a strong contingency of users who make their own amazing public playlists. This is how I find music to play on WKNC! Here’s a list of my favorites:

1. Discover Weekly – Spotify

Discover Weekly is one of the best resources Spotify has to offer. Everyone’s is different based on the music they’ve been liking and listening to, so it’s a great way to find new music that sounds similar to the stuff you’ve been into. The only downside is that it’s hard to diversify your taste if you solely rely on Discover Weekly.

2. Psychedelic Rock – Spotify

If you’re looking to time travel a bit I would highly recommend this curated playlist from Spotify. This is a great playlist for anyone into early psychedelia. It includes classic psychedelic tracks from some of the best, such as The Who, Cream, and The Doors.

3. Beach Goth / Surf Rock – Martin Gutierrez Buitrago

If you’re looking for more of a surfy vibe, this playlist made by a Spotify user is the place to go. It’s heavy with songs from modern surf bands such as The Growlers, Allah-Las, and Babe Rainbow. Older groups are featured too, like Buffalo Springfield and The Yardbirds.

4. 60s & 70s Classic Rock Radio – awaterslideaway

This is another great playlist if you’re searching for a vintage sound. At a whopping 89 hours and 19 minutes long, you will never run out of fresh music with this playlist. It has pretty much every artist you can think of from the 60s and 70s, including hits and deep cuts.

5. Modern Psychedelia – Spotify

I was first drawn to this playlist by its cover, which has a picture of Khruangbin on it, but what I found inside what so much more. This playlist has tons of underground artists as well as popular ones, like Tame Impala, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Orions Belte.

6. surf rock instrumentals – Anthony Cianci

I cannot tell you how much I love this playlist. Though a lot of it is actually not instrumental, it has a very 50s pop vibe that’s irresistible. This playlist has led me to discover artists like The Ventures, The Lively Ones, and Santana.

7. Classic Rock BBQ – Matt Yaney

This playlist, which is just over 10 hours long, is another fantastic dive into classic rock. It has some of my favorite tracks on it from some of the most notable rock artists, including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Grateful Dead, and Fleetwood Mac.

– DJ Butter