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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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!
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. (:
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.
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.
