This week, Nick Landolfi, WTSR assistant music director, highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into their weekly rotation.
Band: Cage The Elephant
Album: “Tell Me I’m Pretty
Hailing From: Bowling Green, Ky.
Genre: Indie Surf Rock
Label: RCA
Cage The Elephant have had a great run so far. They claimed the spotlight early and haven’t let go, all the while producing one of the most popular alternative albums of the decade with ‘Melophobia.’ When the announcement that ‘Tell Me I’m Pretty’ was getting released, many were excited while others were skeptical. This album definitely packs a punch. You can totally hear a tighter, better produced album than what they’ve put out before, thanks to producer Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. The blues seeps through this album but keeps that psych-rock edge that Cage The Elephant has been known for. This album resides as an expansion of what they’ve been working towards their whole career.
Must Hear: “Mess Around,” Cry Baby,” “Trouble,” “Sweetie Little Jean” and “Punchin’ Bag”
Band: Grimes
Album: “Art Angels”
Hailing From: Vancouver, Canada
Genre: Artsy Synth Pop
Label: 4AD Records
Grimes is a Canadian artist who is changing the way people understand pop music. More than that, she’s an insightful songwriter who weaves meaning behind everything she does and leaves a lasting effect. This album furthers these ideas with flying, crazy fun colors. Grimes embodies the new wave of indie electronica that has been permeating music for a few years now. Songs like ‘California’ are catchy and pretty straightforward melodically while other songs like ‘Venus Fly,’ featuring the insane Janelle Monae, incorporates some industrial rave house. Then you have songs like Kill Vs. Maim where you can gear a satirical K-pop cheerleader ripping it up in the 90s.
Must Hear: “California,” “Flesh Without Blood,” “Kill V. Maim,” “Artangels” and “Venus Fly (feat. Janelle Monae)”
