This week, WTSR Assistant Music Director Nelson Kelly highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.
Band: Dinosaur Jr.
Album: “Give a Glimpse of What yer Not”
Release Number: 12th
Hailing From: Nashville, Tenn.
Genre: Alternative Slacker Jam Extravaganza
Label: Jagjaguwar
Dinosaur Jr.’s back with “Give a Glimpse of What yer Not.” For 30-plus years, these Nashvillians have been pumping out music that’s both grungy and psychedelic, featuring catchy pop melodies that compliment droning riffs and soul-crushing solos. “Give a Glimpse of What yer Not” upholds the band’s proud neo-grunge traditions perfectly. From the opening of “Goin Down” to the pop single “Tiny” through the heart-wrenching guitar solo on “Good to Know,” the album reminds fans why they love Dinosaur Jr. The band sticks to its roots well without sounding like they are trying too hard (a welcome change from the summer’s slew of pop-punk comeback albums). Overall, “Give a Glimpse of What yer Not” stands testament to a band that’s been around for decades, and it is clear that they do not intend to give up anytime soon.
Must Hear: “Tiny,” “Be a Part,” “I Told Everyone” and “Good to Know”
Band: The Frights
Album: “You Are Going to Hate This”
Release Number: 1st Full-Length
Hailing From: Southern California
Genre: Garage Surf Punk
Label: Dangerbird Records
The Frights deliver a charmingly aggressive dose of garage surf punk that rattles with post-adolescent angst and Southern Californian sunshine. From the anthemic first single “Kids” to the trippy fever-dream of “Puppy Knuckles” and the shimmering guitar lines and frank pop confessions of the new single “Afraid of the Dark,” The Frights killed it. The Frights debut album “You Are Going to Hate This” — produced by FIDLAR’s Zac Carper — can be ironically so very easy to love.
Must Hear: “All I Need,” “Kids,” “Afraid of the Dark” and “Puppy Knuckles”
