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 Name: Thundercat
Album Name: “Drunk”
Release Number: 2nd
Hailing From: Los Angeles
Genre: Silky Smooth Experimental R&B
Label: Brainfeeder Records
Thundercat, better known as “that guy who plays bass with Kendrick
Lamar and produces Flying Lotus as well as a slew of other artists” is
back with yet another phenomenal record. The follow up to 2013’s
"Apocaplypse" finds the bass virtuoso doing just about the same thing:
cranking out sweet r&b jams. Jazz-influenced bass lines (see “Uh Uh”
for a two minute bass solo/jazz odyssey) and a nice landscape of electronic
sounds provide the perfect musical bed for Thundercat’s smooth falsetto
coo-ing about topics like the friend zone, anime, and, of course, being
wasted. To make this album even better, Thundercat brings in his buds
like Kendrick, Kenny Loggins and Wiz Khalifa to round out the aural
serenade that is Drunk. Overall a great album from a great artist.
Must Hear: "Jethro," "Show You the Way," "Walk on By (ft. Kendrick Lamar)," "Tokyo" and "Friend Zone."
Band Name: Modern English
Album Name: "Take Me to the Trees"
Release Number: 8th
Hailing From: Essex, England
Genre: New Wave
Label: self released
If you recognize the name Modern English but can’t quite place it,
you probably came across it in your mom’s record collection from
her childhood (I know I did). They also put out the 1982 megahit “I Melt
With You”, probably the dorkiest song to ever get anyone laid,
ever. You would think a one hit wonder like Modern English
would put out a wholly unnecessary, terrible album in our grand
year of 2017, but let me tell you, "Take Me to the Trees" is high
quality, genuine new wave with hints of post punk to keep it
interesting. If you like steady rockers with hazy synths and sweet
guitar melodies providing the hooks, this album is for you. A
pleasantly surprising success from an old band.
Must Hear: "You’re Corrupt," "Trees," "Moonbeam" and "Sweet Revenge."
