Playlist of the Week:

November 21, 2014

Teddy Eisenberg, Staff Reporter

“Heat Wave”—Diarrhea Planet
With a name like Diarrhea Planet, it almost doesn’t matter what the band’s music sounds like; the name speaks for itself in more ways than one. Thankfully, these six Nashville guitar shredders also have great tunes to back them up, with “Heat Wave” employing the winning formula of a quadruple guitar attack and face-melting solos with a dreamy chorus. Look for this song on Diarrhea Planet’s latest EP, “Aliens in the Outfield,” released Nov. 18 on Infinity Cat Recordings.

“Monday”—Wilco
Opening with a blend of R&B keyboard and classic rock rhythm, “Monday” is a groovy piece of power pop from Wilco. Fronted by musical craftsman Jeff Tweedy, Wilco is proof that a band in the 21st century can be commercially and creatively successful on its own terms. Released Nov. 18, “Monday” is one of 38 songs included on “What’s Your 20?,” the greatest hits collection of a band yet to have a hit single, but utterly deserving of one.

“Get Away”—CHVRCHES
CHVRCHES explore even dancier pastures on their new single “Get Away,” employing an electronic pop minimalism recently re-popularized by groups like Disclosure. This is not to suggest that CHVRCHES are merely aping current trends, as this song displays incredible weaving nuances often missing from electronic music. “Get Away” is the sign of more great things to come from one of indie electronica’s most talented groups.

“Put Your Number In My Phone”—Ariel Pink
“Put Your Number In My Phone” is the first single off of Ariel Pink’s latest album, “pom pom,” released Nov. 18 on 4AD Records. Pink’s first official solo record is an engaging blend of pop and sometimes aggressive weirdness, with this tune serving as a good example of both. Blending Pink’s recessed vocals with bright electric and acoustic guitar, “Put Your Number In My Phone” is easily one of the more interesting pop songs of 2014.

“Keep On Believing”—Buzzcocks
Thirty-six years after their debut on the punk rock scene, the Buzzcocks certainly still believe in their ability to put out quality material. We should believe them too, as “Keep On Believing” has all the best musical elements of the group’s classic material to prove that they haven’t lost their touch: crisp guitar, driving melodies and the biting lyrics of Pete Shelley. “The Way” was released Nov. 18 on 1234 Records, and features “Keep On Believing” as its first track.

Retro Pick of the Week:
“Sweet Little Angel”—B.B. King
Showcasing the timelessness of his songwriting and guitar playing, “Sweet Little Angel” is also proof that B.B. King is one of music’s most gifted entertainers, engaging the audience in a sublime performance. One of the many highlights on “Live at the Regal,” this song is a textbook example of how to set up a live performance and is an essential addition to every music collection.

Teddy Eisenberg is a third year programmer at WRUW-FM 91.1 Cleveland. He hosts The ’59 Sound, an exploration of rock music, every Thursday morning from 8-10 a.m. and co-hosts the variety talk show Max and Teddy in the Morning at Night (Sometimes) on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. The crackle of vinyl warms him on cold Cleveland nights.