Playlist of the Week: 4/4
April 4, 2014
“Sprinkles” — We Are Scientists
With a name like We Are Scientists, these indie rockers might as well be Case students. “Sprinkles” sports a hook that you’ll be humming after just one listen, complete with a bright, harmony-laden melody. We Are Scientists will be at the Grog Shop on April 23, promoting their latest album “TV En Français.”
“So You Know” — Bleeding Rainbow
Originally named Reading Rainbow, this noise pop group from Philly changed their name to gain a little more notoriety. Now two albums into their already stellar career, “So You Know” is a song that has all the urgency of a great punk record mixed with a fantastic pop sensibility. For fans of My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth.
“She Used to Love Me a Lot” — Johnny Cash
In the now familiar tradition of dead artists releasing new albums (thanks, Hendrix) comes “Out Among the Stars,” a record of previously unreleased material that Johnny Cash recorded in the 80s. “She Used to Love Me a Lot” is everything you could want from The Man in Black: his deep baritone narrating a tale of heartbreak. This is country worth listening to. “Out Among the Stars” was released on Legacy Recordings last Tuesday.
“Spinners” — The Hold Steady
Building on the huge sound they conjured on 2010’s “Heaven is Whenever,” the Hold Steady are back with “Teeth Dreams,” released last Tuesday. Craig Finn’s signature talk-sing drawl is utterly charming as he fumbles his way through the lyrics of “Spinners.” “Teeth Dreams” is a record that rocks from start to finish, but not without feeling laid-back and accessible. This album is highly recommended study music; it’ll make homework much more interesting.
“Sex Machine” — James Brown
Tate Taylor, director of “The Help,” is bringing the Godfather of Funk to the big screen this summer in “Get On Up,” a biopic starring Chadwick Boseman. The lyrics of “Sex Machine” inspired the film’s title, and the excellent new trailer features this song. Can ya dig it?
Retro Pick of the Week:
“Somebody To Love” — Jefferson Airplane
Folk, rock, and psychedelia meet in “Somebody To Love,” a slightly offbeat pop gem. A Top 5 hit in 1967, Grace Slick’s wailing vocals soar over percussive, echoing layers of guitar. “Surrealistic Pillow” is one of the quintessential albums of the 60s. Jefferson Airplane never made a better album, and few other artists from the Woodstock era did either.
In an effort to promote dialogue and the sharing of ideas, The Observer encourages members of the university community to respectfully voice their comments below. Comments that fail to meet the standards of respect and mutual tolerance will be removed as necessary.